Firefox.exe will not install. I cannot uninstall because Windows "cannot access the specified device, path or file."
I uninstalled Firefox because for some reason it would not load. I downloaded Firefox.exe and ran it. It detected that I had run Firefox before and reinstalled.
It did not install all the way. On the start menu, the Firefox shows just a generic file icon (Photo 1). When I click on it, I get a message saying that firefox.exe has been moved (Photo 2). The Mozilla Firefox folders in both the Program Files and the Program Files (x86) folders show just three subfolders: nsiA800.tmp, tobedeleted, and uninstall.
Neither Mozilla Firefox folder has a firefox.exe file or any other executable file (Photos 3, 4). I cannot open the subfolders. Clicking them gets a "Location is not available/[Directory] is not accessible/Access is denied" message. In fact, Windows Properties shows that the folder in Program Files (x86) has no files at all, and the one in Program Files has only the two shown. I have attached install.log.
If I try to uninstall Firefox, I get the message, "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have appropriate permissions to access the item."
All Replies (3)
When you uninstalled did you also delete the Mozilla folder? And how are you logged in as Owner or Limited user? This can also cause problem if you use the wrong account to install or uninstall. I say this because the last part would indicate your using a Limited account and Windows is blocking that action.
Westend, Thank you for your response. I actually did not mean to label it as unhelpful.
I don't specifically remember deleting the Firefox folder. I often do that when uninstalling, but I can't say I always do.
I often get error messages about needing an administrator to do something or needing an administrator's permission. But the account I use is an administrator account. I rechecked this morning. I am the only one who uses the particular computer.
In any event upon booting up this this morning the three pesky subfolders were gone. I tried reinstalling Firefox but got an error message that it could not be installed. For reasons unknown, I have no internet access this morning.
Maybe my machine needs a complete examination.
Program folders are located in the Programs Folder on the computer. Sometimes you need an administrator privilege to remove them.
Let’s do a full clean re-install;
Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}
Save the file. Then Close Firefox.
Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.
Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)
Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac
Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux
If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Look for, and remove any Mozilla or Firefox program folders. Do not remove the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.
Do Not remove the profiles folder.
After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia