when ever I run Firefox.exe I get an error of "The data is invalid" but if I rename firefox.exe to firefox1.exe it runs with no problems.
Ever since Firefox nightly did an update a few days ago, I have been unable to run it from the normal shortcut. I had to make a copy of the exe and rename it and only then would it work from the renamed file. If I click a link in Thunderbird, for example it still looks for Firefox.exe and not the renamed file. If I change the tile to Firefox.exe.bak so that only Firefox1.exe is accessible, I still have to run it manually from that new file name rather than the default. This is a new install of Windows 7 x64 Ultimate and this is the only time I have ever had problems with nightly. Now, when I restart the browser, it downloads a new firefox.exe and the error returns. I would rather try and fix the problem than remove all traces of it then reinstall, that would be like ignoring the problem and starting over which won't 'fix' the error that others might have.
Chosen solution
I have found the problem, my IObit Malware Fighter Pro was causing an issue with a setting under the browser protection section. If I have Download protection enabled, this error occurs. No other setting effects it, I have no idea why it would prevent firefox from running but that seemed to be the cause after the last update to firefox nightly.
A bit odd for that particular setting to effect the program from the point of execution, I went through everything in IObit software and there is nothing to say it's blocking firefox, very odd but for now disabling download protection is allowing it to run.
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screenshot of error
What's your computer system and Firefox version?
Let’s do a full clean re-install;
Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}
Beta, Developer, Nightly versions https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/channel/desktop/
Save the file. Then Close Firefox.
Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.
Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)
Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac
Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux
If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Look for, and remove any Mozilla or Firefox program folders. Do not remove the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.
Do Not remove any profile folders.
After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia
Years ago there was some malware that blocked alternative browsers that you could fool by adding a 1 to the executable file name. I'm not sure how easy it would be to search for specific solutions, but malware should be on your list of things to investigate.
Chosen Solution
I have found the problem, my IObit Malware Fighter Pro was causing an issue with a setting under the browser protection section. If I have Download protection enabled, this error occurs. No other setting effects it, I have no idea why it would prevent firefox from running but that seemed to be the cause after the last update to firefox nightly.
A bit odd for that particular setting to effect the program from the point of execution, I went through everything in IObit software and there is nothing to say it's blocking firefox, very odd but for now disabling download protection is allowing it to run.
That was very good work. Well done.