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xpinstall.enabled file is missing, where do I find?

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  • 3 have this problem
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  • Last reply by marybrenda

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I am issues with add-ons. Cannot install: error message as follows: Item could not be installed because Firefox could not modify the needed file.

Now, I am having issues with removal of add-ons, I click remove and click Restart Firefox but the add-ons are not removed.

The add-ons that I am trying to install are as follows:

Gmail Checker, Gmail Manager, Gmail S/MIME, Open Gmail with toolbar button, Better Gmail 2, Creatimail Email Themes, Google Shortcuts, Preloader (for Firefox).

The add-ons I am trying to remove are:

Date Picker Calendar, Ecleaner, Bulk you Tube Video, Form Control Context Menu, Auto-Sort Bookmarks, Ramback, Open With, Slim Add-ons Manager, Restart Firefox.

Also xpinstall.enabled file is missing.

I am issues with add-ons. Cannot install: error message as follows: Item could not be installed because Firefox could not modify the needed file. Now, I am having issues with removal of add-ons, I click remove and click Restart Firefox but the add-ons are not removed. The add-ons that I am trying to install are as follows: Gmail Checker, Gmail Manager, Gmail S/MIME, Open Gmail with toolbar button, Better Gmail 2, Creatimail Email Themes, Google Shortcuts, Preloader (for Firefox). The add-ons I am trying to remove are: Date Picker Calendar, Ecleaner, Bulk you Tube Video, Form Control Context Menu, Auto-Sort Bookmarks, Ramback, Open With, Slim Add-ons Manager, Restart Firefox. Also xpinstall.enabled file is missing.

Chosen solution

Quote: Cannot install: error message as follows: Item could not be installed because Firefox could not modify the needed file.

You get this error if an extensions needs to be unpacked in order to work properly.
Normally extensions are installed with the XPI files renamed to the GUID of the extension, but some extensions also tore data in its extension folder and such extensions only work when unpacked.

The xpinstall.enabled pref is only present on the about:config page when you add it yoursels.
When absent then it defaults to true.


It is possible that there is a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.

Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.

New files will be created when required.

See "Corrupt extension files":

If you see disabled, not compatible, extensions in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end side of the Search Bar ("Find Updates" button in older Firefox versions) to check if there is a compatibility update available.

If this hasn't helped then also delete the addons.sqlite file.

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Chosen Solution

Quote: Cannot install: error message as follows: Item could not be installed because Firefox could not modify the needed file.

You get this error if an extensions needs to be unpacked in order to work properly.
Normally extensions are installed with the XPI files renamed to the GUID of the extension, but some extensions also tore data in its extension folder and such extensions only work when unpacked.

The xpinstall.enabled pref is only present on the about:config page when you add it yoursels.
When absent then it defaults to true.


It is possible that there is a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.

Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.

New files will be created when required.

See "Corrupt extension files":

If you see disabled, not compatible, extensions in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end side of the Search Bar ("Find Updates" button in older Firefox versions) to check if there is a compatibility update available.

If this hasn't helped then also delete the addons.sqlite file.

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Good morning:

Thank you so very much, the problem is now solved.

Hugs,

Joyce (MaryBrenda)