How do I enable extension installation?

Moz Champion wrote:

> Mark Nobles wrote:
> > I installed Firefox rc3, and it wants to update a bunch extensions. I
> > try to do that, but it tells me
> > "Software installation is currently disabled. Click Edit Options... to
> > enable it and try again."
> > I click Edit Options..., and it opens my Preferences... panel, but
> > nothing I do makes any difference. I've read all the FAQs and support
> > boards and can't find anything that addresses this. The closest thing I
> > can find is an option "Warn me when web sites try to install extensions
> > or themes", but I even have unclicked that and it doesn't matter.
> > This still happens when I download the .xpi file and drag it onto the
> > open browser window.
> >
> > Where is the option to enable enable software installation?
>
>
> Firefox rc3 is a RELEASE CANDIDATE (the third in the series)
> Most extensions have NOT been updated to work with it. Tho many (most?)
> probably are compatible there is no guarantee they will work or not
> break the extension or the program.
>
> You can use a nightly test tool, to 'bump up' the max version number of
> extensions, but then, it is YOU who is vouching for their compatibility,
> not the extensions author.
>
> Unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the release of the
> official version, and then wait while the authors themselves update
> their extensions for such.
>
Thanks, but this doesn't make sense. The extension manager checks the
extensions and disables almost all of them, but then tells me that
there are updates available. I assume that this means that the authors
themselves have already updated their extensions, since that would be
the purpose of making a release candidate available. One extension in
particular, Talkback, I expect the developers would maintain as part of
Firefox itself, since it enables users to report the results of their
testing.

Despite this, I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
message.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

In article ,
Mark Nobles wrote:

> I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> message.

Preferences-->Web Features-->Allow Web Sites to Install Software. Make
sure the checkbox is checked. You may have to edit the Allowed Sites.
I did not have to edit this option, however.

--
Matt Broughton
Only relatives are absolute.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

Mark Nobles wrote:
> Moz Champion wrote:
>
>
>>Mark Nobles wrote:
>>
>>>I installed Firefox rc3, and it wants to update a bunch extensions. I
>>>try to do that, but it tells me
>>>"Software installation is currently disabled. Click Edit Options... to
>>>enable it and try again."
>>>I click Edit Options..., and it opens my Preferences... panel, but
>>>nothing I do makes any difference. I've read all the FAQs and support
>>>boards and can't find anything that addresses this. The closest thing I
>>>can find is an option "Warn me when web sites try to install extensions
>>>or themes", but I even have unclicked that and it doesn't matter.
>>>This still happens when I download the .xpi file and drag it onto the
>>>open browser window.
>>>
>>>Where is the option to enable enable software installation?
>>
>>
>>Firefox rc3 is a RELEASE CANDIDATE (the third in the series)
>>Most extensions have NOT been updated to work with it. Tho many (most?)
>>probably are compatible there is no guarantee they will work or not
>>break the extension or the program.
>>
>>You can use a nightly test tool, to 'bump up' the max version number of
>>extensions, but then, it is YOU who is vouching for their compatibility,
>>not the extensions author.
>>
>>Unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the release of the
>>official version, and then wait while the authors themselves update
>>their extensions for such.
>>
>
> Thanks, but this doesn't make sense. The extension manager checks the
> extensions and disables almost all of them, but then tells me that
> there are updates available. I assume that this means that the authors
> themselves have already updated their extensions, since that would be
> the purpose of making a release candidate available. One extension in
> particular, Talkback, I expect the developers would maintain as part of
> Firefox itself, since it enables users to report the results of their
> testing.
>
> Despite this, I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> message.

You dont seem to understand that the release is a release candidate or
more exactly, what that pertains.

A release candidate is designed to actually BE a release - there are no
modifications to enable/disable components. In effect, IF there are no
problems with the release candidate, they simply turn around and rename
it as a release!
Its the renaming thats important in this case. Yep some authors HAVE
adjusted their extensions (or simply checked that nothing was changed
that affected them) and have updated the max version themselves. But
they have set the max version to reflect the new release, not the
release candidate. "Yep, works with 1.5" But this rc3 candidate is named
1.5rc3, and the extension is NOT enabled to work with 1.5rc3. Sure, it
might become 1.5, but that remains to be seen.

Once more, unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the official
release. The purpose of a release candidate is for last minute wide
release to check the sanity of the program. Its been widely tested
already, but with some components not turned 'on' or temporarily
disabled (during alpha/beta). A release candidate comes replete with
everything turned on, all components, in an effort to see if there are
any problems when this is done. Since this is version 3 of the release
candidate, one can assume that the two previous release candidates had a
problem or two, and this is attempting to fix that problem or problems.

Talkback isnt an extension - at least a user installed one. All release
versions come with Talkback enabled, but it doesnt appear in the
Extensions Manager
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

In article , Matt
Broughton wrote:

> In article ,
> Mark Nobles wrote:
>
> > I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> > install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> > message.
>
> Preferences-->Web Features-->Allow Web Sites to Install Software. Make
> sure the checkbox is checked. You may have to edit the Allowed Sites.
> I did not have to edit this option, however.

Boggle. When I open the Preferences panel, my choices are:
General, Privacy, Content, Tabs, Downloads, Advanced.
None of those has anything about either Web Features or
Allow Web Sites to Install Software.
This is getting curiouser and curiouser.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

Moz Champion wrote:

> Mark Nobles wrote:
> > Moz Champion wrote:
> >>Mark Nobles wrote:
> >>
> >>>I installed Firefox rc3, and it wants to update a bunch extensions. I
> >>>try to do that, but it tells me
> >>>"Software installation is currently disabled. Click Edit Options... to
> >>>enable it and try again."
> >>>I click Edit Options..., and it opens my Preferences... panel, but
> >>>nothing I do makes any difference. I've read all the FAQs and support
> >>>boards and can't find anything that addresses this. The closest thing I
> >>>can find is an option "Warn me when web sites try to install extensions
> >>>or themes", but I even have unclicked that and it doesn't matter.
> >>>This still happens when I download the .xpi file and drag it onto the
> >>>open browser window.
> >>>
> >>>Where is the option to enable enable software installation?
> >>
> >>
> >>Firefox rc3 is a RELEASE CANDIDATE (the third in the series)
> >>Most extensions have NOT been updated to work with it. Tho many (most?)
> >>probably are compatible there is no guarantee they will work or not
> >>break the extension or the program.
> >>
> >>You can use a nightly test tool, to 'bump up' the max version number of
> >>extensions, but then, it is YOU who is vouching for their compatibility,
> >>not the extensions author.
> >>
> >>Unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the release of the
> >>official version, and then wait while the authors themselves update
> >>their extensions for such.
> >>
> >
> > Thanks, but this doesn't make sense. The extension manager checks the
> > extensions and disables almost all of them, but then tells me that
> > there are updates available. I assume that this means that the authors
> > themselves have already updated their extensions, since that would be
> > the purpose of making a release candidate available. One extension in
> > particular, Talkback, I expect the developers would maintain as part of
> > Firefox itself, since it enables users to report the results of their
> > testing.
> >
> > Despite this, I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> > install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> > message.
>
> You dont seem to understand that the release is a release candidate or
> more exactly, what that pertains.
>
> A release candidate is designed to actually BE a release - there are no
> modifications to enable/disable components. In effect, IF there are no
> problems with the release candidate, they simply turn around and rename
> it as a release!

Yes, having made software, I kind of do understand what release
software is. You do not seem to understand that part of the release
process is giving the program to the people who develop extensions for
it so that they can have their extensions ready for when the actual
release is made.

But that has nothing to do with my question.

> Its the renaming thats important in this case. Yep some authors HAVE
> adjusted their extensions (or simply checked that nothing was changed
> that affected them) and have updated the max version themselves. But
> they have set the max version to reflect the new release, not the
> release candidate. "Yep, works with 1.5" But this rc3 candidate is named
> 1.5rc3, and the extension is NOT enabled to work with 1.5rc3. Sure, it
> might become 1.5, but that remains to be seen.

Yes, and if you actually look at the extensions available, some of them
are enabled to work with 1.5rc3. So again, you are missing my question.
>
> Once more, unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the official
> release.

Goody for you. But the point of having a release candidate is so I can
test it. That is what I am trying to do. But I can't because I can't
install any extensions.

Now, do you want to deal with the question:
How do I install extensions?

This is for testing purposes, so quit being so condescending about what
I am doing.

>
> Talkback isnt an extension - at least a user installed one. All release
> versions come with Talkback enabled, but it doesnt appear in the
> Extensions Manager

That's funny, it appears in mine. I was even able to remove it.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

In article ,
Mark Nobles wrote:

> In article , Matt
> Broughton wrote:
>
> > In article ,
> > Mark Nobles wrote:
> >
> > > I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> > > install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> > > message.
> >
> > Preferences-->Web Features-->Allow Web Sites to Install Software. Make
> > sure the checkbox is checked. You may have to edit the Allowed Sites.
> > I did not have to edit this option, however.
>
> Boggle. When I open the Preferences panel, my choices are:
> General, Privacy, Content, Tabs, Downloads, Advanced.
> None of those has anything about either Web Features or
> Allow Web Sites to Install Software.
> This is getting curiouser and curiouser.

My preferences list General, Privacy, Web Features, Downloads, Advanced.
That you have something completely different would suggest that we are
not talking about the same product or one of our installations is
corrupted. As I just downloaded the latest version (rc3) this morning,
my installation works, and I am able to install extensions, I would
suggest to you that there is something wrong with your installation.

I would recommend that you back up your bookmarks and start over.
Delete the Firefox application, the Firefox folder in your Library
directory of your home folder, and the org.mozilla.firefox.plist from
your Preferences directory. Install a fresh download of Firefox and
start anew.

--
Matt Broughton
Only relatives are absolute.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

Mark Nobles wrote:
> Moz Champion wrote:
>
>
>>Mark Nobles wrote:
>>
>>> Moz Champion wrote:
>>>
>>>>Mark Nobles wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>I installed Firefox rc3, and it wants to update a bunch extensions. I
>>>>>try to do that, but it tells me
>>>>>"Software installation is currently disabled. Click Edit Options... to
>>>>>enable it and try again."
>>>>>I click Edit Options..., and it opens my Preferences... panel, but
>>>>>nothing I do makes any difference. I've read all the FAQs and support
>>>>>boards and can't find anything that addresses this. The closest thing I
>>>>>can find is an option "Warn me when web sites try to install extensions
>>>>>or themes", but I even have unclicked that and it doesn't matter.
>>>>>This still happens when I download the .xpi file and drag it onto the
>>>>>open browser window.
>>>>>
>>>>>Where is the option to enable enable software installation?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Firefox rc3 is a RELEASE CANDIDATE (the third in the series)
>>>>Most extensions have NOT been updated to work with it. Tho many (most?)
>>>>probably are compatible there is no guarantee they will work or not
>>>>break the extension or the program.
>>>>
>>>>You can use a nightly test tool, to 'bump up' the max version number of
>>>>extensions, but then, it is YOU who is vouching for their compatibility,
>>>>not the extensions author.
>>>>
>>>>Unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the release of the
>>>>official version, and then wait while the authors themselves update
>>>>their extensions for such.
>>>>
>>>
>>>Thanks, but this doesn't make sense. The extension manager checks the
>>>extensions and disables almost all of them, but then tells me that
>>>there are updates available. I assume that this means that the authors
>>>themselves have already updated their extensions, since that would be
>>>the purpose of making a release candidate available. One extension in
>>>particular, Talkback, I expect the developers would maintain as part of
>>>Firefox itself, since it enables users to report the results of their
>>>testing.
>>>
>>>Despite this, I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
>>>install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
>>>message.
>>
>>You dont seem to understand that the release is a release candidate or
>>more exactly, what that pertains.
>>
>>A release candidate is designed to actually BE a release - there are no
>>modifications to enable/disable components. In effect, IF there are no
>>problems with the release candidate, they simply turn around and rename
>>it as a release!
>
>
> Yes, having made software, I kind of do understand what release
> software is. You do not seem to understand that part of the release
> process is giving the program to the people who develop extensions for
> it so that they can have their extensions ready for when the actual
> release is made.
>
> But that has nothing to do with my question.
>
>
>>Its the renaming thats important in this case. Yep some authors HAVE
>>adjusted their extensions (or simply checked that nothing was changed
>>that affected them) and have updated the max version themselves. But
>>they have set the max version to reflect the new release, not the
>>release candidate. "Yep, works with 1.5" But this rc3 candidate is named
>>1.5rc3, and the extension is NOT enabled to work with 1.5rc3. Sure, it
>>might become 1.5, but that remains to be seen.
>
>
> Yes, and if you actually look at the extensions available, some of them
> are enabled to work with 1.5rc3. So again, you are missing my question.
>
>>Once more, unless you are into testing, I suggest awaiting the official
>>release.
>
>
> Goody for you. But the point of having a release candidate is so I can
> test it. That is what I am trying to do. But I can't because I can't
> install any extensions.
>
> Now, do you want to deal with the question:
> How do I install extensions?
>
> This is for testing purposes, so quit being so condescending about what
> I am doing.
>
>
>>Talkback isnt an extension - at least a user installed one. All release
>>versions come with Talkback enabled, but it doesnt appear in the
>>Extensions Manager
>
>
> That's funny, it appears in mine. I was even able to remove it.

Well, since you wish to tell me how I can advise you, I shall leave it
up to you to advise yourself, I have no need to be the middle man here,
you can give yourself your own answers and comments. Good luck
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

* Matt Broughton :
> In article ,
> Mark Nobles wrote:
>
> > In article , Matt
> > Broughton wrote:
> >
> > > In article ,
> > > Mark Nobles wrote:
> > >
> > > > I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> > > > install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> > > > message.
> > >
> > > Preferences-->Web Features-->Allow Web Sites to Install Software. Make
> > > sure the checkbox is checked. You may have to edit the Allowed Sites.
> > > I did not have to edit this option, however.
> >
> > Boggle. When I open the Preferences panel, my choices are:
> > General, Privacy, Content, Tabs, Downloads, Advanced.
> > None of those has anything about either Web Features or
> > Allow Web Sites to Install Software.
> > This is getting curiouser and curiouser.

I have the same problem, but under Debian GNU/Linux with firefox RC3
provided by Debian. I solved the problem by typing "about:config" in the
address bar. There you can set the option "xpinstall.enabled" to
default. This worked for me.

Roman
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

Roman Bertle wrote:

> * Matt Broughton :
> > In article ,
> > Mark Nobles wrote:
> >
> > > In article , Matt
> > > Broughton wrote:
> > >
> > > > In article ,
> > > > Mark Nobles wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > I am unable to find a preference that allows me to
> > > > > install extensions. There is a bug here, if nothing else in the error
> > > > > message.
> > > >
> > > > Preferences-->Web Features-->Allow Web Sites to Install Software. Make
> > > > sure the checkbox is checked. You may have to edit the Allowed Sites.
> > > > I did not have to edit this option, however.
> > >
> > > Boggle. When I open the Preferences panel, my choices are:
> > > General, Privacy, Content, Tabs, Downloads, Advanced.
> > > None of those has anything about either Web Features or
> > > Allow Web Sites to Install Software.
> > > This is getting curiouser and curiouser.
>
> I have the same problem, but under Debian GNU/Linux with firefox RC3
> provided by Debian. I solved the problem by typing "about:config" in the
> address bar. There you can set the option "xpinstall.enabled" to
> default. This worked for me.
>
Hooray! This did the trick. Thank you.

But I still don't have the Preferences choices Matt described. I still
have Content instead of "Web Features", and the "Warn me when web sites
try to install extension or themes" checkbox instead of his "Allow Web
Sites to Install Software".

It sounds like I'm still getting some bad Preferences from somewhere,
but I sure can't find them. This makes me think I'm going to get bitten
by this again on each update.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

This matches the 1.5 release on Windows.

Is this possibly a difference between versions on different OS
releases? Maybe there are a few discrepancies?

> But I still don't have the Preferences choices Matt described. I still
> have Content instead of "Web Features", and the "Warn me when web sites
> try to install extension or themes" checkbox instead of his "Allow Web
> Sites to Install Software".
>
> It sounds like I'm still getting some bad Preferences from somewhere,
> but I sure can't find them. This makes me think I'm going to get bitten
> by this again on each update.
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

THANK YOU!!
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation? 

Firefox 1.5: If you previously disabled this option and then updated to
Firefox 1.5, the disabled setting will be carried over. Since the
option to enable software installation no longer exists in the UI, you
will need to use about:config to reset the "xpinstall.enabled"
preference to the default "true" value (bug 310737).
 >> Stay informed about: How do I enable extension installation?