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i have internet connection but cannot get past the XPCOM error message to get to the internet.

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computer is HP running vista. i am connected to internet via usb card from verizon. when i click on firefox i get the dreaded XPCOM message. IE will not come up either nor will chrome. there is also a message about a missing dll. i am frustrated having been reading other forums and trying to delete firfox and reload. but it willl not delete and even if it did, how to reload it since i cannot get on internet. i am typing this from a different computer.

computer is HP running vista. i am connected to internet via usb card from verizon. when i click on firefox i get the dreaded XPCOM message. IE will not come up either nor will chrome. there is also a message about a missing dll. i am frustrated having been reading other forums and trying to delete firfox and reload. but it willl not delete and even if it did, how to reload it since i cannot get on internet. i am typing this from a different computer.

All Replies (5)

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Usually the message indicates damage to the program files. Do you have some kind of removable or shared storage you can use to copy the installer to the computer that needs 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 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 44.0.2 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.) For maximum plugin compatibility, choose the 32-bit version.

(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(C) Rename the program folder as follows:

(32-bit Firefox on 64-bit Windows)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(Other systems)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(D) Run the installer you downloaded in step (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders, but for obvious reasons, don't just copy everything over:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
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If the problems seem to run deeper -- considering that multiple browsers are involved -- consider these steps next:

Edit: Forgot to add this link: Firefox and other browsers can't load websites

Modified by jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

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i got it going thanks to your instruction plus some ipconfig work to reset the pathway.

Thanks

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Hello,

I am glad to hear that your problem has been resolved. If you haven't already, please select the answer that solves the problem. This will help other users with similar problems find the solution more easily.

Thank you for contacting Mozilla Support.

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MrPhil1010 said

i got it going thanks to your instruction plus some ipconfig work to reset the pathway.

If you think it might be helpful to others to describe the ipconfig work, feel free to post steps or a link to the source that explained how to do it. On the other hand, if it relates to a very obscure configuration, perhaps not worth explaining.