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Tried to use Restore to return to pre-Firefox4 but now Firefox won't open and won't uninstall.

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  • Last reply by minerscorp

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After trying to maneuver the new Firefox 4.0 for a while and giving up, I wanted to go back to the 3.6.1.6 version. I used the Restore feature to try to go back to the pre-Firefox 4.0 dowload. Since then, Firefox won't open. I have tried to uninstall Firefox 3.6.1.6, which is listed in my installed programs in the Control Panel, but it doesn't do anything. At this point I don't know what to do. I want to re-instate the 3.6.1.6 version on my computer. Thanks.

After trying to maneuver the new Firefox 4.0 for a while and giving up, I wanted to go back to the 3.6.1.6 version. I used the Restore feature to try to go back to the pre-Firefox 4.0 dowload. Since then, Firefox won't open. I have tried to uninstall Firefox 3.6.1.6, which is listed in my installed programs in the Control Panel, but it doesn't do anything. At this point I don't know what to do. I want to re-instate the 3.6.1.6 version on my computer. Thanks.

All Replies (7)

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You're in a bit of a pickle here because you can't use System Restore to revert to 3.6.16. You probably now have version 1.9.2.x which is in part, files which were not removed when you installed FF4

What you can try and do is use System Resore to undo the last restoration which should take you back to 4.0 again. If that fails, see this article: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_firefox

If the undo restoration is successful, do the following to revert to 3.6.16

Go to Download Firefox v3.6.16 and download it to the desktop. If necessary, download the file with IE8 and choose to save it to your desktop when you see the prompt.

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.

Modified by Xircal

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When I did the "undo" of System Restore, it came up without Firefox on my computer at all. I searched for Firefox and came up with three folder in the C:Program Files:Mozilla Firefox folder - they were components, extensions and plugins. I just left them alone and found the Firefox 3.1.16 version in IE and downloaded it to my desktop and ran it as Administrator. Then I did a disk cleanup and disk defrag. Everything seems to be OK at this point, but I don't know if I should perform any other steps to make sure. Appreciate your help.

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OK, if it appears to be working, then I hope it continues that way.

But what was the problem with FF4 if you don't mind me asking?

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When I opened it, there were no toolbars. I tried to recreate the toolbars that I had and could get some to come up, but they were so dark that I could just barely read them, and with my husband's not so good sight I knew he couldn't. I couldn't find the "reload" feature which I used regularly in some of the programs I regularly use. Things were moved around and I frankly don't have the time to try to figure out how to use something that's completely changed. I just need to do what I do and get on with it. I would have preferred a new version that kept my settings and the pages the same and gave me options to change to the "new and improved" options as I had the time to view them and decide whether they worked for me or not. I do appreciate your help.Thanks again.

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The missing toolbars can caused by a problem with the file localstore.rdf in the Firefox Profile Folder


If you have a problem with the colors in the user interface (toolbars) then check that you haven't installed a persona or theme that isn't working properly.

Start Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).

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Thanks for the info. I'll use it when I have to . . . in the meantime, I'm sticking with the 3.1.16 and hoping I can until some of the kinks are worked out.

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Thankyou...this has worked I have my previous version restored...Seriously this FF4..I dont like it.