Hello jdav17617, try next steps:

1. Download a copy of the latest firefox from http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html (full dmg package)

2. Trash the current Firefox application to do a clean install.

3. Install the version that you have downloaded.

Do not select to remove your personal data, your profile data is stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder, so you won't lose your bookmarks or other personal data.

see also: How to download and install Firefox on Mac

thank you

I don't know how to trash my current version (37.0) of Firefox and I am fearful that I will lose my personal data if I do it.

If there a problem with updating or with the permissions then best is to download the full version and trash the currently installed version to do a clean install of the new version.

Download a new copy of the Firefox application and save the disk image file to the desktop

• Firefox 43.0.3: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/

• Trash the current Firefox application (open the Applications folder in the Finder and drag the Firefox application to the Trash) to do a clean (re)install
• Install the new version that you have downloaded
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Installing+Firefox+on+Mac

Your personal data like bookmarks is stored in the Firefox profile folder, so you won't lose personal data when you uninstall and (re)install or update Firefox, but make sure NOT to remove personal data when you uninstall Firefox as that will remove all Firefox profile folders and you lose your personal data.

You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:

• Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox