You can set the update URLs to an empty string if you really do not want to update.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/about:config

Do you have any specific reasons that you do not want to update?

FF appears to not be updating - getting a few error messages re unable to update but, I can live with that.

The reason I don't want to update is because the past 5 or 6 updates have always broken something - Usually it's "Custom Buttons" this time it was "Download Status Bar" - I'm just tired of having to fix stuff after every update. I have nothing personal on my PC - don't keep anything personal on the web - If I get hacked - oh well...

Thanks for your help - didn't relish the idea of switching to Chrome!

Go to Options-Advanced-Update and select "never check for updates".

I also go to Options-advanced-update, but I check the box, let me decide. The reason being, I have Windows Vista.

I also do not want my Menu Bar, Bookmarks Toolbar, Norton Toolbar, Navigation Toolbar, Add-on Bar along with my favorite - the File, Edit, View, History, Bookmarks, Tools and Help. I am using FF 28. Also, I enjoy checking out the add-ons.

Sometimes streamlining is not for everyone. Less is not always the best. Some of us (me especially) need to see everything on one page. That is one thing FF allows compared to other browsers. Also, FF is still faster than any other I have used.

Firefox has been the best browser for me. I have tried Chrome and IE and have not desire to use them.

Thank you Firefox.

RadicalDudette

For someone who is installing FF and having it update automatically as soon as it loads for the first time, try this.

1. Go to http://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/ and find and download the version you want. Don't just get the stub. It goes back to the Internet to get the full file. 2. Once you've downloaded the above, go to your Device Manage and disable your Network Adapter. This prevents any automated access to the Internet. 3. Install the version you downloaded. 4. Go into Tools > Options > Advanced > Update and set the choice to what you want. 5. Exit FF. 6. Enable your Network Adapter. 7. Now you can restart FF safely without it's auto updating.

Got the same problem.

I spent 3 hours checking for the version I wanted to DL in the Mozilla archive page. Then I uninstalled, downgraded to the version I wanted, and here I am, two days later with a forced auto-update, watching at about:config as the only option, since the code now includes THREE FREAKING STRINGS that override what is on the config menu.

Why does this program now has this pathological need to provide hundreds of different versions in the archives and still force the auto-updates? I don't want the new stuff, it's as simple as that.

One of the installation steps on a normal install is to immediately go online to update to the most recent version. The work around for this is to:

1. Completely uninstall Firefox, including the profiles. If you want to keep the profile, copy it somewhere else first, then be ready to return it later.
2. Disable your network connection through the Control Panel > Device Manager > Network adapters then right click on the adapter and select Disable.
3. Install the version you want and start it. It will complain that it can't find the server. GOOD! Exit Firefox.
4. Copy your back up of the profile where the new profile is.
5. Restart Firefox and enter Tools > Options > Advanced > Updates tab. Select NEVER!!!.
6. Go to Tools > Options > Add-ons > Extensions. Click on the little preferences wheel gear at the top and select Manual updates. To be absolutely done, go to each add-on's "More" and check "OFF".
7. If you want to change the about:config based on other suggestions, do that, too.
8. Close Firefox.
9. Enable the Device Manager Network adapter.

Restart Firefox and it should never update again.

Good luck!

Note that there has been a Hotfix released this week that automatically updated Firefox for users that haven't disabled automatic updates in Options > Advanced > Update.

• /forums/contributors/710488 Update Hotfix being Deployed this week
• Bug 928173 - Create an Add-on Hotfix to give outdated users a full installer and the ability to submit their logs to us

If files already have been downloaded then remove the files in the updates and updates\0 folder. You can also delete the active-update.xml file.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Updates_reported_when_running_newest_version

C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Mozilla Firefox\updates
(%LOCALAPPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Mozilla Firefox\updates)

I want to control my own PC.

If a browser is going to take control, I have to get another browser.

That is why I got to FF in the first place.

Nag all you want about the dangers of not updating...but that is what I want. I take responsibility for myself.

Here's a thought for all the developers and wizards. Why not develop an OS and browser that ONLY changes if absolutely necessary to maintain functionality? Charge for the software, but do not collect information.

I have now installed FF on a new computer 3 times, trying to figure out how to not update. I am going to try one more time, disabling the network until installed and configured. Thanks to those who suggested this option.

You can check the update settings in "Options/Preferences > Advanced > Update" if you want to avoid updating automatically.

Note that you should be cautious with accessing "Help > About" as that might initiate downloading and installing an update.