Question

OK clever

but for everyone else - it needs to happen without messing about. Think about it.

And for info, in French it is

"et voila !" or, "and there it is"

Ok? Smart arse?

You should be talking to Google.

Thanks for the spelling correction francis.

Its not a clever solution, its a technical solution that is meant to be quick and dirty. If you desperately need the toolbar apply the fix, else its a matter of time until google team uploads an update that will support firefox 5.

Cheers

The GTB 7.1.20110512W version works in Firefox 5.0 by using the Compatibility Reporter extension, I tried it myself due to the large number of postings about the GTB this morning.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/add-on-compatibility-reporter/

Dear A. Joom: Thanx for the excellent quick fix. :-)

Thanks A.Joom! Worked geat for me. I had to do a bit of searching for the correct file since I have XP. For anyone with XP, best is to do a right click on C:\Documents and Settings\[your user name here]\Application Data\Mozilla folder and click on Search... and write install.rdf in the top search window and click on Search. Some install.rdf files will show up in folders easily identifiable to various software or apps, some not. You have to open (with notepad) each install.rdf file not easily identifiable to a particular app and find the one that has the Google Toolbar for Firefox line. Once you've got the correct install.rdf file, change, like A.Joom says, the maxVersion from 4.0.* to 6.* and close it and save it and restart Firefox. Actually, I did a reboot of my computer and now my GTB is showing up ok, but a simple restart of Firefox might have worked also, I guess. The few bugs that might show up with the GTB restored this way should be resolved with the installation of the next versions of the GTB. Hopefully.....

and ps: btw, francis_lucey, if you want to be pointy, your "voila" requires a grave accent on the a like so: "voilà".

Works perfect. Thanks

Woo Hoo

Very good technical and quick work around!

Thanks, it's WORK!!

Hello! I am following the procedure, i manage to see all the install.rdf but cannot find the one that has the line Google Toolbar for Firefox in it. !

help please!

Great article!!! it's good work for me, thank you so much.

@a.joom or anyone who can help me.

Hi - Im using Windows 7 and when I follow the path, it is not the same. I get C:\users\ and then I only have 2 choices: family laptop or Public. I opened both of these looking for "AppData" but neither have it. Where should I go from here? Is there a different path I should take for Windows 7? Help.

Thanks so much!

I notice that the compatibility address you've posted is for en_us - which I assume means english language, USA? I live in the UK. Do I alter it to read en_uk? and will it work?

Running win 7 64 and do not have the file install.rdf in the specified directory. Any suggestions?

I did this:

"You have to open (with notepad) each install.rdf file not easily identifiable to a particular app and find the one that has the Google Toolbar for Firefox line. Once you've got the correct install.rdf file, change, like A.Joom says, the maxVersion from 4.0.* to 6.* and close it and save it and restart Firefox. "

However, I dont know how to get all the install.rdf files back to "Open with unknown application" as they all were before.

Do NOT mess with the .rdf files, that's hacking, just install the compatibility reporter mentioned above and restart Firefox twice.

Is there any solution for mac OS?

a.joom's hint worked for me on XP with the following modification: On XP, install.rdf was found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Google\Toolbar for Firefox\{3112ca9c-de6d-4884-a869-9855de68056c}. Note *All Users*. I then used Notepad to open install.rdf, changed 4.* to 6.* (5.* would probably work too!), saved it, then quit Firefox and restarted, and the Google toolbar displayed just fine.

Thanks. a.joom!

I have Windows Vista. When I get to \(text).default, there are no install.rdf files. I searched from the but no luck.

What to do?

OUTSTANDING solution, aildoux!! Worked like a champ!! Thank you SO much for taking the time to help nubie techs like me ~ After I installed the FF 5.0 update, I just about fell apart... I don't REALLY need my GTB, but I have a bit of OCD... (Plus, it makes my life just a little easier on a busy day!!)

Thank You, aildoux!!

eliuri: When you right click on the file to open it, the shortcut menu will have at the top in bold "Open." Select this option, an you will get the "Opens with unknown application" dialog box, which will have two choices at the bottom: "Look on the Internet," and "Choose program." Select "Choose program from a list," and a new dialog box will appear with a list of several applications (uh, the list will be different for each computer, as we all have different applications ~ but that won't matter) ~ simply scroll down until you find Notepad, and select it. BINGO! The chosen file will open, because it is actually a text file... Good luck, fellow tech nubie....

This works perfectly. Thank you (The GTB 7.1.20110512W version works in Firefox 5.0 by using the Compatibility Reporter extension, I tried it myself due to the large number of postings about the GTB this morning. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/add-on-compatibility-reporter/)

No problem, you have to install the Add-on Compatibility Reporter 0.8.5 and then again as a Google Toolbar for Firefox : 1. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/add-on-compatibility-reporter/ 2. https://www.google.com/intl/en/toolbar/ff/install.html Restart Your Firefox and enjoy! You might also need a plugin for Windows Media Player? Download it here: http://www.interoperabilitybridges.com/windows-media-player-firefox-plugin-download (All the same, and is also suitable for Windows 7). Close Firefox and install the programs you are installing as normal.

Personally I will refrain from updating to FF5, as everybody else should. Mozilla made a big booboo with this!

@novw

This is not Mozilla's "mistake" - Google needs to update their Google Toolbar extension so that it is "compatible" with Firefox 5, by tweaking the maxVersion in the install.rdf file.

I think you miss the point of my post.

The easy answer is this

"Keep using Firefox 5, it has better security. Google Toolbar still works just fine with Firefox 5, but until Google releases a toolbar compatible with Firefox 5, you need to disable add-on compatible versions verification. You can do this by installing Mozilla's Add-On Compatibility Reporter extension from https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/15003 and restarting Firefox twice. It basically tells Firefox to ignore the maximum compatible version so the toolbar can be enabled on version 5 too, not blocked just because Firefox releases major version numbers like mad just for the sake of catching up with IE9 and Chrome 12. "

Thanks aildoux, but I don't use a french keyboard. You too appear to have missed my point. N'est pas.

Thanks a.joom. Took a couple of minutes to find and change, using Vista:)

Thanks a.joom. nice quick fix to an annoying issue. ESP

Worked great for me THANKS!!!!!!

I would never have upgraded my Firefox had I relised it would mean forfieting Google Toolbar, upon which I rely on daily. When will Google release a compatible toolbar I wonder. Denis

With XP, the path is:

C:\Documents and Settings\[your user name here]\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\[sometext].default\extensions\{UNIQUE_GUID}

The Unique GUID could be: 3112ca9c-de6d-4884-a869-9855de68056c

On the 22nd line of 'install.rdf', you'll see this text: Google Toolbar for Firefox

On the 17th line, CHANGE:

em:maxVersion>4.*

TO

em:maxVersion>5.*

SAVE it. RESTART Firefox. It's back.

Muy mal recibido de Mozilla Firefox haber urgido la actualización a Firefox 5 sin haber resuelto primero lo de la compatibilidad de los Adds-On o Complementos dejando a los usuarios como "pajarito en grama", es decir, sin saber que hacer con la información y las actividades que realizan a través de esos complementos especialmente, sin resolver lo de la Barra de Herrramientas de Google.

Hago un llamado a la comunidad de usuarios de Firefox, de NO ACTUALIZAR A FIREFOX 5 hasta tanto no resuelvan la compatibilidad de la totalidad de los Adds-On o Complementos ofricidos, descargados y en uso por los usuarios.

Thanks you are the best!

For Windows Vista go to C:/users/(username)/AppData/Roaming/Mozilla/Firefox/Profiles , then look through the file folders opening the install.rdf files,(right click/open with/ click on notepad) until you find the one with the Google Toolbar line and change the "max version" to 6 like the other posting describe. Then restart Firefox

EXCELLENT! Worked like a charm, Thanks

The solution is to install the Add-on Compatibility Reporter. It will force Google Toolbar to work. You can find detailed instructions here: Re-enable add-ons that were disabled when updating Firefox

Perfect solution. 2 seconds and all done. THANX A MILLION!!!

Edmeiseter... THANX A MILLION!! 2 second fix.!!

Using the Compatibility Reporter addon to enable the Google Toolbar and test its compatibility is correct. The Google Toolbar has been compatible all along but that rdf modification that was suggested is confusing and too advanced for most users and I certainly wouldn't recommend it for everyone. I'm no beginner but I wouldn't mess with it and the Compatibility Reporter works in a simpler, safer way so it's not necessary. The only feature that doesn't work anymore is the New Tab page which used to show up to nine most frequented sites, but now just shows three empty boxes and the History and Customizing buttons. But this was retired on Internet Explorer, so I don't think it's a compatibility issue at all. Google is probably planning something else for that page.

Thanks, your solution worked perfectly for me. Congratulations for the easy-fix!

Compatibility Reporter extension causes Firefox 5.01 to crash on my machine and refuses to start - I then have to uninstall and reinstall. Thinking of moving over to Chrome!

rayhusthwaite
The add-on crashing Firefox is a separate problem, obriously it should not happen, but I have not noticed its use ever crash any of my firefox installations, may I suggest that you start a new thread about your problem.

I'm so ignorant I don't even know if I have the problem described - but I do wish to show my appreciation for an UNDERSTANDABLE fix. Thank you for having the near unique combination of (a) knowing your subject and (b) actually being able to communicate it clearly! (Addressed to a.joom)

Installing the Addon Compatibility Extension just helps in the short term and gives you time to work alternatives.

The Google Toolbar is no longer supported by Google in Firefox 5 and up, you may be able to get what you want from it for a limited time, the directions to install the Google Toolbar were posted before Google actually announced dropping support.

• Enable Google Toolbar in Firefox 5
  http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2011/06/enable-google-toolbar-in-firefox-5.html
• the-edmeister posted a brief evaluation of the situation
  https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/841736

In any case you can find several alternative solutions, and you can start working on them now, see

• "Using Google Toolbar features without toolbars"
  http://kb.mozillazine.org/Using_Google_Toolbar_features_without_toolbars

You don't need to be a computer specialist to do this. You just have to be a little patient and go through all the files. Follow the directions and you WILL see your Google toolbar as I have seen mine again!

Toolbar, I missed you! lol

Ajoom, thank you so much for this!

Worked! How I've missed Google Toolbar! Thanks a.joom :)

As the install.rdf modification is so easy to accomplish, why the heck is it so difficult for Google to do the same? Come on guys, you don't seriously think we would prefer a dozen extra add-ons when just one could do? You write to them voicing your objections to its discontinuance and all you get is the same old potted reply.

Google, do you listen to people? Your support is sadly lacking.

@ex_brit

The entire Google Toolbar doesn't work properly in Firefox 5.0 with either the install.rdf mod or by using the Addon Compatibility Reporter extension. Page Rank doesn't work, and I believe a few users have said that "auto fill" doesn't work correctly either. If this was a simple as "bumping" the maxVersion, I'm sure Google would have done it a couple of months ago.

When I go to C:/users/<my name>/ .....in vista I cannot see /appdata can someone shed some light

Ray

Awesome!!! it's nice work for me, thank you very much.

Can't LOG IN. NEED the REAL GTB link. I have a NEW problem. Toolbar is there, enabled, and I have the compatibility add-on active. I've also changed the RDF file to support next week's version, 8.999 :). But, my problem is, somehow my GTB toolbar [July build] won't allow me to log in. I know this is a specific problem only on this computer, since it DOES STILL WORK on other computers I have, also running the latest V7.02 of FFox and the 7.x July GTB. ---

SO, my proposed solution was to just REINSTALL the toolbar. Guess what?? It still KNOWS that I have an "incompatible version of FFox", and won't let me download it. (Thank you Google for preventing HAVOC with my machine!!! :(( )

Could someone that is running an EARLY version of FFOX just hit the download GTB and give me a LINK to the real download??

I'd rather have the link, while I assume I can find a machine that is not yet running FFox, put an old version on it, download it,then go find the MSI file, or whatever they are using for the installer, and SAVE IT somewhere safe.

@DaaBoss

Google broke their Google Toolbar extension around 09-17-2011, by changing the login address for their "accounts". If you want to continue using the Google Toolbar, you will need to edit the address to the new one, because I doubt if Google is going to fix that extension - they have decided not to support Firefox 5+ versions with a new version of the Google Toolbar.

• Open your Profile folder.
  https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Profiles#w_how-do-i-find-my-profile

• With Firefox closed, open the \extensions\ folder in your Profile folder, then locate this folder and open it.
  {3112ca9c-de6d-4884-a869-9855de68056c}

• Then you need to open the \lib\ folder to see the toolbar.js file. Open that file in a simple text editor program.

• Edit every occurrence of www.google.com/accounts to accounts.google.com - using the Find feature in the text editor - (I counted 15 times that address appeared in the toolbar.js file) .

• Save the edited file. Then start Firefox.

Thanks! Worked flawlessly the first time.