Unable to install bookmarks from JSON, HTML or Chrome. What to do?
So I have done this many times in the past but on a PC running Windows 7, I am unable to install the bookmarks; they just hang and I have to crash the program. I do have a lot of bookmarks but have never had this issue. I even was able to install them in chrome on the same machine and tried importing them from there although they were from Firefox originally. I have also tried safe mode.
Please advise!
Thanks!
All Replies (11)
Bookmarks and uninstall are two phrases I see don't that match. Bookmarks you just delete them AFAIK.
WestEnd said
Bookmarks and uninstall are two phrases I see don't that match. Bookmarks you just delete them AFAIK.
I have no idea what you are saying; how does that relate to my question?
Can you explain what problems you have with the bookmarks?
Are you trying to import or restore bookmarks from a file or do you have other problems with the bookmarks?
cor-el said
Can you explain what problems you have with the bookmarks? Are you trying to import or restore bookmarks from a file or do you have other problems with the bookmarks?
I'm trying to restore the bookmarks after a fresh install of windows 7 and since that has failed I tried importing them passing through Chrome to do it which also has failed.
I saved the bookmarks as JSON and HTML files both and neither works,it just hangs and then I need to crash Firefox.
Can anyone suggest anything please? I tried using Sync as well from a copy which installed fine from my laptop but it did not give me all my bookmarks on the desktop.
You could check for error message in the "Browser Console". You can open that window using either:
- "3-bar" menu button > Web Developer > Browser Console
- (menu bar) Tools > Web Developer > Browser Console
- (Windows) Ctrl+Shift+j
Click the trash can icon at the upper left to clear the window, then switch back over to the Library and try the restore/import again.
In the case of a large file, Firefox may be in the process long enough to present a slow script dialog. You're probably allowing at least 60 seconds before giving up on it; if you haven't already, try letting it go for 5 minutes.
However, you could switch back over to the console window and see whether any immediate errors are noted.
More info on the Browser Console: https://developer.mozilla.org/docs/Tools/Browser_Console
Also, try disconnecting from Sync before restoring/importing to minimize background traffic.
Usually a fresh install with all new profile contents wouldn't have an issue with database corruption, but since you probably don't have a lot of history in this profile yet, you could try the renaming procedure described in this article to see whether that helps:
Fix "The bookmarks and history system will not be functional" error message
In case there is a particular type of corruption in the bookmark backup file, you could check it here (use the Check/Repair JSON button):
https://www.jeffersonscher.com/res/bookbackreader.html
But that shouldn't affect the other methods. Hmm...
What are the file sizes of these backup files?
You can try to open the HTML file in a Firefox tab (File -> Open File).
cor-el said
What are the file sizes of these backup files? You can try to open the HTML file in a Firefox tab (File -> Open File).
Hi and thanks....my files are 9.91 MB as a JSON file. I was able to do something by trying to sync but that presented a few issues as well.
Try to wait longer to see if it finishes. We have seen reports that it can take a long time (one hour or more) to import/restore bookmarks although 9 MB doesn't seem to be that large (reports mention tens of MB).
cor-el said
Try to wait longer to see if it finishes. We have seen reports that it can take a long time (one hour or more) to import/restore bookmarks although 9 MB doesn't seem to be that large (reports mention tens of MB).
Thanks! I did leave it running but I will give it another try. Is there any danger of overwriting bookmarks with sync or does it just 'fill in the blanks' so to speak?
Hi, yes is a Danger of overwrite and deleting. If the main system has no bookmarks and it Sync's neither will the other when it is finished.
Since still having the issue please try : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files , C:\Program Files(x86) & C:\ProgramData Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do :
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer
Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 61.0.1 with a Full Version Installer
Profile : Make a new one and test ...:
If is your Profile :
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.