Avast suddenly doesn't like several Firefox add ons

[Asyn]

No problems here with FF ESR.

[DavidR]

The catalyst was updating FF from 33.1 to 33.1.1. When FF restarted itself after updating many of my addons were missing.

Could it be related to a firefox update then ?

Having just just read the new posts on this topic, I did a manual update from the 33.1.0 UI (XP) and firefox has rebooted and I still have all of my add-ons that I started with. Just about to do the same on my win7 netbook - update has completed and restarted - all add-ons are still in place.

[REDACTED]

If this was an issue with the latest Firefox 33.1, this would be more widespread. But every single person, who has this problem, is using Avast.

This can be related to Avast messing up Firefox, when updating to 33.1. This did happen to me after I've updated my work PC to 33.1 and then the firefox sync feature migrated the settings to my other PC.

[midnight]

No problems here with FF ESR.

+1

[Gopher John]

I'm having no problems with losing Firefox extensions with Firefox 33.1.1 and Win 7 SP1.  I don't have AOS, GrimeFighter, nor Browser Cleanup installed, though.

There is the assumption that Browser Cleanup must be given permission to remove what it finds, but the assertion by a user on Mozilla Bugzilla https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1099973#c5 has this to say.

Code: [Select]

Martin Pecka 2014-11-16 05:48:42 PST

And one last thing today - I've checked Avast GUI and there was really an option in the Browser Cleanup tool to clean browsers automatically. I'm sure I haven't turned this option on!
Since I don't have Browser Cleanup installed (and no desire to do so), I can't check this.

[catinahat]

The catalyst was updating FF from 33.1 to 33.1.1. When FF restarted itself after updating many of my addons were missing.

Could it be related to a firefox update then ?

Almost certainly. My addons were present and correct until then, but as someone else pointed out this only seems to be reported by people who use avast (not saying everyone who uses avast is having this, but it does seem to be a one common factor). It didn't happen when I updated FF on my other rig which I run Eset NOD32 on, but have an otherwise identical software set up.

I should also add that I have the avast browser clean up thing installed (but haven't run it in ages - the last time I did it told me that all my plugins had a good reputation), but I do not have the avast online safety browser plugin installed as it did not play nicely with some other addons I had. Mentioning in case it helps piece the puzzle together.

[REDACTED]

His assumption is not correct. The tool has an option, which can check automatically, but it doesn't say it removes them automatically.

Here is a screenshot: http://grab.by/CeUk

[REDACTED]

Another casualty here.  I have 8 addons (of about 25) uninstalled by this bug, including NoScript, Classic Theme Restorer, and Status4Evar, destroying Firefox usability.  I'm running Avast Pro antivirus, v2014.9.0.2021.  (On checking the Avast version, I was informed that "A new version of the program (2015.10.0.2208) is available", will update when I can.)

I'm curious whether any Avast Free users have experienced this bug.

My current best guess as to the problem scenario, run recent version of Avast antivirus and Firefox with Avast security plugin loaded, then upgrade through Firefox About menu, resulting in a  number of addons being quietly uninstalled.  (Avast and Malwarebytes indicate no malware on my system.)

Some advice, run MozBackup immediately, so you can restore any addons subsequently lost.  Additional advice - do NOT update Firefox until you have a backup made, or you may lose addons again!  On seeing advice to upgrade Firefox, I did, to the latest (33.1.1), and discovered I had again lost the addons I had just re-downloaded and reinstalled.

[REDACTED]

As noted before happened to me too but with this difference: I have Avast Online Security add-on disabled.

Regs,
Karel

[REDACTED]

Avast Free with Windows XP SP3,
All is well with Firefox 33.1.1
 Shields: File and Web. Tools: Browser Protection, Rescue Disk, Home Network Security, Software Updater
 

[lukor]

Hi guys,
can you all please list the addons that were removed and those that were preserved?

Thanks.
L.

[REDACTED]

Problem confirmed with latest Avast and Firefox 33.1. Approx. 3-4 times experienced after backup too... 

I compile a list later.

[lukor]

Hi,
trying to reproduce with OpenWith and Lastpass plugins on FF33.1.1 (also with upgrade from FF31)
No problems.

Do the vanishing always happen during Firefox update?

Thanks.

[REDACTED]

Hi,
With me it happens with OS restart, but today, the addons were not removed (Classic Theme Restorer, Open With) but their functioning was broken. After restarting FF, the addons were removed. I would like to attach a screenshot of my addons list to this reply, but I dont know how.

Regards,
Karel

updated: noticed noScript was removed too

[REDACTED]

I would like to attach a screenshot of my addons list to this reply, but I dont know how.

Clik "attachments and other options" just below the message form and you will see it.