Installing Firefox on my computer
I can't download, let alone actually install firefox. After I select save, a box appears asking whether I wish to do this as the administrator, asking for a password, or as myself. I select myself, the box goes away, as does the whole download process. I'm sick to death of this!
Is there anything I can do - I'm currently using Google Chrome and am trying to switch back to Firefox. Firefox won't start, so all I can think of doing is re-installing it.
All Replies (17)
If Firefox is already installed, you could try starting it in Safe Mode. Hold the shift key while double-clicking the Firefox icon. If you get the Safe Mode dialog, don't check any boxes, just click Continue in Safe Mode.
Does that work? If so, we need to figure out what is preventing Firefox from starting correctly. There is an article on many possible causes for this: Firefox won't start - find solutions.
If not, you might have a malware issue. Before further troubleshooting, you may want to run some supplemental scans. These two tools are highly regarded:
Malwarebytes Anti-malware : http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
SUPERAntiSpyware : http://www.superantispyware.com/
I've used Malwarebytes previously, and it didn't help greatly. I don't really fancy downloading more security software right now, as I'm certain that that's part of the reason for why I'm in the current situation. Certain things are missing, or just nor functioning properly, and I don't know what's good and what's bad. I've looked in CNET, seen good reviews, only to products bagged by other people, and vice versa. Norton completely stuffed up my old computer, so I have my own reservations about security software.
I'm not trying to bag what you're saying. I'll try the safe mode option, but if I don't have a short cut, i.e. it's just in the start menu, I don't actually need to double click Firefox, do I? I'll see how I go.
You can find the latest Firefox release in all languages and for all Operating Systems here:
- Firefox 13.0.x: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html
Thank you cor-el,
It didn't help unfortunately. I received the same message, again. GRRRR!
The safe mode thingy didn't work either, unless I was doing it incorrectly. I made a shortcut on the desktop. Holding the shift-key then double clicking the icon only highlighted the icon as well as the other two icons on the desktop (recycle bin & unused desktop items).
I'm fairly sure more was supposed to happen than that. I found the actual application, i.e. where it's installed. I double clicked it repeatedly, right-clicked then selecting open repeatedly, but all the second option did was show me the individual components.
This is incredibly frustrating!
Were you able to install Firefox from the above posted link?
Did you get the safe mode start window in Firefox?
No - that's why I mentioned receiving the same message again, i.e. being asked who I wished to download this as, clicking on myself, the message going away, along with the entire download process.
So, no download, no installation, nothing.
I double clicked it repeatedly, right-clicked then selecting open repeatedly, but all the second option did was show me the individual components.
That's strange. If you right-click the program file and choose Properties, then check the Details tab, does it say it is an Application?
It is possible that your anti-virus software is corrupting the downloaded files or otherwise interfering with downloading files.
Try to disable the real-time (live) scanning of files in your anti-virus software temporarily to see if that makes downloading work.
Yes it does. Where it's located, in programme files, it has "application" written next to it. It was installed in 2009. I did upgraded a couple of months ago, but clearly that was removed when my computer was restored after it was damaged from the bad software.
If the "Open" action for an application views its contents, then there may be a problem in Windows. Do you get any errors running other applications (e.g., Windows' Calculator), or is this limited to Firefox?
By the way, have you tried downloading using Internet Explorer?
Not for any others. The games that came with Windows no longer work, but I've experienced that before - all I have are images of them. I was able to reassemble them in some way, but I don't remember how.
That's the only thing I can think of aside from Firefox. I don't think the games require the internet as such. They've somehow been deactivated, or had some essential component removed - it is probably in the computer somewhere. It's such a huge mess!!!
I try to avoid using internet explorer as much as possible - it's the worst browser ever. I could try, I suppose. I'm not even sure if it works on my computer.
I set up Internet Explorer, attempted to download Firefox, and received the bl'dy message, yet again!!!
Think it's the computer or something on it, not the browser... Perhaps I should remove the application I already have installed, i.e. the older version of Firefox, then try installing it fresh...
I haven't got a clue, to be completely honest, but I have the feeling that what's already there could be getting in the way.
My suspicion is that your previous malware infection may not be fully cleaned up, and there may be lingering effects on Firefox and other programs. I hope you find a way around it. There are other forums that specialize in personal assistance with clean-up in case you want to give that another look. For example: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/
I'm running Malwarebytes now, to make sure. I'll see what happens.