I want to instal firefox 1.5.0.2 using the tar file, but I dont want to lose the setting and such that I have right now in 1.5.

Could somebody instruct me in detail as to how to go about this.

I looked on earlier posts but was unable to find how to do the upgrade.

If you let Firefox install your profile folder in the default location when you originally installed it, 1.5.0.2 should automatically find your settings.

does that mean just doing a common 'make' make installin the directory where firefox is right now?

The new Firefox is a self-contained executeable, and doesn't actually install on your system. You just untar it to the directory you want to run it from, and it's useable.

To use it, navigate to the subdirectory (the folder) that firefox untars to, click on the shell script icon 'firefox', and it runs, automatically picking up your settings from your previous default installation.

If you want to use flash and java, you need to set up the symlinks in the firefox directory though, those don't carry over. Instructions are on the firefox site.

If Firefox is already installed and running on your system, why not just let it update itself automatically. Just launch Firefox, then click on 'Help, then 'Check for Updates' and begin the download. From there it should be automatic, and all you'll need to do is close and restart Firefox

Yes, use Help->Check for updates
it's a proper and easy way, otherwise you should make alot with all your themes, extensions and plug-ins. I once did it (I did not notice the menu item ), it's not a very simple task.

I tried to update in the way above, however, I could not find the optoin "Check for updates" under Help ! Why ? I am runnig 1.0.6 ! Thank you !

You should have write permissions
either 'chown -R myuser /where/firefox/is' or run FF under root and then 'Help->Check for updates'

I tried to login as root and still could not find "Check for updates" under the Help menu. WHat is next ????

Please, tell the firefox location.
How did you install it? Did you use package or downloaded tarball from mozilla's site?

The location is /usr/lib/mozilla


I untar the file firefox1.5.0.2.tar.gz

What is next ?

No, it's not still clear.
Now you have an old Firefox, I suupose it's /usr/lib/mozilla? OK, also you have new Firefox (in tarball), very well. But how did you installed the old one? If it was from package, you should update it with packages. if no, there's alot to think about.

The check for upgrades option is in the Preferences.

If you are afraid of losing your settings, backup ~/.mozilla. If you backup ~/.mozilla and firefox screw up your settings, you can always restore your settings.

The old one is from the Mandriva Linux package !

What's next ?

Thank you !

It's amazing that it told me there is no updates ! However, I am running 1.0.5 . Or, does it mean the updates of it's plugins and extensions ?