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With XP, with three different user accounts, is it possible to download Firefox 4 to one user and retain Firefox 3 on another, for a learning period?

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  • Last reply by LindaS

LindaS
LindaS
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We are running XP, and have 3 different user accounts on one desktop. We are very excited by the Firefox4 features, but one user has much less comfort with changes, and doesn't want to lose browsing comfort in 3 before he has a chance to get used to using 4. May take a while....

Is there any way to download Firefox 4, perhaps into a new location. Or a new user account. And use this as a 'teaching tool' while still retaining 3?

Or can we upgrade to 4, redownload a version of 3, and import that user's previous bookmarks to the new download of 3, until we get him comfortable.

The answer is probably no. But if there is a creative way to do this, without another computer available, that would be great. If not, we upgrade and deal with the frustration and whining here.... 4 is too good to pass up.

Ideas? Linda

We are running XP, and have 3 different user accounts on one desktop. We are very excited by the Firefox4 features, but one user has much less comfort with changes, and doesn't want to lose browsing comfort in 3 before he has a chance to get used to using 4. May take a while.... Is there any way to download Firefox 4, perhaps into a new location. Or a new user account. And use this as a 'teaching tool' while still retaining 3? Or can we upgrade to 4, redownload a version of 3, and import that user's previous bookmarks to the new download of 3, until we get him comfortable. The answer is probably no. But if there is a creative way to do this, without another computer available, that would be great. If not, we upgrade and deal with the frustration and whining here.... 4 is too good to pass up. Ideas? Linda

Chosen solution

When you install Firefox 4, choose the custom installation option and change the location where Firefox is installed. You will then have 2 versions of Firefox installed.

As you have different user accounts, each user will have their own Firefox profile (location where bookmarks, passwords, etc are stored). You should not switch between different versions of Firefox with the same user profile. For those that want to use Firefox 4, just make sure you use a Firefox shortcut that opens Firefox 4, likewise for the person who wants to stay with Firefox 3, just keep their original Firefox shortcut and it should open the old version.

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TonyE
TonyE
  • Moderator
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Chosen Solution

When you install Firefox 4, choose the custom installation option and change the location where Firefox is installed. You will then have 2 versions of Firefox installed.

As you have different user accounts, each user will have their own Firefox profile (location where bookmarks, passwords, etc are stored). You should not switch between different versions of Firefox with the same user profile. For those that want to use Firefox 4, just make sure you use a Firefox shortcut that opens Firefox 4, likewise for the person who wants to stay with Firefox 3, just keep their original Firefox shortcut and it should open the old version.

LindaS
LindaS Question owner
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Thanks, Tony!

This is perfect. We are really looking forward to Firefox 4 and the great changes. And we will get the curmugeon trained and comfy before support goes away for 3.

Thanks again, Linda