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firefox deleted???

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  • 2 have this problem
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  • Last reply by FredMcD

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I've had firefox for years and used it just the other day. I go to open it today and my computer says that it's missing? My control panel says it's not installed. A file search can only find old EXE files from five years ago. What the fuck could have happened?

Did some update from firefox or windows do this? Could it be a hacker or malware? I can't imagine that bad hardware could do this. Is it possible I turned off the computer during a defragmenting session and that lost the files? Is there any way anyone knows to recover it? I still have opera installed, but I can't for the life of me figure out how it's suddenly just missing, it makes no sense. I used it the other day with no problem.

I have Windows 7 64 bit, Opera (and firefox) installed as browsers. I hope someone can help as I'm starting to freak out. I had a TON of tabs open.

I've had firefox for years and used it just the other day. I go to open it today and my computer says that it's missing? My control panel says it's not installed. A file search can only find old EXE files from five years ago. What the fuck could have happened? Did some update from firefox or windows do this? Could it be a hacker or malware? I can't imagine that bad hardware could do this. Is it possible I turned off the computer during a defragmenting session and that lost the files? Is there any way anyone knows to recover it? I still have opera installed, but I can't for the life of me figure out how it's suddenly just missing, it makes no sense. I used it the other day with no problem. I have Windows 7 64 bit, Opera (and firefox) installed as browsers. I hope someone can help as I'm starting to freak out. I had a TON of tabs open.

Chosen solution

Firefox comes in two or more folders on all computers. They are;

Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And one folder in the profile of each user on the computer.

If you remove the Firefox folder, the user folders would not be affected.


Let’s do a full clean re-install; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} 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.

Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done.


If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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Chosen Solution

Firefox comes in two or more folders on all computers. They are;

Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And one folder in the profile of each user on the computer.

If you remove the Firefox folder, the user folders would not be affected.


Let’s do a full clean re-install; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} 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.

Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done.


If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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Thank you so much Fred! I was able to get my tabs back, which is a huge load off my mind. Thank you!

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Glad to help. Safe Surfing.