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Are there any FF add-ons, e.g. download managers, that use (or incorporate) WinPcap?

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  • Last reply by ukbobboy

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Last December (2010) while checking my PC's "Add or Remove Programs" I found a utility called "WinPcap 4.1.2". Further checking found that it was installed on my PC on 10/10/2010 . As I did not install any software or utilities on my PC on that date, just updated my FF add-ons, I cannot work out how this utility got onto my PC.

I have googled this utility and found that it is some sort of network utility, hence my question it this utilty part of an add-on.


UK Bob

Last December (2010) while checking my PC's "Add or Remove Programs" I found a utility called "WinPcap 4.1.2". Further checking found that it was installed on my PC on 10/10/2010 . As I did not install any software or utilities on my PC on that date, just updated my FF add-ons, I cannot work out how this utility got onto my PC. I have googled this utility and found that it is some sort of network utility, hence my question it this utilty part of an add-on. UK Bob

All Replies (3)

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I doubt that program was part of a Firefox addon update, but considering that there are tens of thousands of addons made for Firefox I can't say definitely not. The best place to start is with the addons you had installed on 10/10/2010.

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WinPCap is used by packet sniffers. Here is a partial list: http://www.winpcap.org/misc/links.htm



Consider upgrading to Firefox 3.6.13. See:



Other issues that need your attention

The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security and stability issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post. You can also see your plugins from the Firefox menu, Tools > Add-ons > Plugins.

  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Shockwave for Director
    • NOTE: this is not the same as Shockwave Flash; this installs the Shockwave Player.
    • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below (Desktop is a good place so you can find it).
    • When the download is complete, exit Firefox (File > Exit)
    • locate and double-click in the installer you just downloaded, let the install complete.
    • Restart Firefox and check your plugins again.
    • Download link and more information: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Shockwave+plugin+with+Firefox
  3. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use the links below to avoid getting the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager and other "extras" you may not want
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the appropriate link below
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
        • Choose your OS
        • Choose the latest #.x version (example 9.x, for version 9)
        • Choose the highest number version listed
          • NOTE: 10.x is the new Adobe Reader X (Windows and Mac only as of this posting)
        • Choose your language
        • Download the file, SAVE it to your hard drive, when complete, close Firefox, click on the installer you just downloaded and let it install.
        • Windows: choose the .exe file; Mac: choose the .dmg file
    • Using either of the links below will force you to install the "getPlus" Adobe Download Manager. Also be sure to uncheck the McAfee Scanner if you do not want the link forcibly installed on your desktop
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.
  4. Update the Flash plugin to the latest version.
    • Download and SAVE to your Desktop so you can find the installer later
    • If you do not have the current version, click on the "Player Download Center" link on the "Download and information" or "Download Manual installers" below
    • After download is complete, exit Firefox
    • Click on the installer you just downloaded and install
      • Windows 7 and Vista: may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
    • Start Firefox and check your version again or test the installation by going back to the download link below
    • Download and information: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
      • Use Firefox to go to the above site to update the Firefox plugin (will also install plugin for most other browsers; except IE)
      • Use IE to go to the above site to update the IE ActiveX
    • Download Manual installers.
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Helper7677

Thanks very much for your comprehensive reply but I must tell you that I do have FF 3.6.13 on my home PC with all the updates you have mentioned.

You see, I was at work when I wrote my "WinPcap" problem and at work IE6.0 and various out of date utilities are the current standard. However, I have just found out today that it has been decided that my workplace will upgrade to IE8.0 in the near future.

You may also notice that I am now using Opera that's because I am at home and using my default browser. I only use FF for browsing because, I believe, it is the safest PC browser in the world.


UK Bob

PS. Your URL link to WinPCap.Org shows that this WinPcap utility can be used as spyware or a network utility.

Modified by ukbobboy