my browser will not update
I have had Firefox for several years but it remains stuck on version 3.6.3. It is configured for automatic updates but clearly this isn't working. I have manually downloaded the 19.0.2dmg but nothing happens when I try to install. When I try to install from the Check for updates choice under Help I receive an error message to say it can't be updated due to "Update XML file malformed (200)". I don't want to dump and re-install the whole thing as I will lose all bookmarks. Any suggestions?
All Replies (10)
Please trash your current Firefox install, and download Firefox 19.0.2 from www.getfirefox.com. Make sure to keep your bookmarks and personal data.
Restart your computer after trashing Firefox.
Just to clarify, sending your current Firefox.app to the Trash does not touch your Firefox bookmarks, passwords, or other user data and settings, since the Firefox profile data is stored in a separate location.
See Uninstall Firefox from your computer and How to download and install Firefox on Mac for more information.
If you have Mac OS X 10.6 then best is to update to OS X 10.6.8.
Alice, thanks for that. I am working on a Mac (OS10.6.8). If I trash my current Firefox and install a new one how can I be sure that all my bookmarks will appear in the new Firefox? When I have tried to install the 19.0.2 dmg I receive the error message "Update XML file malformed (200)". I'm afraid that If I trash my current Firefox and then can't install the new one I end up in a worse position than just having an old version of the browser?
Your profile data is stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder, so you won't lose your bookmarks and other personal data if you uninstall and (re)install Firefox.
What cor-el said is right. Trashing the Firefox application will not touch your bookmarks or other profile data and settings.
On Mac OS the Firefox profile folder is stored in your user Library, under Application Support:
~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles/<profile folder>
As an added precaution, so that you don't worry, you can always back up your bookmarks to a file. That way, if anything at all happens with your profile, your current bookmarks will be safe and you can restore them from backup. See Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer for details.
Many thanks Alice & Cor-el, very much appreciated!
Thanks for posting back. So, did you solve the problem by uninstalling and reinstalling Firefox? I'm asking because you marked the solution to be the suggestion, If you have Mac OS X 10.6 then best is to update to OS X 10.6.8 ).
I haven't done it yet! Need to complete a few things before re-installing. I already have OS10.6.8 though. Cheers!
Oh, OK. The "solved" status must have been marked. by mistake. I undid that. Let us know when the problem is fixed.
Good luck, Alice