Question

I can’t install new *.user.js local scripts. I use Firefox 11.0, and Greasemonkey 0.9.18.

When I open (Firefox – File – Open) a .user.js file on my local disk, it is not recognized as a Greasemonkey user script.

However, if I enter a URL to a .user.js file, it is recognized and installed by Greasemonkey.

Answer 1

There are a few things that can cause this:

1. Is the script in the system’s temp path? (as reported by running echo %temp% on a Windows command line.)
   There is an unreported “feature” whereby scripts will not install from this location but will install from other folders.

2. Does another script with the same name already exist?
   Uninstall it from the script manager.

3. Firefox’s run-time state can get corrupted when debugging scripts, either on a per-tab or program-wide basis. Try opening a new tab and installing with it focused.

4. Restart like so:

   1. Shut down Firefox. Use Task Manager to ensure that all Firefox processes are stopped. They may take a few minutes. If you use Task Manager to kill a process, it’s a good idea to run CHKDSK afterwards.
   2. Find the gm_scripts folder in your Firefox profile folder.
   3. Delete the sub folders for the scripts you were working on and any duplicates or strays that popped up.
   4. Restart Firefox.
   5. Reinstall the GM script(s) you were working on.
5. Follow the “Bigger Problems” instructions at the GM troubleshooting guide.