Adblock Plus Addon Suddenly Does Not Work - Mozilla Support

• Skip to main content
• Switch language
• Skip to search

Windows 10 reached EOS (end of support) on October 14, 2025. For more information, see this article.

Search Support

Search

1. Home
2. Support Forums
3. Firefox
4. Adblock Plus addon suddenly does not...

Search

Ask a Question

Still need help? Sign in to ask your question on our forums.

Continue

• Question Tools
• Get email updates

  Get email updates

  • when anybody replies.
  • when a solution is found.
  Cancel
• Subscribe to feed
• Tags
• • Windows 7
  • customize
  • desktop
• See also
• Download problem: "Firefox could not install the file at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/downloads/latest/2462/addon-2462-latest.xpi?src=addondetail because: Invalid file hash (possible download corruption) -261"; plus incompatibility issues.
• Addons fix is not working, some are disabled, two got deleted & I can't reinstall them.
• Can't install Add- ons
• Unable to install add-ons (extensions or themes)
• What is search hijacking?
• What to do if you can't download or save files

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was closed and archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Adblock Plus addon suddenly does not work; new download "corrupt" and solution does not work

• 15 replies
• 4 have this problem
• 131 views
• Last reply by NothingSyncs

6 years ago

BlueIris 5/3/19, 11:46 AM more options

• Quote

All of a sudden, I got a notice that my Adblock Plus addon was disabled and needed to be updated. I went to their Web site and tried to download it again, but got a message that it was "corrupt". Following their Help, I found this page: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/unable-install-add-ons-extensions-or-themes?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=unable-install-add-ons-or-extensions#w_corrupt-extension-files

I deleted the files mentioned, which were all extensions.json plus one extensions.ini, then closed and re-opened Firefox and again tried to download and got the same message.

All of a sudden, I got a notice that my Adblock Plus addon was disabled and needed to be updated. I went to their Web site and tried to download it again, but got a message that it was "corrupt". Following their Help, I found this page: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/unable-install-add-ons-extensions-or-themes?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=unable-install-add-ons-or-extensions#w_corrupt-extension-files I deleted the files mentioned, which were all extensions.json plus one extensions.ini, then closed and re-opened Firefox and again tried to download and got the same message.

Chosen solution

Mozilla has rolled-out a fix for this. The fix will be automatically applied in the background within the next few hours, you don’t need to take active steps.

In order to be able to provide this fix on short notice, they are using the Studies system. You can check if you have studies enabled

1. Go to [=] > Options > Privacy & Security.
2. Make sure Allow Firefox to install and run studies is check marked.

I you had it disabled, you can disable studies again after your add-ons have been re-enabled.

They are working on a general fix that doesn't need to rely on this and will keep you updated.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (15)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

• Top 10 Contributor

5/3/19, 11:57 AM more options

• Quote

Sorry, the Add-ons team is working on a fix for this. It looks like a certificate used to sign many popular extensions expired. (The verification process checks that certificate.)

I don't know how soon re-signed versions of those extensions will become available, or whether another workaround will be discovered. We are all hoping to learn more soon.

Sorry, the Add-ons team is working on a fix for this. It looks like a certificate used to sign many popular extensions expired. (The verification process checks that certificate.) I don't know how soon re-signed versions of those extensions will become available, or whether another workaround will be discovered. We are all hoping to learn more soon. BlueIris Question owner 5/3/19, 12:34 PM more options

• Quote

Thanks! It was strange how it all of a sudden happened! Since you don't have an estimated time yet, I guess I'll just try re-downloading it periodically.

Thanks! It was strange how it all of a sudden happened! Since you don't have an estimated time yet, I guess I'll just try re-downloading it periodically. DebraBk 5/3/19, 2:51 PM more options

• Quote

"Sorry, the Add-ons team is working on a fix for this. It looks like a certificate used to sign many popular extensions expired. (The verification process checks that certificate.) "

What is this 1997?

It is called MANAGEMENT. It includes things like dates, and discipline.

And when you get the new certificate, it too will come with an expiration date. So, exactly what is going to happen to make sure that this doesn't happen on that date? (My guess, absolutely nothing.)

Of course DESIGN would include things like "What if" and "Should the User be given the option to ignore it for a day?" Now maybe the answer to that question is "No." But I would dearly love to see the requirements document that says "If the certificate expires then the whole damn system should come crashing down, and we should run around trying to fix things in a hurry." And probably in the absence of an actual process, because a process would be part of a management plan, and that include things like not waiting until the system crashes to get a new certificate.

I wonder what other certificate-time-bombs are ticking away.

"Sorry, the Add-ons team is working on a fix for this. It looks like a certificate used to sign many popular extensions expired. (The verification process checks that certificate.) " What is this 1997? It is called MANAGEMENT. It includes things like dates, and discipline. And when you get the new certificate, it too will come with an expiration date. So, exactly what is going to happen to make sure that this doesn't happen on that date? (My guess, absolutely nothing.) Of course DESIGN would include things like "What if" and "Should the User be given the option to ignore it for a day?" Now maybe the answer to that question is "No." But I would dearly love to see the requirements document that says "If the certificate expires then the whole damn system should come crashing down, and we should run around trying to fix things in a hurry." And probably in the absence of an actual process, because a process would be part of a management plan, and that include things like not waiting until the system crashes to get a new certificate. I wonder what other certificate-time-bombs are ticking away.

Modified May 3, 2019, 2:55:12 PM PDT by DebraBk

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

• Top 10 Contributor

5/3/19, 3:04 PM more options

• Quote

Hi DebraBk, the Add-ons team will post official updates here on their forum where you can also give calendar appointment advice:

https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/certificate-issue-causing-add-ons-to-be-disabled-or-fail-to-install/39047

Currently, the only workaround for the regular release of Firefox is to set your system clock back (for example, if your date is May 3, set to May 2; if your date is May 4, set to May 3). You might have to reinstall extensions after that, or maybe Firefox will detect the difference at your next shut down/restart. Changing the date may have other consequences, so I understand this option isn't ideal.

Hi DebraBk, the Add-ons team will post official updates here on their forum where you can also give calendar appointment advice: https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/certificate-issue-causing-add-ons-to-be-disabled-or-fail-to-install/39047 Currently, the only workaround for the regular release of Firefox is to set your system clock back (for example, if your date is May 3, set to May 2; if your date is May 4, set to May 3). You might have to reinstall extensions after that, or maybe Firefox will detect the difference at your next shut down/restart. Changing the date may have other consequences, so I understand this option isn't ideal. Chris Ilias

• Moderator

5/3/19, 9:25 PM more options

• Quote

Chosen Solution

Mozilla has rolled-out a fix for this. The fix will be automatically applied in the background within the next few hours, you don’t need to take active steps.

In order to be able to provide this fix on short notice, they are using the Studies system. You can check if you have studies enabled

1. Go to [=] > Options > Privacy & Security.
2. Make sure Allow Firefox to install and run studies is check marked.

I you had it disabled, you can disable studies again after your add-ons have been re-enabled.

They are working on a general fix that doesn't need to rely on this and will keep you updated.

Mozilla has rolled-out a fix for this. The fix will be automatically applied in the background within the next few hours, you don’t need to take active steps. In order to be able to provide this fix on short notice, they are using the Studies system. You can check if you have studies enabled # Go to '''[=] > Options > Privacy & Security'''. # Make sure '''Allow Firefox to install and run studies''' is check marked. I you had it disabled, you can disable studies again after your add-ons have been re-enabled. They are working on a general fix that doesn't need to rely on this and will keep you updated. BlueIris Question owner 5/4/19, 3:20 AM more options

• Quote

Thanks, Chris! I made sure that this option is enabled and hopefully it will work.

Thanks, Chris! I made sure that this option is enabled and hopefully it will work. NothingSyncs 5/4/19, 3:41 AM more options

• Quote

jscher2000 said

Hi DebraBk, the Add-ons team will post official updates here on their forum where you can also give calendar appointment advice: https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/certificate-issue-causing-add-ons-to-be-disabled-or-fail-to-install/39047 Currently, the only workaround for the regular release of Firefox is to ... Changing the date may have other consequences, so I understand this option isn't ideal.

There again you meanwhile find as an official way"activate studies" ... Not a single word what data of mine will be transfered whilst doing that before beeing able to deactivate it again ... in this case; _NO_ I'll never do that.

Any other opinions?

''jscher2000 [[#answer-1218197|said]]'' <blockquote> Hi DebraBk, the Add-ons team will post official updates here on their forum where you can also give calendar appointment advice: https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/certificate-issue-causing-add-ons-to-be-disabled-or-fail-to-install/39047 Currently, the only workaround for the regular release of Firefox is to ... Changing the date may have other consequences, so I understand this option isn't ideal. </blockquote> There again you meanwhile find as an official way"activate studies" ... Not a single word what data of mine will be transfered whilst doing that before beeing able to deactivate it again ... in this case; _NO_ I'll never do that. Any other opinions?

Modified May 4, 2019, 3:42:27 AM PDT by NothingSyncs

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

• Top 10 Contributor

5/4/19, 3:49 AM more options

• Quote

Hi NothingSyncs, a like-minded person posted a possible solution for you.

The study loads an extension. There is an unofficial link to the extension in a comment on the Add-ons blog. I have not tried it myself, but the link matches what I expect it to be:

https://blog.mozilla.org/addons/2019/05/04/update-regarding-add-ons-in-firefox/comment-page-6/#comment-226171

Hi NothingSyncs, a like-minded person posted a possible solution for you. The study loads an extension. There is an unofficial link to the extension in a comment on the Add-ons blog. I have not tried it myself, but the link matches what I expect it to be: https://blog.mozilla.org/addons/2019/05/04/update-regarding-add-ons-in-firefox/comment-page-6/#comment-226171 NothingSyncs 5/4/19, 4:20 AM more options

• Quote

jscher2000 said

Hi NothingSyncs, a like-minded person posted a possible solution for you.

Yeah thx on the link, haven't seen/found that before ... will give it a try!

Btw: I tested "the official solution" on a blank system besides searching a solution; ... hotfix-reset-xpi-verification-timestamp-1548973 - active ... "wait a few secs" => not a single addon starts working again

_But_ all other studies (dom.connect.xxx and so on) got activated too and sent/received data instantly ... lovely.

''jscher2000 [[#answer-1218652|said]]'' <blockquote> Hi NothingSyncs, a like-minded person posted a possible solution for you. </blockquote> Yeah thx on the link, haven't seen/found that before ... will give it a try! Btw: I tested "the official solution" on a blank system besides searching a solution; ... hotfix-reset-xpi-verification-timestamp-1548973 - active ... "wait a few secs" => not a single addon starts working again _But_ all other studies (dom.connect.xxx and so on) got activated too and sent/received data instantly ... lovely. jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

• Top 10 Contributor

5/4/19, 4:23 AM more options

• Quote

Hi NothingSyncs, when you say a blank system, do you mean default settings? But it had extensions already?

There is a bug on file where the developers are trying to figure out why the patch doesn't work in some cases:

https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1549078

Maybe some of the comments/suggestions there will be relevant.

If all else fails, there is a script you can run to temporarily override the failed verification flags, but it isn't an officially supported solution:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/bkhzjy/temp_fix_for_the_armagaddon_20_for_regular/
• Original source: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19824410

Hi NothingSyncs, when you say a blank system, do you mean default settings? But it had extensions already? There is a bug on file where the developers are trying to figure out why the patch doesn't work in some cases: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1549078 Maybe some of the comments/suggestions there will be relevant. ---- If all else fails, there is a script you can run to temporarily override the failed verification flags, but it isn't an officially supported solution: * https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/bkhzjy/temp_fix_for_the_armagaddon_20_for_regular/ * Original source: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19824410 NothingSyncs 5/4/19, 4:33 AM more options

• Quote

jscher2000 said

Hi NothingSyncs, when you say a blank system, do you mean default settings? But it had extensions already?

More details; - Internet unused Win64+FF66.0.3 with some addons (the musthaves which automatically deactivated "today") - made new profile, activated studies, waited (closed, opend, searched for updates by hand etc) - nothing in the new profile & nothing in the old profile changed, still all addons deactivated

Right now most discussions I found look like either I start new & loose my settings and data - or wait 'till xmas for a solution. %-<

* sigh * ''jscher2000 [[#answer-1218677|said]]'' <blockquote> Hi NothingSyncs, when you say a blank system, do you mean default settings? But it had extensions already? </blockquote> More details; - Internet unused Win64+FF66.0.3 with some addons (the musthaves which automatically deactivated "today") - made new profile, activated studies, waited (closed, opend, searched for updates by hand etc) - nothing in the new profile & nothing in the old profile changed, still all addons deactivated Right now most discussions I found look like either I start new & loose my settings and data - or wait 'till xmas for a solution. %-< * sigh *

Modified May 4, 2019, 4:34:14 AM PDT by NothingSyncs

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

• Top 10 Contributor

5/4/19, 4:42 AM more options

• Quote

NothingSyncs said

• Internet unused Win64+FF66.0.3 with some addons (the musthaves which automatically deactivated "today")
• made new profile, activated studies, waited (closed, opend, searched for updates by hand etc)
• nothing in the new profile & nothing in the old profile changed, still all addons deactivated

Oh, well, it can take up to 6 hours for Firefox to get the study, and I think you need to run the patch in every profile that is affected. I think my earlier replies covered the faster/hackier methods I'm aware of.

''NothingSyncs [[#answer-1218681|said]]'' <blockquote> * Internet unused Win64+FF66.0.3 with some addons (the musthaves which automatically deactivated "today") * made new profile, activated studies, waited (closed, opend, searched for updates by hand etc) * nothing in the new profile & nothing in the old profile changed, still all addons deactivated </blockquote> Oh, well, it can take up to 6 hours for Firefox to get the study, and I think you need to run the patch in every profile that is affected. I think my earlier replies covered the faster/hackier methods I'm aware of. NothingSyncs 5/4/19, 4:54 AM more options

• Quote

I'll have a look if it changes later on ...

I'll have a look if it changes later on ... BlueIris Question owner 5/4/19, 6:17 AM more options

• Quote

Hi, Chris! That worked! I ignored it until 4:20 PM, so it worked within the 6 hours mentioned.

Hi, Chris! That worked! I ignored it until 4:20 PM, so it worked within the 6 hours mentioned. NothingSyncs 5/4/19, 8:25 PM more options

• Quote

jscher2000 said

Oh, well, it can take up to 6 hours for Firefox to get the study, ...

Well ... nothing happend.

And I don't trust them to have a solution ever before next major upgrade of ff and a total change of addons system.

Be honest ... they missed a date(!) - a date usually known since the day the signature was made - a good number of changes/updates were made because of "security" - and now themselfes miss an expiration date of a signature, a security issue - not able to use a calendar ... honestly: wtf?

''jscher2000 [[#answer-1218685|said]]'' <blockquote> Oh, well, it can take up to 6 hours for Firefox to get the study, ... </blockquote> Well ... nothing happend. And I don't trust them to have a solution ever before next major upgrade of ff and a total change of addons system. Be honest ... they missed a date(!) - a date usually known since the day the signature was made - a good number of changes/updates were made because of "security" - and now themselfes miss an expiration date of a signature, a security issue - not able to use a calendar ... honestly: wtf?