Firefly Directions for Web Browsers Other than Internet Explorer

This page contains instructions for downloading SSN scanning software for your Windows computer using browsers other than Internet Explorer (e.g., Firefox, Opera, etc.).

Firefly can help you identify files on your Windows computer that might contain social security numbers or credit cards.

Note: For a much simpler, "one-click" download and installation, please go to Firefly Directions for Internet Explorer. If you do not want to use Internet Explorer, the directions on this page will show you how to install Firefly and use the program to scan your computer, although it will involve several additional steps.

Installing Firefly

  1. Go to http://firefly.uiuc.edu and click the Download Firefly button.
  2. You will see a message that says you have chosen to open InstallFirefly.1.0.2.msi. Click Save File.
  3. When the installation file finishes downloading, locate the file and open it.
    • If you see a message that Firefly installed correctly, click OK and go to the next section on Running Firefly.
    • If you see a message that states you need to install the .NET framework version 2.0.50727, click Yes and continue following the instruction in this Installing Firefly section.
  4. A web page will open. Click Download x86 version.

    Screenshot showing mouse clicking on Download x86 version under the .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package heading

  5. On the Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package (x86) page, click the Download button.

    Screenshot showing mouse clicking on Download button

  6. On the page titled Thank You for Downloading, the .NET Framework installer file should being to download automatically. If it doesn't, click the link called "Start download" and save the file to your computer (if possible, try to save it to your desktop so that it's easier to locate in the next step).
  7. When .NET Framework finishes downloading, find the dotnetf.exe installer file at the location to which you saved it during the previous step. Open the file and follow the wizard to install .NET framework.
  8. After .NET Framework is installed, double click the InstallFirefly.1.0.2.msi file on your desktop again to install Firefly.
  9. When the Firefly program installs successfully, you will see a confirmation message that the installation is complete. Click Close to exit the Firefly installer.

Running a Firefly Scan

1. Double click the “Run Firefly Scan” icon on your desktop.

Screenshot showing Firefly SSN Scanner shortcut

2. Click the Scan button to begin searching for sensitive information, such as social security numbers or credit card numbers.

3. When Firefly completes, it will list all files with sensitive information. Locate those files and remove the social security numbers or credit card numbers.

Help

If you have questions about Firefly, please contact the CITES Help Desk

CITES Help Desk (see homepage for hours and additional information)

Firefly Source Code

Developers can download the Firefly source code from http://firefly.uiuc.edu/source/.