This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Cannot creat bookmarks, existing bookmarks not visible

  • 7 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 28 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

more options

On the last couple of updates, firefox has lost my bookmarks and won't allow me to create new ones. The last time this happened in January, I was able to resolve it by refreshing firefox, but this time it won't. I have now trawled the help forums and support and refreshed, deleted the xulstore.json file, and the places.sqlite I have now run out of ideas and patience. If i don't work it out soon I will forget firefox and (reluctantly) use a different web browser. This is on my work networked machine, (my home networked machine is fine).

On the last couple of updates, firefox has lost my bookmarks and won't allow me to create new ones. The last time this happened in January, I was able to resolve it by refreshing firefox, but this time it won't. I have now trawled the help forums and support and refreshed, deleted the xulstore.json file, and the places.sqlite I have now run out of ideas and patience. If i don't work it out soon I will forget firefox and (reluctantly) use a different web browser. This is on my work networked machine, (my home networked machine is fine).

Chosen solution

Let's try something else.

The file places.sqlite contain your History and Bookmarks.

Type about:support<enter> in the address bar.

Under the page logo on the left side, you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To its right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.

Locate the above file. Then rename it by adding .old to it. Restart Firefox.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (7)

more options

Places Maintenance {web link} Allows to run Maintenance tasks on the database that drives Places, the bookmarks and history module behind Firefox.

Open the Add-ons Manager. Locate the add-on and press the Options button. Then follow the directions.

more options

I didn't have this add on - I have installed it and clicked on options. It is hanging with the words "fetching stats"

more options

Is it still stuck?

more options

Yes, I left it for 5-10 minutes and came back to it, it was still showing the same screen - fetching stats.

more options

Chosen Solution

Let's try something else.

The file places.sqlite contain your History and Bookmarks.

Type about:support<enter> in the address bar.

Under the page logo on the left side, you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To its right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.

Locate the above file. Then rename it by adding .old to it. Restart Firefox.

more options

Bingo! This has worked, My bookmarks are all back and I can create new ones. thank you very much for your help - and so prompt as well. Annette

more options

Unfortunately, while the bookmarks are recovered from backups, you will have lost your history. Not a great loss but still . . . . .

These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/febe/ FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension)

FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backups of files that you choose.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/opie/ OPIE

Import/Export extension preferences