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Automatic update to FF 38.01 Has had XS PROBLEMS (especially printing) and I want to instal version - PLEASE ADVISE

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I have to turn this feature OFF but FF updated itself to 38.01 and I've had MULTIPLE problems. I see there are solutions however I do NOT have the time to even manipulate hardware acceleration.

BTW, I sent for my user name (which I'd forgotten) 45 minutes ago and it still has not arrived...

I do not even KNOW the version prior to 38.01 but it was stable.

Dell vostra LAPTOP (wireless) XP pro sp3 AVAST! free version (2014.9.0.2021) EPSON WF 545 printer (on the network).

MAIN PROBLEM IS TRYING TO PRINT: (Other programs do print) Printer's s/w U-T-D (Symptom => crashing....)

PLEASE ADVISE on how to obtain older ff versions. Thank you so much!

P.S. I have now spent another 15 minutes looping to try and ask this question.

I have to turn this feature OFF but FF updated itself to 38.01 and I've had MULTIPLE problems. I see there are solutions however I do NOT have the time to even manipulate hardware acceleration. BTW, I sent for my user name (which I'd forgotten) 45 minutes ago and it still has not arrived... I do not even KNOW the version prior to 38.01 but it was stable. Dell vostra LAPTOP (wireless) XP pro sp3 AVAST! free version (2014.9.0.2021) EPSON WF 545 printer (on the network). MAIN PROBLEM IS TRYING TO PRINT: (Other programs do print) Printer's s/w U-T-D (Symptom => crashing....) PLEASE ADVISE on how to obtain older ff versions. Thank you so much! P.S. I have now spent another 15 minutes looping to try and ask this question.

Chosen solution

vtanyav said

Thank you because the renaming worked. But it won't print.

I think that's what we expected rolling back to your old settings.

If you have not already tried Firefox's Refresh feature, please try that next. This article describes what you can expect will be stripped out: Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (20)

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Download links: 2nd edit by a forum moderator ~J99 Current Links to official older versions may be found from the article
(Don't) Install an older version of Firefox However there are almost always safer and better alternative solutions.

 1st edit Modified June 2, 2015 12:35:15 AM BST by kenkon

Warning! Old versions are NOT recommended for security reasons.

Modified by John99

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Good Morning kenkon, Thank you for replying!

These links return this: We cannot find the server at ftp//ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/31.7.0esr/win32/en-US/Firefox%20Setup%2031.7.0esr.exe

Please visit your favorite search engine to find the site you were looking for. This guide page will be retired on July 1."

The older the better although this version (14.0.1) should be u/graded but don't know which version to use - It's an old PC... (WIN XP SP3)

Could you please post something for 31 that I can access?

I thank you VERY MUCH again for replying and for the links!

P.S. How do I disable the updating for FF? (I have not been able to find it).

Modified by vtanyav

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I have edited the links in my previous post. They should work now.

To disable updating (not recommended), look in Options > Advanced > Update

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Firefox 38.0.5 is scheduled to be released later this week with some bug fixes.

What problems are you having with printing or with other features? Please be as specific as possible so we know whether this is something that was already fixed or needs to be fixed in a future release.

There is a link to the releases server in this article: Install an older version of Firefox.

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Hi kenkon, please do not post direct links to EXE files on this forum, even if you trust the server. We do not encourage blind downloading of executables.

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Thank you kenkon and jscher2000,

Unfortunately it's gotten worse: 2 days ago -> I restored the system to 3 weeks ago. (Win XP PRO SP3).

I did not check FF TB afterwards but when I shut off the system, there was an automatic update installation (I don't know what program etc.)

Yesterday (cold boot), Chrome (which I never used) had a crash (On the desktop) Neither Firefox nor Thunderbird would (or will) open.

I only get an "alert" sound but nothing visual so I have no idea what the error is. (I tried opening them via programs, etc in case of shortcut changes but nothing.)

Tried compatibility mode (NT) and got a visual error message “could not locate “XP.COM” (this was both ff and tb)

Negative for viruses / malware and neg boot scan.

Used mozbackup which listed that FF as being 37.x. now (not 38.01)

Is there anything I can do with the programs? (TB and FF?).

In summary: 1. For past several weeks, Firefox had "changed" and I could not print from it (Networked printer) FF 38.01 EPSON wf 545 (UPTODATE

2. I restored the system to a state 3 weeks before. Automatic update that night 3. Next day (cold boot) Right away (First thing) on desktop was a chrome crash error (whether to send error report or not") I never had chrome.

4. Neither FF nor TB will open (using various approaches). 5. With running them in their compatibility mode (RIGHT CLICK -> PROPERTIES -> COMPATIBILITY TAB -> check the compat mode and I chose windows NT (It's XP PRO SP3)). ERROR MESSAGE (visual) "Cannot locate XP.COM".

6. Mozbackup identifies the current FF as 37.x not 38.01.

PLEASE ADVISE!

Thank you.

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On Windows XP, I found the system restore feature flaky and unreliable, so I'm not at all surprised to hear it damages third party applications. Hopefully at least Windows runs properly now.

(1) Next day (cold boot) Right away (First thing) on desktop was a chrome crash error (whether to send error report or not") I never had chrome.

You can check the Start menu > [All] Programs for Google Chrome. If you don't find it, then just ignore this one.

(2) Neither Firefox nor Thunderbird would (or will) open. I only get an "alert" sound but nothing visual so I have no idea what the error is.

For Firefox, I will list the Clean Reinstall procedure further down in this message.

(3) Tried compatibility mode (NT) and got a visual error message “could not locate “XP.COM” (this was both ff and tb)

Do not use backward compatibility modes on Windows XP because XP SP2 is the earliest supported version.

(4) For past several weeks, Firefox had "changed" and I could not print from it (Networked printer) EPSON wf 545 (UPTODATE

When Firefox is running again, please try the steps in the support article: Fix printing problems in Firefox


Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.

(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 38.0.1 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(3) Rename the program folder as follows:

(32-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(64-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Does a cleanly reinstalled Firefox start up normally??

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
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There is one workaround for problems that may otherwise need a downgrade. It would not be recommended by Mozilla but does often help as both a troubleshooting step or a temporary workround.

Windows users may install the third party unoficial build of Firefox Portable ESR. As an additional browser.

That permits you to continue using your standard Firefox browser for day to day work. But if you have say a printing problem or an issue with a single website switch to portable for those tasks. Portable is quickand easy to install, will even install on a memory stick, but is for Windows only.

I don't think Firefox has ever excelled in its printing capacity, and I hate to admit it but Windows users may wish to consider using IE for printing tasks.

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Thanks to everyone but following a windows restore point set back (to 3 weeks ago) and an automatic update, I cannot open FIREFOX or THUNDERBIRD! When I double click the programs I only get an audio alert sound (nothing visual). I think they did open right after - I cannot recall for certain.

I used the programs' compatibility mode (with NT) The computer runs XP PRO SP 3) and got a VISUAL ERROR "Cannot locate XP.COM".

Also for whatever reason, FF is now 37.x and not 38.01.

Will try windows safe mode but not sure what to do. I don't want to mess things up further

PLEASE ADVISE!

THANK YOU!

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Hi vtanyav, can you follow the Clean Reinstall steps in this post: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1064404#answer-735770

And please do NOT use backwards compatibility settings. Firefox cannot run properly without the full capabilities of Windows XP, so setting it for earlier versions breaks the program.

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Hi and Thank you! I will use this soon

  • I only tried the right click -> properties -> compatibility tab -> and checked the compatibility check box (with WIN NT) just to see what happened... Thanks
  • Not being able to open is also affecting Thunderbird... I cannot open it either Only get Audible alert sound and nothing visual
  • Setting the restore point back 3 weeks seems to have preceded this (Inability to open both FireFox & Thunderbird). Being unable to open both programs started on May 31, 2015
  • Firefox changed from 38.01 to 37.x (I found this from the list in MozBackUp). I don't know the Thunderbird version.

“On Windows XP, I found the system restore feature flaky and unreliable, so I'm not at all surprised to hear it damages third party applications. Hopefully at least Windows runs properly now.” I did not know that!

THIS IS JUST A TIMELINE SUMMARY... May ?, 2015 Unable to print from laptop (WiFi, {EPSON WF 545 Drivers up-to-date) Firefox crashed every time.}

May 30th, 2015 I set the registry back to May 8, 2015. I cannot remember now whether I even tried FF or TB afterwards.

The laptop installed an autoupdate that night (May 30, 2015) (when it hangs (installs) on the shut down screen) I do not know what the update was – Perhaps I can tell by the date?

Sunday May 31 2015 cold boot and Chrome was on the desktop with a crash error (whether to send it or not). (I never had anything to do with Chrome.)

QUESTIONS: I really want to try another restore point but one from BEFORE May 31st, 2015 (If it will let me). The date would ideally be May 29th, 2015

I do not expect it to “cure” anything but am worried about the version change etc. I’ll check to see what the update was for on May 30th, 2015

Thank you VERY MUCH again for replying and for providing the information I appreciate it!!!

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I'm not in favor of using system restore without making a backup of your Firefox and Thunderbird data folders in a safe place. Too much risk of trashing everything.

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Hello jscher2000, Thank you for posting the back-up info. I do have (and use) MozbackUp as well. (I think using both ways is best) Following the methods in the info you provided, I'll consider using a system restore point to a later date.

Thanks

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What you need to do is a clean install of Firefox and Thunderbird so you have supported versions that will work or we should be able to get working.

Take care NOT to delete profile information as that will be needed.

Did you try my suggestion of portble Firefox ESR ? Does that work ? There is also Thunderbird available as portable. Trying to use Windows restore point may make matters worse not better with regards to Firefox and Thunderbird. The XPCOM error will likely have been due to a Windows restore breaking Firefox.

Modified by John99

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Thank you for posting.... I did not use the portable because I cannot access the internet yet. I will try them!

I've copied all the profile data....

I cannot even find I.E. on the laptop now and it may have suffered too (with the 3 w ago restore point) because chrome was the only thing to appear with the first cold boot.)

I am going to try a restore point from May 29th, 2015 (if the system will let me)

I'll post back....

Thanks!

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Hopefully if you can not get online yourself you will have another device or access to one so that you may download Firefox (or Firefox portable - that's even sold preinstalled on memory sticks)

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Success - so far ... I undid the restore and both FF and TB open (and work) FF is vs. 38.0.1 and TB i 37.0.

The only things left are: A. A cold boot and B. printing (But there is the article posted above RE: troubleshooting printing) etc.

REGARDING PRINTING: jscher2000 said

What problems are you having with printing or with other features?

Was extremely slow Then only crashes

Should I post the crash reports folder contents? I will try them.

I’ll post back following the above 2 tasks

I REALLY thank you VERY much! You are all VERY VERY HELPFUL and knowledgeable - I am very grateful!

Modified by vtanyav

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Success - so far ... I undid the restore and both FF and TB open (and work) FF is vs. 38.0.1 and TB i 37.0.

The only things left are: A. A cold boot and B. printing (But there is the article posted above RE: troubleshooting printing) etc.

John99 said There is one workaround for problems that may otherwise need a downgrade. It would not be recommended by Mozilla but does often help as both a troubleshooting step or a temporary workround. Windows users may install the third party unoficial build of Firefox Portable ESR. As an additional browser. That permits you to continue using your standard Firefox browser for day to day work. But if you have say a printing problem or an issue with a single website switch to portable for those tasks. Portable is quickand easy to install, will even install on a memory stick, but is for Windows only. I don't think Firefox has ever excelled in its printing capacity, and I hate to admit it but Windows users may wish to consider using IE for printing tasks.

I am not happy with the IMO bloatedness of Firefox 38.x now. I assume the portables are more modest (as well as more efficient?

I will try them.

I’ll post back following the above 2 tasks

I REALLY thank you VERY much! You are all VERY VERY HELPFUL and knowledgeable - I am very grateful!

P.S. these are identical but I could not get the quotes right answering 2 people on 1 post...

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Portable Firefox is the same as the official desktop version of Firefox, but with a few tweaks to make it "Portable" and to install in one folder, without any Registry settings.

From my read of the licensing and accepted use of the Firefox trade marks years ago, removing features or greatly modifying features could preclude the modified version from using the name "Firefox". So Portable is as "bloated" as the desktop has gotten over the last 3 to 4 years, and as far as the "speed" it has to be very close. I have the Portable version installed on my main PC and another on a troubleshooting / diagnostic tools USB Flash Drive, but only use Portable very infrequently. The only differences affecting speed might be changed default settings for some preferences, which I am not aware of. "Portable" has its' own support forum here. http://portableapps.com/forums/support/firefox_portable

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vtanyav I am trying to suggest portable ESR as a workaround and troubleshooting step. Not as a replacement for the standard Mozilla Firefox Release.


Ed Right now ESR cycle is converging on Fx38. But it is always effectively at least one version behind the Firefox release.

I sometimes suggest portable ESR as an alternative to downgrading the Release or even a new profile. I think end users often find it is an easy less messy workaround. It's effectively a one step equivalent of a temporary reversible

  1. Downgrade
  2. Clean install,
  3. New profile
  4. New shortcut
  5. Multiple Install
    • with -no-remote

<rant> One thing that always annoyed me is that we simplified and dumbed down safemode. All we needed to do was make it default to a first step of not making changes, or at least warn before making unwanted changes.

I know Reset|Refresh was introduced but thats had years of work and changes to improve it since its initial introduction, but it still harms some who opt for it without realising their extensions and extension data will disappear. (IIRC extension listing WIP next improvement)

What it needs is a simple button, for

  • Did this Work? No: [Reverse Refresh]

That just as easily reverses the changes and reloads the old profile.

For that matter why not:

  • New clean additional install, like Aurora|Developer does.
  • Temporary other versions, like Mozregsssion does, and
  • Temp clean profiles, IIRC like the stand alone profile manager does.

We already have well used and tested code for all those. </rant>

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