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Firefox can't update unless run as admin

  • 3 replies
  • 13 have this problem
  • 21 views
  • Last reply by robvip2442

Echyon
Echyon
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When using Windows 8, Firefox cannot update unless it is run as administrator, which is quite annoying. Especially now that I'm using Nightly, which updates every day. The reason for choosing Nightly was to preview the Firefox Metro App, which for unclear reasons also fails to work; I can only launch the desktop version, even though it has been set as the default browser. I'm using Windows 8 Pro x64 by the way.

When using Windows 8, Firefox cannot update unless it is run as administrator, which is quite annoying. Especially now that I'm using Nightly, which updates every day. The reason for choosing Nightly was to preview the Firefox Metro App, which for unclear reasons also fails to work; I can only launch the desktop version, even though it has been set as the default browser. I'm using Windows 8 Pro x64 by the way.

All Replies (3)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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If the background update service is installed and you approved it and also allow the Mozilla Maintenance Service program in the firewall then you should be able to get updates. If that isn't working then uninstall the Mozilla Maintenance Service and reinstall possibly as Administrator. You can do this by running the maintenanceservice_installer.exe program (possibly as Administrator if is doesn't ask for permission) in the Nightly (i.e. highest Firefox version) program installation folder

Echyon
Echyon Question owner
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Hi cor-el,

Thanks for your reply. I tried looking for the Maintenance Service, and although it appears in the list of installed Programs in the Control Panel, I could not find it in the Windows Firewall list. I created a custom rule for the service (which I assumed was the MaintenanceService.exe in the installation directory) to allow it through the firewall using the advanced settings in Windows Firewall, but Nightly still says it can't install the update...

robvip2442
robvip2442
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I have a similar issue. Any help on this?