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why has firefox changed so dramatically from my last macbook to my new macbook and imac: bookmarks don't save, web history doesn't save, everything is lost

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  • Nzaghachi ikpeazụ nke rhettbowlin

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I've been trying to figure out why when I save passwords, they don't save once I turn off my machine(s). I had a macbook for years, and recently bought a new one. Also, I bought an imac, too. I can't get the settings straight on either, and am tired of not being remembered. First I thought that this was a problem with Apple, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I tried researching Firefox, too, but can't get anything relevant. My bookmarks don't even save so I've started emailing links to myself. This is crazy. I alone use both of my machines and am not worried about security threats as a result. I would try to phone someone for help, but that's not an option, or so it seems.

I've been trying to figure out why when I save passwords, they don't save once I turn off my machine(s). I had a macbook for years, and recently bought a new one. Also, I bought an imac, too. I can't get the settings straight on either, and am tired of not being remembered. First I thought that this was a problem with Apple, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I tried researching Firefox, too, but can't get anything relevant. My bookmarks don't even save so I've started emailing links to myself. This is crazy. I alone use both of my machines and am not worried about security threats as a result. I would try to phone someone for help, but that's not an option, or so it seems.

All Replies (3)

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If you use Sync then best is to disconnect Sync temporarily during troubleshooting.

You can check for problems with the places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder.

  • use "Verify Integrity" button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page

In case errors are reported with "Verify Integrity" close and restart Firefox and retry.

If "Verify Integrity" cannot repair places.sqlite, rename/remove all places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder. Firefox will rebuild places.sqlite and restore the bookmarks from a 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

See also:

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.


You can create a new profile to test if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

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really? i appreciate your help, but this isn't helpful. it's insane, in fact. it shouldn't be this hard. i'm about to stop using firefox unless someone tells me how to contact firefox to resolve the problem. thanks...

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cor-el said

If you use Sync then best is to disconnect Sync temporarily during troubleshooting. You can check for problems with the places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder.
  • use "Verify Integrity" button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page
In case errors are reported with "Verify Integrity" close and restart Firefox and retry. If "Verify Integrity" cannot repair places.sqlite, rename/remove all places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder. Firefox will rebuild places.sqlite and restore the bookmarks from a 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
See also: 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.

You can create a new profile to test if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

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