Getting an error message "Windows cannot find 'C:\Windows\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'." when launching firefox without being unable to use it
Hello!
It happened since I had a virus a month ago which prevented the computer to start. It came back from the repair shop and it starts again now. But, after a few hours of use of Firefox, this message pop up randomly: "Windows cannot find 'C:\Windows\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." Example: http://www.risingroad.com/foxhound/faq/images/Windows%20cannot%20find%20firefox.jpg
and Firefox still works after this message pops up. I've already uninstalled and installed Firefox again completely, and the message still shows up; what does it means and is it dangerous for the computer?
I'm under Windows 8
Chosen solution
I've had the feeling pop up ads may cause the problem and talked about this to my father's computer engineer. He installed Malewarebytes and there was indeed still a maleware left by repair men. The difference was, Chrome used to show the full ad page while Firefox may have by now a security to block that kind of page and the result was the error message. (I didn't know that, since it happened to me on my to previous computers and even Firefox used to show me the ad then) Thanks for warning me.
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Hello Sarahime, try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller
- AdwCleaner (for more info, see this alternate AdwCleaner download page)
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
thank you
I have Avast, it didn't detected any viruses.
Please scan with all the above programs because each one detects different malware.
thanks again
Chosen Solution
I've had the feeling pop up ads may cause the problem and talked about this to my father's computer engineer. He installed Malewarebytes and there was indeed still a maleware left by repair men. The difference was, Chrome used to show the full ad page while Firefox may have by now a security to block that kind of page and the result was the error message. (I didn't know that, since it happened to me on my to previous computers and even Firefox used to show me the ad then) Thanks for warning me.
you are welcome