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Ubuntu Linux (6.06 LTS):

I have Firefox installed as well as Epiphany, and Firefox will not open when opening HTML and bookmark files. I try to open an HTML file off of my desktop, and it opens Epiphany, even after changing the default browser to Firefox.

Help!

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reported that local HTML/bookmark files keep launching Epiphany even though Firefox is installed. ’s GUI suggestion can fix many cases, but when a GUI change doesn’t “stick” the cause is usually MIME associations or the system “web browser” alternative that Nautilus/xdg-open and panel items call.

A reliable checklist (safe to run on Ubuntu/Debian):

Set the system browser alternatives so scripts and menus point to Firefox:

sudo update-alternatives --config x-www-browser
sudo update-alternatives --config gnome-www-browser

Ensure XDG/MIME handlers point to Firefox so double-clicking HTML and HTTP links uses the right .desktop:

xdg-mime default firefox.desktop text/html
xdg-mime default firefox.desktop x-scheme-handler/http
xdg-mime default firefox.desktop x-scheme-handler/https

xdg-mime query default text/html

Verify the Firefox desktop entry and its MimeType list exist. Look for /usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop or ~/.local/share/applications/firefox.desktop and confirm a MimeType= line includes text/html and the HTTP/HTTPS handlers. If a desktop bookmark is still opening Epiphany, open that .desktop file and check its Exec= line — some launchers hard-code another browser.

After edits, refresh the database:

update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications

Test with xdg-open file.html. Back up any files before editing system or user desktop files. If issues persist, a stale system defaults file (e.g., system-wide defaults.list) or a broken/missing firefox.desktop is often the blocker; reinstalling Firefox or restoring its desktop file usually restores proper associations.

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Member Avatar for pty

Ubuntu Linux (6.06 LTS):

I have Firefox installed as well as Epiphany, and Firefox will not open when opening HTML and bookmark files. I try to open an HTML file off of my desktop, and it opens Epiphany, even after changing the default browser to Firefox.

Help!

right click file -> properties -> open with -> select firefox (if its not there click add and find it)

also check out the preferred applications option in desktop -> preferences menu.

dunno why you want to change tho epiphany is faster, less memory intensive and fits in with gnome better :P

Member Avatar for linux

Thank you, and thanks for the tip about Epiphany :)

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