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how do I download all of my bookmarks into a flash drive

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

GLADYSMS7
GLADYSMS7
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I am buying a new computer and want to save of my bookmarks, how do I download it into a flash drive to later uploaded into my new computer.

I am buying a new computer and want to save of my bookmarks, how do I download it into a flash drive to later uploaded into my new computer.

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Hi GLADYSMS7, congratulations on the new computer!

Firefox has two different file formats for bookmark transfers:

(1) JSON "backup" format

This is a dense, not very human-readable data structure that may preserve a few more details. You create the file using "Backup" and you restore the file using "Restore". Note: Restore completely replaces whatever is in the destination browser with the contents of the JSON file.

Ref.

(2) HTML "export" format

This traditional cross-browser format invented by Netscape in the 1990s can be viewed as a web page of clickable links. You create the file using "Export" and you import it into another Firefox installation or third party browser using "Import".

Ref.

I suggest creating both formats "just in case."

Also, you could back up more files if you want to carry over more data. These articles go into the details:

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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You probably will be able to install the current Firefox release (67.0.4) and thus there will be a large version jump from Firefox 52 ESR. In such a case, best is probably to import the HTML backup.

In case you want to transfer more:

  • bookmark backups: compressed .jsonlz4 JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
  • formhistory.sqlite for saved autocomplete Form Data
  • logins.json (passwords) and key3.db (57 and older; key4.db is used in 58 and newer)(decryption key) for Passwords saved in the Password Manager
    you have key3.db, so make sure to remove an existing key4.db and copy logins.json and key3.db
  • cert8.db (57 and older) for certificates stored in the Certificate Manager
    you have cert8.db, so make sure to remove an existing cert9.db
  • persdict.dat for words you added to the spelling checker dictionary
  • permissions.sqlite for Permissions and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for other website specific data (Site Preferences)
  • sessionstore.js is used in 52 for open tabs and pinned tabs
    current releases use a compressed sessionstore.jsonlz4, sp make sure to remove an sessionstore.jsonlz4 and also clear the sessionstore-backups folder

You can use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.