Firefox no longer works with some versions of Windows XP

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  • Revision id: 126385
  • Created:
  • Creator: AliceWyman
  • Comment: Updated Microsoft and Opera information (see disussion)
  • Reviewed: No
  • Ready for localization: No
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Firefox 3.6.28 and Firefox 12 are the last versions of Firefox that will work with the original version of Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1. They won't be updated with security and stability fixes. While Firefox will work on Windows XP Service Pack 2, to keep your computer and personal information safe, we recommend that you upgrade for free to Windows XP Service Pack 3 and install the latest Firefox. This article goes over your upgrade options.

Note: This article only applies to Windows.
Warning: Firefox 3.6 and Firefox 12 have known vulnerabilities that allow hackers to infect your computer or steal your personal information. To keep your computer and personal information safe, please follow the recommendations below.

Option 1: Upgrade to the latest Windows XP Service Pack

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Service Pack 3 are both free upgrades from Microsoft. While Firefox is supported on Windowx XP Service Pack 2, upgrading to the latest Service Pack for Windows XP is the most secure option.

To find out your Windows version and which Service Pack, if any, is installed:
Click the Windows Start button, click Run, type in winver and press the Enter key.

For more information about Windows XP Service Pack 3, see this Microsoft support article.

Option 2: Switch to Opera

Windows XP Service Packs may no longer be available for download from Microsoft. If you can't use Windows Update to upgrade Windows, you can switch to the Opera web browser.

Note: Opera 36 is the last supported version for Windows XP. According to Opera's May 4, 2016 release notes, As of Opera 37, the minimal system requirement for Windows users is Windows 7. Windows XP and Vista will no longer receive feature updates, only security and stability updates.
Warning: Continuing to use the original version of Windows XP, Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 is no longer supported by Microsoft and poses a significant security risk.