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Resolved Question

OS Reinstall - Can I Keep Firefox 4.0?

Aug 6, 2011 5:33PM PDT

Hello,
I am reinstalling Vista Home Premium (yes-I like it) and was wondering what happens to my current version of Firefox - 4.01 I believe? Can I still get this version after my reinstall or would I have to get 5.0? I've read statements that some people do not like version 5.0.
Also, what happens to all of my bookmarked pages and menu? Can I import them into my 'Favorites' folder or save them another way?
Thank you,
Eric Happy

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Best Answer

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Sure.
Aug 6, 2011 9:36PM PDT

This should work;
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/download.html?product=firefox-4.0.1&os=win&lang=en-US

I would download it before the reinstall and save the downloaded file to some CD or other external media.

But in fact, FF5 is 'little different' from FF4. The changes are under the hood and not cosmetic.

Bookmarks: Before you reinstall, open Firefox, goto Firefox > Bookmarks > "Show all bookmarks", then in the new window, select "Import and Backup". From there you can Export your bookmarks as an HTML file. I would save it to the Desktop, then you can add it to that Firefox installer download you copied above.

Mark

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Other Software Too?
Aug 7, 2011 4:45AM PDT

Thank you Mark. Can I save already downloaded programs in their current versions, i.e. Nero 9-not the current version 10, to a CD or an external drive? I've read that I wouldn't be able to save them and would need to re-download all of my currently loaded programs after the reinstall. I don't want the current versions of some of them, so I wouldn't want to download those, but would I have no choice?
Thanks again,
Eric

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It's difficult
Aug 7, 2011 4:56AM PDT

Windows has never "transferred over" programs very well, if at all.

The problem is the Windows' Registry and System files. The registry is unique to each installation of Windows and if you reinstall your Windows then the registry starts again.

Some have tried to copy the registry to a new install, but that never works. Others attempt to copy the "Program files" folder to a new install, but that always fails as well. The problem there is that whenever you install a program, the setup process plants files all over the system, and you can never find them all.

Gone are the days when programs would install wholly to one folder and not make use of the registry, except for a very few simple applications.

For downloaded applications I always save the downloaded file, then back that up so I can use it again if needed.

You're going to have to do the same. Find and download those files again, then reinstall them.

Some of your applications may have licenses or keys. To preserve all those you can download a utility called "Belarc Advisor". This takes an inventory of your system, hardware and software, and lists them, and also gives any registration/license/keys, which you can save and use for any application reinstalls.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

is there a specific need to reinstall this OS?

Mark

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I'll try, but what about Java?
Aug 7, 2011 8:12AM PDT

So the programs will have to be downloaded from their respected web sites after the install I take it? I have junk files and folders (which I cannot delete) scattered all over my computer, somewhat akin to what you were saying about "planting files all over the system, and you can never find them all." That, along with me getting ready to install new audio/video software are the reasons to do a clean install; I want the peace of mind of starting over with a clean install, and being more careful about programs I may or may not need, such as Java and Cisco. Speaking of which, do I NEED Java Runtime or Cisco anything installed? I've heard yes and no on the question. I will give "Belarc Advisor" a go and thanks again.
Eric

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Java and other things
Aug 7, 2011 9:13PM PDT

Sorry for the delay.

Java is one of those strange Windows things that we (might) need, but not very many of us know why, (I don't). We never use it specifically ourselves.

Not to be confused with "Javascript" which is not related to Java. Javascript is a browser HTML coding that many web sites use nowadays to enhance their pages. No download is required for that.

Java is also used on some web sites, eg online game sites, so if you find you need Java, then you will know, and you will be directed to download and install it. Here's a description of Java Runtime;
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_java_runtime

Yes, all software you previously downloaded and installed will need to be re-downloaded and reinstalled.

I don't know what Cisco software you mean.

Mark

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Answered: Can I Keep Firefox 4.0?
Aug 9, 2011 7:09AM PDT

Thank you Mark for your time and advice. It is extremely appreciated.
Eric

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Our pleasure
Aug 9, 2011 8:34PM PDT

and I hope all goes well with the reinstall.

Mark

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Instead of messing about
Aug 13, 2011 4:55PM PDT

... and before you possibly mess up, try OldApps or OldVersion to look up stuff you want. They are very likely to have it.