why can't I access my add-ons
When I click the add-on button Firefox opens on a blank page with my add-on links on the left hand side. It opens selecting 'get add-ons' and all that shows is a box saying 'loading' and the rotating icon. They never load. Going down the links the next is 'extensions' resulting in a blank page and nothing else. Next is appearance where it show's a default and 3 other inactive links. Finally plugins where nothing seems wrong. All there as I remember. Some of my extensions seem to be working properly but others don;t How can I access these extensions and how do I get onto the add-on page?
All Replies (19)
It is possible that there is a problem with files in the profile folder that store the extensions registry.
Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.json, extensions.ini, extensions.sqlite) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.
New files will be created when required.
See "Corrupt extension files":
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Unable+to+install+add-ons
If you see disabled or not compatible extensions in "Firefox menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end of the Search bar to check if there is a compatibility update available.
If this didn't help then delete addons.json and possibly prefs.js in case there is a problem with preferences.
You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
Hello,
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Thank you!
I hope these screen shots help.
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?
Did you check for issues with the extensions files in the profile folder like I posted above?
As I said before some are working some not it's only visibility that's the problem. If I turn them off and start in safe mode and it doesn't change how do I turn them back on. I am not very experienced with computer workings only a tinkerer.
This is likely a problem with the extensions.* files in the Firefox profile folder, so you would have to check this out.
You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
Note that "AppData" (XP: Application Data; Mac: ~/Library; Linux: ~/.mozilla) is a hidden folder.
Windows hides some file extensions by default. Among them .html and .ini and .js and .txt and you may only see a file name without file extension. You can check the file extension (type) in the properties of the file in Windows Explorer via the right-click context menu or have the File type column visible.
As already stated I am not very experienced with computer workings only a tinkerer. cor-el I thank you for your help but this is a little deep and before I thy it I need to make sure I have back-ups to do first in the next few days. My problem is not presently causing difficulties so I am not going to rush into an area I'm not comfortable with.
Do not worry. Those files will be re-created by Firefox.
Thank you cor-el and FredMcD. I have done nothing with this due to personal problems at home and as most of the add-on were working I didn't rush to try your suggestions but an update on Facebook yesterday took care of that and wiped all my customization and add-ons so now I do have to do something. Will let you know the result.
An update on Facebook should not affect Firefox.
Sorry I meant Firefox.
Are you saying you updated Firefox, and lost your profile?
Look on your desktop. Do you see a folder called; Old Firefox?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
I think I found this problem. The update didn't cause loss of anything. What it did was turned off the add-on toolbar at the bottom of the page and what confused me was the Icon for add-on called Autofill forms was repositioned. It's usually in that toolbar.
Do you mean the add-ons bar at the bottom of the Firefox windows? The add-on bar was removed during one update by Mozilla for reasons no one understands. In some cases leaving lots of icons homeless.
Go to the Mozilla Add-ons Web Page {web link} (There’s a lot of good stuff here) and search for an add-on bar.
Many of us are using; Classic Theme Restorer (Customize Australis) {web link} Restore squared tabs, appmenu, add-ons bar, small button view and more on Australis UI (Windows/MacOSX/Linux + Fx 29+).
This will restore many of the things the last upgrades took away.
http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=2827985 Classic Theme Restorer - Discussion Thread (v2)
no. the add-on bar was turned off by the update. all I did was turn it on again. This is the second time this has happened.Classic theme restorer is one of my original add-on that I can't access which started this question thread.
You should be able to access it's settings thru the Add-ons Manager.
My original post started "When I click the add-on button Firefox opens on a blank page with my add-on links on the left hand side. It opens selecting 'get add-ons' and all that shows is a box saying 'loading' and the rotating icon. They never load. Going down the links the next is 'extensions' resulting in a blank page and nothing else" This is the add-on manager you mention and I have already it doesn't allow access. I am starting to feel as if we have gone full circle. I will try your solution in the next few days and let you know the outcome.
Modified by Dexawrek
Type chrome://mozapps/content/extensions/extensions.xul?<enter> in the address bar. Are the add-ons displayed? Disable Everything. Then restart Firefox. Is the manager working not?