Within many computer environments, users do not have admin privileges to install software packages. This becomes very frustrating when that same user is locked into a substandard browser like IE6. This tutorial demonstrates how to install and run firefox without administrative rights.
Frequently, I have users asking me how they can avoid being forced to use IE6 at work. This workaround should allow many users to install firefox even without administrative powers on their computer.
Warning: This may violate your corporate computer policy by installing unauthorized software.
The key to this trick is installing a portable version of firefox that doesn’t need to embed itself within the bowels of windows.
1. Download and Run Portable Firefox
2. For the install location, pick any writable folder on your computer. The desktop often works for this purpose.
3. Open the FirefoxPortable folder that is created and double-click FirefoxPortable.exe to start the program.
4. Welcome to firefox!
Bonus Jedi-Ninja trick:
Plug-in a memory stick and install portable firefox there. At the end of each day, unplug the memory stick and your corporate computer will have no trace of your firefox install. Each morning, throw the memory stick back in and welcome back to firefox.
