How do I UNINSTALL all Mozilla FF + TB from my computer - permantly and completely, please?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by newbie2247, Jul 28, 2014.

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  1. newbie2247

    newbie2247 Registered Member

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    I have Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium. I have been trying for 2 or 3 months to remove all Mozilla software off of my computer. Tried everything, googled all kinds of instructions, have tried going into SAFE Mode going through the steps, restarting and finding it right back on my `puter. I've even gone into REGEDIT and used the "Control F" method of deleting everything the Mozilla uninstaller and Revo left behind - megaton of it. What kills me is that my paid for REVO Uninstaller PRO can't get the job done. Ready to take a hammer to the thing. Have also looked for a Mozilla, Firefox and Thunderbird Removal Tools. Have not found any. Are there any out there? Do they exist?

    My common sense and logic tells me they're Has To be a way to get this done. Can use any and all support and assistance I can get. I didn't see a specific thread for: totally permanent and complete browser removals and that's why I posted here in the General Forum.

    Here is my second problem - Trying to remove the relevant data and user settings. These directions also do Not work for me:
    1) Go to Start button and type in %APPDATA%.
    2) Click OK to open the Roaming folder
    3) Open the Mozilla folder.
    4) Delete " " " " .
    When attempting to follow these steps, I only get as far as step 2 and it's empty. There is no Mozilla folder there for me to delete.

    So, how can I get around this fellow members? Maybe these instructions are very old and outdated - I don't know? All I do know is I'm desperate as well as extremely frustrated and exhausted trying to do it on my own. I've lost the battle and need your brilliant and generous techie knowledge, kindness, experience and expertise.

    Third and last problem which I believe is also a related one:
    Unfortunately I also need to learn the steps to obtain Administrator Privileges and how to use the Command Prompt. Learned this when I found lots of folders I did not have permission to delete. Could somebody please help me with that? I do not know how to Log on as Administrator. I also know nothing about using DOS commands in there.

    Thank you very much for your interest, understanding my problem and frustration and hopefully your assistance in helping me to get all things (hidden and unhidden, lol) Mozilla off of my computer.

    Gratefully,

    Newbie2247
     
  2. Wroll

    Wroll Registered Member

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    All programs made by Mozilla have an option to remove everything when uninstalled.
     
  3. Compu KTed

    Compu KTed Registered Member

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    The installation of Firefox or personal data entered in Firefox could be corrupted, which causes
    Firefox removal to fail.

    Could try the following:

    Make sure Firefox is NOT set as the default browser (check Program Defaults)
    Make sure firefox.exe is not running in background (check your processes)
    Go to "Programs -> Programs and Features" -> select Moxilla Firefox & click Uninstall.
    Note: In Firefox 30.0 and below, the uninstaller includes the option, "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations".
    Check this to remove user profile data and settings.
    In Firefox 31 you will need to do it manually.

    Profile: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

    Cache: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

    Note:The "AppData" folders are hidden so make sure you set Windows to show hidden files and folders.
     
  4. newbie2247

    newbie2247 Registered Member

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    Thank you both.


    "All programs made by Mozilla have an option to remove everything when uninstalled."

    It did but when all was said and done, the next time I had to do a Restart for some reason, there it was. The Foxfire icon was on my desktop. I was shocked to say the least. I went into Programs and the entire folder was there as well as the one called: "Mozilla Maintenance". Thus began this gargantuan attempt to get it off my machine and keep it off - to no avail.


    "In Firefox 31 you will need to do it manually.

    Profile: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

    Cache: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

    Note:The "AppData" folders are hidden so make sure you set Windows to show hidden files and folders.
     
  5. newbie2247

    newbie2247 Registered Member

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    "In Firefox 31 you will need to do it manually.

    Profile: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

    Cache: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

    Note:The "AppData" folders are hidden so make sure you set Windows to show hidden files and folders."


    I followed all the above steps but was not successful. After I typed in the first one I received a MS error message telling me that, in short, it could not be found.

    Are those 2 supposed to be typed in the Start box or in the DOS Command Box? Also, remember I do not know how to log in as administrator or get any special or elevated privileges, in case I need them to follow those instructions. When uninstalling again this time, I did Not get this notification: "In Firefox 30.0 and below, the uninstaller includes the option, "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations"

    Any clarification is desperately needed and appreciated.

    Any other ideas? There has to, has to be a way to get Mozilla off of my machine.

    Again, thank you both very much. I still need help though as my batting average here is a big Zero.
     
  6. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    Location:
    NSW, Australia
    You didn't do it manually. Browse to the folder.

    You haven't mentioned why removing Firefox is so important to you.
     
  7. TS4H

    TS4H Registered Member

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    Location:
    Australia
    Since you are using the PAID Revo Uninstaller, why dont you try using the TRACE feature to INSTALL firefox and Thunderbird again. Set up all accounts etc. Then again try to UNINSTALL via the traced feature of Revo. Make sure you check thorough during removal scan. Iv used this method several times as well when programs dont uninstall properly. Im getting the impression that something may be corrupt as mentioned by Compu KTed.

    Good luck regards.
     
  8. allizomeniz

    allizomeniz Registered Member

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    Are there any services associated with FF or TB running? If so you might have to stop them first to get a complete uninstall and prevent icons and folders from being recreated.
     
  9. Compu KTed

    Compu KTed Registered Member

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    @ newbie2247

    You might want to re-install Firefox and then uninstall it as TS4H mentioned.

    If Firefox refuses to uninstall or reappears after a reboot you may have a virus.

    Haven't used Revo, but if it uses a "snapshot method" (records files & registry
    entries before and after an install) then I would use that feature.
    TS4H mentioned TRACE feature of Revo if that is similar to taking a snapshot.

    I would probably FIRST though try uninstalling Firefox through Windows 7 control panel or the Firefox uninstaller
    and then follow up with Revo to see if any leftovers are still there providing Revo has that
    capability.
     
  10. pajenn

    pajenn Registered Member

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    I usually also do a file and registry search for the name of the program and of the company to make sure there are no (obvious) leftovers.

    In your case I'd use Everything Search to look for "Mozilla" and "Firefox" and "Thunderbird" (separately) and delete any folders like that. I'd also use RegEdit (or a better registry editor) to search the registry for leftover references to firefox, thunderbird and mozilla, but if you are not used to editing the registry then make a backup first (system restore at least).
     
  11. Veeshush

    Veeshush Registered Member

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    I'm guessing he may have installed something that bundled it and maybe views it as adware or something. Or maybe it is indeed a rouge Firefox.

    It's too weird to not question why removing Mozilla software would be this tough, because obviously Mozilla isn't malicious.
     
  12. jwcca

    jwcca Registered Member

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    Location:
    Toronto
    Open Explorer, then $RECYCLE.BIN, then "Recycle bin" and see if those files are listed there. If so, delete $RECYCLE.BIN and Skip the desktop.ini.
    Once 'cleaned' you should see "1 files, 1 folders" in the properties for $RECYCLE.BIN
     
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