I have changed my Chrome browser to Opera, and have been very pleased with it, I am keeping my Chrome because my IDM downloader will not work with You Tube on Opera.

I have uninstalled Firefox as I don't feel the need to have three browsers.

 

My problem is, Firefox keeps coming back even though after uninstalling it, the Icon keeps coming back on to my desktop, and if I click on it then Firefox is still there.

Is Firefox stuck on everyones computer and cannot be uninstalled?  Thank you.

From this and other recent postings, your computer is infected (or possessed)

 

You need to have it disinfected.  I usually suggest using the holy trinity (SuperAntiSpyware, MalwareBytes, and Spybot Search and Destroy). Each may need to be run multiple times.

 

If this isn't something you've done before I suggest you visit computer help site like Bleeping Computer and read the tutorials or have them walk you through the process, or take the computer to a local shop to have it cleaned.

31 minutes ago, RichCor said:

From this and other recent postings, your computer is infected (or possessed)

 

You need to have it disinfected.  I usually suggest using the holy trinity (SuperAntiSpyware, MalwareBytes, and Spybot Search and Destroy). Each may need to be run multiple times.

 

If this isn't something you've done before I suggest you visit computer help site like Bleeping Computer and read the tutorials or have them walk you through the process, or take the computer to a local shop to have it cleaned.

I will keep what you say in mind, but I live in a village up in the sticks, and the only computer chap has closed up and left, so this is the first time in 12 years that we have not had a computer shop.

I have been happily using Firefox for many years, with my ancient and unalterable OS being XP. Suddenly it will not open although the open command (firefox.exe) is running and the computer thinks it  has opened. Meanwhile Chrome (which is so clunky and awkward I hate it) runs perfectly normally. Can someone either suggest a cure for Firefox or an alternative browser compatible with XP.

6 hours ago, Farang99 said:

Suddenly [firefox] will not open although the open command (firefox.exe) is running

 

Can someone either suggest a cure for Firefox

You can try starting it in elevated permissions (run as admin).

Usually you need to reset the user profile (instructions available online), or delete and reinstall.

10 hours ago, Farang99 said:

I have been happily using Firefox for many years, with my ancient and unalterable OS being XP. Suddenly it will not open although the open command (firefox.exe) is running and the computer thinks it  has opened. Meanwhile Chrome (which is so clunky and awkward I hate it) runs perfectly normally. Can someone either suggest a cure for Firefox or an alternative browser compatible with XP.

Your ancient insecure OS can be replaced with Linux if you don't use any special software locked to Windows. Just get hold of a live CD and give it a test. Just an idea.

9 hours ago, maxpower said:

Your ancient insecure OS can be replaced with Linux if you don't use any special software locked to Windows. Just get hold of a live CD and give it a test. Just an idea.

 

Linux is NOT immune to viruses.

20 hours ago, Farang99 said:

I have been happily using Firefox for many years, with my ancient and unalterable OS being XP. Suddenly it will not open although the open command (firefox.exe) is running and the computer thinks it  has opened. Meanwhile Chrome (which is so clunky and awkward I hate it) runs perfectly normally. Can someone either suggest a cure for Firefox or an alternative browser compatible with XP.

I'm still using it on Win XP no problems. Did you try uninstalling Firefox, then reinstalling?

3 hours ago, katana said:

I'm still using it on Win XP no problems. Did you try uninstalling Firefox, then reinstalling?

Tried that and umpteen other attempts to fix it, with advice from Mozilla support, without success.

1 hour ago, Farang99 said:

Tried that and umpteen other attempts to fix it

Have you tried reinstalling WinXP then reinstalling Firefox? If that fails time to upgrade your o/s.

7 hours ago, MunkyBoogar said:

 

Linux is NOT immune to viruses.

Very good.

9 hours ago, Farang99 said:

Tried that and umpteen other attempts to fix it, with advice from Mozilla support, without success.

The Win XP branch of Firefox is still maintained, just. The latest version should be 52.3.0. Is that the version you have installed?

May also be an extension conflict causing that behaviour. After uninstalling Firefox and before reinstalling, try deleting or renaming the Mozilla folder in 'C..\Application Data\Mozilla'. Although doing this means you will lose your settings, extensions, bookmarks etc.

15 hours ago, katana said:

The Win XP branch of Firefox is still maintained, just. The latest version should be 52.3.0. Is that the version you have installed?

May also be an extension conflict causing that behaviour. After uninstalling Firefox and before reinstalling, try deleting or renaming the Mozilla folder in 'C..\Application Data\Mozilla'. Although doing this means you will lose your settings, extensions, bookmarks etc.

Already lost everything through repeated uninstall/reinstall, without success. Now looking for another browser which tolerates XP

On ‎21‎/‎09‎/‎2017 at 8:16 AM, Farang99 said:

Now looking for another browser which tolerates XP

FF 52 was last version to work under XP. Chrome and FF ended support. Good luck finding anything that works.

This link may be useful

 

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/176386-list-of-web-browsers-working-with-xp-2017/

14 hours ago, Speedo1968 said:

This link may be useful

 

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/176386-list-of-web-browsers-working-with-xp-2017/

Thank you - that  is useful. Currently trying Opera, which seems to be working OK

5 hours ago, Farang99 said:

Thank you - that  is useful. Currently trying Opera, which seems to be working OK

You could try the following browsers which are, as far as I can tell compatible with XP.   Am using myself.

Epic Privacy Browser

Comodo Icedragon

FlashPeak Slimjet

 

The first 2 have built-in down loaders.

 

Sure you know about this ( HTTPS Everywhere ), haven't tried myself but may be useful.

When you have installed Firefox, Chrome or Opera, add a browser extension called HTTPS Everywhere. The "S" indicates that it uses encrypted communications to talk to websites, whenever possible. Its main purpose it to improve privacy, but it also makes browsing more secure.

12 hours ago, Speedo1968 said:

Epic Privacy Browser

Comodo Icedra gon

FlashPeak Slimjet

thanks , I have a few old netbooks that still have XP  and I am not sure if they have enough "power" or memory to run Windows 10