Google news and search not working: Octet stream?

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CMH1085
Posts: 3
Joined: May 1st, 2008, 9:33 am

Google news and search not working: Octet stream?

Post by CMH1085 »

Lately, Google News and general search is not working on Firefox. I get prompted asking to open or save to disk a file which is generally an "application-octet stream". In general the error says I am trying to open either a "nwshp" file or "search" file (or stream, I guess).

The only solution that works is to download and reinstall a new version which I have to evey day!.
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Gingerbread Man
Posts: 7735
Joined: January 30th, 2007, 10:55 am

Post by Gingerbread Man »

Reinstalling almost never solves anything, since most problems are confined to your profile, which is not deleted when uninstalling.

Try resetting the download actions as described in this knowledgebase article
http://kb.mozillazine.org/File_types_an ... ad_actions
CMH1085
Posts: 3
Joined: May 1st, 2008, 9:33 am

Post by CMH1085 »

It seems to solve the problem when I re-install, if only temporarily.

I tried the cited link and found that non of the reset options are contained in the applications window.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

CMH1085
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Gingerbread Man
Posts: 7735
Joined: January 30th, 2007, 10:55 am

Post by Gingerbread Man »

You scrolled too low. I'll paraphrase the part I linked to here:
  1. Type about:config into the address bar and press Enter.
  2. Paste browser.download.pluginOverrideTypes in the Filter: field. If any search results appear, right-click and choose Reset.
  3. Paste plugin.disable_full_page_plugin_for_types in the Filter: field. If any search results appear, right-click and choose Reset.
  4. Exit the browser, then open your profile folder.
  5. Delete (or rename) the file mimeTypes.rdf
    Warning: there is also a mimeTypes.rdf file in the program folder. Do not delete it by mistake.
CMH1085
Posts: 3
Joined: May 1st, 2008, 9:33 am

Tried that too

Post by CMH1085 »

I found the "your profile" folder and deleted the mimetype file. No luck.

Happened again this am and need to re-install again. This is sort of ridiculous. Never happened before. I wonder if its malware of some sort but I've run all the antispyware programs I have.

Frustrated.


CMH
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Gingerbread Man
Posts: 7735
Joined: January 30th, 2007, 10:55 am

Post by Gingerbread Man »

  • Clear your cache under Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Clear now.
  • Delete any cookies related to Google under Tools > Options > Privacy > Show cookies.
  • Check that your firewall, other security software and/or router are all properly configured.
  • Try starting Firefox in a new profile and see if the problem occurs there.
  • For a virus scan, if you have a good anti-virus, use it to scan your system; if you don't, install AVG Anti-virus Free Edition.
  • For a malware scan, see this post for a list of anti-malware tools.
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