I keep getting an error message when I log onto Firefox and I can't figure out how to fix it, can you help?
Every time I log onto Firefox I get the following message:
"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 would like to fix whatever is causing this error message to appear, but I haven't found my, "application's profile directory" so that I can check for "read/write restrictions". My hard drive is 640GB with 554GB free space remaining.
I am running Windows 7 - 64 and am using Avast Internet Security 2013.
All Replies (6)
I see you added more detail in this post: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/967952
See:
Try to delete the secmode.db file and possibly also the cert8.db file in the Firefox profile folder.
You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
This is helpful in that I now know how to get to the Profile Folder. That had me stuck. I'm not too familiar with working in software, but am trying to shove as much information into this formerly pickled 60 year old brain. I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge! I somehow managed to find my way to the "troubleshooting information" screen where I noticed a box in the upper right hand corner of the first page which read, "Reset Firefox to its default state If you're having major problems which you can't resolve, start fresh with only your essential information." Being the Type A impatient, yet procrastinating, personality I decided to click that button. Hooray I no longer have that problem. I may discover that I do have other problems as a result. I noted that Firefox is again asking for my FIPS Password. I guess this wasn't changed or lost in the reset process. It also appears that all of my Bookmarks remain intact. I am going to read your other replies now, and I may just go through the motions following your recommendations for practice and familiarity. I am so grateful for Mozilla and the open source system and philosophy, and I thank you personally for your quick responses to my question, jscher2000! I am keeping your replies for future reference as they may come in handy down the road! Don't be surprised if you see more questions from me.
jscher2000 had already told me of this potential fix. I actually went another route before I received any of the many answers I received. I took my .45 colt and, no wait, that was the old computer, I reset Firefox which cleared the problem, at least for now. Thank you for your reply. I am impressed that there are such quality people supporting this open source platform.
The Reset feature adds a folder on your desktop named Old Firefox Data. I recommend hanging onto that for a few weeks in case you discover something essential that the Reset feature left behind.
This article has a list of what is migrated and what is not during a Reset, in case you're curious: Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings.
Yes, I see the folder. Thank you again!