[tor-bugs] #12397 [Tor bundles/installation]: Tor Browser should proactively identify missing dependencies and suggest resolution

[Tor Bug Tracker & Wiki]

#12397: Tor Browser should proactively identify missing dependencies and suggest
resolution
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     Reporter:  anon                      |      Owner:  erinn
         Type:  defect                    |     Status:  new
     Priority:  normal                    |  Milestone:
    Component:  Tor bundles/installation  |    Version:
   Resolution:                            |   Keywords:  win32
Actual Points:                            |  Parent ID:
       Points:                            |
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Changes (by mcs):

 * owner:  brade => erinn
 * cc: mcs (added)
 * component:  Tor Launcher => Tor bundles/installation


Comment:

 The "Couldn't load xpcom" message is generated by Firefox, so that message
 would need to be improved by patching Firefox.  Tor Launcher cannot inform
 the user because Tor Launcher is implemented as a Firefox extension... and
 in these situations Firefox is not able to fully start up, which means Tor
 Launcher won't be started.

 I am not sure how common it is for users to encounter missing symbols /
 missing DLLs, but improving the error alert displayed by Firefox to
 suggest checking anti-virus software, etc. might be worthwhile.  I think
 the problem is usually called by a corrupt/damaged installation of the
 browser or by AV blocking.

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Ticket URL: <https://trac.torproject.org/projects/tor/ticket/12397#comment:1>
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