What's your computer system and Firefox version?

No password is required to use Firefox. Unless you are using a Master Password.

This problem started when I clicked on a message from FIREFOX to update something they wanted me to update. It then took me to a box that said "Install Helper." I clicked on the box and it asked for a PASSWORD. The box had my name (Naomi Mathews) on it, then I entered a password that I use to sign onto my iMac Computer. Then when I clicked on it and it didn't work, a message came on the same box that said "Firefox is trying to install a new helper tool." From that point on, I have not been able to sign on to Firefox no matter what password I used.

I have an iMac computer using MacOS High Sierra, Version 10.13.3

Thanks for helping!

Sorry to say, I think that was a FAKE update.

You may have ad/mal-ware. Further information can be found in this article; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no

Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.

Let’s do a full clean re-install;

Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}

Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

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

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)

Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux

If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Look for, and remove any Mozilla or Firefox program folders. Do not remove the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.

Do Not remove the profiles folder.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia

Hi Fred. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner, but I've had a medical issue.

I purchased an app called "Uninstaller and Cleaner" that comes highly recommended for MAC computers. I've been cleaning up some unused apps and all of there parts/pieces/etc. My question is: If I choose to include the Firefox app we've been discussing to uninstall, will this eliminate any possible malware you believe I have? If so, I will reinstall a clean Firefox again. Please advise asap. Thanks a lot!

Naomi

See also:

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile

You can use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.

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

Bethmahon said

If so, I will reinstall a clean Firefox again.

Go ahead and clean out everything. BUT, do not remove the profiles. That is where your data is stored.

You can always re-install whatever you want after.