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Deleted Bookmarks automatically keep reappearing

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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When I use 'Manage Bookmarks' and the Library to delete bookmarks and bookmark folders in addition to cleaning up duplicate bookmarks, the deleted folders and bookmarks automatically reappear in my Bookmark sidebar 1-2 hours later.

Initially, I had sync on but did not have Bookmarks checked for syncing. Deleted bookmarks and folders still reappeared. Then I turned off sync for this browser / machine. Deleted bookmarks and folders still reappeared.

I tried to see if there was a setting that enabled automatic restores of bookmark backups - but could not find one to turn off. I have tried refreshing the installation and starting again - using a one-time sync from another machine - but continue to be unable to permanently delete old / obsolete / duplicate bookmarks and folders.

I've also tried 2 Bookmark clean-up extensions. While I am able to delete duplicates and empty folders using these tools, 1-2 hours later they are back in the Bookmark sidebar.

Is there anyway to prevent the automatic restoration of the Bookmark Library?

Thank you

When I use 'Manage Bookmarks' and the Library to delete bookmarks and bookmark folders in addition to cleaning up duplicate bookmarks, the deleted folders and bookmarks automatically reappear in my Bookmark sidebar 1-2 hours later. Initially, I had sync on but did not have Bookmarks checked for syncing. Deleted bookmarks and folders still reappeared. Then I turned off sync for this browser / machine. Deleted bookmarks and folders still reappeared. I tried to see if there was a setting that enabled automatic restores of bookmark backups - but could not find one to turn off. I have tried refreshing the installation and starting again - using a one-time sync from another machine - but continue to be unable to permanently delete old / obsolete / duplicate bookmarks and folders. I've also tried 2 Bookmark clean-up extensions. While I am able to delete duplicates and empty folders using these tools, 1-2 hours later they are back in the Bookmark sidebar. Is there anyway to prevent the automatic restoration of the Bookmark Library? Thank you

All Replies (1)

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If you use Sync, 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 the "Places Database" -> "Verify Integrity" button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support)

If errors are reported with "Verify Integrity", close and restart Firefox or reboot and retry.

If "Verify Integrity" cannot repair places.sqlite, rename/remove all places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder with Firefox closed. Firefox will rebuild places.sqlite and restore the bookmarks from the most 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
  • you lose the history when a new places.sqlite is created

You may have to restore an older bookmarks backup in the bookmarkbackups folder via the Bookmarks Manager (Library).

See also:

You can use the button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page (Root directory).