Firefox corrupted the file I download. Upon fix with reset or uninstal, more problem happened
This all started 5 hours ago, when I tried to download a .doc file from my school website but Microsoft Word opened it with "file conversion" options and the preview is filled with unreadable codes. I was using Nightly 64-bit on a newly installed Windows 8.1 64 bit system (about a week ago after I upgrade my ssd).
1. I tried open other .exl file from the same website, but Microsoft Excel could not open it at all saying the file is corrupted. I used IE 11 to download the same files and it worked perfectly. Problem with Nightly it looked like.
2. I reset Nightly then tried to download the same file again, not working. Tried safemode disable all addons and try to download the .doc file. It surprisly worked!. So it seems like an addon problem. Then I disabled all addons manually restarted again but tested not working. I was really frustrated at this point so I believe my Nightly was hacked by malware or some hidden plugins.
3. Uninstalled Nightly then I cleaned all files left with Ccleaner. I checked full scan with Windows security essential; downloaded malware cleaner "Malwarebytes". Yes a few malware like files were detected and cleaned up.
4. Downloaded waterfox 64-bit but now more problems appeared. It still cannot download the .doc or exl file now. The right click menu is not showing up at any webpage, image or highlighted texts. Ctrl+click link to open link in new tab is not working, just nothing happens. I try to reset or safemode restart, Nope! the help menu is gone, perfectly clear!
In brief, I would not like to reinstall my OS for this issue. I wish I could find some software remover that detects firefox virus pluggins. I don't want to try the 32-bit version of firefox for this issue.
Thank you.
Modified by fengge
Chosen solution
If Waterfox works like Firefox in the plugin department, you may need to change some plugin settings. Here's what I suggest:
Open the Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Plugins.
Then review the activation setting for each plugin on the list:
- For plugins that should run globally (like security software), set to "Ask to Activate"
- For plugins that all sites have permission to use, set to "Ask to Activate"
- For plugins that NO sites should use, or which do not seem site-specific (e.g., Conduit), set to "Never Activate"
- Leave other plugins on "Ask to Activate"
Then exit and start Waterfox up again to see whether that helps with the right-click context menus.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (6)
Chosen Solution
If Waterfox works like Firefox in the plugin department, you may need to change some plugin settings. Here's what I suggest:
Open the Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Plugins.
Then review the activation setting for each plugin on the list:
- For plugins that should run globally (like security software), set to "Ask to Activate"
- For plugins that all sites have permission to use, set to "Ask to Activate"
- For plugins that NO sites should use, or which do not seem site-specific (e.g., Conduit), set to "Never Activate"
- Leave other plugins on "Ask to Activate"
Then exit and start Waterfox up again to see whether that helps with the right-click context menus.
By the way, you can have Word display a conversion dialog to control how it opens files instead of letting it make choices automatically. This is in Word's Options but the specific location and wording depends on what version of Office you have.
Thanks for the fast reply. I deleted everything, and download the official firefox 32-bit and tried your advice disable everything. Yes it worked! it brought up the help menu. And the word document is working as well after I could 'help-troubleshoot-rest firefox'.
Thank you very much. I think it was the Nightly setup naturally not compatible with .doc links. It also messed up the settings for my waterfox/firefox which I downloaded later.
However the right-click menu is still not normal. nothing shows up nor I could open up link in a new window. This did not happened in Nightly as I stated in the original question. Any suggestions?
Btw. After this I might stay with the official firefox 32-bit for now. is there any performance difference with 64-bit or compatible issue with Windows 8.1? I know that 64 bit firefox is not released yet.
Regarding the right-click menu, my only immediate thought was Add-ons. You may want to check the Plugins again, since those settings probably did not survive the Reset, and also check for any potentially interfering Extensions.
Regarding the lack of a 64-bit version of Firefox for Windows: My understanding is that the main difference between 32-bit and 63-bit applications is how much memory they can use. Traditionally, this is more important for compute-intensive programs such as Excel than for browsers. However, as web applications become more sophisticated, for example, 3D games in JavaScript, I suspect there will be more pressure to build a 64-bit version.
this topic is full of SPAM answers!!! >:( we're TALKING about Firefox, NOT WATERFOX THAT GOOGLE *DOESN'T* RECOGNIZE!!! I have the SAME problem WITH FIREFOX so please post a legitimate response rather than SPAM about some fake program!!! you're creating Google SPAM!!! D:
Hi justinrpg Moltres Rider, this is someone else's question, and it's already marked solved for that person, so please start a new one with your own system details.
https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/desktop/fix-problems
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Modified by jscher2000 - Support Volunteer