Why does firefox reset homepage every time it updates
Everytime Firefox updates my homepage information is gone and I have to reset it. Is it really necessary to do this everytime? Very annoying. It was bad enough when the newtab function disappeared but now it is like a re-install where the options are reset too.
All Replies (17)
Does this happen only with browser updates?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save
Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.
Yes. Also, I have no add-ins installed and have performed refresh a couple of times in last week, which is also a pain since this requires resetting of homepage anyway. Running AVG Internet Security.
I called for more help.
These can't get your data back but will help in the future.
These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox
FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backups of files that you choose.
OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences
I've never lost the home page when Firefox updated and I've used various Firefox versions and various updates channels for quite some time.
To what website is the home page (re)set?
Is that the built-in about:home page or some welcome page (whats new)?
I have my homepage set to www.google.ca. When Firefox updates this setting goes to Firefox homepage.
Is it just the homepage, or are there other problems?
Appears to be just the homepage, since bookmarks/toolbar, custom tools are intact after update.
Where are you getting your updates from? Mozilla? Is Mozilla where you got the browser from?
You may have ad / mal-ware. Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.
Updates are done using "Help", "About Mozilla", which runs the check for updates. I have used Mozilla Firefox for about 10+ years and never had this happen before. The only time previously was when I had to re-install everything on my laptop, then re-installed fresh Firefox browser from Mozilla, always directly from Mozilla. I have run Malbytes without a problem. Currently running AVG Internet Security and AVG PC Tuneup licensed versions without a problem or major infections. As I said previously, I performed refresh Firefox. Could this be a Windows 7 issue? Not a big fan of the number of updates Windows 7 needs to run continuously. Seems to be riddled with problems, likely due to the interface towards an App based OS.
I use Win 7 and have few problems. Others on Win 7 have few problems, some problems or many problems.
Each computer system has the same basic installation (Win, Linux, Mac . . . . .) But after that each computer becomes unique. Setup, programs, options, background programs . . . . . .
Sometimes, we have seen the issue before, and know how to handle it. Other times, like yours, we have not. So we go thru a step be step to find the problem and its solution.
Let’s do a full clean re-install; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} Save the file. Then Close Firefox.
Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.
Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)
Mac: Open the "Applications" folder.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac
Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it - see Install Firefox on Linux. If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory.
Do Not remove the profiles folder.
Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.
After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done.
If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.
Should there be Mozilla folder in both C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86)? Can I just add .old to the root Mozilla folder or each folder under the main folder, which is alot of folders? Cannot find the profiles folder except in the laptop users folder. Is that the one not to delete?
In the profiles folder under Users, there seems to be 3 profile folders, each folder with a large number of "entries" files, almost 1gb total folder size and thousands of files in the cache folder. Is this normal? Why 3 profile folders? If not normal, perhaps should remove Firefox completely and start over?
It is normal for Windows 7+ to have two Programs Folders. C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86)
Rename any Mozilla or Firefox folders in both.
For now, leave the profiles alone. We may work on them later.
thousands of files in the cache folder.
Cache should clear itself now and then but you can do it manually.
Empty Cache Button {web link} Cache clearing made easy. One click.
Why 3 profile folders?
At some point, you may have created these other profiles.
perhaps should remove Firefox completely and start over?
You can if you want, but that could be a lot of work to restore what you had before.
On a 64 bit Windows platform there is a program folder for 32 bit applications and one for 64 bit applications.
- (32 bit Windows) "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\"
- (64 bit Windows) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\"
Co-rel: Does that mean if I am running Win7 64-bit, the x86 program files can be deleted? Fred-McD: If I decide to completely re-install Firefox, can the C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Maintenance Service folders be deleted or will the uninstall take care of that? What are these folders used for?
The reason to use the instructions I posted is; If any of the files were corrupt, this would remove them from access. Using a registry scanner would remove these from access by the system.
The folders are renamed first in case there is a reason to look inside. Once the browser is up and running, those Old folders can be removed.