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How do I restore my external backup file into firefox 5.0?

  • 5 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 13 views
  • Last reply by John99

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I am trying to transfer my bookmarks, passwords, history in a default backup file from my old computer to a new computer which has firefox 5.0. I have backed-up the file and placed it on my desktop in my new computer. But I cannot find the path to restore it into firefox.

I am trying to transfer my bookmarks, passwords, history in a default backup file from my old computer to a new computer which has firefox 5.0. I have backed-up the file and placed it on my desktop in my new computer. But I cannot find the path to restore it into firefox.

All Replies (5)

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Assuming it is a .JSON file as standard on recent firefox just open the bookmarks library using Ctrl + Shift +B the menu bar or the firefox button. Then use import and backup -> restore -> choose file

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Unfortunately, I have tried this and it didn't work because my backup file is a folder containing sub folders and files, where this will not restore a folder as opposed to a file.

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So what is this backup folder with subfiles, and how was it obtained or created ?

Is it a set of HTML files ?
was the backup even obtained from firefox, if so which version and how did you do this ?

I have no idea if it is applicable but have you seen

If you have deliberately taken your old profile from a recent firefox on another computer, the important file to look for is places.sqlite although firefox will rebuild that from your backups if they are available.

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Hello John 99, What I did was to open the folder and restore each file in each sub folder file-by-file. That restored all my bookmarks, but not my passwords, which is not a major problem at this point. But I am heading out for the weekend right now and will study at your last reply again on Monday. Thank you for all your help to this point so far. You have been most helpful. It is very much appreciated.

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Have a good weekend !

I am still not entirely sure what you have done but I guess you are using HTML files. If you still have the original computer, with the original installation of firefox then it should be easy to transfer the information, especially if the 'old' computer and firefox are recent.

If you can understand the slightly techie stuff have a read of