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How do I manage cookies?

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First, I just installed Firefox and it only lists 4 cookies, all new. But assuming all my other cookies are still on my PC, and I want to delete old, unnecessary ones, how is the best way to do that? They're so cryptic I don't know who put them there or why, but I hate it when they are erased and I have to introduce myself all over again. Is there a way to view how often the cookie is accessed and the author? I want to keep certain ones I use all the time.

First, I just installed Firefox and it only lists 4 cookies, all new. But assuming all my other cookies are still on my PC, and I want to delete old, unnecessary ones, how is the best way to do that? They're so cryptic I don't know who put them there or why, but I hate it when they are erased and I have to introduce myself all over again. Is there a way to view how often the cookie is accessed and the author? I want to keep certain ones I use all the time.

All Replies (4)

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Firefox stores the cookies in one database file called cookies.sqlite and not as separate files like a IE does and that can use a lot of disk space if you have many (same for bookmarks/favorites; places.sqlite).

Rename (or delete) cookies.sqlite (cookies.sqlite.old) and delete other present cookie files like cookies.sqlite-journal in the Firefox Profile Folder to remove all Firefox cookies.
You can remove the webappsstore.sqlite file as well to clear the DOM storage ('super' cookies).

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder

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Thanks, but I don't have a problem with "Firefox cookies" because it has only been installed for an hour. What I want to do is go through all the cookies on my computer and delete the ones I don't use.

FF said I successfully imported my IE cookies, so I guess you're correct that I can't see them individually. How can I selectively delete old ones, and how do I know who put them there and if I'll miss them?

Modified by IMissLiberty

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You can inspect all Firefox cookies in the Cookie manager. Firefox doesn't manage the IE cookies, so to remove those you need to do that in IE via the internet settings.

  • Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

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Okay, but FF imported all the IE cookies, so can I manage them there?