What do I do with the 'Old Firefox data' folder that got created on my desktop post update?
I recently updated my Firefox browser, and it appears that a folder was created on my desktop [Old Firefox Data]. I was wondering if this folder is necessary to be stored on my computer?
On a side note: I am assuming this was simply a back up created in case of issues during the install. However, just from a users perspective, having an unexpected folder comes off as confusing. Wondering if this could be handled better in another way?
Chosen solution
That folder should only be there after you refreshed Firefox, not after an update. In case you performed a refresh and all is working fine, perhaps you should better remove it as it may contain sensitive data.
Are you sure you didn’t perform a refresh?
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Chosen Solution
That folder should only be there after you refreshed Firefox, not after an update. In case you performed a refresh and all is working fine, perhaps you should better remove it as it may contain sensitive data.
Are you sure you didn’t perform a refresh?
Thankyou Tonnes! You might be correct on that. Not sure how I 'Refreshed Firefox' though..neither were any of my extensions/add-ons missing.
Looking at what 'Refresh' does, it seems to me its almost more appropriate to call the feature 'Reset'. Could you point as to where I could leave general feedback as such?
It used to be called 'reset,' but someone decided to change it.
As to the 'old Firefox' folder, leave it there just in case.
That’s odd. I don’t recall seeing reports or other documentation about Firefox doing so by itself in case something fails during an update.
Actually the feature used to be called Reset Firefox, but it was renamed to Refresh Firefox for particular reasons (I think in this bug) so I’m afraid an attempt to revert that will not succeed.
In general, user feedback can be provided using the Send feedback… link to be found in the Help menu, which will take you here. Please don’t use bugs (especially closed ones) for feedback unless intended for solving an issue and containing valuable info.
Thanks for the response and the additional commentary. This is particularly helpful as I've just begun figuring my way around the support platform :)
Glad to help, happy surfing. :)
For reference: as of Firefox Quantum (57) and on Windows, the Firefox installer may offer to restore default settings and remove old add-ons when an older copy is detected, which is similar to refreshing Firefox (possibly creating the folder). See the How to install Firefox on Windows support article for more info.
Since you wrote none of your extensions/add-ons were missing and use a Mac, that probably doesn’t apply to you unless it occurred on another system than you posted your question with. On Mac however you could check the timestamp of the Old Firefox Data folder created using a file explorer or the Finder to see if it matches the time of your Firefox install/update or another known moment it may have occurred.