Netscape startup configuration warning

I was getting this error: "Configuration Warning/An error occurred reading the startup configuration file. Please contact your administrator. Line 174: ReferenceError: use is not defined." Only got when Netscape was installed. Continued to get after uninstalling 7.02 and reinstalling 7.0 from CD. (I am using Windows XP, Home version.)

Through Google, I found Ramona's instructions on resolving this (in regard to a warning that was similar, not exactly the same) by deleting the "prefs.bak" file. I could not find this file, so deleted the "prefs.js" file per Ramona's instructions.

Questions:
How do I now get a "working prefs.js file" per Ramona?
Since I have a lot of pop-ups and other Netscape issues, shouldn't I create a "user.js" file instead? I followed the link to "scripts" for such a file, but don't have the faintest idea how to create such a file.
Am I creating a problem by currently using Netscape without either file?
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Welcome to the Forum, Cowboyking!

Hi Cowboyking,

After deleting your prefs.js file, did you then open Netscape, and select your options in Edit | Preferences ? That is how you rebuild your prefs.js file. Once you opened Netscape, after the deletion of the prefs.js file, a new prefs.js file was created...

As stated on the web page you cited, Startup Configuration Warning: Syntax Error ensure that you keep a backup of your prefs.js file, in the event of further issues. It's a good idea to backup that Profile directory any time you make changes in the program.

You might want to consider 7.02 over 7.0, as the Popup Manager is one of the components, in addition to many other fixes, updated features, etc.

There is a need for the user.js file, as you have read. The scripts I have listed, are for example only, and not mandatory by any means. The guidelines for creating the file are here: The USER.JS File.

Creating the file is simple:
Open Notepad, and add the scripts for tweaks that you wish to include in your Netscape or Mozilla browser. Then save the file as user.js, to:
C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\profilename\xxxxxxxx.slt
NOTE: These files are hidden by default.
To see hidden files:
1. On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options
2. Click the View tab
3. Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders

As an example, I prefer an uncluttered Toolbar, so I have only the minimum buttons selected. Since I disabled the "Search" button, I added the below script to my user.js file, which gives me the Google search engine, when I click on the Netscape Throbber, in the upper right hand corner. This is the script:

This entry changes the URL when you click on the throbber:
user_pref( "browser.throbber.url ", "http://www.google.com ");

If you want the same option in the below components:
user_pref( "messenger.throbber.url ", "http://www.google.com ");
user_pref( "compose.throbber.url ", "http://www.google.com ");
user_pref( "addressbook.throbber.url ", "http://www.google.com ");

Read the USER.JS guidelines to get a firm understanding of the advantages of this file.

Post back with any questions...

Ramona

 

Sweet success...

Hi, Ramona--

I installed Netscape 7.1, deleted the "prefs.js" file, and renamed "prefs.bak" to "prefs.js" per the instructions. Upon reopening Netscape there was another error message, so it appeared that the old "prefs.bak" file had been corrupted as well. Anyway, deleted that file (that had been renamed "prefs.js ") with Netscape open, made a change to the Preferences, and exited Netscape. Upon re-opening, I was thrilled to see that the configuration error message was gone (apparently with Netscape's automatic creation of the new uncorrupted "prefs.js" file).

Then I created a "user.js" file per your instructions (haven't ever done anything like that before being somewhat PC ignorant), and was thrilled again to see that Netscape was opening straight to the Home page instead of the Registration page as it had insisted on doing before. Have backed up the "Profiles" folder.

Thanks a million for your help. This board is a Godsend for people in my position, especially with Netscape and Dell being no help whatsoever.

A couple of small questions:
Should I not edit preferences anymore from the menu?
How do I edit or add to the "prefs.js" file? I tried clicking on it and got an error message.

Thank you again.

 

Hi cowboyking,

Delighted that everything worked out for you.

The error you received when attempting to open the prefs.js file indicates that Windows Scripting Host is currently set up as the default application to open *.js files. The error occurs because prefs.js isn't a Windows Script file. Use Notepad to edit the file instead.

Before editing the prefs.js file, you must first ensure that Netscape is closed.

Launch Notepad, go to the File menu, select Open, and navigate to the prefs.js file. Make your edit, then save the file. Backing up the file prior to editing is extremely important. Ensure that you know exactly what you're doing before attempting the edit.

And yes, by all means continue to edit preferences through the browser configuration.

Ramona