url doesn't remember visited sites
Using Firefox 96.0.3 on my iMac: FFx used to remember any website I would type in the URL box. Recently had to erase cookies (and I think History, as well). Now, if I type in a website's complete addres in the URL box and visit that site, next time I go to visit it, it does not come up as auto-complete like it used to. I've checked my History prefs, looked at the URL options about:config, and been through the FAQ and searched the help topics, but have not seen a solution. What can I do to get this feature working again?
All Replies (1)
Do you still get a drop-down list with possible choices if you start typing in the location bar ?
The location bar drop-down list can show history items, bookmarked pages, pages opened in tabs, top sites, and search suggestions. You can set what suggestions show when you enter an URL in the location/address bar bar.
- Settings -> Privacy & Security
Address Bar: When using the location bar, suggest:
History
Bookmarks
Open tabs
Top sites
Shortcuts -> Search Suggestions
Make sure you do not run Firefox in permanent Private Browsing mode (Always use Private Browsing mode; Never Remember History).
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-use-firefox-without-history
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/common-myths-about-private-browsing
- Settings -> Privacy & Security
Firefox will: "Use custom settings for history" - remove checkmark: [ ] "Always use Private Browsing mode"
If you use Sync then best is to disconnect Sync temporarily during troubleshooting.
This could be a problem with the places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder.
- use the "Places Database" -> "Verify Integrity" button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page
If errors are reported with "Verify Integrity", close and restart Firefox or reboot and retry.
If "Verify Integrity" cannot repair places.sqlite, rename/remove all places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder with Firefox closed. Firefox will rebuild places.sqlite and restore the bookmarks from the most recent JSON backup in the bookmarkbackups folder.
- keep a backup copy of places.sqlite in case a new places.sqlite database has to be created
- you lose the history when a new places.sqlite is created
You may have to restore an older bookmarks backup in the bookmarkbackups folder via the Bookmarks Manager (Library).
- Bookmarks -> Show All Bookmarks -> Import & Backup -> Restore
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/restore-bookmarks-from-backup-or-move-them
See also:
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/fix-bookmarks-and-history-will-not-be-functional
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cant-add-change-or-save-bookmarks
You can use the button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page (Root directory).
- Help -> More Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Folder/Directory:
Windows: Open Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data