Netscape 7.1 Won't Start - Yet again

I've also been struck by the Netscape Won't Start drama -- clicking on the Desktop icon or the Netscp.exe file gives no results -- and I've read the Netscape Won't Start, Clean Install For Netscape, and How To Backup Your Profile articles. But I'm panicked about going through all those steps which I once had to do about a year ago

My questions are: 1) as was recommended to Walter in Feb 2004, does it make sense to try deleting compreg.dat, xul.mfl and crome folder? Or 2) I wouldn't mind trying another solution discussed (in Netscape Won't Start article) of editing the registry to add an Everyone user permission, but I'm a total novice at the registry and would need full step-by-step instructions.

I'm running Windows XP on a 2004 desktop computer. Thanks for your help.

By the way, the Preventive Browser Maintenance tips look great. I'll be sure to follow them once I get back up and running.

 

Welcome to the Forum, Brenda!

Brenda,

1) Deleting those files have no effect on this problem. Your GRE folder is corrupt and you need to uninstall, and reinstall Netscape. It's a bug (Installer Bug)

2) If you have never done any Registry editing I wouldn't even think about it.

This is what I would suggest, assuming you don't have Mozilla installed, and only Netscape 7.1:

Back up your Profiles Folder(s)
Back up your Plugins Folder

Using the Add/Remove applet:
Uninstall Netscape 7.1

Delete the following folders:
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape\
C:\Program Files\Common Files\mozilla.org\GRE
Clear the C:\WINDOWS\temp folder, i.e., delete ALL files in this folder

Reboot your PC

I would recommend either updating to Netscape 7.2 or Mozilla. Netscape 7.1 is full of bugs, and not as stable as it should be, as you are experiencing. Netscape 7.2 does have some security issues, which have been addressed in Mozilla 1.7.5. Mozilla also has less critical security issues, which can be avoided by using careful browsing habits, i.e., avoiding non-trusted web sites. You will see few differences in Mozilla, as Netscape is Mozilla, without the ability to access Netscape/AOL Webmail via the browser's Mail & Newsgroups.

Whichever browser you decide on, your existing Profile will be recognized. I'll be glad to talk you through the process, whatever your decision.

Ramona

 

Ramona,
Thanks. You say that my Profile will be recognized. Will the new installation (of Netscape 7.2 or Mozilla) also pick up all my old mail, fully intact?

Brenda

 

Brenda,

It will pick up everything that is included in your Profiles folder, just take a look and you will see all the files and subfolders which that folder contains. If your old mail is contained in that folder then it will be included. Your Profiles folder is located here: C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles.

Ramona

 

Ramona,

I'm back up with Netscape 7.2 The new install went well. Except that after uninstalling 7.1, I found no C:\Program Files\Common Files\mozilla.org\GRE to delete. But so far, 7.2 looks fine. Thanks again, Ramona, for your help. I'm off to do some much needed Preventive Browser Maintenance.
Brenda

 

brenda,

Glad to hear that 7.2 is working. What, no GRE folder? That is indeed weird, but if you have completely uninstalled 7.1, and 7.2 works, then that's all that is important!

Happy browsing!

Ramona