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Why do I keep getting the "Update Failed" message?

  • 3 replies
  • 19 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by cor-el

BWH
BWH
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I have the newest version of Firefox installed. I keep seeing a window pop up called "Update Failed." The message is: "Something is preventing Firefox from updating securely. Please make sure that you have the latest version of Firefox from: http://www.firefox.com."

I've ignored this until now. But just now I clicked on the link and the page tells me that I have the newest version.

I have the newest version of Firefox installed. I keep seeing a window pop up called "Update Failed." The message is: "Something is preventing Firefox from updating securely. Please make sure that you have the latest version of Firefox from: http://www.firefox.com." I've ignored this until now. But just now I clicked on the link and the page tells me that I have the newest version.

All Replies (3)

BWH
BWH Question owner
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There are now three other people who are having this same problem. I hope someone can provide an answer!

BWH
BWH Question owner
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Now there are SIX of us! Please can someone tell us why we are having this problem, and what to do about it?

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Run the Firefox program once as Administrator (right-click: Run as Administrator). If that doesn't help then do a clean reinstall.

  • Download a fresh Firefox copy and save the file to the desktop.
  • Firefox 4.0: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
  • Firefox 3.6.x: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-older.html
  • 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 (not in the Firefox program 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.