Firefox freezes when using Audiogon

Hmm.... I just checked for available updates (under FF’s Help menu) on two different computers, and it says that version 44.0.2 which I’m running is up to date. Also, at Mozilla.org the latest version that is available for download, at least in non-beta form, is 44.0.2.

I’m wondering if the popup you saw was not from Mozilla.org (from whence Firefox comes), but might have been from some semi-legitimate or illegitimate third party, for the purpose of installing adware or spyware.

It may be a good idea to take a look at the plug-ins and extensions that are now listed as being installed in Firefox, and see if any of them are new. In which case you can select for them to never activate.

It may also be a good idea to take a look at the list of programs that are installed on your computer, under Start/Control Panel/Uninstall a Program, and see if there is anything that looks unfamiliar or suspicious, in which case you can uninstall it. Google its name in cases of doubt.

Also, performing a "system restore" to an earlier date **might** allow you to get rid of the update. (Type "system restore" into the search box that appears near the start button, when you click that button). That won’t affect any of your data files or email files, but you would probably have to reinstall any programs or Windows updates that were installed subsequent to the date at which the restore point was created.

Finally, if necessary you could uninstall Firefox, and then download 44.0.2 from Mozilla.org and reinstall it. I’m not 100% certain, but I believe doing that would not affect your existing bookmarks, Firefox settings, cookies, stored passwords, etc, which are stored in a profile folder that is separate from the program folder.

Best regards,
-- Al

I've been using Firefox and its predecessors since the mid-90s.  I've never had any problems or other iss

Almarg,
this was a security update. I’m looking at the log files & it seems that the message was from FF. The log file in the installation folder tells me it was a ’maintenance service’. The actual log file in the AppData folder has a bunch of PREPARE PATCH xxxx & PREPARE ADD xxx logs. It appeaars it was a legitimate FF security patch for me. Perhaps you’ve already done this security patch since you are so much more on top of this sort of thing compared to me?
Anyway, i’ve told the Flash player to "ask to activate’ & I installed Disconnect & uBlock.
i will monitor the performance with FF from now on & hopefully i’ll be in the same company as bpoletti, tls49, djohnson54, yourself & others.....

wow, i learnt a bit more computer software maintenance on Audiogon! Thanks Almarg for your guidance & thanks scott_w for raising this topic - an illterate (me) is a more literate. ;-)

You’re very welcome, Bombaywalla. FWIW, though, I’ve never seen a Firefox security patch other than the ones that are incorporated in updates corresponding to changes in the version number of the program, such as 44.0.2.

Best regards,
-- Al

@bombaywalla - Like Al, I've never had Firefox pop up and ask/warn me to install a security patch.  Quite a while back they switched to "silent" updates that only manifest themselves as a slower load time while the update is installing.  Also like Al, at this point I'd be worried that something else is really the cause of your problems.  I would scan my system pronto.  I've had the most luck with a product called Malwarebytes.  Like most software of this type, they hawk the premium version which you don't need so watch for offers to activate the premium version during install.  It's very important to run this type of software in Windows' safe mode (hold down the F8 key during bootup).  This gives the software the best chance to find and eliminate any threats.  If it finds anything, go ahead and remove it.  Then run it again and again until it doesn't find anything else.  Boot you machine back to normal mode, use it for a day or so and then repeat the process in safe mode to make sure something didn't sneakily reinstall itself.  There is malware that can even hide itself in old Windows restore points.

Dick