Firefox should not block programs outside of itself. Also, I don't think there were any changes in how Firefox works due to Heartbleed.

Let's start with websites being blocked. What does that look like? Do you get an SSL certificate error page? Or do you get the mixed content block (shield icon) on the address bar? Or do you get the warning that the site is involved in phishing/malware? The more specific you can be about this, the better, since it may be an add-on or external filter feature that we need to track down.

When you download an executable (installer), are you trying to launch it from Firefox's download list? Does it work any better to click the folder icon on the right side of the item to "Open Containing Folder" and launch it from there?

Windows update needs to run through IE, either in the browser itself, or using the Control Panel widget. Firefox does not support the ActiveX controls used by the update site to scan the registry for previously installed update.

For malware cleaning advice, there are a couple of dedicated forums listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. Those will be much more familiar with the safe use of the tools than we are here.

Make sure that your security software isn't causing these issues.

Boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support (press F8 on the boot screen) as a test to see if that helps.

• http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/

I have tried everything you suggested but neither Safe Mode w/ or w/o Networking works. I still don't have 'Run as Admin' commands for anything. Firefox only opens when I use gadgets link at bottom right to get more gadgets online. I am still unable to install RKill or Minitoolbox. Microsoft suggested installing a FixIt tool and KB947821 MS Update for Win 7. FixIt gives me Error 0x800B010E while KB947821 gives me Error 0x80240009 when I try to install! I feel sure if I could get that Run as Admin command back I'd be fine. I can't open Internet Explorer either. I cannot open any of my programs. Now Windows Update won't open either. Clicking on Open won't work on any of my programs in start bar or task bar. I am going to try another system restore back as far as I can go. Then I'll try to install KB947821 and the FixIt tool for Windows Update reset. I am so frustrated I hope I don't get so depressed that I do something desperate! The web's my whole world. Without it, what reason do I have to go on with my lousy miserable life? Hope somebody has an answer for me soon. Thanks.

Firefox should not block programs outside of itself. Also, I don't think there were any changes in how Firefox works due to Heartbleed.

It has a line at top that says Firefox did not allow the program to open. I hit Allow and sometimes it disapears but usually it keeps coming back up.

Let's start with websites being blocked. What does that look like? Do you get an SSL certificate error page? Or do you get the mixed content block (shield icon) on the address bar? Or do you get the warning that the site is involved in phishing/malware? The more specific you can be about this, the better, since it may be an add-on or external filter feature that we need to track down.

None of the above.

When you download an executable (installer), are you trying to launch it from Firefox's download list?

Yes.

Does it work any better to click the folder icon on the right side of the item to "Open Containing Folder" and launch it from there?

That won't work either.

Windows update needs to run through IE, either in the browser itself, or using the Control Panel widget. Firefox does not support the ActiveX controls used by the update site to scan the registry for previously installed update.

I am trying to find the page that tells me which IE I have and whether it's working or not but the page won't open.

For malware cleaning advice, there are a couple of dedicated forums listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. Those will be much more familiar with the safe use of the tools than we are here.

How do I know exactly what those detected objects are that Malwarebytes claims are dangerous? How do I know which registry entries are OK to delete/quarantine?

Thanks for the help guys.

Hi Jack, it definitely sounds like some setting in Windows is crossed up, because executable programs should not need Firefox in order to run. For assistance with Windows 7 issues, you could try a forum like: http://windowssecrets.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/52-Windows-7-Forum

Regarding your Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results, you may need to post the list for review on one of the malware cleanup forums I mentioned. I don't feel confident advising you on that.

Thanks jscher, I took your advice. Turned out that I am already a member over there at The Lounge. They helped me before so we'll just have to hope for the best. I just cannot figure out how I lost those Run as admin commands. I did manage to install KB947821 for wusa.exe (Win Update) but MS FixIt, RKill, minitoolbox just will not install for me. Thanks for all the help everyone- Jack