Mac is unable to open software downloads from Firefox
I use an iMac with Mavericks OS and FIrefox v 26. Whenever I download software, the OS is unable to open the file. I switch to the Safari v 7 browser and it opens the software and there is no problem with installing the software. I have had this problem since Firefox v 23 and I have it on 2 different iMacs, one is a newer unit running Mavericks OS and the other is a 2008 iMac running Snow Leopard OS.
I've been using Firefox ever since Netscape went out of business and I've never been able to get any useful support out of the Mozilla organization.
All Replies (9)
Did you make sure that the files have the correct file extension in case this would matter for these files?
Also make sure that anti-virus software isn't causing this issue in case you have such software installed.
I don't know what the correct file extensions would be. All of the 3rd party software has opened without a problem on either Safari browser. They are Safari v 5.1.10 and Safari v 7.0.1
Please post some information(names and URLs) about the downloaded softwares you are trying to open.
I was trying to open software updates for LibreOffice and VLC. I was trying to download Adobe Reader v 11. I can download and open/install these software titles using Safari. Firefox is the one that can't read the file and can't complete the open/install process.
Firefox is the one that can't read the file and can't complete the open/install process.
- How are those files saved when you download them using Firefox?
- What happens when you try to open them?
- Can you post 4/5 screenshots please?
That will really help us track down the problem.
the files go to the desktop where I try to open them. If the Mac OS can't open them I move them to the trash and empty the trash.
When I try to open the file I get a small window saying file was not readable and maybe it was damaged. In some cases I get a list of other applications to try to open the file but the only download app on these iMacs is the Mac software install utility which is the one that can't determine what it is supposed to work with.
I have the same problem with Firefox on 2 different Macs using different versions of Mac OS X.
There are no screen shots available of this.
There is a possibility that files are being saved by Firefox in a form that Mac OS doesn't recognize. Have you contacted Mac OS support?
Apple would point out that 3rd party software is always a risky proposition and that I should use Apple's Safari browser at all times in order to keep my Mac pure. Apple's support is similar to Mozilla's--they rely on volunteers to do it.
You should follow recommendations by your operating system's support.