Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How do I get Firefox 18.0.1 (Windows XP 32-bit) to complete its update?

  • 3 cavab
  • 4 have this problem
  • 9 views
  • Last reply by John99

more options

I was having some problems with Firefox and so, a week ago, I chose to "refesh" (the term I believe the Moilla website window used) with a download of Firefox 18.0.1. I followed all instructions and was not aware of any difficulties in the download or installation until, having restarted my computer to complete the update, I could not do anything involving the Internet because a notice from SETUP showed each and every time: "Your computer must be restarted to complete a previous upgrade of FireFox. Do you want to reboot now?" Ultimately, I had to install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in order to resume my activities, but the invitation to restart appears at the most inopportune times. Please note: NOTHING associated with the actual application (including any and all attempts to uninstall using "Add or Remove Programs" and other Uninstall programs) can be started because the SETUP message precludes it.

I was having some problems with Firefox and so, a week ago, I chose to "refesh" (the term I believe the Moilla website window used) with a download of Firefox 18.0.1. I followed all instructions and was not aware of any difficulties in the download or installation until, having restarted my computer to complete the update, I could not do anything involving the Internet because a notice from SETUP showed each and every time: "Your computer must be restarted to complete a previous upgrade of FireFox. Do you want to reboot now?" Ultimately, I had to install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in order to resume my activities, but the invitation to restart appears at the most inopportune times. Please note: NOTHING associated with the actual application (including any and all attempts to uninstall using "Add or Remove Programs" and other Uninstall programs) can be started because the SETUP message precludes it.

All Replies (3)

more options

Sorry you are having problems.

Not suer I understand what is happening, and I wonder if you have somehow tried the wrong site.

If you have a recent version of Firefox then by default it upgrades automatically about every six weeks. (Or more frequently e.g. 18 -> 18.0.1 -> 18.0.2)

You will not normally need to uninstall Firefox to upgrade, and should certainly normally avoid any options to remove personal information (because that destroys bookmarks and passwords etc.)

Check that your security related software is not interfering by blocking changes. If that is not the problem then you should be able to delete the update files (delete "active-update.xml", "updates.xml", and the "updates" folder). Please see these articles

Then get the latest version from

and run the installer to install over the existing Firefox 18.

more options

I haven't been able to locate any FireFox update files to delete but I'm working on it.

more options

Did you note that some files may be hidden

Modified by John99