An Easier Fix for 'Netscape won't start'

Janglur · 29th October 2003

Recenly I did some research into thos issue:
Netscape Won't Start (Nothing Happens)

While this approach does work, the explanation for it's cause is wrong. I have found both the true cause, and the solution.

Comparing two otherwise identical copies of Netscape, one which works, the other which does not open, I have narrowed the problem down to a single corrupt file.
The file appears to be a Netscape registry file which, when overwritten by a functional copy, functions correctly.

The file: ..\Netscape\components\compreg.dat

The exact purpose of this file is unknown, but I have confirmed with several different users that this fix DOES work. The file does not appear to contain any important information (pertaining to you)
Also, using this method, you aren't forced to lose all of your bookmarks and passwords.

If you use Netscape, and do not experience this problem, I would reccomend that you back up a copy of compreg.dat and save it someplace safe.
If netscape should ever for any reason refuse to load, copy the backed up file over it.
Compreg.dat does not appear to change under any normal situation. In ALL cases (6 of 6) where netscape refused to load, compreg.dat was of a different size (seemingly random). Replacing it with the default file fixed the problems, and didn't change netscape's function in any way. All links remained intact, all plugins continued to work correctly, no passwords were missing, etc.

This fix is only tried and proven to work for Netscape of versions 7.x

It's a good way to prevent the problem from happening again in the future, or as protection for people (like me) who repeatedly re-encounter the error, even after total formats and reinstalls.

If you have any feedback about this fix, please feel free to tell me!
email me at: janglur@squeep.com

**Ramona** · 30th October 2003

Hi Janglur,

I do appreciate your feedback, and thanks for posting the information here.

Quote:

While this approach does work, the explanation for it's cause is wrong. I have found both the true cause, and the solution.

This is not to be argumentative nor defensive, but have you reported the Bug, and have you received information from Bugzilla, or Mozilla that gives you reason to refute the cause and solution? As the compreg.dat file does rebuild itself on restart, it isn't a harmful solution, and certainly more convenient that uninstalling Netscape/Mozilla. I'm not saying you're wrong, but since the installer issue was confirmed by Mozilla, I tend to rely on their expertise. See this bug:

Bugzilla Bug 210731
The setup should delete the target installation directory on upgrade. The result is a mismatch between installation, already installed software and the registry. The fix for bug 210731 takes care of it. The patch nukes the program files common files folder before installing. This was NOT happening, thus the basis for the Netscape Solution.

Quote:

The exact purpose of this file is unknown, but I have confirmed with several different users that this fix DOES work. The file does not appear to contain any important information (pertaining to you).

The purpose of this file is to keep track of Mozilla/Netscape components. It is the component registry file, renamed from component.reg. If you open the file, you will see that it does contain profile data: Mail and Address Book data, password data, etc. In the Components section, note the GRE entries, and deleting the file could be why this relieved the no start issue. I'm not a programmer, so I can't tell you the significance of all the entries in the Registry file (compreg.dat).

Quote:

Also, using this method, you aren't forced to lose all of your bookmarks and passwords.

You are never "forced" to lose any Profile data if you follow the often repeated:
Back up your Profiles Folder(s)
Back up your Plugins Folder(s)
which is included in the Solutions page you referenced above.

If anyone has further information on the fix, I would hope that they would post it on the Forum, in order to benefit ALL users.

Ramona

Janglur · 30th October 2003

Unfortunately, I was enver able to find the profiles and plugins data mentioned.

As well, I swapped my compreg.dat file with one from a copy of Netscape that had no bookmarks, passwords, etc. etc.

But they remained intact. As well, they were all identical, even on other machines!

This is clear that compreg.dat doesn't store password or bookmark data.

I'm still testing this method myself to be sure of it. But it is a far better solution than the messy fix mentioned above.
As well, it can be done without rebooting, all in under a minute!

Also, the whole GRE thing? It doesn't appear to work for me. The error persists, even when windows' registry and netscape are left alone: No reinstallations. This is clearly indicative that the problem is not with conflicts, as is suggested. As well, I have encountered the problem even after doing the aforementioned painful fix, including one time immediately after purging!

I thereby deduct that the problem is, in actuality, a registry file used in Netscape which is commonly prone to corruption (Kinda like Windows 98!) and thus should be backed up.

I will send my report to Bugzilla. Thanks for the advice!

**Ramona** · 30th October 2003

Janglur,

Quote:

This is clear that compreg.dat doesn't store password or bookmark data.

I didn't mean to indicate that it contained "the" Profile data, but does contain entries related to Bookmarks, Address Book, i.e., all components...

Ramona

Janglur · 30th October 2003

Oh, ya. That's what I meant. =3

It seems to just be a database of where to look for stuff.