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Cannot install add-ons error: "Add-on could not be installed because Firefox could not modify the needed file"
I've run into a troublesome error with Firefox for probably eight months now, so I have not been using the browser. Whenever I attempt to install ANY add-on from the Fire… (funda kabanzi)
I've run into a troublesome error with Firefox for probably eight months now, so I have not been using the browser. Whenever I attempt to install ANY add-on from the Firefox add-ons page, I get the message "[Add-on name] could not be installed because Firefox could not modify the needed file". Furthermore, attempting to download the add-on file manually (should it be available on a github page or the like) leads to the same message or a notification that the download failed.
As a matter of fact, downloading almost any kind of file on Firefox inevitably fails. The exact notification is shown in the upper-right corner of the browser window, where downloads are shown, and beneath the file in question is an indicator that says "Failed". Everything from .png to .zip to .exe appears in the downloads queue for a second, then fails.
I have tried every solution the Firefox add-on troubleshooting page has suggested, including solutions suggested in other threads, such as deleting/creating new profiles. I have also attempted to completely reinstall Firefox on multiple occasions, as well as the refresh Firefox option.
To recount, the following troubleshoot solutions did not work:
--Everything on the Firefox add-on troubleshooting page --Restart Firefox --Refresh Firefox --Create new Firefox profile and attempt to install add-ons from there --Delete and renew the extensions* files from the profile root folder --Modifying the xpinstall.signatures.required in about:config (true or false, doesn't matter) --Modifying the extensions.alwaysUnpack in about:config (again, true or false, doesn't matter) --Double-checking allow list and permissions on local firewall and antivirus software (the app is protected, add-ons are allowed) --Disabling antivirus software --Running Firefox as Administrator --Reinstall Firefox --Restarting PC
If I want to download a file or add an extension, I need to switch to a different browser such as a chromium-based one or Microsoft Edge to download the file. In the case of add-ons, I switch browsers, download the file, and select the "install add-on from file" option under "manage extensions" in about:addons.
One final thing. It seems that sometimes streaming sites won't work on Firefox (even with ad-blocker disabled or the site allowed through the ad-blocker), and sometimes video won't properly load either. These things work fine on other browsers.
I really like Firefox as a browser and enjoy the privacy it provides built-in. I didn't have any of these issues up until last year and I was forced to switch over. I would really appreciate any help with this.