Can't install add-ons on my Macbook because firefox "cannot modify the needed file" !!

I am not sure how to use terminal and commands in the same. Help with the same would be greatly appreciated.

Hey,
I'm having the exact same issue, except I'm on OSX 10.8.2 and FF 16.0.1.
I can't install any extensions. If I try via Tools -> Add Ons, I get the error "There was an error installing <extension-name>". If I try via the addons.mozilla.org site I get the "can't modify file" error msg.
I have changed '''extensions.alwaysUnpack''' to ''TRUE'', but there is no change.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[Add-on] could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file

I've tried both Zotero & Firefox forums with no success:
Zotero could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file.
I've deleted my cache, restarted firefox and computer, tried in various versions of Firefox (currently 8.0 which the add-on store says is compatible). I'm running brand new Mac with Windows for Mac 2011, have tried downloading in Safari & dropping into Firefox, from the Firefox add-ons and directly from the site. The add-ons says - unable to install & both the other methods list the above error (cannot modify the needed file).
Thanks in advance.

This can be a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.
Delete the files extensions.* (extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini, extensions.cache, extensions.rdf) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox [[Profiles|profile folder]] to reset the extensions registry. 
New files will be created when required.
See "Corrupt extension files":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
* Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder
If you see disabled, not compatible, extensions in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left side of the Search Bar (or click the "Find Updates" button in older Firefox versions) to do a compatibility check or see if there is an update.

When going through the download process with social monkee and getting to the point of adding it to firefox I get the following message: 'Social Monkee could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file'. How can this be fixed?

When going through the download process with social monkee and getting to the point of adding it to firefox I get the following message: 'Social Monkee could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file'. How can this be fixed?

That is usually caused by a missing unpack directive (<em:unpack>true</em:unpack>) in the file install.rdf of that extension.
See https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking
-----

I am unable to install "Springpad extension" It states "could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file"

I have just installed Firefox 4.0. I cannot install the extension called Springpad extension, found here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/springpad/
I click add to Firefox, it downloads, prompts me that the author is not verified and I click 'Install Now'. It then says "Springpad extension could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file". What am I missing here?

Unable to get Springpad Browser Extension to show up on my browser even though it is with-in my existing add-ons. I was having problems with the Springpad Browser Extension so I thought I would uninstall it and reinstall it but that hasn't worked. So I would like to know how to get it back so I can use it. When I go to the help button and click add-ons to search for Springpad, it does not come up in the results. So I tried using the link on my Springpad homepage website, but it didn't work. Then I searched Firefox support and found this post and tried installing it using the link here. It shows up now in my list of existing add-ons, but when I enabled it, it did not show up on my browser as a clickable icon I can use to spring a web-site. I'm stuck now!
However, the reason for uninstalling it is there is no longer a"back arrow, the + sign, home, or scissors" at the top of the Springpad Browser Extension for Firefox? I have to log out and back in in order to get back to my notebooks because I am unable to get to them without a home button or a back button...and now I can't just click the scissors to spring a web-page. How are we supposed to spring a web-page now?
Disappointed,
Angela

Cannot install "plugin/extension name" because Firefox cannot modify the needed file. This is happening for any and every kind of plugin theme you could think of. This started when I upgraded to Firefox 11 just now.

I just upgraded to Firefox 11.0 (unwillingly) and I get the following whenever I try to install ANYTHING at all. Themes, add-ons...it doesn't matter, the result is the same.
"Cannot install "plugin name here" because Firefox cannot modify the needed file.
If the fix requires installing a plugin...well, that's not going to work obviously.
Anybody know how to fix this?

You shouldn't see such an error. 
That error usually indicates that an extension or dictionary needs to be unpacked to make it work.
Firefox 4 and later no longer unpacks an extension automatically, but renames the XPI file to the ID of the extension and copies that file to the extensions folder in the Firefox Profile Folder.
If an extension needs to be unpacked then there should be an unpack directive (<nowiki><em:unpack>true</em:unpack></nowiki>) in the install.rdf file of that extension
You can try to set the Boolean pref extensions.alwaysUnpack to true on the about:config page.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/about:config
* https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking

Error: "FT DeepDark 11.3.1 could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file." What does this mean?

In an earlier version (Firefox v.31) on this, and (presently) on two other PC's, I was/am able to run add-on FT DeepDark 11.3.1 without any problems. It was only recently - after updating to v.32.0.3 on this PC that this situation started. The PC in question is a Dell Dimension 8400 Intel P4 running Windows 7, though I'm thinking it may have something to do with the newer version of Firefox. Could anyone help me with this? I like this add-on because it is easier in my eyes when browsing the internet. Thanks
PS: Attempted to install the troubleshooter, and again I received a similar error: "Troubleshooter could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file."

This error has been reported before in this bug:
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=730040#c21
Please read that bug I linked you to and let me know if the last comment in the bug solves your problem. Apparently the problem is about the addon .xpi file being read-only. Try right-clicking it, going to Properties and unchecking the "Read-only" attribute box at the bottom of the dialog. Click Apply, then OK.

I cannt install erail.in. note is"erail pluginfor firefox could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file". what should i do now

when i go to www.erail.net for train details. message as"click here to install plugin" displayed and clicked for install then the message "erail plugin for firefox could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file"
so, further what should i do
regards. madhu

You usually get this error if you try to install an extension that needs to be unpacked to work properly. 
Current Firefox version do not unpack an extension automatically, but rename the xpi file to the extension's GUID.
An extension that needs to be unpacked should have an unpack flag in its install.rdf file
<pre><nowiki><em:unpack>true</em:unpack></nowiki></pre>
*https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking
You can try to set the extensions.alwaysUnpack pref to true on the about:config page.
The extension seems to install, but I haven't tested if it works.
*https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/erail-plugin-for-firefox/

I keep getting the error "zotero could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file". Any suggestions on how to fix this?

After downloading Zotero (a plug in that is in theory custom-designed for firefox), I get an error message that says "zotero could not be installed because firefox could not modify the needed file". That's all the detail I have.

You get this error if you install an extension that needs to be unpacked in order to work properly, but this isn't happening. The default is to copy the file to the extensions folder and rename the file part to the ID of the extension.
*https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking
You can try to set the extensions.alwaysUnpack pref(s) on the about:config page to true.
It is possible that there is a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.
Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Profiles
New files will be created when required.
See "Corrupt extension files":
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Unable+to+install+add-ons
If you see disabled or not compatible extensions in "Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end side of the Search Bar to check if there is a compatibility update available.
If this hasn't helped then also delete the addons.sqlite file if present.

Error, lightbeam could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file.

Was trying to install the addon Lightbeam and keep getting the error. I am using version 24 on Firefox and the latest version of Lightbeam.

You get this error if you install an extension that needs to be unpacked in order to work properly, but this isn't happening. The default is to copy the file to the extensions folder and rename the file part to the ID of the extension.
*https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking
You can try to set the extensions.alwaysUnpack pref(s) on the about:config page to true.
It is possible that there is a problem with the file(s) that store the extensions registry.
Delete the extensions.* files (e.g. extensions.sqlite, extensions.ini) and compatibility.ini in the Firefox profile folder to reset the extensions registry.
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Profiles
New files will be created when required.
See "Corrupt extension files":
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Unable+to+install+add-ons
If you see disabled or not compatible extensions in "Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions" then click the Tools button at the left end side of the Search Bar to check if there is a compatibility update available.
If this hasn't helped then also delete the addons.sqlite file if present.

What does this error message mean? "Blank Tab Multivariate Test Addon could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the needed file."

I am running Firefox 6 Beta and have now recieved 2 popups about the Blank Tab Multivariate Test. I finally found info on how to install it. However, when I went to the page suggested and tried to install I got the above error message. I want to know how to solve this problem so I can participate in the test.

That means that the extension lacks the required <nowiki><em:unpack>true</em:unpack></nowiki> line in the file install.rdf to make sure that the file gets unpacked after installing. 
Firefox 4 and later no longer unpacks an extension automatically, but renames the XPI file to the ID of the extension and copies that file to the extensions folder in the Firefox Profile Folder.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
*https://developer.mozilla.org/en/install_manifests#unpack
*https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking

Add-on could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the necessary file.

I see that for the issue:
<Add-on> could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the necessary file.
The usual fixes include:
- ensuring that xpinstall.enabled is set to true
- ensuring that extensions.alwaysUnpack is set to true
What might be the non-usual fixes as I have set both to true and I still get the message above.
I have tried installing the <add-on> after I have set the values to true, then again after restarting my browser, then again after restarting my computer and finally tried creating a new profile and repeated each of the steps after setting the 2 preferences to true.

Can you at least update to the latest Firefox 10.0.10 ESR version?
Firefox 10.0.x ESR:
*http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/organizations/all.html
So a new profile with no other extensions didn't work as well?
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Profile_issues
Which extension is causing this problem or can't you install any extensions at all?
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_install_themes_or_extensions
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Unable+to+install+add-ons

When i try to add an add on that is supposed to be compatible I get a message that says it's not installed because firefox cannot modify a needed file

I just upgraded to FF 5.o. Many of my addons state that they are compatible, but when I try to install them, I press "install" then a message pops up saying that it can't be installed because FF cannot modify the needed file. How do I change this?

That probably means that the extension lacks the required <nowiki><em:unpack>true</em:unpack></nowiki> line in the file install.rdf to make sure that the file gets unpacked after installing.
*https://developer.mozilla.org/En/Updating_extensions_for_Firefox_4.0#XPI_unpacking
Firefox 4 and later no longer unpacks an extension automatically, but renames the XPI file to the ID of the extension and copies that file to the extensions folder in the Firefox Profile Folder.
Try to set the Boolean pref extensions.alwaysUnpack to true on the about:config page.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/about:config

Firefox cannot modify the needed file. I get this message when I try to add a theme. I am using Linux Mint 14.

I am currently using Linux Mint 14 with Firefox 21. I am trying to add new themes and add ons, but I keep getting the message "firefox cannot modify the needed file in linux". How can I correct this?
Thanks

Click the Firefox button at the top left, then click the ''Help'' menu and select ''Troubleshooting Information'' from the submenu. If you don't have a Firefox button, click the Help menu at the top and select ''Troubleshooting Information'' from the menu. Go to Open Profile Directory (or something similar) and delete a file named user.js

When attempting to install add-ons, Firefox generates a message saying it is unable to install add-on because Firefox cannot modify the necessary file. To what file is this referring, and how do I fix this problem?

When I download an add-on such as Colorful Tabs and start the installation process, I receive a message that Firefox cannot install the add-on because it cannot modify the necessary file. To what file is this referring?

That is usually caused by Firefox not unpacking the extension.
You can try to set the Boolean pref extensions.alwaysUnpack to true on the about:config page.
To open the about:config page, type about:config in the location (address) bar and press the "Enter" key, just like you type the url of a website to open a website. 
If you see a warning then you can confirm that you want to access that page. 
*Use the Filter bar at to top of the about:config page to locate a preference more easily.
*Preferences that have been modified show as bold (user set).
*Preferences can be reset to the default via the right-click context menu if they are user set
*Preferences can be changed via the right-click context menu: Modify (String or Integer) or Toggle (Boolean)

I am trying to install xmarks on Firefox 4 but it tells me Firefox cannot modify the needed file.

I just upgraded to Firefox 4 and am trying to install xmarks for the first time, but Firefox says it cannot modify the needed file.

What is the exact error message?

Can't install add-ons on my Macbook because firefox "cannot modify the needed file" !!

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