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Trying to install new version of Firefox and get message that have to reboot to complete removal of older version and after reboot keep getting same message every time I try to install new version again.

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  • Last reply by wileewas

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When trying to update to Firefox 3.6.10, I get a message that I have to reboot to complete removal of an older version. I reboot and try the install again, only to keep getting the same message over and over. I have a Compaq computer running XP Pro. I have been using FF for years with very few problems, and had used it successfully on this computer for more than a year and a half before this problem occurred.

When I run Revo Uninstaller or Windows Add/Remove programs, they do not show any FF on the computer.

When trying to update to Firefox 3.6.10, I get a message that I have to reboot to complete removal of an older version. I reboot and try the install again, only to keep getting the same message over and over. I have a Compaq computer running XP Pro. I have been using FF for years with very few problems, and had used it successfully on this computer for more than a year and a half before this problem occurred. When I run Revo Uninstaller or Windows Add/Remove programs, they do not show any FF on the computer.

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It shouldn't be necessary to reboot the computer to complete an update.
If a reboot is needed then that usually means that some (security) software is blocking files or you need elevated Administrator permissions.
Run the Firefox program once as Administrator (right-click: Run as ... : Administrator).

If that still causes the same problem then remove the Firefox program folder to do a clean install. You need to download a fresh copy of the full version from http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all.html

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cor-el,

Thanks for your reply. It has been a while since this happened, so my memory of the details may not be 100%. IIRC, something went wrong with a normal update, which has always gone smoothly for me (for years). I believe I uninstalled Firefox at that point, then tried a new download and install, and that was when I got the message saying that I needed to reboot. I have been running as administrator all the time. I have been running Kaspersky Internet Security for the last 3 or 4 years, and have never had it interfere with a FF installation before.

FF no longer shows up in Revo Uninstaller or Windows Add/Remove programs. However, in the Program Files folder I do have a Mozilla Firefox folder. I assume that I should just delete that folder, do a new download and retry the installation?

Thanks for your help. ww