Tab Mix Plus and NoScript are not plugins, they are extensions, and no they won't be present after doing a Reset.

I know the difference between plugins and extensions, and I already know that Tab Mix Plus and NoScript are extensions. I know that they won't be there after reset, for they are not there NOW. They refuse to install, that why I think I need to reset Firefox.

You do not answer my question about whether PLUGINs will be in any way affected by reset.

Nowhere on the FF web page have I found any indication that plugins are unaffected by reset. And I still need an answer to that specific question.

I think the reset dont unistall the plugins, but do a backup use mozBackup

mozBackup, thanks, that will help. I'll search for it on the Mozilla web site and use it then reset. Again thanks.

When you reset firefox it also do a backup in your desktop, i think :)

Plugins are not actually installed in Firefox like Extensions and Themes are as to why there is no Remove button in Plugins section like in Extensions in the Add-ons Manager. Firefox scans and makes use of appropriate browser Plugins that are installed on OS.

The documentation for reset says it puts a file with many of the FF goodies on the desktop. Nothing anywhere mentions what reset would do to the plugins. It also is not clear that MozBackup preserves the plugins. I know that some plugins are installed by other programs, that they put hooks in the registry so FF can find them. I don't know how other programs do it, but I'd be hurting if I lost my plugins. I know how to list the extensions and if necessary I could reinstall them, but the plugins are a different story. I haven't any idea how I would manage a loss of those jewels.

See this article: http://www.backup4all.com/kb/firefox-backup-plugin-139.html

It appears that most if not all of my plugins are associated with an external application. That would suggest that the plugins are installed in the system. But I really want some FF documentation or for someone who knows to assert that reset doesn't kill, say, the Scorch plugin. Its from Avid, that makes the Sibeilus Music notation program.

http://www.backup4all.com/kb/firefox-backup-plugin-139.html is a general back up program for data on Windows programs. I don't see how it will improve my situation. I have Carbonite backing up to the cloud and Windows Backup directed to external drives(s), as well as system restore point(s). I really need to be assured by someone who genuinely knows that FF reset won't eat my plugins.

Plugins are always found via a scan of possible locations and are always added by third-party software that is installed on the computer. Google Chrome comes with some default plugins like Flash, but Firefox comes without plugins.

• https://developer.mozilla.org/Gecko_Plugin_API_Reference/Plug-in_Basics#How_Gecko_Finds_Plug-ins
• https://developer.mozilla.org/Adding_Extensions_using_the_Windows_Registry#Plugins

I am reaching the conclusion that plug-ins are installed in the OS, not the browser, and connected to the browser via an environment variable, MOZ_PLUGIN_PATH or registry entries, and perhaps otherwise. I will make a FF backup, create a System Restore Point, and reset FF. I'll post the results. I greatly appreciate all of you for your help and patience with this stubborn old man.

All plug-ins preserved under Firefox backup. I am now able to install Tab Mix Plus, to my INTENSE relief. TMP, NoScript, and Show Passwords are indispensable to this ham fisted typist. Many thanks to everyone, and especially to those very patient soles who kept at it!