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Security alert on Firefox installation - can not fix

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by cor-el

Kenk99
Kenk99
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During install, I get this alert "Could not initialize the application's security component. The most likely cause is problems with files in your application's profile directory. Please check that this directory has no read/write restrictions and your hard disk is not full or close to full. It is recommended that you exit the application and fix the problem. If you continue to use this session, you might see incorrect application behaviour when accessing security features. I have tried to check the directory and as far as I can tell nothing is set as read only - though I am a newer MAC users so not an expert."

Not a MAC expert, though I checked all the files in what I think is the correct directory, none were read only. Had an older version of FireFox installed at one point but deleted it from the applications directory. Any suggestions?

During install, I get this alert "Could not initialize the application's security component. The most likely cause is problems with files in your application's profile directory. Please check that this directory has no read/write restrictions and your hard disk is not full or close to full. It is recommended that you exit the application and fix the problem. If you continue to use this session, you might see incorrect application behaviour when accessing security features. I have tried to check the directory and as far as I can tell nothing is set as read only - though I am a newer MAC users so not an expert." Not a MAC expert, though I checked all the files in what I think is the correct directory, none were read only. Had an older version of FireFox installed at one point but deleted it from the applications directory. Any suggestions?

Chosen solution

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder

Rename secmod.db (secmod.db.old) in the Firefox Profile Folder in case there is a problem with the file.
You may have to rename cert8.db (cert8.db.old) as well.
Firefox will create new files.

The file cert8.db stores user certificates and intermediate certificates send by websites, so if you have certificates that you want to keep then you may want to export them now and import them after having removed cert8.db.

See:

  • Tools > Options > Advanced > Encryption: Certificates: View Certificates

If that works then you can delete the renamed files or undo the changes if you want to revert the process.

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All Replies (3)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder

Rename secmod.db (secmod.db.old) in the Firefox Profile Folder in case there is a problem with the file.
You may have to rename cert8.db (cert8.db.old) as well.
Firefox will create new files.

The file cert8.db stores user certificates and intermediate certificates send by websites, so if you have certificates that you want to keep then you may want to export them now and import them after having removed cert8.db.

See:

  • Tools > Options > Advanced > Encryption: Certificates: View Certificates

If that works then you can delete the renamed files or undo the changes if you want to revert the process.

Kenk99
Kenk99 Question owner
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Seemed to fix my issues. I am assuming the security features are working fine now, I no longer receive the message. 

Thanks
cor-el
cor-el
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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You're welcome