Separate Security Issue: Update your Flash Player Note: Windows users should download the ActiveX for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the ActiveX.

Flash Player Version: Version 28.0.0.126

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only> +++++++++++++++++++ See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

First, Type about:preferences#advanced<enter> in the address bar. Under Advanced, Select Update.

[v56+] Type about:preferences#general<enter> in the address bar. Select Update.

Select Never Check For Updates.

Also turn off Use a background service to install updates

Install Older Version Of Firefox {web link} Be sure to read everything here.

If you still want to downgrade, look under; I still want to downgrade. Click the Directory of other versions and languages link. Look for the directory of the version that you want. But, remember that old versions may have security issues.

You should also check out Firefox; Extended Support Release {web link} ESR Notes System Requirements

Thanks FredMcD, Regarding "Also turn off Use a background service to install updates"; does ubuntu have such a service? is it a specific firefox update service? how could I turn it off?

Under about:preferences#advanced -> Update. The only option is 'Automatically update Search Engines'. (I'm back at version 45 because that's whats in the ubuntu lts repo.) Under about:preferences#general There is no update option.

FredMcD i think you're on to something with the stop update service idea. I'm going to try and put the firefox package on 'hold' in apt. Will update in a few days. apt Hold a package: sudo apt-mark hold <package-name> Remove the hold: sudo apt-mark unhold <package-name>

I don't know ubuntu and called for more help.

shedfly said

Thanks FredMcD, Regarding "Also turn off Use a background service to install updates"; does ubuntu have such a service? is it a specific firefox update service? how could I turn it off?

The "Use a background service to install updates" is only with Firefox on Windows. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/what-mozilla-maintenance-service

shedfly said

Under about:preferences#advanced -> Update. The only option is 'Automatically update Search Engines'. (I'm back at version 45 because that's whats in the ubuntu lts repo.) Under about:preferences#general There is no update option.

Third-party builds like Firefox packages provided by a Linux distro do not get internal updates as Mozilla does not provide updates to Firefox builds it did not well build. Only the official builds from Mozilla (like these) gets updates from Mozilla.

Just FYI the issue is solved:

sudo apt-mark hold firefox

I am glad to hear that your problem has been resolved. If you haven't already, please select the answer that solves the problem. This will help other users with similar problems find the solution more easily.

Thank you for contacting Mozilla Support.