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.

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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.

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.

[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 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 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

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

I am trying to install Xmarks on Firefox 12 but get "Xmarks could not be installed because Firefox cannot modify the necessary file." Already reinstalled FF.

Noticed that my wife's laptop (same make and model as mine) appeared different and had no "Reload" icon. Ran FF in Safe Mode and disabled all add-ons and reset toolbars and controls. When that resolved the problem, I made the changes and restarted. Was able to re-install all the other add-ons (WOT, Adblock, No Script, All-in One-Sidebar, Colorful tabs, and IE tab) without any problem. Tried installing Xmarks thru FF and directly from xmarks.com without any luck.

Hi cor-el,
'''''FINALLY!!''''' When I deleted all the "extension" suggestions you made (along with .rdf that was in KB) and it did not work, I tried to uninstall via CCleaner (without success) and then via the Control Panel (again, without success) and then through the FF "uninstall\helper.exe" - still without success. Had to delete each file one at a time until I got to the corrupt file at the end of the Application Data tree (extensions - chrome - locale - "vi"). Getting rid of that file took some doing, but once accomplished the uninstall was finished. In the process.
Thanks again for the guidance as the problem was a corrupt file in extensions. Too bad it could not be corrected with the easier/faster deletions you suggested.
Will wait before installing FF 13 as the machine is running much faster now and want to give it time to make sure it was FF causing it to be so slow. Have to echo what some others have said about disliking ANY program that does not allow for it to be uninstalled.

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

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

I have an iPhone 4 and the speakers arent working and the sound works in headphones on when my phone is charging, do you have any suggestions on how to fix this?

I have an iPhone 4 and the speakers arent working and the sound works in headphones on when my phone is charging, do you have any suggestions on how to fix this?

Hi courteney17,
Welcome to the Support Communities! The article below will help you troubleshoot the issue you are having with sound on your iPhone 4:
iPhone: No sound or distorted sound from speaker http://support.apple.com/kb/ts5180
Cheers,
- Judy

Lost the ability to connect to both WiFi and Bluetooth on my iPhone 4S. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

Lost the ability to connect to both WiFi and Bluetooth on my iPhone 4S. Any suggestions on how to fix the problem?

Have you followed http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559 ?
Also try settings>general>reset>reset all settings
If you have followed that article and restored your phone and set it up as new and you're still having that issue you may call and explain you followed the article and are still having the problem. Most likely they will either set up a replacement for you. If they ask you to set up the one time phone support agreement, and they assist you with a restore again, they won't bill you if they end up having to repair it.

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Firefox won't open at all.
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I've restarted my computer and I've tried a system restore. I've also unintstalled and reinstalled firefox.
Sometimes, I may get the crash report, but if I click Restart Firefox, that error message will just pop up.

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See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Register_protocol

I recently did an apps update and now the update is locked and I have 15 apps I can't open. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

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At the end of the basic Restore, you will be asked if you wish to sync the iPad/iPod. As before, say "yes." Note that that sync selection will disappear and the Restore will end if you do not respond within a reasonable time. If that happens, only the apps that are part of the IOS will appear on your device. Corrective action is simple - choose manual "Sync" from the bottom right of iTunes.
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I keep getting the error "zotero could not be installed because firefox cannot modify the needed file". Any suggestions on how to fix this?

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