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Problem Installing Firefox 3.6.8 as error "no helper application" to open file

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  • 136 have this problem
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  • Last reply by mtp123

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Used an Asus netbook running Linux / Firefox version 2.0.0.0.11 for 3 years no problems. Now I cannot use "Hotmail" on it as it requires an update to version as above.

It appears to download but not to open and I get the message "could not be opened because the associated helper application doe not exist" I am also not sure where I should be downloading it too but chose home/user.

I am very basic user but checked the File "open with" settings and there is no application for a tar.bz2

Any advice would be very much appreciated

Used an Asus netbook running Linux / Firefox version 2.0.0.0.11 for 3 years no problems. Now I cannot use "Hotmail" on it as it requires an update to version as above. It appears to download but not to open and I get the message "could not be opened because the associated helper application doe not exist" I am also not sure where I should be downloading it too but chose home/user. I am very basic user but checked the File "open with" settings and there is no application for a tar.bz2 Any advice would be very much appreciated

Modified by mtp123

Chosen solution

Did you read all 12 pages of this thread?

http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=41815

I can't help you any further myself, as I only have done that process once and I wasn't happy with Firefox 3 on Asus / Xandros when I was done. The following day I installed Ubuntu 10.04 - the EasyPeasy remix - http://www.geteasypeasy.com/

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Which Linux version and what hardware do you have?

If you have an older Linux version then you may be missing the required libraries for Firefox 3 versions.

See http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/system-requirements.html - Firefox 3.6 System Requirements

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The version of Xandros Linux (from early 2007) that Asus is using on the eeePC doesn't have the GTK package needed to run Firefox 3+ versions, you need to update it. See this: http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=41815 or this: http://wiki.eeeuser.com/howto:installfirefox3?s=firefox

IMO, you're better off replacing that old operating system with a newer one that has some support for it today. (Asus got into bed with Microsoft last year and hasn't kept their Asus / Xandros operating system up to date; the last updates I saw were in early 2009.)

The Netbook Remix of Ubuntu 10.04 is a perfect replacement, IMO. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/EeePC

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Thank you I think I now at least understand the problem.

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Thank you all for your help.

I do not have the knowledge or confidence to put on a new operating system but will keep a note of one you suggested. As I may be able to get someone else to do it at a later date.

I would like to do as your link said for Firefox3.0.1. Know being very stupid but cannot work out how to save to home/user. When I browse I can find a file home but not with the addition of user.

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Chosen Solution

Did you read all 12 pages of this thread?

http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=41815

I can't help you any further myself, as I only have done that process once and I wasn't happy with Firefox 3 on Asus / Xandros when I was done. The following day I installed Ubuntu 10.04 - the EasyPeasy remix - http://www.geteasypeasy.com/

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Thank you. I contacted ASUS and via online chat was guided through the installation procedure.

If I have problems i feel a bit braver now so will try the system you suggest.

Many thanks for your help.