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Firefox suddenly won't open. Error mssg c:\Program Files (86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

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  • Last reply by Skippy1985

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I can't get firefox to open. It worked fine up until 2 days ago. Now, when I try to open it I get an error message with the above-mentioned address. When I right click on the firefox icon and look at properties it tells me the Target address is not correct or has been moved and asks if I want to get rid of the icon. I just want to get Firefox back. Can anyone help?

I can't get firefox to open. It worked fine up until 2 days ago. Now, when I try to open it I get an error message with the above-mentioned address. When I right click on the firefox icon and look at properties it tells me the Target address is not correct or has been moved and asks if I want to get rid of the icon. I just want to get Firefox back. Can anyone help?

Chosen solution

Hi Skippy1985, I suggest:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. You do not need to uninstall Firefox first.

It only takes a few minutes.

(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 50.1.0 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.) Choose the "Windows" version (32-bit) rather than the 64-bit version for maximum plugin compatibility (and of course for 32-bit Windows systems).

(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(C) Using Windows Explorer/My Computer, rename the program folder as follows -- assuming the folder still exists:

32-bit Firefox on 64-bit Windows: Rename

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

Other combinations: Rename

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(D) Run the installer you downloaded in step (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (2)

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Chosen Solution

Hi Skippy1985, I suggest:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. You do not need to uninstall Firefox first.

It only takes a few minutes.

(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 50.1.0 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.) Choose the "Windows" version (32-bit) rather than the 64-bit version for maximum plugin compatibility (and of course for 32-bit Windows systems).

(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(C) Using Windows Explorer/My Computer, rename the program folder as follows -- assuming the folder still exists:

32-bit Firefox on 64-bit Windows: Rename

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

Other combinations: Rename

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(D) Run the installer you downloaded in step (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

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Couldn't find the file as you suggested so I couldn't rename the file. However, I ran the downloaded installer and everything works just fine now. Thanks for the help!