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Are the following extensions still safe to use with Firefox? Yahoo Toolbar, McAfee WebAdvisor, & Skype Click to Call

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I've had these extensions installed since February 2015 when I purchased my new computer. They've always worked fine, but this morning I noticed they each say, "McAfee WebAdvisor/Skype Click to Call/Yahoo Toolbar could not be verified for use in Firefox. Proceed with caution." All of theses extensions were download from their respective websites. Should I be concerned about this?

I've had these extensions installed since February 2015 when I purchased my new computer. They've always worked fine, but this morning I noticed they each say, "McAfee WebAdvisor/Skype Click to Call/Yahoo Toolbar could not be verified for use in Firefox. Proceed with caution." All of theses extensions were download from their respective websites. Should I be concerned about this?

Chosen solution

In the future, Firefox will refuse to run unsigned extensions. However, the first step being taken in Firefox 40 is to warn you that you have some so you can check for updates and/or inform the publisher about this impending problem.

I'm sure those three companies are aware of this change. What they need to do is submit their add-ons to Mozilla for review and signing some time before Firefox 41 is released and presumably they will.

If they don't, please complain to them!

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All Replies (16)

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no, in this case you don't have to be concerned, since those are all reputable addons - it's a call to action for their vendors though, since they will need to get these extensions signed by mozilla as they will be disabled starting with firefox 41 otherwise.

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Chosen Solution

In the future, Firefox will refuse to run unsigned extensions. However, the first step being taken in Firefox 40 is to warn you that you have some so you can check for updates and/or inform the publisher about this impending problem.

I'm sure those three companies are aware of this change. What they need to do is submit their add-ons to Mozilla for review and signing some time before Firefox 41 is released and presumably they will.

If they don't, please complain to them!

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I couldn't tell when last I use Yahoo Toolbar on Firefox. Since the changes I have lost lots of my saved bookmarks on this toobar. I have given up on FF because it crashes too frequently and too many unresponsive issues. It's a pity this browser has always been my default far back.

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Also I disappointed i'm not allowed to use skype Add-ons before I'b open Outlook and chat with friends while reading mails. It's no longer possible to Skype Chat, everything all gone wrong using Firefox.

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Hi inspiration, if you recently updated to Firefox 43 and discovered that some of your unverified extensions are no longer enabled, that is normal. Firefox 43 is the first version that enforces a signing requirement.

For Yahoo, try installing this version: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/yahoo-toolbar/

For Skype, I think you'll need to try updating from Microsoft.

As a temporary workaround, you can make an exception to the signing requirement until the unsigned extensions get updated. This is global for all extensions, there's currently no way to only make an exception for particular extensions.

(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button promising to be careful.

(2) In the search box above the list, type or paste xpin and pause while the list is filtered

(3) Double-click the xpinstall.signatures.required preference to switch it from true to false -- note that this is for Firefox 43 only

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Hi Jscher2000, thanks for quick response. I will re-installed Yahoo and try again. I'm not accustomed to using Google Chrome but since last Dec I have no choice as Firefox has too many issues. What about crash, I have been trying to slowly go back to FF, but it's either unresponsive with a freeze or crash after exit.

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Hi inspiration, for crashes I suggest starting a new question. Two things that would be useful to mention are:

(1) Crash reports

If you are getting the Mozilla Crash Reporter form, your Firefox may have logged some data that would help track down the cause of the problem. You can submit that data to Mozilla and share it with forum volunteers to see whether it points to the solution. Please check the support article "Firefox crashes - asking for support" for steps to get those crash report IDs from the about:crashes page, and then include some of the recent ones in your new question.

(2) Any difference in Firefox's Safe Mode

Also and/or meanwhile, could you test in Firefox's Safe Mode? That temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, and some other advanced features of Firefox that might make it more prone to crashing on some systems.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

If it's better or the same, please indicate that in the new question.

You can start a new question at the following link. Scroll down past the suggestions to continue submitting your question: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/desktop/fix-problems

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Hello Jscher2000, Here is a screenshot of installed Yahoo Toolbar from link you've suggested! Thanks for helping.

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Hi inspiration, I don't know why the Yahoo! Toolbar isn't retrieving its data from Yahoo. Does it ever ask you to log in? (I tested that toolbar once but do not use it normally.)

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Yahoo has a new update yesterday that should work now.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/yahoo-toolbar/

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Hi,

What does this mean? Firefox 43 is the first version that enforces a signing requirement. I always sign in to all my accounts because they need me to. Up to now there's no way I can get Yahoo toolbar working all the only thing installed is an envelope which when selected don't even move.

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inspiration said

What does this mean? Firefox 43 is the first version that enforces a signing requirement.

Only extensions submitted to the Mozilla Add-ons team for signature are allowed to run in Firefox. So Yahoo needs to apply for that, not you.

Up to now there's no way I can get Yahoo toolbar working all the only thing installed is an envelope which when selected don't even move.

The new version doesn't work any better? You might need to check with Yahoo on why that is happening.

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Jscher2000, guess what? At last it’s possible to access Yahoo Toolbar, I have spent the whole evening and this morning searching for the right Yahoo Toolbar that when installed on IE as I have never used Internet Explorer before. I'm a very careful person, not to install stuff from unknown sites. I’ve found a yahoo download for Windows 10 but reluctantly installed it as it was from yahoo.com. I refuse from using the other sites download…. Anyway, I bang... it worked on IE, so now I've Yahoo Toolbar and access to my saved bookmarks.

While browsing I noticed there was a message under yahoo toolbar suggesting I install Yahoo Toolbar for Firefox. My thought is not this time because I no longer have Firefox installed. I am angry because I no longer have my favourite browser use and love most. Then one mind says give it a try I did.... and guess what Firefox was downloaded an installed with Yahoo Toolbar with all its features including Yahoo Toolbar. So I'm happy now :D One thing. I’ve checked Firefox Extension Add-ons and it continues to show the Yahoo toolbar could not be verified for use in Firefox. Proceed with caution. I've posted a snapshot of current Add-ons with warning. All I can say I hope there's no more issues when Firefox update.

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A new version that is dated 2015-12-29 is available from the official Addons.Mozilla.Org website - as James posted on 12-30 in this thread. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/yahoo-toolbar/

Shame on Yahoo for still supplying an unverified Yahoo Toolbar add-on with their Firefox program downloads.

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I got it working this morning on FF after installed to IE for Windows 10. Thanks!

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locking this thread - has gone off the original topic