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after Windows Explorer recursive failure, FireFox 3.6.? won't open, uninstall, or re-intall (with message saying FireFox must be closed)

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  • 7 have this problem
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  • Last reply by bruffy

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Windows Vista. Explorer went into a fast recursive open & shut cycle upon double-clicking a wrong file. Used manual shutdown. Explorer did the same two more times (double click on a proper? file) Now I can't get FireFox to open. Icon just flickers. Uninstall and reinstall both fail with message that FireFox must be closed before proceding. I am separately pursuing answers from Microsoft re Explorer failure, but would like my Firefox back.

Windows Vista. Explorer went into a fast recursive open & shut cycle upon double-clicking a wrong file. Used manual shutdown. Explorer did the same two more times (double click on a proper? file) Now I can't get FireFox to open. Icon just flickers. Uninstall and reinstall both fail with message that FireFox must be closed before proceding. I am separately pursuing answers from Microsoft re Explorer failure, but would like my Firefox back.

Modified by bruffy

All Replies (3)

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Solved. The Vista "restore" was the answer. Thanks!

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So, how do I "restore" Firefox on Vista then? Makes me a bit nervous clicking too much stuff on the "backup" menu.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

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My problem with FF turned out to be within Vista. Something (unknown) in the registries had been corrupted, and restoring to before that (unknown) mishap cleared the problem. All my files were OK, and the automatic weekly restore point generation I use will enable the same recovery if the problem occurs again. If so, I will have another chance to trace its origin. Meanwhile, back in business.

I found System Restore from the Start Menu/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore. Details on its use there.