Firefox asking for addon install on every startup
Probably after updating to 42.0 (or about that time I think) version of Firefox, on every startup of firefox, it keeps me asking for every add-on, if I want to install it. What I found out, it could be related with Extension signing, but the config setting to disable this "feature" - xpinstall.signatures.required is set to "false". It's pretty annoying to enable every single one addons, so is there anything I can do with that?
Addons: Adblock Plus Firebug Avast Online Security
All Replies (3)
It is possible that there is a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.
Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.json, extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.
New files will be created when required.
See "Corrupt extension files":
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Unable+to+install+add-ons
If you see disabled or not compatible extensions in "Firefox menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end of the Search bar to check if there is a compatibility update available.
If this hasn't helped then also delete the addons.json file.
You can check for problems with preferences.
Delete possible user.js and numbered prefs-##.js files and rename (or delete) the prefs.js file to reset all prefs to the default value including prefs set via user.js and prefs that are no longer supported in current Firefox releases.
You can use this button to go to the current 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 solution worked for a moment, but after restarting computer, the problem is back and it's asking me again. Addons should be updated and it's not showing there is any compatible issue, only Avast Online Security, which should be used cautiously.
Firefox would only ask for confirmation to install all or some specific extensions that were previously installed if there is a problem with the files I mentioned above. This can be the prefs.js file and possibly extensions.* files. Did you try to delete these files another time?
If you check these extensions in about:addons, do they have a remove button or can they only be disabled indicating they are installed by external (third-party) software?
You can try to create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem.
See "Creating a profile":
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Profile_issues
If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.