Firefox won't install for all users in Windows 8.1; only installs for administrator
Since moving to Windows 8.1, I have been unable to install Firefox for multiple users on this laptop. Firefox installs only for the Administrator (me), and does not appear on any other user account. When I try installing from one of the other user accounts (after entering my administrator password), it simply won't install.
All Replies (6)
Hi djaroslaw, your Firefox data is personal to your Windows profile, but the program files should always be available.
If you are logged in as a second user and go to the program list (click the down arrow from the start page), is Firefox listed there anywhere? If so, will it start?
Alternately, if you call up the Run dialog (WinKey + R) can you start Firefox? You can type or paste firefox.exe and press Enter (or click/tap OK).
Jscher, thanks much for your quick response. By the way, for some odd reason, I got your response twice. Unfortunately, if I log is as a second user, Firefox is *not* listed as a program, and cannot be called up using the Run command.
Thanks again.
DJ
I think if Run doesn't work, then Firefox was not installed for "All Users". I don't know the file and registry differences, or whether there is a quick way to switch it. Hopefully a Windows 8/8.1 expert will have a suggestion short of reinstalling.
jscher, thanks again. I'd be perfectly happy to delete Firefox and reinstall it -- I've tried that several times -- but I'm not sure how one would go about installing it for "All Users." Certainly, under previous version of Windows, the default installation was for "All Users." In fact, if you wanted to install it for only a single user, you had to jump through some hoops. Perhaps someone has a sure-fire way to install for "All Users"...
DJ
Check that Firefox isn't set to run as Administrator.
Right-click the Firefox desktop shortcut and choose "Properties".
Make sure that all items are deselected in the "Compatibility" tab of the Properties window.
- Privilege Level: "Run this program as Administrator" should not be selected
- "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" should not be selected
Also check the Properties of the firefox.exe program in the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\).
Cor-el:
Thanks for your reply. I have checked, and all items in the "Compatibility" window are deselected, and the program is *not* set to run as "Administrator." I'm a bit baffled as to why it won't install. Even if I try to install the program from one of the other accounts, it won't appear there.
DJ