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I can't make Waterfox my default browser.

  • 3 replies
  • 12 have this problem
  • 20 views
  • Last reply by John99

nmotsch789
nmotsch789
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I've always used Firefox as my default browser. A few months ago, on my Windows 8 laptop (I always use it in desktop mode), I downloaded Nightly, because I wanted a 64 bit browser so that I could install 64 bit Java to make Minecraft run faster. At the time, I didn't know about Waterfox. Recently, I've been having a problem with Nightly where when I right-click on anything using Adobe Flash Player (flash games, YouTube videos, etc.) the plugin would crash. This doesn't happen in Internet Explorer, normal Firefox, or Waterfox. For that reason, and because I know nothing about programming and therefore Nightly was kinda pointless to me, and because the daily updates were kinda annoying, I wanted to change my default browser. I downloaded Waterfox and Pale Moon. I found I didn't like Pale Moon's different layout, so I never touched it again. I attempted to make Waterfox my default browser, but I ran into problems. Under Control Panel --> Default Programs --> Set Default Programs, Waterfox doesn't appear, but Nightly and Pale Moon do. However, Nightly and Pale Moon have the Waterfox logo instead of their own logos, but only under Control Panel --> Default Programs --> Set Default Programs. I'm not sure exactly what I did, but now, when I click on a link without any web browsers open (such as in Skype's instant Messenger) it acts like Nightly isn't my default browser, but under Control Panel --> Default Programs --> Set Default Programs it says it is. In the Waterfox options, it says that it's the default browser, and in the Nightly options, it says it isn't, but my computer thinks Nightly is the default. I am very confused, can anyone help me with this?

I've always used Firefox as my default browser. A few months ago, on my Windows 8 laptop (I always use it in desktop mode), I downloaded Nightly, because I wanted a 64 bit browser so that I could install 64 bit Java to make Minecraft run faster. At the time, I didn't know about Waterfox. Recently, I've been having a problem with Nightly where when I right-click on anything using Adobe Flash Player (flash games, YouTube videos, etc.) the plugin would crash. This doesn't happen in Internet Explorer, normal Firefox, or Waterfox. For that reason, and because I know nothing about programming and therefore Nightly was kinda pointless to me, and because the daily updates were kinda annoying, I wanted to change my default browser. I downloaded Waterfox and Pale Moon. I found I didn't like Pale Moon's different layout, so I never touched it again. I attempted to make Waterfox my default browser, but I ran into problems. Under Control Panel --> Default Programs --> Set Default Programs, Waterfox doesn't appear, but Nightly and Pale Moon do. However, Nightly and Pale Moon have the Waterfox logo instead of their own logos, but only under Control Panel --> Default Programs --> Set Default Programs. I'm not sure exactly what I did, but now, when I click on a link without any web browsers open (such as in Skype's instant Messenger) it acts like Nightly isn't my default browser, but under Control Panel --> Default Programs --> Set Default Programs it says it is. In the Waterfox options, it says that it's the default browser, and in the Nightly options, it says it isn't, but my computer thinks Nightly is the default. I am very confused, can anyone help me with this?

Modified by nmotsch789

All Replies (3)

John99
John99
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Are you able to change the default browser settings from within Waterfox in a similar manner as in Firefox ? I would imagine that may be done.

If that does not work then you may get an answer here, but you would probably do better asking elsewhere such as on a Mozillazine forum.

We do not support other browsers on this forum, or even routinely answer questions about Nightly especially the 64 bit Windows version.

It sounds to me as if you will need to inspect and change Registry settings, I was comfortable doing that on XP but have never yet even used Windows 8.

With XP registry editing was an advanced subject and potentially dangerous. It was always wise to backup the registry or at least the part you were about to modify before each and every edit. Editing mistakes can prevent the computer from working.

nmotsch789
nmotsch789 Question owner
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I'll try the Mozzilazine forums. If they can't help, I'll just give in and use Nightly. To clarify, though, I think the problem is with Nightly, not with Waterfox.

John99
John99
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No sure it will help 

To clarify, though, I think the problem is with Nightly, not with Waterfox.

If I run 64 bit Nightly on Linux

  • It does not crash running Flash Videos or right clicking them.
  • It will set to check on startup it is the default browser

Good luck with Mozillazine, they are usually helpful and knowledgeable. They are bound to have experience with Windows 8 and Firefox 64 bit Windows builds.