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Cannot get beyond "connecting to an update server" when trying to load a "strongly recommended" update.

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by darrochdog

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I have a Dell Inspiron 6000, running Windows XP. I keep getting a pop-up from Firefox saying "It is strongly recommended that you down load this update".

Whenever I try to do so, it refuses to go beyond the progress box that says "Connecting to the update server". I have left it at this point for well over 30mins on one occasion, but to no avail.

I have tried both through my Belkin router and direct on the ethernet cable.

The broadband connection is one of the lower-speed O2 exchanges.

What might be the problem?

I have a Dell Inspiron 6000, running Windows XP. I keep getting a pop-up from Firefox saying "It is strongly recommended that you down load this update". Whenever I try to do so, it refuses to go beyond the progress box that says "Connecting to the update server". I have left it at this point for well over 30mins on one occasion, but to no avail. I have tried both through my Belkin router and direct on the ethernet cable. The broadband connection is one of the lower-speed O2 exchanges. What might be the problem?

Chosen solution

If you have problems with updating then easiest is to download the full version and uninstall the currently installed version.
You may need to remove the Firefox program folder to do a clean install of the new version.

  • Uninstall your current Firefox version and remove the Firefox program folder before installing that copy of the Firefox installer.
  • Do not remove personal data if you uninstall the current version.
  • It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

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All Replies (2)

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Chosen Solution

If you have problems with updating then easiest is to download the full version and uninstall the currently installed version.
You may need to remove the Firefox program folder to do a clean install of the new version.

  • Uninstall your current Firefox version and remove the Firefox program folder before installing that copy of the Firefox installer.
  • Do not remove personal data if you uninstall the current version.
  • It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

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Thanks, Cor-el.

I seem to have got round the problem via the "about Firefox" tab on the Help menu, that I did not know about previously. I have kept your very comprehensive answer for future reference.

Darrochdog.