Windows FireFox 20+ Browsers
FireFox 21.0 and Up May Not Work in Windows XP.
Updated 2013-05-22 WE @ 11:52 EDT (UT-4)
<-- Index Send Me an EMAIL Important Notice -->
The issue here is that FireFox browser version 21.0 and up may not work with some versions of Windows XP.

The symptom of this problem is that when the user tries to open FireFox a small panel comes up indicating that only FireFox version 20.0 is acceptable and the version installed will not run.

The origin of the problem is that the user is prompted to upgrade FireFox without any compatibility check or, if the "Automatic Upgrade" option is enabled, the upgrade is done clandestinely when the computer is started.

The solution is to delete FireFox 21+ and install FireFox 20.0.1. It is also necessary to disable automatic updates, as these will restore the orignal problem by updating FireFox to version 21+ without asking the user.

To obtain FireFox 20.0.1 follow this link:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/download.html?product=firefox-20.0&os=win&lang=en-US

If this link disappears, or you have trouble with it, and you are on the Coral Glades campus, an alternate (local only) link is:
\\3861-fileserv\storage\pc browsers\firefox setup 20.0.1.exe

Inform the user NOT to respond to any invitations to update FireFox.
If they upgrade the problem will return.

Note that there is a similar problem on Macs using OSX 10.4, documented elsewhere. That problem requires changing from FireFox to TenFourFox, which unfortunately does not do Flash or Java. The difference is that Apple does not allow "clandestine" upgrades without the user's knowledge and permission.

To fix this problem, do the following:

  1. Log off of the user's account.
  2. Log on to the administrative account.
  3. Delete FireFox.
  4. Download or navigate to the update link shown above.
  5. Double-Click the firefox setup 20.0.1.exe file. This will start the installer.
  6. Choose the standard installation and follow it to the end.
  7. Double-Click the FireFox icon to start it. Ignore the plea to upgrade. That's what started the problem in the first place.
  8. Find the orange FireFox tab at the upper left of the window.
  9. From there go to options/options/General
  10. Put in the desired home page.
  11. Go to /options/options/Advanced/Network/Connection.
  12. Choose Manual Proxy configuration.
  13. Proxy: tssproxy.broward.k12.fl.us
  14. Port: 8888
  15. Check "Use this Proxy Server for all Protocols".
  16. Go to options/options/Advanced/Update and check "Never Check for Updates".
  17. Log off of the administrative account.
  18. Have the user log into their account.
  19. Go to options/options/Advanced/Update and check "Never Check for Updates".
  20. Set the proper home page for the user.
Hopefully you have now slain the "FireFox Update" monster.

- Bob Beeman.