Some plugins may automatically update, but often the file you download will need to be saved then run (find it then double click, or rightclick and run) or if it is an .XPI filetype opened with firefox before the update takes place. You may need to disable security software, and use an XP admin account rather than a limited user account. Have a look at * https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/ You should be able to update your plugins by visiting the above linked page. The page should have instructions and links to other instructions. <s>(Right now the page could be faulty and be showing instructions for more then one Firefox version or operating System)</s> _{'''edit''' think it is just my memory that is faulty}