Re-enable add-ons that were disabled when updating Firefox

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  • Creator: Michael Verdi
  • Comment: Removed add-on compatibility reporter sections - no longer applies - http://brian.kingsonline.net/talk/2012/02/compatible-by-default-and-the-add-ons-compatibility-reporter
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When Firefox updates, it turns off add-ons that are not compatible with the new version. This article explains how to get your add-ons working again.
Incompatible - Win

When Firefox updates, it turns off add-ons that are not compatible with the new version. In addition, with the latest update, we made an attempt to disable add-ons that had been installed automatically by other programs (third party add-ons). This article explains how to get your add-ons working again.
3rd Party add-ons disabled on update - Win

Re-enable third party add-ons

Sometimes Firefox add-ons are installed automatically by other programs (like security software), without your knowledge. Some of these third party add-ons can slow down or even harm Firefox, and can affect the browsing experience significantly.

With the latest Firefox update, we made an attempt to disable some of these add-ons for you so you can enjoy a faster browsing experience. If you want to keep these third party add-ons (and you didn't tell Firefox to "Keep" them during the update), all you have to do is re-enable them:

  1. Click the menu button Fx89menuButton, click Add-ons and themes and select Extensions.
  2. Click the Enable button next to the add-on you'd like to re-enable.

Check for new versions of your add-ons

Firefox checks once a day for new versions of your add-ons and updates them automatically but you can manually check for new versions at any time.

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP) and then click Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
  2. Click Add-on Tools Icon and select Check for Updates. If Firefox finds updates, they will be downloaded automatically.Extension Update Win 1
  3. Click the "Restart now to complete installation" link.Extension Update Win 2
  1. On the menu bar, click the Tools menu and then click Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
  2. Click Add-on Tools Icon and select Check for Updates. If Firefox finds updates, they will be downloaded automatically.
  3. Click the "Restart now to complete installation" link.
  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Tools menu and then click Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
  2. Click Add-on Tools Icon - Linux and select Check for Updates. If Firefox finds updates, they will be downloaded automatically.
  3. Click the "Restart now to complete installation" link.
  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-onsOn the menu bar, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-onsAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-ons. The Add-ons window will open.
  2. Select the Extensions or Themes panel depending on the kind of add-on.
  3. Then click Find Updates. If Firefox finds an update, you will be prompted to install it and restart Firefox.

Search for updates on the add-on's website

Some add-on makers have different versions of their add-on for different versions of Firefox so updating though the Add-on Manager doesn't work. In this case, an update might be available on the add-on's website.

  1. In the Add-ons Manager tab, click on More on the incompatible extension, and then click on the link next to Homepage. You will be taken to the home page for that add-on.
  2. Download the latest version of the add-on from the add-on home page.
  1. In the Add-ons window, right-clickhold down the Ctrl key while you click on the incompatible extension, and select Visit Home Page. You will be taken to the home page for that add-on.

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  2. Download the latest version of the add-on from the home page for that add-on.
Note: If there isn't a version of the add-on available that works, it might help to contact the makers of the add-on while you are on their website.

Search for alternatives

There may be other add-ons with similar features that are compatible with your version of Firefox. The Add-ons site is a good place to find alternatives.

For example, if you use the Google Toolbar mainly for access to your Google Bookmarks, then the GBookmarks add-on might be a great replacement. See the Google Toolbar is no longer compatible with Firefox - Here are some alternatives article for other suggestions.