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In updating to Firefox 59.0.1 it wants to install a "helper" or it won't update

  • 2 replies
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  • Last reply by Jaywalker

Jaywalker
Jaywalker
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I'm trying to update from FF 58x to FF 59x and the update appears to install then tries to restart. On restart it tells me it wants to install a "helper" and won't update to 59x without it. My extensions are: Disconnect, HTTPS Everywhere, New Tab Home Page, Privacy Badger, and uBlock Origin. Is this telling me some of my current add-ons need additional privileges? If so, it surely does look like a hacking attempt.

I'm trying to update from FF 58x to FF 59x and the update appears to install then tries to restart. On restart it tells me it wants to install a "helper" and won't update to 59x without it. My extensions are: Disconnect, HTTPS Everywhere, New Tab Home Page, Privacy Badger, and uBlock Origin. Is this telling me some of my current add-ons need additional privileges? If so, it surely does look like a hacking attempt.

Chosen solution

Hi, it very well maybe as some add-ons as when installed need to have info. Also helper usually is a uninstaller issue. It maybe wanting to update the add-ons.

Why not try this : Please go to Add-ons from 3 Bar Menu then at page top right the Gear Icon on and update add-ons.

Shut down Firefox : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files , C:\Program Files(x86) & C:\ProgramData Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do :

Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 59.0.1 with a Full Version Installer

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

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All Replies (2)

Shadow110
Shadow110
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Chosen Solution

Hi, it very well maybe as some add-ons as when installed need to have info. Also helper usually is a uninstaller issue. It maybe wanting to update the add-ons.

Why not try this : Please go to Add-ons from 3 Bar Menu then at page top right the Gear Icon on and update add-ons.

Shut down Firefox : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files , C:\Program Files(x86) & C:\ProgramData Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do :

Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 59.0.1 with a Full Version Installer

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

Jaywalker
Jaywalker Question owner
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I should have mentioned I'm running Mac OS 10.13.3.

I checked for needed updates for my add-ons and I was surprised I needed one (uBlock Origin) because I have "update automatically" checked.

I then went into About Firefox and checked for updates and this time it installed without a "helper" requirement.

Thanks. I wouldn't have expected to need to manually update but it did help.