How do I stop intrusive Firefox, "Software Update" Unable to Update message from popping up in the middle of my screen when I'm working or watching videos?
When I'm working or watching videos on YouTube, for example, I keep getting this damn popup. "A recommended security and stability update is available, but you do not have the system permissions required to install it. Please contact your system administrator, or try again from an account that has permission to install software on this computer. You can always get the latest version at; https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/". I'm using a user account, not the Administrator account. I'm fed up with these popups appearing in the middle of my screen when in the middle of work or trying to relax when I'm watching a video. Such popups are supposed to go to desktop not in my face when I'm in the middle of something. How do I stop it?
All Replies (5)
The first thing I ask someone to do when I see that they are running a older version is to ask them to update to latest version which is ver 54 at this time. Please do so.
I suggest you get Administer privileges and I would think that is the reason that you are getting the pop-ups. I never get them at all my browser updates and waits till I restart it to install.
The other issue that can cause these is that is a fake window and the link does not go to Mozilla as I have not myself seen that look of one in a long time.
I would suggest checking for malware. Please review this whole page and carry out the scans. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware
Thanks for your reply. I did update to Vers. 54 and the problem still persists. This only began after a recent update to Firefox. Prior to this recent Firefox update I have never had this problem before. I don't want administrator privileges on my user account in order to provide an added layer of security. This was suggested by an IT person, and has proven to be good advice. I have done multiple scans for malware with negative findings. So far everything points to a problem with recent Firefox updates which I would like to see fixed. Do you have any further advice?
Did you install the Mozilla Maintenance Service to allow updates to be loaded in the background?
- Options/Preferences > Advanced > Update: "Use a background service to install updates"
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/what-mozilla-maintenance-service
If I activate The Mozilla Maintenance Service it overrides my selection, "Check for updates, but let me choose whether to install them." I don't want Firefox updating without my permission. Some updates have caused problems in the past and I have purposefully put them off until certain issues were fixed to my satisfaction. I want to continue receiving notices asking for my permission to update, I just don't want them popping up in the middle of the screen when I'm in the middle of doing something. I especially don't want it to pop-up when I'm in the middle of recording. That would of course ruin my recording and piss me off like you wouldn't believe. Such a notification should only go to desktop and not interrupt me when I' m in the middle of something. Popping up in the center of the screen is also extremely obnoxious and I want it to stop. How do I make it stop without turning updates off?
This has only one way to end it, well 2 but lets do this one.
Ok can you close Firefox down then open the C: Drive (if that is where Firefox is installed) Find the Mozilla folder and open and right click firefox.exe and Run As Administrator then update Firefox
Or Alternatively enter Firefox.exe in the Search window when opening Start Button and right click firefox.exe and Run As Administrator then update Firefox
There are security related issues that are fixed in updates and should always be installed when released. If you must get the Administrator for the computer you are on to update Firefox.
It is not advised to turn updates off.
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Shadow110 modificouno o