Most Firefox users probably experience some kind of problems with the web browser eventually. While most of them can be fixed easily, some appear to be resistant to troubleshooting. Profile Cleaner is a new Firefox add-on that offers to be a last resort for some of those situations.
The Firefox profile contains various files that store information relevant to the operation of the browser. Problems can occur if the information stored differ from the information expected. This can happen because of various reasons, write errors, crashes, virus attacks or any other form of interruption or interference that directly affects the profile files.http://www.ghacks.net/wp-admin/post-new.php
A common solution in those cases is the deletion of profile files. Many of the files in Firefox are automatically generated by the Internet browser, if they are missing from the folder. This ensures that the information stored in those files match the data expected, so that the browser can operate normally.
Profile Cleaner automates the deleting for the two profile files compatibility.ini and secmod.db. The two files are automatically deleted by the add-on, and automatically created again by Firefox on startup.
- compatibility.ini, Stores version and path of the application this profile was last used with. When the profile is loaded with an application of a different version/path, the XPCOM components registration process is triggered. This file is automatically generated and can safely be deleted.
- secmod.db, security module database, stores PKCS11 modules
But who needs Profile Cleaner? Only users who are experiencing constant freezes, hangs or other problems related to one of those two core files. If a test reveals that at least one of the files needs to be deleted every time for Firefox to function normally then this tool may be used as a temporary fix, until the underlying problem has been analyzed and resolved.
Firefox users who do not experience those difficulties regularly do not need to use Profile Cleaner. The add-on offers a temporary solution for users who do not have the time for troubleshooting the issue.
Update: Firefox Profile Cleaner has been removed from the Mozilla Add-On repository by its developer. There does not seem to be a comparable add-on available at this point in time.
Related Articles:
Firefox Profile Preferences CleanerProtect your Firefox Profile
Firefox Profile Switcher Add-on
Firefox Profile Manager To Be Removed Soon
Firefox Preferences Cleaner, Remove Add-On Preferences On Uninstallation
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Hoi Martin, Thanks a lot for your tought about this Firefox add-onn. This Kristal clear explanation gives me the insight i needed about this application, that i hopefully do not have to use. But ferry handy this application when you need it.
Here’s another tool to help cleanup leftovers from uninstalled addons.
http://5pm.zwares.com/post/877786598/tool-firefox-prefsjs-cleaner