While using FF Browser, a window appeared, telling me I had an outdated version and should upgrade and it won't complete install nor allow me to uninstall to re

Question

First of all, I have Windows XP/HE/SP3 and my main browser is IE8, tho i also have Google and did have, FF V#21. And while using the FF browser, was alerted that my current version was outdated, etc, even tho I just installed V#21 only 1 week ago, but I took FF's word for it and clicked (x'd) to install the upgrade. The application (AP) used to install was called "Optimum Installer" and had the word "Firefox" in smaller print in the upper left hand corner. This seemed diff from the AP i had used to install just 1 week prior, but since i was using IE8 to install FFV#21 originally, I figured the FF browser used this "Optimum" AP, so I proceeded. The small window then said, "you have chosen to open this file" and yet there was no option to "open" only to "save" or cancel. So i x'd on "save" and my Norton file checker popped up to tell me this file is "safe." But afterwards no install window appeared, so i tried to DL the file again and still no Install window after a total of 8 attempts. I finally found the setup file in "my documents" and opened it and x'd to install. It seemed to work ok, tho again, I was asked alot of questions about making thus and such my default browser, or search engine, or home page, etc, and even some other, but i declined them all, i think, but not sure about one possible miscue. Anyways, the AP told me I'd successfully installed this newer version of FF. So of course i wanted to open it and see how it would work, and i went to my task bar/notification tray to X on the globe icon and instead it showed a "setup" icon. I put my mouse under it and it said "Mozilla Firefox" so i went ahead and x'd on it expecting FF to open. Instead, a small warning appeared telling me i had to reboot for the install..to be completed, so i did, but no change. Tried atleast half a dozen times and nothing, no new or any, version of FF working on my pc now. I even tried to look at support, but no answers, then tried to uninstall and it won't even let me do that, it keeps saying that "your computer must first be restarted to complete a previous upgrade"; yet that already hasn't been working. Also, i went from a V#21 to a V#13.0.1 with 77MB+ of space, which is way more than FF#21. Now I do believe this version is corrupt and really don't want it, but can't get rid of it. I even tried to reinstall V21 (also from IE8, since I don't even have FF browser now) and it goes to a point, but then also tells me I can't get this V21 til I complete an install/upgrade of another version. So basically, i have what i believe is a corrupt/malicious piece of software on my pc, calling itself Mozilla V#13.0.1 - which I can't get rid of, and also can't reinstall the version I had, least i finish installing the one i have but don't think I now want. Keep in mind also, I can't do any of the suggestions from within the FF browser that have been suggested, because I don't have it any more, only IE8 and Google....Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Dear Colbabomb; thankyou for your links.
So far, I looked at your first solution, Revo Uninstaller and it gives you a 30 free trial. Ergo, it will eventually cost money so I'm leery of using those kinds of programs in general, meaning most "free trials" have unwanted strings attached and often are big probs to get rid of later. Perhaps you can assure me that it is easy and very user friendly, before I proceed. And I already ran malwarebytes and it found nothing tho the program still can't be uninstalled. I downloaded Adw Cleaner and during the install, my Norton's security popped up and warned that there were (low risk) threats with two of their "other offers" and i hadn't even actually clicked to agree either of them. Nonetheless, Norton warned me against the "lyrics finder" and "deal ply." In fact, there was a box already with an x in it, saying that you are accepting deal ply if you x on "next." Well, except I unchecked that box before clicking on next, yet when it went to fully install, it still showed that it was adding itself; so, just before the install was 100% completed, I had to abort the whole thing. I really do hope your other suggestions are programs that you personally know that they don't try and trick you. But right now, I would not suggest Adw Cleaner to anyone. I even read the fine print about what they will try and install and how to decline and it still tried sticking stuff on that i believed I had declined. Anyways, i have to leave now, shall pick up later this evening, if my pc is still functioning.