AOL Releases Netscape 8.0.2 with XML Issue Resolved

AOL has released version 8.0.2 of it's Netscape Browser. The Fixes, from the Release Notes:

What's fixed in this version?

• Issue with Internet Explorer not displaying XML code has been resolved
• All user agent string issues and inconsistencies have been fixed
• Multiple history sync issues have been fixed
• Miscellaneous trident engine integration issues have been resolved
• Multiple crash fixes
• Various performance improvements

Download Netscape Browser 8.0.2 here:
http://browser.netscape.com/ns8/download/download_alt.jsp
(Full Download)

 

Can Netscape 8.0 be installed, and keep v7.1 also?

Ramona: You have helped me bigtime in the distant past. Mucho thanks.

I am using Netscape v7.1; it works well and I LOVE it. Especially e-mail and address book.

Is the new version v8.0 a worhthwhile improvement; or should I just stay with my very good v.7.1?

Can I install the new v8.0 into a separate folder and KEEP my v7.1 so I can use it as an alternative?

If I install v8.0 separately, how can I COPY [not move] my v.7.1 profile, address book, all email files and all bookmarks into the sepatate v8.0 folder?

Sounds complicated, but I want to be cautious, and I need help. --Thanks

 

Lee,

You may love 7.1 but it is full of security holes, not to mention the rather serious resource leak, installer bug, compreg.dat file corruption, etc. You might want to give some thought to updating to either Mozilla 1.7.8, or to Firefox and Thunderbird.

Netscape 8.0.2 is a stand alone browser, with no Mail client. If you run Netscape 8.0.2 and another Netscape, or Mozilla application, you should NOT share a Profile. You will want to create a NEW Profile, for the new browser. Sharing a Profile can create chaos, and you may lose Bookmarks, or other important data. I think you know this, but just covering all the bases.

You can create a new Profile for Netscape 8.0.2, and then import your bookmarks.html file. There would be no Mail or Address Book, and you definitely don't want to copy the prefs.js file to 8.0.2 from another Gecko application. You can install 8.0.2 to the folder of your choice. By default, it is installed in C:\Program Files\Netscape.

If you have more questions, then fire away.

Ramona

 

Thanx for quick reply

Ramona: Thanks!! Quickest reply on record. I have printed your reply to digest and mull over. But I am shedding crocadile tears with disappointment that Netscape v.8 does not include e-mail and address book. With your sympathy, I will probably ask a few more questions later.---------Lee

 

Lee,

The new Netscape 8 is actually based on Firefox, but not nearly as fine! Really is a let down after all the years we had good old Communicator. I still have Version 4.79 installed, and will probably keep it around for a while longer...

Mozilla Suite IS Netscape without AIM and Webmail Access. If you really, really, have to have a suite then that's the way to go. But if you want a very slick, fast, browser, with many kudos, and an excellent, stable, Mail Client, then go with Firefox and Thunderbird. Or try all three, and then decide which you like the best. They exist quite peaceably together.

Ramona

 

Double and Triple Thanks

Thanks again!! I have printed your reply, and will study. Later I will probably ask you where to go to get [download] Firefox and/or Mozilla, ---and any special procedure to install them. By the way, I hate IE, but I know I must keep it on my computer just to make other stuff work. I have been a Netscape fan for years. You do superb job helping people: Keep it up !
----------Lee

 

Lee,

Your vote of confidence is certainly appreciated, and thank you!

Download Mozilla 1.7.8

Download Firefox 1.0.4
Download Thunderbird 1.0.2

There are Release Notes and other pertinent information on each of the above download sites.

Whatever your choice, this is the drill:

Uninstall 7.1 using Add/Remove

Next:
Delete the Netscape 7.1 GRE folder located here:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\mozilla.org\GRE\1.4f_2003062408
If you have no other Netscape, or Mozilla browsers, you can delete the entire GRE folder.

Next:
Delete the Netscape Programs folder located here:
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape
You may wish to back up your plugins subfolder before deleting the Netscape folder

REBOOT the PC

Now install the new browser. The new install of Mozilla will pick up your Netscape 7.1 Profile. The new install of Firefox will give you the choice of migrating the 7.1 Profile, as will Thunderbird give you that same choice to migrate specific Profile data, and Mail.

However, it's always a good idea to back up your Profile before the uninstall
process.

One more piece of information while I'm telling you more than you ever wanted to know! Mozilla plans to release Firefox 1.0.5 and Thunderbird 1.0.5 in the near future, and in fact have a Firefox Beta Release (for testing purposes only) for download. So, if you do decide on Firefox and Thunderbird, then wait for the new Releases. Firefox 1.0.5 is a minor security update.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Ramona

 

Great help!

Wow! Super great help. I have printed your good stuff. Will study, download and install when time permits. Will come back with questions if I run into trouble. Thanks, Thanks! --------------Lee Mitchell

Another quick question: Would prefer [your personal preference, or one you think I should choose] to get (a) the full package Mozilla 1.7.8, or (b) Firefox 1.04 with Thunderbird 1.0.2 for separate email? I have added this question by editing.

===========================================================

 

Always a pleasure!

Ramona

 

Hi Lee,

Please excuse me for adding my 2¢ worth, as Ramona has given you some excellent information and advice.

I was a confirmed Netscape user for years, migrating to Firefox and Thunderbird over two years ago, after I found that Communicator 4.7x no longer met my needs, and that Netscape 6.x and 7.x failed to do so, as well. I've never looked back, and have never been sorry. There is real merit in having separate programs for browsing and email, especially ones that work together as well as FF and TB. Each has the ability to open the other when necessary, and little add-on programs called "extensions" extend their capabilities even further.

What I would like to add is the suggestion that, after uninstalling Netscape, you use a program like RegSeeker to clean your registry of any reference to it. Simply type netscape (or netscape 7.1) into RegSeeker's search window, then delete all registry entries that it finds ... I think you'll be surprised at how many will have been left behind by Add/Remove.

BTW, both FF 1.0.5 and TB 1.0.5 are already available in what are known as "nightly" (unofficial release) builds. I've found them to be stable and rock-solid. The webpages are somewhat misleading, as they suggest that the downloads are 1.0.1, which isn't true ... the 1.0.1aviary builds (don't use the "trunk" builds) are actually 1.0.5.

 

Lee,

I just saw your "Edit ":

My personal preference is Firefox and Thunderbird, altho I do have Mozilla 1.7.8 installed.

Let us know if we can be of further help.

Ramona

 

Thanks to Jim; and again thanks to Ramona

Jim: Thanks much; your comments and advice are helpful. And Ramona: Thanks again; you have been fabulous with replies and help. ----Lee