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can't download firefox to OS lion

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  • Last reply by GPArch

GPArch
GPArch
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I just bought a new 27" iMac with OS 10.7.2. I initially download firefox to the new computer and it was working fine. I then attempted to import my numerous firefox bookmarks from my old computer after following the help instructions (the old computer was running 10.4.11 and firefox 3.6.22), and things went haywire. Now I cannot open firefox on my new computer because a dialog box opens saying:

"Close Firefox

A copy of Firefox is already open. Only one copy of Firefox can be open at a time"

This is not correct. I do not have a copy of firefox open. In fact I have trashed any copy of Firefox form the hard drive and have restarted the computer, and attempted a new download 3 times.

What is up?

Thanks, Greg

I just bought a new 27" iMac with OS 10.7.2. I initially download firefox to the new computer and it was working fine. I then attempted to import my numerous firefox bookmarks from my old computer after following the help instructions (the old computer was running 10.4.11 and firefox 3.6.22), and things went haywire. Now I cannot open firefox on my new computer because a dialog box opens saying: "Close Firefox A copy of Firefox is already open. Only one copy of Firefox can be open at a time" This is not correct. I do not have a copy of firefox open. In fact I have trashed any copy of Firefox form the hard drive and have restarted the computer, and attempted a new download 3 times. What is up? Thanks, Greg

Chosen solution

Did you check for the presence of a file profiles.ini and delete that file?

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All Replies (6)

cor-el
cor-el
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What exactly did you copy?

Sounds that you have a file profiles.ini file that no longer points to an existing profile folder.

GPArch
GPArch Question owner
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Hi,

I can't get in to a firefox folder to delete profiles. It say a copy is already running, and there is now copy to open! I'm really frustrated, spending hours on this.

cor-el
cor-el
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Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems.

See "Basic Troubleshooting: Make a new profile":

If that new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile, but be careful not to copy corrupted files.

See:

GPArch
GPArch Question owner
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Hi Cor-el,

Thanks for your help. I can't open anything in firefox. I can't change a profile. When I trash I'll traces of firefox on my mac, restart the mac, then re-download firefox, I still get the message that a copy is already open. But then, I can't get into any facet of the application to change or delete profiles. No one is home. what can I do?

cor-el
cor-el
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Chosen Solution

Did you check for the presence of a file profiles.ini and delete that file?

GPArch
GPArch Question owner
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Yes. But could find nothing. I ended up calling Apple Care who was extremely helpful and walked through the bowels of the finder library directories to clear out all remaining firefox debris. Found some folders only that way, none could be be found through a firefox interface. Restarted computer and downloaded a yet again fresh install. Seems to be working now, after finding and deleting hidden files.

Thanks for you help Cor-el, however the Mozillzzine Knowledge Base links were completely useless. Not a single one was possible to do, as firefox would not open.