How did you create the file? What is it's name / extension?

If you have not cleaned out your trash bin, you might restore the profile.

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

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} 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 backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

What backup did you create?

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/restore-bookmarks-from-backup-or-move-them

Make sure that the backup file has the correct (lowercase) file extension:

• .html for a HTML backup (needs to be imported and merges bookmarks)
• .json for a JSON backup (needs to be restored and replaces bookmarks)

You can check the file type via the right-click context menu of that file and open the Properties. If you are not sure about the file type then you can open the file in Firefox via "Firefox > New Tab > Open File" or "File > Open File". A JSON backup will show as one long text line without line breaks and a HTML backup shows as a web page with clickable links.

A  JSON backup starts with: {"title":"","id":1,"dateAdded":
An HTML backup starts with: <!DOCTYPE NETSCAPE-Bookmark-file-1>

Verify the file type in the Properties via the right-click context menu to make sure that the change has been successful. Add quotes ("") around the name to rename the file to the correct file extension if the current file extension is hidden or if it is otherwise not working.

Firefox is a little picky about file names when it comes to restoring bookmark backups.

First, to avoid frustration, I suggest switching off the Windows setting that hides certain file extensions. This article has the steps: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/show-hide-file-name-extensions

Next, if you view your backup file, what extension does it currently have? If it has a .htm or .html extension, is it possible you used Export instead of Backup? In that case, you would use Import instead of Restore. This article has more info: Import Bookmarks from an HTML file.

If the file has some other extension, try renaming it with a .json extension, and then try the Restore menu > Choose File again with that file. Will it restore? If not, what error message do you get?

Well when I clicked on the backup it just asked me to enter a file name and I just left it as it was already.