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I'm getting Could not initialize the application's security component, when opening Firefox and I can't bookmark anymore, why?

  • 7 replies
  • 264 have this problem
  • 14 views
  • Last reply by prahalad

lliddel
lliddel
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Here is the message I get when I open Firefox; Could not initialize the application's security component. The most likely cause is problems with files in your application's profile directory. Please check that this directory has no read/write restrictions and your hard disk is not full or close to full. It is recommended that you exit the application and fix the problem. If you continue to use this session, you might see incorrect application behaviour when accessing security features. Plus I can't bookmark anymore.

Here is the message I get when I open Firefox; Could not initialize the application's security component. The most likely cause is problems with files in your application's profile directory. Please check that this directory has no read/write restrictions and your hard disk is not full or close to full. It is recommended that you exit the application and fix the problem. If you continue to use this session, you might see incorrect application behaviour when accessing security features. Plus I can't bookmark anymore.

All Replies (7)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Rename secmod.db (secmod.db.old) in the Profile Folder in case there is a problem with the file.

You may have to rename cert8.db (cert8.db.old) as well.
Firefox will create new files.

jilipolla
jilipolla
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Renaming/deleting secmod.db and cert8.db didn't work, I had to create a new profile as described at http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager

Sonny Wadstedt
Sonny Wadstedt
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"cor-el" answer woks like charm, tnx man.... //Cut Creator

Modified by Sonny Wadstedt

lml12
lml12
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My solution was (Firefox12, portable version, WinXP, without install rights):

1. on the Firefox\data\profile folder: Right click, Security, Advanced, select myself,

2. Uncheck Inherit from parent permission... (Copy) then

3. Press Edit, and set full control, Apply onto: This folder, subfolders and files, Apply

4. Delete from profiles folder: cert8.db, key3.db, secmod.db

Finally: Start Firefox

Modified by lml12

pdaoust
pdaoust
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I have this problem but I do not find the files referred to in searching my Mac. Even if I removed and re-install FireFox, still can't get it to work - that long security error keeps coming up.

Hasan
Hasan
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See this article -> Fix the "Could not initialize the application's security component" error message

Check and tell if its working.

prahalad
prahalad
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I had the same problem and I resolved it by deleting the cert.db file. Remember that you had to close the firefox when deleting the cert.db file and read and should have write permissions on cert.db file.

The following page helped me :

Could not initialize the application's security component