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Can I install latest version of FF on Win 7 Starter netbook with Atom processor?

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I have an older Win 7 Started netbook with an Atom N450 processor. I currently have a very old version of FF on it - version 6.0.2. I haven't even used it for several years, but wanted to have a basic laptop for an upcoming trip. My question - can I update to the latest version of Firefox and still have it work on the netbook - or should I not even try?

Thanks so much!

I have an older Win 7 Started netbook with an Atom N450 processor. I currently have a very old version of FF on it - version 6.0.2. I haven't even used it for several years, but wanted to have a basic laptop for an upcoming trip. My question - can I update to the latest version of Firefox and still have it work on the netbook - or should I not even try? Thanks so much!

Chosen solution

I honestly have no idea, but someone with the somewhat similar user name TNorth reported that Firefox 22 ran on such a system in this thread: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/963202 -- was that you?

Here is the latest system requirements page. It doesn't specifically mention Atom processors, but does refer to memory requirements:

https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/45.0/system-requirements/

Regarding Windows 7 Starter, it's a 32-bit OS, which is fine. Some of these other limitations could be an issue -- particularly for playing videos if it doesn't include media features that Firefox needs to decode MP4s:

Windows 7 Starter- what are the limitations? - Microsoft Community

It might be something you need to take 30 minutes and test out on sites important to you, because it's definitely not safe to use Firefox 6 on the web.

If there are major problems, perhaps not worth chasing down, but if there are minor things, maybe we can help with those. In the interest of science, please let us know how it goes.

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All Replies (3)

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Chosen Solution

I honestly have no idea, but someone with the somewhat similar user name TNorth reported that Firefox 22 ran on such a system in this thread: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/963202 -- was that you?

Here is the latest system requirements page. It doesn't specifically mention Atom processors, but does refer to memory requirements:

https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/45.0/system-requirements/

Regarding Windows 7 Starter, it's a 32-bit OS, which is fine. Some of these other limitations could be an issue -- particularly for playing videos if it doesn't include media features that Firefox needs to decode MP4s:

Windows 7 Starter- what are the limitations? - Microsoft Community

It might be something you need to take 30 minutes and test out on sites important to you, because it's definitely not safe to use Firefox 6 on the web.

If there are major problems, perhaps not worth chasing down, but if there are minor things, maybe we can help with those. In the interest of science, please let us know how it goes.

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Hi jscher2000!

Well - yes, it actually was me who asked the question you mentioned. I had forgotten that I was thinking about upgrading the netbook when V22 was the latest! The reply about V22 working was posted by a Tyler Downer - a moderator. I never did actually do the upgrade then - opted for a new, faster laptop instead.

Since we are now well beyond V22, I am hoping that someone might know if V45 would work on the netbook. I agree that using V6 is not a good idea, but I also didn't want to cripple the netbook. I am not planning to do much with it beyond some email and a few travel-related sites while on my trip, but you are right - security is a concern.

I will give it a try and post back if I do find that there are issues.

Thanks! TN

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Quick update. I successfully upgraded Firefox to V45 - took 3 separate upgrade sequences, but seems to be fine. The netbook runs fairly slowly, so pages load slowly, too - but nothing dramatic happened with the upgrade.

Will post back if there are any issues that develop!