How Do I check whether my Firefox copy is Genuine?
The page https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware#w_how-do-i-get-rid-of-malware advices to run a Genuine Firefox copy.What is the way to check the Firefox copy already installed is Genuine or not?
All Replies (1)
Hello,
Is there any problem in particular? Its hard to tell based on user agents so if you are experiencing abnormalities when you are browsing (such as constant pop-ups or random downloads), then there is a chance that there is something wrong - either malware or a bad Firefox.
If you are not sure whether your Firefox is genuine and you have been experiencing problems since installing Firefox or an update and run all of the antimalware scans using tools in the article you referenced, download a new copy (with a different browser such as Internet Explorer) at:
To be on the safe side, back up your profile by following these articles:
- Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles
- Recovering important data from an old profile
- For more information on your profile: Profiles - Where Firefox stores your bookmarks, passwords and other user data
You can also backup your bookmarks by following these articles:
- Export Firefox bookmarks to an HTML file to back up or transfer bookmarks
- Import Bookmarks from an HTML file
Backup your extensions and extension preferences:
- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/febe/
- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/opie/
Uninstall Firefox from the Control Panel > Programs and Features (make sure not to delete your personal preferences unless you want to load from your backups), and then delete the Mozilla Firefox folder to remove any leftover files (your profile is stored in a different location):
- (32-bit Windows) C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\
- (64-bit Windows) C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\
Then reinstall Firefox. Whenever you are asked to update Firefox through a pop-up, ignore it (in case its a malicious pop-up from the site you are browsing) and update by going to:
- Help (or > ) > About Firefox
Always download files from the official site; don't always trust search engines to bring you directly there since "Advertised links" more often than not contain malicious versions of Firefox installers. If you come across malicious installers for Firefox, please report them here:
Consider using adblocking extensions such as Adblock Plus if you are encountering a lot of advertisements. For other safety tips, also see: How to stay safe on the web