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Firefox keeps downloading viruses to my computer how can this be stopped?

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by LillyPadC

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My antivirus blocks it but sometimes it doesn't catch it in time in the past three weeks this has happened twice with the automatic updates how can Firefox fix this?

My antivirus blocks it but sometimes it doesn't catch it in time in the past three weeks this has happened twice with the automatic updates how can Firefox fix this?

All Replies (7)

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Hi, if this is a new Firefox install, did you download it from Mozilla.org? if not, it may have come bundled with unwanted junk.

Either way, you can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one. Windows 8 has antivirus built-in already.

Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Note that not all removal programs will detect all malware, so you may need to run several - or all of them.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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It's part of the firefox upgrade on your website it has been two weeks of your website downloading the latest firefox that has viruses it gets cleaned but the new update has it which really is not good for business at all. With the infection I can't use Google nor IE good either because the virus is downloaded to my computer. This is ridiculous and will be exploring options as this has gone on long enough and needs to stop so other users are not subjected to this either

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


Also, make sure your protection programs are up to date. What are you using?

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Are you dismissing the idea of doing malware cleanup?

Could you test whether you can get a clean installer using the following procedure:

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 41.0 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

If you are using the ESR release: 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 the existing Firefo program folder, either:

(64-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(32-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

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

Does it install cleanly?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
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With each update Firefox reinfects the computer so the updates are not good at all W32 sandbox in the temporary file is the virus so I have to keep doing this as Firefox updates automatically. I had my Windows wiped out twice due to faulty Firefox updates this is not normal. I have a Dell when I called in to get the virus out they we're inundated with clients that had there computer crashed due to Firefox this is not right at all. Forced updates don't work and if you are not sure about an update having bugs then don't release it.

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Hi LillyPadC, I'm sorry to hear about your infections, but you are ignoring our suggestions for fixing your problem. If you are only here to express your opinion and not to resolve your issue, please let us know and we will stop giving you suggestions.

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I am taking your suggestions and have downloaded Malware Cleaner from Microsoft and a whole variety so yes but don't ignore the larger issue of rolling out updates that are flawed that keeps causing these problems as I am pretty sure users will stop using your product all together. If it's flawed because Mozilla is being paid to have bugs forcing users to keep buying all these anti-virus softwares then that will be investigated