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I cannot update, uninstall or install Firefox

  • 4 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by SafeBrowser

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When launching Firefox an updating windows appears, after process reach 100% another one comes saying it cannot be done because Firefox is running and/or needs to reboot before applying updates. I reboot but this cycle continues over and over. I tried to uninstall but get another message saying and update is in progress and need to reboot first. same thing if I try to install a newer version. Bottom line, Firefox doesn't update, nor it let me uninstall of install another version.

When launching Firefox an updating windows appears, after process reach 100% another one comes saying it cannot be done because Firefox is running and/or needs to reboot before applying updates. I reboot but this cycle continues over and over. I tried to uninstall but get another message saying and update is in progress and need to reboot first. same thing if I try to install a newer version. Bottom line, Firefox doesn't update, nor it let me uninstall of install another version.

Chosen solution

Remove the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\) before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

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download fresh installer from here and try

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That's exactly what I download and after running still got "Your computer must be restarted to complete a previous update of Firefox. Do you want to reboot now?" If I click No. Setup just exit. If I click Yes, computer reboots and I'm in square one again.

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Chosen Solution

Remove the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\) before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

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Sounds like Firefox is "hanging at exit". That problem is frequently caused by an Extension or a Plugin. Read all of the following articles.

Note:

  • You must wait a few seconds (10-30) after closing Firefox to allow it time to completely shut down all processes.
  • ALWAYS use Firefox button > Exit (or File > Exit) to close Firefox properly; avoid using the "X" close button in the upper right corner.


  1. Stop the Firefox process:
  2. Why Firefox may hang:
  3. Use Firefox Safe Mode to find a problem with an Extension or Plugin:


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.



Not related to your question, but...

You may need to update some plug-ins. Check your plug-ins and update as necessary:

Modified by SafeBrowser