"There was an error starting zotero"
Hi,
I have used zotero add-on in firefox for years without issues. One day all my add-ons suddenly disappeared and I had to install them again. Then I got the error starting zotero "there was an error starting zotero". I've been talking to zotero support and send them debug_output from firefox. They told me that this is the problem "SyntaxError: missing ; before statement http.js:1000:1". And they don't now how to fix it. Here is the whole file: https://www.dropbox.com/s/irp5sz6nxmckkum/debut_output.docx?dl=0
I have refreshed firefox, uninstalled it with all files under roaming and local and installed it again, same issue. Hope you can help! I use zotero everyday!
Fredrik
Chosen solution
The Syntax error indicates that there is something wrong with one of the files that makes up the Zotero plugin. It could be malware related. This is not going to be a Firefox problem. Firefox is correctly reporting that there is an issue with the Zotero plugin itself.
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller
- AdwCleaner (for more info, see this alternate AdwCleaner download page)
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one. Windows 8 has antivirus built-in already.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (7)
Chosen Solution
The Syntax error indicates that there is something wrong with one of the files that makes up the Zotero plugin. It could be malware related. This is not going to be a Firefox problem. Firefox is correctly reporting that there is an issue with the Zotero plugin itself.
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller
- AdwCleaner (for more info, see this alternate AdwCleaner download page)
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one. Windows 8 has antivirus built-in already.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
Modified by Mark Schmidt
Thanks for the reply. Ok, I have runned both Ccleaner and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware programs. Is there any program here you would recommend me to run beside this?
I have used the zotero plugin for years without problems. Then one day all my firefox plugins had disappeared, no idea why. So I installed them again then the zotero error came. I have uninstalled an re-installed both zotero and firefox many times, I also deleted firefox files under appdata and roaming before I re-installed it. Still same error.
Problem solved!!! Finally. I have tried different malware programs without any help, then I tried "SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition" and it removed some malware and now it works, thanks for the tip! :)
It looks like a few other people are having this issue on the Zotero forums. Since this is an issue with the Zotero plugin, I think you will get better assistance there.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. I really wish I knew what the underlying issue was.
I tried the zotero forum too.
Looks like you didn't read my last message?
Problem solved!!! Finally. I have tried different malware programs without any help, then I tried "SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition" and it removed some malware and now it works, thanks for the tip! :)
Awesome! So glad you figured it out. I think the Zotero guys would be really happy if you posted this to the Zotero forums as well, for all the other people experiencing this same issue.
Just did.
Thank you for your help Mark! :)