Why can't the upgrade procedure be re-scheduled to warn users BEFORE they upgrade that they are going to lose add-on functionality that they've been relying on for years? This is NOT a trivial affair - read the other 'complaints' !!
For the second time in my experience, a Firefox upgrade has led to lost functionality when add-ons are found to be incompatible. It is UNACCEPTABLE that the user is not fore-warned about this loss. It is irrelevant that the add-ons are third party: if Firefox can 'discover' the problem AFTER the upgrade, it can warn us BEFORE the upgrade. I love Firefox, but you have already lost one of my sons as a user because of what he sees as a casual disregard for the users' personal choices. You give us the facility to personalise Firefox. Fantastic! Then cripple us when we innocently make an upgrade. How much more of your user-base do you want to lose??
Réiteach roghnaithe
As a long time user of Firefox (and Netscape), I tend to agree with you that some type of compatibility checking should be done before the actual Firefox version upgrade takes place. I never install a new version of Firefox over my prior version. I admit that I am a more advanced user and generally start using new Firefox versions during the beta testing period and install the beta, with a required separate profile, to test the new product and to test Add-on compatibility. I know that is not possible or practical for all users.
The following extension can save you some of the frustration.
- It add a "Dump List" options to the Add-on screen
- It will show the compatible Mozilla products and versions for each Extension.
- I do not believe that Extensions installed from sites other than the Mozilla Add-ons site are included; you will need to check the site from which you downloaded the Extension or with the developer of the Extension for updating plans for the new Firefox version.
- I have it installed and I use it as a first step before contacting Extension developers and or visiting their forums/home pages in search of beta versions of their Extension(s) for new versions of Firefox.
- This will help only if you do not allow automatic updates to Firefox; most especially new versions (i.e., Firefox 3.x to Firefox 4). See:
Extension List Dumper: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/extension-list-dumper/
Read this answer in context 👍 3All Replies (6)
@Midlandman: I disagree with you! :( .
@simon080: Which part do you disagree with?
Athraithe ag Midlandman ar
Réiteach Roghnaithe
As a long time user of Firefox (and Netscape), I tend to agree with you that some type of compatibility checking should be done before the actual Firefox version upgrade takes place. I never install a new version of Firefox over my prior version. I admit that I am a more advanced user and generally start using new Firefox versions during the beta testing period and install the beta, with a required separate profile, to test the new product and to test Add-on compatibility. I know that is not possible or practical for all users.
The following extension can save you some of the frustration.
- It add a "Dump List" options to the Add-on screen
- It will show the compatible Mozilla products and versions for each Extension.
- I do not believe that Extensions installed from sites other than the Mozilla Add-ons site are included; you will need to check the site from which you downloaded the Extension or with the developer of the Extension for updating plans for the new Firefox version.
- I have it installed and I use it as a first step before contacting Extension developers and or visiting their forums/home pages in search of beta versions of their Extension(s) for new versions of Firefox.
- This will help only if you do not allow automatic updates to Firefox; most especially new versions (i.e., Firefox 3.x to Firefox 4). See:
Extension List Dumper: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/extension-list-dumper/
@Helper7677: Many thanks for your comprehensive answer. I've marked it as 'solving' my problem, simply because it's SO nice to have someone take an interest and 'listen' to the issues involved. BTW - I too go back to Netscape times: happy days!
Loss of add-on functionality is frustrating to say the least! Difficult to accept taking a step backwards when FF4 has been so touted. PS was the handiest add-on IMO. The developer is asking for a contribution. I would provide such if the developer would at least address the issue of FF4 compatibility.
Upset to find my favorite addons are now incompatible. Want to uninstall current Firefox!
Karen