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Need ff to release proxy setting - uninstall of new versions won't release

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In the past our systems used a Proxy server, now they don't, and when FF opens it takes forever to open because it is trying to access the proxy. I have been able to remove older versions and it would ask in the uninstall if I wanted to keep settings (i believe user settings), if I checked the box during an uninstall, it would release the proxy server data on the new install. Then when I reinstalled FF, it would pull settings from IE and Internet settings. Newer versions keep proxy server settings, even though I remove Mozilla from C: Program Files. I have set up the settings as an administrator, and then when another person logs on, it doesn't pull the setup data. How can I get around this, I love FF, but I have many users that want to use it but they think it doesn't work so they use other browsers.  :-(

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

In the past our systems used a Proxy server, now they don't, and when FF opens it takes forever to open because it is trying to access the proxy. I have been able to remove older versions and it would ask in the uninstall if I wanted to keep settings (i believe user settings), if I checked the box during an uninstall, it would release the proxy server data on the new install. Then when I reinstalled FF, it would pull settings from IE and Internet settings. Newer versions keep proxy server settings, even though I remove Mozilla from C: Program Files. I have set up the settings as an administrator, and then when another person logs on, it doesn't pull the setup data. How can I get around this, I love FF, but I have many users that want to use it but they think it doesn't work so they use other browsers. :-( Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

All Replies (3)

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hello ITTECH, customization data like the proxy settings are stored in the firefox profile folder (how to find your profile) which separate from the install directory.

you could also lock your proxy settings in firefox for all users of a pc independet of what they have set in their profile with the method described in http://kb.mozillazine.org/Locking_preferences you would need to add the following line into mozilla.cfg for forcing the use of the system's proxy settings:

//
lockPref("network.proxy.type", 5);
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Within option 1 there are no specifics where in the profile an alteration can be made for proxy servers. I have found that if I remove the entire profile, Firefox doesn't let me back in.  :-( (Time to reimage.)

I really would like an easier option than the second one. I am not a programmer, and am not comfortable with the steps listed. Is there any way I could go back to previous versions that allowed uninstall/reinstall, and it would take the updated settings?

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Instead of deleting your profile, try creating a new one. Here's how:

Create a new Firefox profile

A new profile will have your system-installed plugins (e.g., Flash) and extensions (e.g., security suite toolbars), but no themes, other extensions, or other customizations. It also should come with completely fresh settings databases and a fresh cache folder. However, if there is a lock file in Firefox's program folder, those preferences will be pushed into the new profile settings as well.

Exit Firefox and start up in the Profile Manager using Start > search box (or Run) -- type or paste the following and press Enter:

firefox.exe -P

Don't delete anything here.

Any time you want to switch profiles, exit Firefox and return to this dialog.

Click the Create Profile button, assign a name like March16, and ignore the option to change the folder location. Then start Firefox in the new profile you created.

Any improvement?

When returning to the Profile Manager, you might be tempted to use the Delete Profile button. But... it's a bit too easy to accidentally delete your "real" profile, so I recommend resisting the temptation. If you do want to clean up later, I suggest making a backup of all your profiles first in case something were to go wrong.