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I keep getting the error mssg: "Couldn't initialize the broker services." How do I 'fix' this?

  • 17 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 95 views
  • Last reply by CoCoKnight

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I'm trying to update my Laptop (it's been about 7 years since I had it to use), and I continue to get this error message when I try to install/run Firefox. I deleted all the Mozilla/Firefox files I could find, but continue to get the same message each time I try...

I'm trying to update my Laptop (it's been about 7 years since I had it to use), and I continue to get this error message when I try to install/run Firefox. I deleted all the Mozilla/Firefox files I could find, but continue to get the same message each time I try...

Chosen solution

Please run the scans as you were asked as you have not reported back on that. It is important and 3 of us would not have asked you to do so as we know a Anti-Virus with Malware support is not a full blown Anti-Malware Company that produces nothing but a Anti-malware program. Yes they are different, So please do that and get back to us.

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All Replies (17)

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hi, do you use any particular 3rd party programs on your machine that might interfere with firefox & sandboxing system?

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What is the Broker Services that it is talking about? I never seen that when install FF.

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philipp said

hi, do you use any particular 3rd party programs on your machine that might interfere with firefox & sandboxing system?

I have firewall software, but I disabled it thinking that might be the issue... still getting the same message.

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do you get the same error when you boot windows into safemode with networking enabled once? https://support.microsoft.com/help/17419/windows-7-advanced-startup-options-safe-mode

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WestEnd said

What is the Broker Services that it is talking about? I never seen that when install FF.

I'm not sure... thus my problem. LOL

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philipp said

do you get the same error when you boot windows into safemode with networking enabled once? https://support.microsoft.com/help/17419/windows-7-advanced-startup-options-safe-mode

It loaded and 'completed' install in Safe Mode, but same Error mssg continues when I load regularly...

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since according to your PM you were able to launch firefox within safemode, perhaps try to run a scan with various different security tools other than your current AV, like the free version of malwarebytes, adwcleaner & eset online one-time scanner.

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The error message comes from this code:


Try to create a new profile to test if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.


Do a clean reinstall of the current Firefox release and delete the Firefox program folder before installing a fresh copy of the current Firefox release.

If possible uninstall your current Firefox version to cleanup the Windows Registry and settings in security software.

  • do NOT remove "personal data" when you uninstall the current Firefox version, because this will remove all profile folders and you lose personal data like bookmarks and passwords including data in profiles created by other Firefox versions

Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • (64-bit Firefox) "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\"
  • (32-bit Firefox) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\"

Your personal data like bookmarks is stored in the Firefox profile folder, so you won't lose personal data when you reinstall or update Firefox, but make sure NOT to remove personal data when you uninstall Firefox as that will remove all Firefox profile folders and you lose your personal data.


Reinstall firefox

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philipp said

since according to your PM you were able to launch firefox within safemode, perhaps try to run a scan with various different security tools other than your current AV, like the free version of malwarebytes, adwcleaner & eset online one-time scanner.

Firefox had no issues with my current AV previously, and it is presently disabled... would the situation persist even without the AV active?

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Hi, you were asked to scan with the others as they scan differently than what yours does, especially anti0malware programs.

What is yours ?

When have it working these can cause issues : There is security software like Avast/AVG, Kaspersky, BitDefender and ESET that intercept secure connections and send their own certificate.

Also please follow cor-el's post of what to do.

Modified by Shadow110

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cor-el said

The error message comes from this code:

Try to create a new profile to test if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.


Do a clean reinstall of the current Firefox release and delete the Firefox program folder before installing a fresh copy of the current Firefox release.

If possible uninstall your current Firefox version to cleanup the Windows Registry and settings in security software.

  • do NOT remove "personal data" when you uninstall the current Firefox version, because this will remove all profile folders and you lose personal data like bookmarks and passwords including data in profiles created by other Firefox versions

Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • (64-bit Firefox) "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\"
  • (32-bit Firefox) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\"

Your personal data like bookmarks is stored in the Firefox profile folder, so you won't lose personal data when you reinstall or update Firefox, but make sure NOT to remove personal data when you uninstall Firefox as that will remove all Firefox profile folders and you lose your personal data.


Reinstall firefox

I've now tried deleting every file I can "find" of Mozilla/Firefox, and then reinstalling, but it keeps "seeing" that Firefox has been recently uninstalled, and the Error message remains the same during the Install. Where might that "hidden" log be that keeps catching the previous install attempt? And there is no 'profile' file left... that I know of. Thanks for your continued assistance trying to help with this issue though...

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cor-el said

The error message comes from this code:

Try to create a new profile to test if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.


Do a clean reinstall of the current Firefox release and delete the Firefox program folder before installing a fresh copy of the current Firefox release.

If possible uninstall your current Firefox version to cleanup the Windows Registry and settings in security software.

  • do NOT remove "personal data" when you uninstall the current Firefox version, because this will remove all profile folders and you lose personal data like bookmarks and passwords including data in profiles created by other Firefox versions

Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • (64-bit Firefox) "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\"
  • (32-bit Firefox) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\"

Your personal data like bookmarks is stored in the Firefox profile folder, so you won't lose personal data when you reinstall or update Firefox, but make sure NOT to remove personal data when you uninstall Firefox as that will remove all Firefox profile folders and you lose your personal data.


Reinstall firefox

Today (23JUN2018) I deleted some "leftover" Mozilla files through REGEDIT, and it prevented the initial "You've recently uninstalled Firefox: let's reinstall..." mssg., but I am still getting hung up on the broker error... the AV I have (that's disabled for download) is Zone Alarm, and I had no previous issues using it in accordance with any other "active" software, including on-line games. So the problem persists...

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Something is interfering with Firefox as that is the Sandbox it is getting hooked on. Try rebooting computer into Safe Mode and install it from there.

Please there is no need to blockquote everything. If used properly it is great code for in here : https://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_blockquote.asp

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philipp said

since according to your PM you were able to launch firefox within safemode, perhaps try to run a scan with various different security tools other than your current AV, like the free version of malwarebytes, adwcleaner & eset online one-time scanner.

I tried downloading firefox in safe mode, and it worked fine... until I tried going back to my regular settings. Same mssg, same problem.

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Chosen Solution

Please run the scans as you were asked as you have not reported back on that. It is important and 3 of us would not have asked you to do so as we know a Anti-Virus with Malware support is not a full blown Anti-Malware Company that produces nothing but a Anti-malware program. Yes they are different, So please do that and get back to us.

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It was Malware... Or appears to be that way. I DID heed the advice given, but I am not able to access the internet at will (time constraints)... I downloaded SpyHunter5, and after it completed the clean up, I am now able to use Firefox without the annoying error message. Thank you all for your attention to this matter!