Fix Broken Firefox Extensions - Compatibility Guide
Unexpected Firefox Update Breaks Extension
Initially, the intention was not to publish another article concerning Firefox this evening. However, an unanticipated event occurred following a Firefox restart. The automatic update function initiated without prompting, resulting in the malfunction of a frequently used extension.
While direct modification of the extension's code to rectify the issue is feasible, the necessity of such action is frustrating.
The Issue of Incompatible Updates
A significant concern arises: why should a minor version update, such as x.x.x.1, cause incompatibility with existing extensions? This outcome is unacceptable.
It is acknowledged that extension developers could employ more robust versioning strategies. However, the extension functioned correctly with version 2.0.0.5, and therefore should maintain compatibility with 2.0.0.6.
Resolving Extension Incompatibility
Several approaches can be taken to address this situation:
- Manually alter the version number within the extension's files, specifically the extensions.rdf file located in your Firefox profile directory.
- Utilize the Nightly Tester Tools extension, which provides the capability to bypass incompatibility restrictions.
After installing the Nightly Tester Tools extension and restarting Firefox, navigate to the Add-ons manager. Right-click on the incompatible extension and select "Make Compatible" from the context menu.
A subsequent Firefox restart should restore the extension to its normal operational state.
A Growing Frustration with Firefox Stability
The frequency of required restarts – for installing themes, plugins, adjusting settings, and addressing memory leaks – is becoming increasingly problematic.
The need to reboot Firefox is beginning to evoke memories of the instability often associated with Windows 98.
You can install Nightly Tester Tools from Oxymoronical.
Alternatively, you can install Nightly Tester Tools directly from the Firefox Addons website.