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An update was downloaded without my permission, and it says Install pending... how do I prevent it from installing?

  • 8 replies
  • 9 have this problem
  • 138 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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I made the mistake of clicking "check for updates" because it instead downloaded the update. I have my settings set to "check for updates but let me choose whether to install them" but the "Check for Updates" button does not allow me to choose... they're downloaded immediately.

This is a serious violation of my trust in Firefox and I will not allow these updates to be installed. If I can't stop them... I will uninstall Firefox and wash my hands of Mozilla permanently.

Firefox 14.0.1 Mac OS X 10.7.5

I made the mistake of clicking "check for updates" because it instead downloaded the update. I have my settings set to "check for updates but let me choose whether to install them" but the "Check for Updates" button does not allow me to choose... they're downloaded immediately. This is a serious violation of my trust in Firefox and I will not allow these updates to be installed. If I can't stop them... I will uninstall Firefox and wash my hands of Mozilla permanently. Firefox 14.0.1 Mac OS X 10.7.5

Chosen solution

If files already have been downloaded then remove the files in the updates and updates/0 folder in the Firefox application folder.

You can also delete active-update.xml and possibly updates.xml (this will clear the update history).

Read this answer in context 👍 6

All Replies (8)

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The check for update but don't don't install only applies to automatic updates. It doesn't apply if you click the update button yourself. Also, running such an old version of Firefox leaves you at serious risk for attack or loss of personal information. You should update to 16.0.2 immediately to stay secure.

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The "check for update but don't don't install" should apply to all update checks, run by me manually or automatically... because that is how I want it. If I didn't want it that way, why did I set it to that in the settings? Because I thought it might be fun?

Additionally, the button says "check for updates" not "install updates." Either Mozilla should change the name of the button or change it so the settings apply to it as well, as I had assumed it had.

I am not necessarily opposed to the update, but I am definitely opposed to it being forced on me despite my preference being indicated via the settings.

What I was forced to do was un-install Firefox in its entirety then re-install the 14.0 version, and that's the version I shall use for the forseeable future, until I can be assured the makers of Firefox will not wilfully ignore my wishes again.

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Please remember that by using an old and out of date version of Firefox you are leaving yourself open to many known security vulnerabilities that are being exploited in the wild. Not updating is simply leaving yourself open to these attacks (which anti-virus and firewall won't protect you from 100%).

The update button could have a better wording, I know this is something that is being discussed, so I'd suggest you update to 16.0.2, and when the button is changed you'll have to update to a newer version anyway to get that change.

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Sorry but no. I need to see concrete action taken regarding this issue before I change anything. I don't trust Mozilla at the moment, because apparently my wishes (in the form of settings) are to be ignored at will.

Blatantly misleading functions in software demands a fix, not a discussion or consideration of a fix. There's clearly a flaw, it needs to be dealt with.

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Chosen Solution

If files already have been downloaded then remove the files in the updates and updates/0 folder in the Firefox application folder.

You can also delete active-update.xml and possibly updates.xml (this will clear the update history).

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There are two issues here: being able to delete/prevent the downloaded files is the resulting issue which has been resolved here but the main issue ignored - is that the wording of the button is incorrect or at best ambiguous.

The button should be worded "download latest update"

I run a stable system, and nothing is upgraded before it is checked and tested. I need to know the latest version so I clicked upon "check latest version" as I need to know which version... but nothing more -

Reason: so I may see whether my plugins are compatible to the next stable version of FF.

Aberrant behaviour: It downloaded the next version which I specifically did not want to do.

This needs to be fixed.

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If you merely want to know the version of Firefox you are currently using, open Help > Troubleshooting Information.

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Hi beededea

Are you on Mac as just like the creator of this thread?

Plugins are usually compatible with the current Firefox release, but if you mean extensions then things may be different.

Modified by cor-el