Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Hi. I've installed the latest version of Firefox and I don't like it. How do I go about reverting to the earlier version (3.6.3 I think)? Thanks, Geoff

  • 3 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by Xircal

more options

I find that the latest version is very slow when accessing web pages. I want to go back to the earlier version to see if it's any better. How do I go about changing back?

I find that the latest version is very slow when accessing web pages. I want to go back to the earlier version to see if it's any better. How do I go about changing back?

Chosen solution

To revert to the previous secure version which is 3.6.17, please do the following:

  1. Go to Download Firefox v3.6.17 and download it to the desktop.

  2. Then go to Add/Remove Programs, scroll down to "Mozilla Firefox" and remove it, choosing to keep your bookmarks, customizations etc., (don't checkmark the box).

  3. Then reboot and delete the folder called "Mozilla Firefox" at this location: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

  4. Finally run the installation file you downloaded to the desktop earlier.

Your bookmarks, customizations etc., are maintained in a different location and will become available to you again once you complete the installation.


After you complete the installation, go to the Plugins Check page and update where necessary.


However, before you go that route, here are a few tips to make FF4 look like the previous version.

  • Right click a blank part of the tab bar and click "Tabs on top" to remove the checkmark. Tabs will subsequently reappear below the search bar.

  • Repeat the same steps, but click the top one called "Menu bar". This will reinstate the text links at the top.

  • To rearrange the layout, repeat the same steps again and choose "Customize". A panel will open and while that remains onscreen, you can move elements like toolbars, buttons etc around and place them anywhere you wish. You can also drag anything you don't like into that panel and add anything you want by dragging it out of there.

  • To replace the status bar at the foot of the page, install this add-on: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/status-4-evar/

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

more options

Chosen Solution

To revert to the previous secure version which is 3.6.17, please do the following:

  1. Go to Download Firefox v3.6.17 and download it to the desktop.

  2. Then go to Add/Remove Programs, scroll down to "Mozilla Firefox" and remove it, choosing to keep your bookmarks, customizations etc., (don't checkmark the box).

  3. Then reboot and delete the folder called "Mozilla Firefox" at this location: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

  4. Finally run the installation file you downloaded to the desktop earlier.

Your bookmarks, customizations etc., are maintained in a different location and will become available to you again once you complete the installation.


After you complete the installation, go to the Plugins Check page and update where necessary.


However, before you go that route, here are a few tips to make FF4 look like the previous version.

  • Right click a blank part of the tab bar and click "Tabs on top" to remove the checkmark. Tabs will subsequently reappear below the search bar.

  • Repeat the same steps, but click the top one called "Menu bar". This will reinstate the text links at the top.

  • To rearrange the layout, repeat the same steps again and choose "Customize". A panel will open and while that remains onscreen, you can move elements like toolbars, buttons etc around and place them anywhere you wish. You can also drag anything you don't like into that panel and add anything you want by dragging it out of there.

  • To replace the status bar at the foot of the page, install this add-on: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/status-4-evar/

more options

Great, tahnks for the info.

more options

You're welcome.

If it fixed the problem for you, could you please click the "Solved It" button next to the post which helped? This will help others searching for a solution to the same question.

Thanks.