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Error 'couldn't load XPCOM'. Downloaded v60.3.1 won't install. Same error

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  • Last reply by Wayne Mery

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Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Have been running TB for years, updating along the way. Recently tried to open TB got error 'couldn't open xpcom'. Read 'solution' on support to just download new version and re-install. TB won't install, gives error 'couldn't load xpcom'. Tried to restore previous version, but error says can't find zip file. How do I get TB back if I can't install the program?

Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Have been running TB for years, updating along the way. Recently tried to open TB got error 'couldn't open xpcom'. Read 'solution' on support to just download new version and re-install. TB won't install, gives error 'couldn't load xpcom'. Tried to restore previous version, but error says can't find zip file. How do I get TB back if I can't install the program?

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I had a similar issue. Uninstall Thunderbird, delete the program directory (not the profile), (perhaps also need to remove registry entries), install from https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/

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Hi Wayne,

Thank you for your response. Before I do anything I can't undo, I would like to ask a couple of questions for clarification.

First I had planned to copy the profile (path and all) before I did anything and store it someplace else. Second, you suggest uninstall TB. Are you referring to Windows uninstall or another method? I have a copy of REVO Uninstaller on the PC and it's very thorough. It will remove registry entries and related files. You say "perhaps also need to remove registry entries". Which ones did you have in mind? If this works, and I hope it does, how do I get TB to 'recover' the original profile? The hope is to get all the emails AND multiple accounts beck intact. Am I missing anything?

Thanks for your help.

T

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Windows or Revo installer, neither "should" delete your profile data. Of course, backup your data before doing anything