Installing Firefox 2 But Keeping FF 1.5

I think I'm ready to install FF 2 (on WinXP SP2) but I want to be able to try it out first, so I don't want to overwrite my FF 1.5 yet, since it's working quite well.

When I'm sure that FF 2 is working OK, I'll get rid of FF 1.5, but till then, I want to retain the option of going back to 1.5.

How do I do this? I'm sure this problem has come up before, so maybe someone can point me to a link that tels me how to do this.

 

Xelaw,

It's a no sweat operation, and only requires creating a new Firefox Profile before you install 2.0.0.2.

The two Firefox versions will not run concurrently, but get along nicely, as long as there are two Profiles.

Don't try to install 2.0.0.2 over 1.5.0.x, as there could be conflicts with the newer program files and the old...

If you want the same preferences in the 2.0.0.2 Version, then replace the contents of the new prefs.js file, with a copy of the contents of the 1.5.0.x prefs.js.

 

On installation, one is given a choice to do a custom installation. At that point a different folder is created, and the path should lead to it. In my case, I have 1.5.0.10 in the default location, but I created a separate folder for 2.0.0.2, which is in C:/Firefox2. And, I created separate profiles as well.
I prefer to have different bookmarks files, and a different array of Tabs and Extentions. This way, since the two versions are completely independent, I can have different sites open. Refer to Ramona's site on how to by-pass the Profile Manager (just replace Netscape with Firefox, and you will be in business. I am using two separate shortcut icons.

 

Ramona and Westside, thanks a lot. I will do it.

 

They will not run concurrently in a typical installation, but concurrent operation is possible. There are a couple of ways of doing it (see here and here), and it makes a real side-by-side comparison possible.

 

Jim,

Yes, you are absolutely correct in referencing Ed's page on Firefox Simultaneous Profiles. However, the average user would have little or no need for anything but a typical installation, running each installation separately.

Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

 

Hi Ramona,

Sometimes I wonder if we have any "average" users on the forum.