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downloaded 3.6 version of firefox and it changed my favorites, quicken, other files back to 1.5 yrs ago. How do I get back the info it has erased or hidden from me???

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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Question Today downloaded 3.6 version of firefox and it changed my favorites, quicken, other files back to 1.5 yrs ago. How do I get back the info it has erased or hidden from me???

Question Today downloaded 3.6 version of firefox and it changed my favorites, quicken, other files back to 1.5 yrs ago. How do I get back the info it has erased or hidden from me???

All Replies (5)

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The lost bookmarks article should help you restore them.

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What do you mean by "changed my favorites, quicken, other files back to 1.5 yrs ago"? More detail please.



You have an item installed that is considered malware/spyware/adware. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post.

  • Ask Toolbar Plugin Stub for 32-bit Windows

Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common for these kinds of "extras" (toolbars, security scanners, etc.) to be added to your browser/system/desktop when adding or updating other software, some from very well-know software vendors. You must carefully read information before downloading any "free" software and be very alert during the install process for any opportunity to opt-out of "extras" being installed.

If you have the Ask Toolbar

You MAY need to reset your homepage if an Ask search page opens when first starting Firefox. Firefox can open multiple home pages. Home pages are separated by the "|" symbol.

You MAY need to reset a preference if searches from the URL/location bar take you to an Ask search page.
To reset the preference related to Ask search from the URL/location bar via about:config, specifically the keyword.URL preference -

  • Open a new tab or window.
  • Type about:config in the URL/address bar and press the Enter key
  • If you see a warning, accept it (promise to be careful)
  • Filter = keyword.url
  • Right-click on the preference below the Filter, and choose Reset
  • Restart Firefox (File > Restart Firefox)

Also see:



Other issues that need your attention

The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security and stability issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post.

  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use the links below to avoid getting the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager and other "extras" you may not want
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the appropriate link below
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
        • Choose your OS
        • Choose the latest #.x version (example 9.x, for version 9)
        • Choose the highest number version listed
          • NOTE: 10.x is the new Adobe Reader X (Windows and Mac only as of this posting)
        • Choose your language
        • Download the file
        • Windows: choose the .exe file; Mac: choose the .dmg file
    • Using either of the links below will force you to install the "getPlus" Adobe Download Manager. Also be sure to uncheck the McAfee Scanner if you do not want the link forcibly installed on your desktop
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.
  3. Update the Flash plugin to the latest version.
    • Download and SAVE to your Desktop so you can find the installer later
    • If you do not have the current version, click on the "Player Download Center" link on the "Download and information" or "Download Manual installers" below
    • After download is complete, exit Firefox
    • Click on the installer you just downloaded and install
      • Windows 7 and Vista: may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
    • Start Firefox and check your version again or test the installation by going back to the download link below
    • Download and information: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
      • Use Firefox to go to the above site to update the Firefox plugin (will also install plugin for most other browsers; except IE)
      • Use IE to go to the above site to update the IE ActiveX
    • Download Manual installers. Note separate links for:
      • Plugin for Firefox and most other browsers
      • ActiveX for IE
  4. Update the Java plugin to the latest version.
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Make sure that you still use your old Firefox 3.6 profile.

See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Recovering_a_missing_profile

If the file places.sqlite got corrupted and Firefox wasn't able to restore a JSON backup but restored the bookmarks from an old HTML backup then you may be out of luck.

See also:

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If I change from IE to Firefox will my favorires still be available? UncleMarine

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