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Firefox cannot be updated and not be installed (no action after unpacking of the update file/programme)

  • 5 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by John99

Mopet
Mopet
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Dear all,

I was unable to update Firefox from Version 17.0, every update attempt failed. The automatic update feature always reported that the update was unsuccessful/failed, whereas downloading the new version of Firefox and then trying to install it simply led to inaction after unpacking (executing the file). I have now tried to rectify this problem by uninstalling firefox and then installing the browser completely again. However, I am back to where I was, the file unpacks and then nothing happens. I am very frustrated as I like the browser and I cannot use it anymore now. Before, Version 17.0 worked well for me, I simply could not update it. I have checked my firewall (windows) and my anti-virus programme (avast free) and the programme is not blocked so I simply don't know why I cannot update and (re-)install. I would be grateful for any solution

Dear all, I was unable to update Firefox from Version 17.0, every update attempt failed. The automatic update feature always reported that the update was unsuccessful/failed, whereas downloading the new version of Firefox and then trying to install it simply led to inaction after unpacking (executing the file). I have now tried to rectify this problem by uninstalling firefox and then installing the browser completely again. However, I am back to where I was, the file unpacks and then nothing happens. I am very frustrated as I like the browser and I cannot use it anymore now. Before, Version 17.0 worked well for me, I simply could not update it. I have checked my firewall (windows) and my anti-virus programme (avast free) and the programme is not blocked so I simply don't know why I cannot update and (re-)install. I would be grateful for any solution

Chosen solution

Go offline for safety. Use Windows own Safe Mode but starting from the F8 key. See if you can then install Firefox.

I wonder if somehow security software is still blocking the install.Consider temporarily uninstalling security software if necessary. Presumably other .exe files do run, (or I doubt you could do much with the computer) and it is not a problem with file associations having corrupted.

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All Replies (5)

iamjayakumars
iamjayakumars
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May be your firefox not installed first.

Certain Firefox problems can be solved by performing a Clean reinstall. This means you remove Firefox and any leftover program files and then reinstall Firefox. Please follow these steps one by one:

  1. Download the latest Desktop version of Firefox from http://www.mozilla.org and save the setup file to your computer.
  2. After the download finishes, close all Firefox windows (click Exit from the Firefox or File menu) and confirm all upcoming messages.
  3. Now, uninstall Firefox by following the steps mentioned in the Uninstall Firefox article.

IMPORTANT: On Windows, the uninstaller has the option to remove your personal data and settings. Make sure that you do not check this option; otherwise all of your bookmarks, passwords, extensions, user customizations and other Firefox user profile data will be removed from your computer.

After uninstalling Firefox on Windows, delete the "Mozilla Firefox" program folder, located by default in one of these locations:

  • (On 32-bit Windows) C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
  • (On 64-bit Windows) C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
  1. Go to the Windows Start menu and click on "Computer".
  2. In the Explorer window that opens, double click Local Disk (C:) to open the C:\ drive.
  3. Find the "Program Files (x86)" folder or "Program Files" folder.
    • On 32-bit Windows, double-click the Program Files folder to open it.
    • On 64-bit Windows, you will see a "Program Files (x86)" folder AND a "Program Files" folder. Open the Program Files (x86) folder.
  4. Look for a Mozilla Firefox folder. If you find one, right-click it and select Delete and confirm that you want to move the folder to the Recycle Bin.

Now, go ahead and reinstall Firefox:

  1. Double-click the downloaded installation file and go through the steps of the installation wizard.
  2. Once the wizard is finished, choose to directly open Firefox after clicking the Finish button.

Please report back to see if this helped you!

Mopet
Mopet Question owner
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This is exactly what I have tried as I wrote in my post but once again, I can simply not install neither re-install nor update firefox. I have the file downloaded on my computer but nothing happens when I execute it ( (firefox setup 19.0) after the unpacking step. That's why right now, firefox is uninstalled on my computer and I am unable to re-install it. I have saved my personal bookmarks etc., though

John99
John99
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Chosen Solution

Go offline for safety. Use Windows own Safe Mode but starting from the F8 key. See if you can then install Firefox.

I wonder if somehow security software is still blocking the install.Consider temporarily uninstalling security software if necessary. Presumably other .exe files do run, (or I doubt you could do much with the computer) and it is not a problem with file associations having corrupted.

Mopet
Mopet Question owner
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John, it worked... I had checked my firewall etc. earlier and I couldn't find anything blocking mozilla. anyhow... glad to be back on Mozilla. Thanks again, man!

John99
John99
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Glad we helped, thanks for posting back.