Last time I updated Firefox, all of my bookmarks and saved pages were gone.

If you have unsaved open pages you may loose them on a Firefox upgrade but you should not normally loose your bookmarks, unless for instance you do a new install and take one of the options that deletes personal information.

I suggest as a precaution you back up your Firefox profile. This is something that is easier to do whilst Firefox is able to run; and it is good practice to do this periodically anyway; but it can still be done even when Firefox is not able to be run.

• for instructions have a look at Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles
• put the backup files and folders somewhere safe, where they may be found easily, but outside the Firefox program or profile paths. (Your Windows 7 Desktop is a suitable location).

 Now when I click on the Firefox icon, nothing happens. No page opens...nothing.

Firefox not starting after an upgrade is often caused by firewalls or security programs either not recognising the new Firefox as being safe, or else blocking or even reversing changes made to your system and browser.

Have a look at your security software and the security settings.

• What security related software and firewall do you use ?
• see also
  • Firefox won't start - find solutions_firefox-will-not-start-after-updating
  • Configure firewalls so that Firefox can access the Internet
  • Firefox does not work - Common fixes to get you back up and running

I went through most of those prior to posting with no luck or change. I revisted them again after reading your reply... still, nothing.

Have a look at this article first of all, just in case for instance you have a half installed Firefox.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Browser_will_not_start_up#.22The_program_must_close_to_allow_a_previous_installation_attempt_to_complete._Please_restart..22_on_Vista

You could also try using Windows in Windows safemode and see if that allows Firefox to start, that shows conclusively that something on your computer is interfering with Firefox. See

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox
• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode

Did you backup your profile as suggested if so uninstall Firefox, and delete the Firefox profile and program files and reinstall. Note you may get clues to what is happening by looking at the Windows event viewer.

• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-Event-Viewer

Note when using the event viewer you may save the current logs and clear them so that you get a clean sheet and more easily see recent information.

It probably helps if you ensure you have printed or otherwise retained any instructions you need, and also download the installer in advance from http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html