I'd like to change my download directory but the option is greyed out. Can I rectify this?
I have no trouble changing download directory in other browsers on my computer, e.g. Safari. I've attached a screen shot of the general tab of my Firefox preferences. I've just noticed in the "Troublshooting Information" attached to this question page that "lockedPreferences" includes "browser.download.useDownloadDir":false ... Please instead of pointing out that that is the problem (if it is), please help me in understanding why this is that way and how to change it.
Chosen solution
Check if there is a mozilla.cfg file present in the Firefox application folder to initialize some prefs.
This also involves the presence of a .js (JScript) file, probably in "defaults/pref" folder, that specifies to process this mozilla.cfg file.
If there are .js files apart from the channel-prefs.js file, that sets app.update.channel, in the defaults/pref folder then open this file in an editor like Notepad (Mac: TextEdit) and please post its content. Also please post the content of the mozilla.cfg file.
There shouldn't be a mozilla.fcg file present in the main Firefox folder unless you've created it yourself to initialize some prefs.
If you have this mozilla.cfg file then best is to do a clean reinstall and move the Firefox application folder to the trash before reinstalling a fresh copy of Firefox.
You can find the full version of the current Firefox release (40.0.3) in all languages and all operating systems here:
See also:
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Chosen Solution
Check if there is a mozilla.cfg file present in the Firefox application folder to initialize some prefs.
This also involves the presence of a .js (JScript) file, probably in "defaults/pref" folder, that specifies to process this mozilla.cfg file.
If there are .js files apart from the channel-prefs.js file, that sets app.update.channel, in the defaults/pref folder then open this file in an editor like Notepad (Mac: TextEdit) and please post its content. Also please post the content of the mozilla.cfg file.
There shouldn't be a mozilla.fcg file present in the main Firefox folder unless you've created it yourself to initialize some prefs.
If you have this mozilla.cfg file then best is to do a clean reinstall and move the Firefox application folder to the trash before reinstalling a fresh copy of Firefox.
You can find the full version of the current Firefox release (40.0.3) in all languages and all operating systems here:
See also:
Hi cor-el,
Thanks --- that pointed me to where my problem was. This is a new (personal) laptop I ordered via my work and it appears they pre-installed some "useful" (i.e. annoying) "security" (i.e. annoying) features. As per your request...
in defaults/pref/ there is a file autoconfig.js
This contains: pref("general.config.filename", "cck2.cfg"); pref("general.config.obscure_value", 0);
It appears that cck2.cfg is thus taking place of what would normally be mozilla.cfg (as this looks to be part of my work's security stuff I won't post its contents as requested---apologies). But indeed, this is the config file that is blocking my download directory with the line:
"dontUseDownloadDir": true
I have root access so am able to change the cfg file. Changing "true" to "false" in that field fixed my problem.
I agree that removing the firefox directory and doing a clean install would have also fixed the issue.
Thanks again for the prompt and useful reply, xiggy
You're welcome
Looks that the CCK2 extension has been used to create the installer.
- CCK2 Wizard: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/cck2wizard/