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Reinstall not free from previous program data; WHY?

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by James

Jim
Jim
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Tried to install new virus protection program. Symbol worked one time fine; then disappeared. Tried to remove Qwant homepage and change to google was denied/ didn't work or function. Removed Firefox and tried to reinstall clean.... Always installed with the old setup.... If It's my computer it should work Like I want it to... so uninstall and then reinstall....same crap

WHY?

Tried to install new virus protection program. Symbol worked one time fine; then disappeared. Tried to remove Qwant homepage and change to google was denied/ didn't work or function. Removed Firefox and tried to reinstall clean.... Always installed with the old setup.... If It's my computer it should work Like I want it to... so uninstall and then reinstall....same crap WHY?

All Replies (3)

Mkll
Mkll
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Hello,

The Refresh feature (called "Reset" in older Firefox versions) can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your bookmarks, history, passwords, cookies, and other essential information.

Note: When you use this feature, you will lose any extensions, toolbar customizations, and some preferences. See the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article for more information.

To Refresh Firefox:

  1. Open the Troubleshooting Information page using one of these methods:
    • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click help Help-29 and select Troubleshooting Information. A new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
    • If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page.
  2. At the top right corner of the page, you should see a button that says "Refresh Firefox" ("Reset Firefox" in older Firefox versions). Click on it.
  3. Firefox will close. After the refresh process is completed, Firefox will show a window with the information that is imported.
  4. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.

Did this fix the problem? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
  • Moderator
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Very purposely when Firefox is uninstalled the users Firefox data is not removed, for protection of the users data. Extra steps are necessary to delete user data. Many applications work like that; program files are stored separate from the user data - as setup in the operating system.

Doing the Refresh as advised will give you a "clean slate".

James
James
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles

As you likely realized the settings like your Bookmarks, Passwords and such are not in the Firefox program folder.