Running FireFox 2 and 3 on the same machine

[Ioannis Vranos]

Dave M G wrote:
> Ubuntu Users,
> 
> I like the new FireFox 3 that comes as the default browser on Ubuntu 
> Hardy Heron.
> 
> However, I have some add ons that I need for work (Zend toolbar, Web 
> Developer toolbar) that are not yet compatible with FireFox version 3.
> 
> I used Synaptic to download FireFox version 2, and I can run it.
> 
> However, even though I can run version 2, the add-ons that are not 
> compatible with version 3 are now incompatible with version 2 as well. I 
> suspect this has something to do with the fact that versions 2 and 3 are 
> sharing some configuration or profile settings.
> 
> Can I get version 2 to be more independent from the version 3 settings?
> 
> Thank you for any advice.


I suggest you not running Firefox 2 stable and Firefox 3 Beta together.

Instructions follow on how to uninstall Firefox 3 Beta:


OS: Ubuntu 8.04 after a fresh clean installation, otherwise backup your
Firefox/SeaMonkey bookmarks first.


How to migrate to stable firefox 2.0.0.x (currently 2.0.0.14) from
firefox 3 Beta, until firefox 3 final becomes available.

1. i) Run System::Administration::Synaptic Package Manager.

   ii) Press the Search button and type firefox.

   iii) By selecting the "Mark for complete removal" boxes, uninstall
   the "firefox", "firefox-3.0" and its dependencies packages.

   iv) Install "firefox-2" and "firefox-2-gnome-support" packages.

2. Delete the .mozilla directory under your home directory (in my case
/home/john). If you are using nautilus, activate the View::Show Hidden
Files menu item, to do this.


3. Restart Ubuntu 8.04.


Now Firefox 2.0.0.x (currently 2.0.0.14) is ready to be used from the
menu Applications::Internet.

If it doesn't run at the first attempt, press Alt-F2 and type firefox-2
and press Run.


If anyone has any problems, reply to this message.