Firefox doesn't keep backup copies of the browsing history like it does for the bookmarks in the bookmarkbackups folder.

You can check if there is a previous version of the places.sqlite database file that stores bookmarks and history. Make sure to backup the bookmarks (HTML backup) before storing an older copy of places.sqlite if such a version is available.

You can check in Windows Explorer if there is a previous version of the places.sqlite file available.

• right-click: Properties -> Previous Versions
• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Previous-versions-of-files-frequently-asked-questions

Note that using Windows System Restore can cause your Firefox installation to get corrupted because only white-listed files are restored.

• always be cautious with using System Restore.
• you may lose data in the Firefox profile folder like .js and .ini files (sessionstore.js)
• you may have to reinstall affected software

I am not a computer person. I don't understand your advice. Can you elaborate a little? It seems like you're saying the history in question is just gone... If not, what is a "places.sqlite database file" and why would checking Windows Explorer help me with a Firefox issue? Is there a relatively simple solution for my quandary? I mean, this entire situation was caused simply enough by me clicking the wrong thing.

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

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/febe/ FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension)

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 backups of files that you choose.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/opie/ OPIE

Import/Export extension preferences

Thanks, I may look into those, but it seems like it isn't possible for me to retrieve history I deleted earlier today. This is so dumb. People always say things like, "A computer never forgets!" However, when a layman like me makes a stupid mistake, it can't be undone. So, my computer has the information, but I will never be able to access (unless I go out of my way to acquire some special kind of computer expertise). It's so frustrating!

Firefox stores all personal data in the Firefox profile folder. This is a folder in a hidden location in the data folder of your Windows user account. That is in %AppData% that translates to C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\

• C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

If you have accidentally deleted history and you would like to check whether there is a way to get this history back then you would have to go to that folder.

Easiest to go to the current Firefox profile folder is to use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page .

• Help -> Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Directory: Windows: Show Folder
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Profiles

Once you are in this folder then you can close Firefox (File > Exit) and see if you can find the places.sqlite file. The places.sqlites file stores the bookmarks and the history. You would need a recent copy of the places.sqlite file from a date that has this lost history. Windows 7 creates shadow copies of some files at regular times and it is possible that there is such a copy of the places.sqlite file that has this lost history.

• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Previous-versions-of-files-frequently-asked-questions