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How can I re-install firefox without losing my data. It is Infested with ADS BY bame.

  • 4 replies
  • 5 have this problem
  • 5002 views
  • Last reply by peet_nell

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Firefox is infested with "Ads by name".

How can I get rid of it or how can I Re-Install firefox without losing any data?

Firefox is infested with "Ads by name". How can I get rid of it or how can I Re-Install firefox without losing any data?

Chosen solution

There is a rash of that going around and the solution is not yet 100% clear. I suggest trying the reinstall this way:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean -- and do not contain alien code files. As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.

(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 37.0.1 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(3) Rename the program folder

(32-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(64-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
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Chosen Solution

There is a rash of that going around and the solution is not yet 100% clear. I suggest trying the reinstall this way:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean -- and do not contain alien code files. As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.

(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 37.0.1 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(3) Rename the program folder

(32-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(64-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
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Couple other suggestions:

Open the Windows Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help surface innocent sounding bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Take out as much trash as possible here.

Also, could you check whether Firefox has a non-standard connection setting? You can do that here:

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Advanced > Network mini-tab > "Settings" button

The default "Use system proxy settings" should piggyback on your Windows/IE "LAN" settings. But you can try "No proxy" to see whether that makes any difference.

Finally, our support article Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware lists cleaning tools other Firefox users have found useful. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.

Success?

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peet_nell said

Firefox is infested with "Ads by name". How can I get rid of it or how can I Re-Install firefox without losing any data?

Thanks. Problem Solved with no data loss!