Please help. Error message on desktop iMac reads: "Unable to update Firefox. Please see your administrator."
Hi. My last update was March 27, 2015. Just last month. I keep getting error messages that say Firefox cannot update. I've read this makes it a security issue if it won't allow Firefox to update. Please assist. Thanks.
All Replies (15)
If you have trouble with the upgrade, use this link; http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/
Thank you Fred. However, the error message pops up automatically, on occasion, while actively using Firefox. I looked in my Upgrade settings in Preferences and they are set to "automatic".
Note: a week or so before the problem started I cleared all my cookies. I believe this is the problem but I have no idea how to correct it.
Thank you.
If there are problems with updating or with the permissions then best is to download the full version and trash the currently installed version to do a clean install of the new version.
Download a new copy of the Firefox application and save the disk image file to the desktop
- Firefox 37.0.2: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/
- Trash the current Firefox application (open the Applications folder in the Finder and drag the Firefox application to the Trash) to do a clean (re)install
- Install the new version that you have downloaded
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Installing+Firefox+on+Mac
Your personal data is stored elsewhere in the Firefox profile folder, so you won't lose your bookmarks and other personal data when you uninstall and (re)install or update Firefox.
I did as you instructed with no luck. The newly downloaded version keeps giving me the same error message. Confirmed that I also deleted the old one by dragging it to the trash from my Applications Folder.
Hi everyone. Still no luck with getting my Firefox to do Security Updates. I've deleted and reinstalled up to date versions multiple times and I still get the same error message.
Anyone else out there have any tips/ideas on what to do? Something in the Preferences maybe? I've looked over everything in Preferences and it all seems to look ok.
I"m on an iMac running 10.6.8
Try to repair the disk permissions:
Unfortunately, when I tried to insert the Install Disc as recommended in the link, it just spins around for 20 seconds or so and then my computer spits it out. So I'm not able to start up from the Install Disc to Run Disk Utility.
Is it possible to run Disc Utility without starting up from the Install Disc? Thank you.
cor-el, thanks again for your help and suggestions. Repairing the disk permissions didn't solve the problem. I've deleted and reinstalled Firefox several times with no luck. Any other ideas? Thank you.
Did you check the owner of the Firefox application folder and the files in this folder to make sure that you have write permission?
Can't you drag the current Firefox application folder to the Trash?
That would allow you to install the new version (38.0.5 has been released today).
Attached is a screenshot of my Firefox INFO.
Yes, I've dragged the FIrefox icon to the trash, then emptied trash, then installed the newly downloaded version. I'll be doing that now with the latest link you provided in your previous reply. Keep you posted. Thank you.
Still no luck after following your previous advice. I continue to get the error message that Firefox cannot update.
Btw, what if once a month I trash the old Firefox and download the latest version? Kind of a loophole to solving the problem of Security Updates, yes?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/update-firefox-latest-version 38.0.5
Install the latest Firefox. BUT, load it as a normal program without administrator level.
Note that Firefox 39 will be released shortly, so you may want to wait for this release.
Thank you Fred. I'm at a medium level of tech savvy but I'm not sure how to load Firefox without administrator level as you suggested. Any basic instructions? Thank you.
Is anyone able to answer if it's ok to manually update Firefox each time a newer version comes out to solve my security update problem?
(My Firefox will not update automatically and I keep getting a message that says something like "Something is preventing Firefox from updating automatically...and then something about it this reducing my security level...seek administrator help.")
Most recently the error message turned into: "SOmeone is trying to trick your FIrefox into not updating...seek administrator help, etc." Something like that. Thank you.