Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

I want to install both the US version of FF and the Chinese Traditional Character version and use them both. How do I do this

  • 2 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

I want to use both the US english version of FF and I also want to use the Chinese (traditional Characters) verion of fire fox. But when I tried to install each of these two versions, they merged together and would only let me use the chinese version. is there a way to have both versions on my computer so I can use each one in its proper setting. Judd

I want to use both the US english version of FF and I also want to use the Chinese (traditional Characters) verion of fire fox. But when I tried to install each of these two versions, they merged together and would only let me use the chinese version. is there a way to have both versions on my computer so I can use each one in its proper setting. Judd

Chosen solution

Yes, I often use multiple versions of firefox.

Use custom install for the 2nd or both versions of firefox and create multiple profiles.

Program folders
When you install firefox (you can leave the first version where it is) choose custom install rather than the defaults. You would normally need to use a location within Window's programs path, so that the files are easily found linked and run. Maybe just append US and C to the default folder names, so that you have suitable separate folders. You may rename any shortcuts to Firefox after they are created.

Two Profiles
You will need to have separate profiles for each version for them to work correctly.

  1. I would start by making a copy of the existing profile folder and all its subfolders. copy it to somewhere safe, outside the firefox program or profile paths, the Windows Desktop is an obvious choice. This is not essential, but if something goes wrong it enables regression or recovery possibilities.
  2. For the sake of simplicity leave the existing firefox profile as it is; if it is still working. You can always delete shortcuts to it later if it is not going to be used. (Do not rename profiles until you are confident and fully understand firefox profiles and how they are used).
  3. Create a new profile for the US version of firefox. You can use this straight away if your US version of firefox works correctly, otherwise re-install firefox.
    • Make a careful note of the profile name, and the folder name and path. When you create a profile it is wise always to use an empty folder, because if you unwisely delete the profile you loose the whole folder, including any important but unrelated files that are contained in it because it was not an empty folder originally.
    • you do not need to uninstall firefox, but if you do, then do NOT use any option to remove personal settings either from a Firefox option or a Windows option.
    • /!\ CARE if you remove settings it will try to remove all settings, bookmarks, passwords etc from ALL normally installed versions of Firefox. (Timely use of file recovery utilities and luck is required if reversal of the action is attempted )
  4. Rename the shortcut to something suitable like US Firefox, and set it to use the US profile.
  5. follow a similar procedure for the Chinese version.
  6. it is possible to run two versions open at the same time, that uses the -no-remote option, but I am guessing you will not be needing that.

I will add explanatory links later today,when I am on another machine with my bookmarks available.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

Yes, I often use multiple versions of firefox.

Use custom install for the 2nd or both versions of firefox and create multiple profiles.

Program folders
When you install firefox (you can leave the first version where it is) choose custom install rather than the defaults. You would normally need to use a location within Window's programs path, so that the files are easily found linked and run. Maybe just append US and C to the default folder names, so that you have suitable separate folders. You may rename any shortcuts to Firefox after they are created.

Two Profiles
You will need to have separate profiles for each version for them to work correctly.

  1. I would start by making a copy of the existing profile folder and all its subfolders. copy it to somewhere safe, outside the firefox program or profile paths, the Windows Desktop is an obvious choice. This is not essential, but if something goes wrong it enables regression or recovery possibilities.
  2. For the sake of simplicity leave the existing firefox profile as it is; if it is still working. You can always delete shortcuts to it later if it is not going to be used. (Do not rename profiles until you are confident and fully understand firefox profiles and how they are used).
  3. Create a new profile for the US version of firefox. You can use this straight away if your US version of firefox works correctly, otherwise re-install firefox.
    • Make a careful note of the profile name, and the folder name and path. When you create a profile it is wise always to use an empty folder, because if you unwisely delete the profile you loose the whole folder, including any important but unrelated files that are contained in it because it was not an empty folder originally.
    • you do not need to uninstall firefox, but if you do, then do NOT use any option to remove personal settings either from a Firefox option or a Windows option.
    • /!\ CARE if you remove settings it will try to remove all settings, bookmarks, passwords etc from ALL normally installed versions of Firefox. (Timely use of file recovery utilities and luck is required if reversal of the action is attempted )
  4. Rename the shortcut to something suitable like US Firefox, and set it to use the US profile.
  5. follow a similar procedure for the Chinese version.
  6. it is possible to run two versions open at the same time, that uses the -no-remote option, but I am guessing you will not be needing that.

I will add explanatory links later today,when I am on another machine with my bookmarks available.

more options

You can install the en-US version and install the Chinese language pack in the profile that you want to use for that language.

You can install additional language packs.

Firefox Win32 language packs:

See also: