why can't Norton Identity Safe compatibility be built in to the newest Firefox builds? IE doesn't seem to have any issues with it.
Firefox continually asks me to update to the latest version, which isn't a problem as long as the newest build is compatible with the applications that I've been using all along and rely upon daily. I'm using ver. 40.0.3 and it wants me to update to 41.0.2. If the Norton Identity Safe toolbar works with my current Firefox version, what is the compatibility problem with a newer version of Firefox? IE doesn't seem to have this updating issue....which is making me consider switching back to IE as my default browser. I rely on the Identity Safe to take care of my logon issues and there's no need to settle for incompatibility issues. I know I'm not the only one experiencing this aggravation with updates. (I'm using Win7 Home Premium, 64 bit).
Chosen solution
Sorry, this is a change in the kinds of code add-ons are allowed to include. It was supposed to change in Firefox 40, but at the request of vendors like Symantec, it was postponed to Firefox 41. I don't think this change will get reversed. Norton is working on a new version, but I understand it's taking longer than expected.
Here's what I suggest for users who need Norton's password safe features:
Rather than freeze your Firefox on an insecure version, consider using the Extended Support Release (ESR). It is designed for companies that require a longer cycle time between feature changes, but anyone can use it. ESR currently is based on Firefox 38. It will get security updates over the next several months, but not get new features, so changes in Firefox 41 related to add-on compatibility will not kick in for quite a while.
Norton is likely to continue to support ESR until the new toolbar updates are completed, maybe next month. After that, I'm not sure what they will do because normally they only support a small range of versions.
If you decide to try it, here is how I suggest installing it:
Clean Reinstall
We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent, corrupted, or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.
(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 38.3.0esr from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/organizations/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).
(C) Rename just the program folder, either:
(64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Fx41
(32-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files\Fx41
(D) Run the installer you downloaded in (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Success?
Note: Some plugins may exist only in that old folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- \Fx41\Plugins
- \Fx41\browser\plugins
All Replies (6)
Chosen Solution
Sorry, this is a change in the kinds of code add-ons are allowed to include. It was supposed to change in Firefox 40, but at the request of vendors like Symantec, it was postponed to Firefox 41. I don't think this change will get reversed. Norton is working on a new version, but I understand it's taking longer than expected.
Here's what I suggest for users who need Norton's password safe features:
Rather than freeze your Firefox on an insecure version, consider using the Extended Support Release (ESR). It is designed for companies that require a longer cycle time between feature changes, but anyone can use it. ESR currently is based on Firefox 38. It will get security updates over the next several months, but not get new features, so changes in Firefox 41 related to add-on compatibility will not kick in for quite a while.
Norton is likely to continue to support ESR until the new toolbar updates are completed, maybe next month. After that, I'm not sure what they will do because normally they only support a small range of versions.
If you decide to try it, here is how I suggest installing it:
Clean Reinstall
We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent, corrupted, or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.
(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 38.3.0esr from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/organizations/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).
(C) Rename just the program folder, either:
(64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Fx41
(32-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files\Fx41
(D) Run the installer you downloaded in (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Success?
Note: Some plugins may exist only in that old folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- \Fx41\Plugins
- \Fx41\browser\plugins
BTW, add-on developers were notified that change was coming over 9 months before it was released. I suspect that Symantec was 'asleep at the switch' and didn't start working on a new version of their add-ons soon enough; similar to back in 2010-2011 when Firefox 4 was being made ready for release. Firefox 4.0 was in Beta testing for 10 months (July 6, 2010 thru March 22, 2011) and Symantec was "caught by surprise".
Thanks for the post...that tells me much more than I previously knew. I just installed Ver. 38 ESR as you suggested; the password vault is still there and I'll use this version until the latest Firefox ver. becomes compatible with Identity Safe.
bluarcher1126 said
I just installed Ver. 38 ESR as you suggested; the password vault is still there and I'll use this version until the latest Firefox ver. becomes compatible with Identity Safe.
Firefox is not made to be compatible with the thousand of Extensions out there but the other way.
Most Extensions generally do not need to be updated much for Firefox Releases unless there was a specific change or in the case of "binary XPCOM’ (up til Firefox 40) which needed to be made for each new major firefox .exe version on Windows.
Norton or rather Symantec is in the process of making a new compatible toolbar for Firefox 41 and newer to tie in with their separate Norton software.
- https://community.norton.com/en/forums/firefox-41-and-newer-version-compatibility-updated-info
- https://community.norton.com/en/blogs/product-update-announcements/firefox-41-and-norton-toolbar-compatibility
- https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v115161915_EndUserProfile_en_us
The fix will be available for the latest Norton v22.5 product version and not for older product versions.
Modified by James
Stop using Firefox and use either Chrome or IE, it works there. This seems to happen when firefox forces an upgrade
Hi cliffmross, there's plenty of frustration to go around on this forum and on Symantec's, but as of Nov. 3rd, there are no workarounds and everyone just has to wait for the Norton product to update. Until then, if you need the Vault and prefer to wait for a fix than to switch, yes, use your browser of (second) choice.