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Update creates several installations in Windows control panel - Thunderbird and Firefox

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When Thunderbird and Firefox automatically install updates, there are always previous versions remaining under 'Programs and Features' in the Windows control panel. Since my HD only has little free space left, I'd like to ask whether it's save to uninstall these remainders?

Furthermore I realised that at least Thunderbird exists in two independent installations on my PC When I set up the PC, I installed all my programs in a path called C:\_P_Programme. Here the most current installation (V: 45.1.0) exists in C:\_P_Programme\E-Mail\Thunderbird. In the Windows standard path (C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Thunderbird), there is another installation (V: 38.0.5), which can be started independently from the other one.

I installed Thunderbird and Firefox only once and afterwards only relied on the automatic update, so I don't have an explanation for this.

I use Windows 8.1 Pro.

Thank you for your reply.

When Thunderbird and Firefox automatically install updates, there are always previous versions remaining under 'Programs and Features' in the Windows control panel. Since my HD only has little free space left, I'd like to ask whether it's save to uninstall these remainders? Furthermore I realised that at least Thunderbird exists in two independent installations on my PC When I set up the PC, I installed all my programs in a path called C:\_P_Programme. Here the most current installation (V: 45.1.0) exists in C:\_P_Programme\E-Mail\Thunderbird. In the Windows standard path (C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Thunderbird), there is another installation (V: 38.0.5), which can be started independently from the other one. I installed Thunderbird and Firefox only once and afterwards only relied on the automatic update, so I don't have an explanation for this. I use Windows 8.1 Pro. Thank you for your reply.
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That should not happen.

Download the current full installers fforr Firefox and Thunderbird and save them.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox or Thunderbird program folders by adding .old to them.



After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner. 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.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

Endret av FredMcD

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It is possible that you have more then one Firefox entry listed in add and remove programs, but these all would point to the same installation folder and are merely caused by the updater not removing the registry keys from the previous version. If there are multiple installation each in their own Firefox program folder then you can uninstall unwanted versions, but multiple installations will only happen if you do a custom install.

You can use a registry cleaner of remove these orphaned keys yourself if you are comfortable with editing the Windows Registry.