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istall.rdf is missing

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  • 8 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Xircal

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When starting Firefox (V36.16), I get the message: "It is strongly recommended that you apply this update for Firefox as soon as possible." There is an option for further information, which gives the message: "Firefox could not install this item because install.rdf (Provided by the item) is not well-formed or does not exist. Please contact the author about this problem." This smacks of malware. Anyone have any ideas?

When starting Firefox (V36.16), I get the message: "It is strongly recommended that you apply this update for Firefox as soon as possible." There is an option for further information, which gives the message: "Firefox could not install this item because install.rdf (Provided by the item) is not well-formed or does not exist. Please contact the author about this problem." This smacks of malware. Anyone have any ideas?

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You can perform a manual installation like this.

Go to Download Firefox v3.6.17 and download it to the desktop.

Also, go to Download Firefox 4.0.1 and download that as well.

Then go to Add/Remove Programs, scroll down to Mozilla Firefox and remove it, choosing to keep your bookmarks, customizations etc., (don't checkmark the box).

Then reboot and delete the folder called Mozilla Firefox at this location: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

Finally run the installation file you downloaded to the desktop earlier.

Your bookmarks, customizations etc., are maintained in a different location and will become available to you again once you complete the installation.

After you complete the installation, go to the Plugins Check page and update those if necessary.

After you update to 3.6.17, try updating to 4.0.1 by clicking Help | Check For Updates. It should work that way afterwards, but if it doesn't, then follow the same steps, but use the 4.0.1 installation file instead.