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Addblock plus won't download--says it can't modify a file

  • 4 replies
  • 13 have this problem
  • 21 views
  • Last reply by Joe.K

Joe.K
Joe.K
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I previously had Adblock Plus installed, but it stopped working several versions of Firefox (for mac) ago. The add-ons manager/extensions says I have version 2.3.2 and it is disabled. When I tried to add the latest version from the get addons page, I first get a dialog asking if I want to install the file; when I select "install now", I get a box saying that "Adblock plus could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the necessary file" I also downloaded and installed AnonymoX, which appeared to install successfully, but I find no icons or controls, no way to start it up, control its function, or verify that it is in fact installed/working. There is no icon window at the bottom of my Firefox window (or anywhere else that I can find).

I previously had Adblock Plus installed, but it stopped working several versions of Firefox (for mac) ago. The add-ons manager/extensions says I have version 2.3.2 and it is disabled. When I tried to add the latest version from the get addons page, I first get a dialog asking if I want to install the file; when I select "install now", I get a box saying that "Adblock plus could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the necessary file" I also downloaded and installed AnonymoX, which appeared to install successfully, but I find no icons or controls, no way to start it up, control its function, or verify that it is in fact installed/working. There is no icon window at the bottom of my Firefox window (or anywhere else that I can find).

Chosen solution

Hello,

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.

Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

Read this answer in context 👍 6

All Replies (4)

iamjayakumars
iamjayakumars
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Chosen Solution

Hello,

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.

Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Try to delete the ABP file (.xpi) or folder in the extensions folder in the Firefox profile folder.

Look for a name like this: 

{d10d0bf8-f5b5-c8b4-a8b2-2b9879e08c5d}

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

Modified by cor-el

Joe.K
Joe.K Question owner
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i found the profile file, but couldn't find any .xpi file or folder in it.

Joe.K
Joe.K Question owner
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Resetting Firefox fixed both my problems. Thanks for the help to both respondents.

Modified by Joe.K