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Manual Firefox update

  • 2 replies
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  • Last reply by James

kinets
kinets
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I was using one of the old Firefox ESR versions (can't remember exactly which) because I was still on an old Mac OS version, 10.9 to be more specific.

I recently updated to macOS Sierra 10.12.6 and as a result, as soon as I opened Firefox, I went to check if it would update on its own and it did. It updated to version 91.6.0 esr. After this update, something weird happened: the browser won't load any page.

I checked, it's not an internet connection, because other browsers are working normally. It won't load any extensions either. So I want to fix this issue with an update.

The question is this: I remember installing what was called Firefox Quantum. As of now, the name on the about section is just Firefox Browser, maybe because of the updates. • Can I install the latest "regular" Firefox 97.0 on top of the this old installation, just using a standalone dmg file? • Will this installation preserve everything that's already in the browser? By everything I mean bookmarks, extensions, history, cookies, etc.

It seems to me that the automatic updater isn't installing version 97.0 on its own because it's coming from the ESR versions. So it's stopped at 91.6.0 esr.

Thanks in advance

I was using one of the old Firefox ESR versions (can't remember exactly which) because I was still on an old Mac OS version, 10.9 to be more specific. I recently updated to macOS Sierra 10.12.6 and as a result, as soon as I opened Firefox, I went to check if it would update on its own and it did. It updated to version 91.6.0 esr. After this update, something weird happened: the browser won't load any page. I checked, it's not an internet connection, because other browsers are working normally. It won't load any extensions either. So I want to fix this issue with an update. The question is this: I remember installing what was called Firefox Quantum. As of now, the name on the about section is just Firefox Browser, maybe because of the updates. • Can I install the latest "regular" Firefox 97.0 on top of the this old installation, just using a standalone dmg file? • Will this installation preserve everything that's already in the browser? By everything I mean bookmarks, extensions, history, cookies, etc. It seems to me that the automatic updater isn't installing version 97.0 on its own because it's coming from the ESR versions. So it's stopped at 91.6.0 esr. Thanks in advance

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
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Hi, it is normal for ESR versions of Firefox update to newer ESR versions. It won't automatically switch to the regular release.

I'm not sure whether installing Firefox 97 from the DMG will automatically take over your ESR profile, or will create a separate one. However, if it creates a separate one, you should be able to convert it later, hopefully smoothly, using the method suggested below:

Make a Backup Just in Case

Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles

Profile Manager Page

Inside Firefox 97, type or paste about:profiles in the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it.

This page should list at least one profile and could list many. (Each profile has two folders and one or more buttons. Do not use any Remove buttons!)

The profile that Firefox is currently using will have this:

This is the profile in use and it cannot be deleted.

Find your other profile, and check whether it is the one you were using recently by clicking its Launch profile in new browser button. Firefox 97 should upgrade the profile.

If it isn't what you want, simply close that new window.

If it IS what you want, back on the about:profiles page, click the Set as default profile button for that profile so Firefox uses it automatically at the next startup.

Does that work?

James
James
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kinets said
It seems to me that the automatic updater isn't installing version 97.0 on its own because it's coming from the ESR versions. So it's stopped at 91.6.0 esr.

ESR and Release are two different channels so you will not update from one to the other.

It did not stop at Fx 91.6.0 ESR when it is the current ESR released as of Feb 8 and Fx 91.13 is the planned last update. Extended Support Release or ESR is meant more for Enterprise users in mind as they like stability over a time. https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/91.6.0/releasenotes/

The next major version for ESR will not be until Firefox 102.0