You can check for problems with preferences.

Rename or delete the prefs.js file and possible numbered prefs-##.js files and a possible user.js file to reset all prefs to the default value.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Preferences_not_saved

It is possible that there is a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.

Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Profiles

New files will be created when required.

See "Corrupt extension files":

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Unable+to+install+add-ons

If you see disabled or not compatible extensions in "Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end side of the Search Bar to check if there is a compatibility update available.

If this hasn't helped then also delete the addons.sqlite file.

HI cor-el, thank you for your reply and fixes, but unfortunately none of the above has prevented this.

I had deleted all of the files you suggest and restarted PC but same thing, continues to update the addons (all updated to latest).

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems.

See "Creating a profile":

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Profile_issues

If the new profile works then you can transfer some files from an existing profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over the problem.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox

Hi cor-el,

I created a new profile, copied bookmarks and saved passwords etc.

Installed addons one by one from scratch, all is well now. Purely for a learning curve I then returned t the original profile and removed each addons one by one until the problem stopped, it was the adobe flash that was causing the problem.

After removal and then reinstall the browser hasn't tried to update.

Many thanks for your insight and patience, hope this helps others.

Thank you very much.