How do I install two Firefox versions in one PC?

[Chris Thomas]

I am now using Minefield that is version 3.7

I wish to install 3.6 beta 5 without creating any sort of problem.

How do you do it?

Will there be any problems?

[polonus]

Hi Chris Thomas,

Launch the additional version as a portable apps from a USB stick, will run alongside your main Fx version. I have and Fx and Flock and Minefied on one computer, no problems.
Links:

http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable
http://www.xudua24h.org/news/2009-11-05_-_firefox_portable_3.5.5

http://lifehacker.com/5306292/firefox-35-portable-available-for-download

polonus

[Chris Thomas]

@ polonus

Can I install the portable firefox on my hard disk, somewhere instead on USB?

And I was talking about the latest beta Firefox 3.6 not 3.5

[polonus]

Hi Chris Thomas,

In that case do it as described here: http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1062975

pol

[spg SCOTT]

You can install the portable version on the hard drive, it is how I run firefox normally....
They also have the beta: http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable/test

it installs to a folder of your choosing, so it is easy to remove when you are finished...just delete the folder

[DavidR]

If the portable version is in-line with the regular firefox beta builds then this is a good alternative to screwing up your existing firefox installation (just to try it), which happened to me once before. Fortunately I just restored one of my backup disk images and back in business just over 15 minutes later.

[Chris Thomas]

Thanks for this poratable app link

I have now installed 3 Firefox on my PC as a result

C://Firefoxportable Firefox 3.6

C://Firefoxportable1 Firefox 3.5

and another normal in the program folder Firefox 3.7

I have put the shortcuts in the desktop.

No problem so far!

Thanks a lot. 

[spg SCOTT]

You're welcome Chris

Ensure that you run the portable launcher for them (firefoxportable.exe) as this will keep it contained.

@DavidR,

It is exactly the same as a normal build, except that things like the cache, and other space taking option are disabled. It also installs to a folder, which it where everything is contained. Running the portable launcher (IIRC) places the relevant files where they belong until it is closed, and then it takes everything back and leaves it as before.

Currently, I have opted to use this as my preferred way of installing things...I have the portable versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, foxit,  VLC, Notepad++ and a few other unofficial test releases...

[Chris Thomas]

@ spg SCOTT

What do you think about the RAM usage?

Is there any difference between Firefox portable and normal firefox

I can't notice any

[spg SCOTT]

I wouldn't know about the comparisons of RAM usage, I've never had the proper version installed

but I imagine that it would not be much different, if at all because it is essentially firefox that is running, but the launcher just cleans it up afterwards...

[DavidR]

@DavidR,
It is exactly the same as a normal build, except that things like the cache, and other space taking option are disabled. It also installs to a folder, which it where everything is contained. Running the portable launcher (IIRC) places the relevant files where they belong until it is closed, and then it takes everything back and leaves it as before.
<snip>

This is one of the major things that would prevent me using portable apps on a regular basis, as on dial-up I need all the cache help I can get to prevent stuff being downloaded again and again and again.

[spg SCOTT]

It is not permanently disabled, just it is off by default (i.e. Cleared on exit I think) But I do know what you mean...the cache would defnitely be quite useful to you, on dial up that's understandable.