I get a "Unable to process the back up file" error message when trying to restore the bookmarks I lost when I follwed the prompts to Reset Firefox settings.
I followed the prompts over the weekend to reset my Firefox settings, reassured by the message that said it would save my bookmarks, and now they appear lost. I followed the steps of your help articles and got the error message above. Help!
All Replies (9)
What file were you trying to restore when you got the error message "Unable to process the back up file"?
The Firefox Reset feature creates a folder on your desktop named something like Old Firefox Data. Can you find that folder? It should contain a folder named bookmarkbackups that has dated files in it. They should have a .json file extension. Were you able to restore any of those files?
For quick reference: Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer.
Thanks--tried, that, alas. I was trying to restore bookmarks. Tried the steps in the quick reference you suggest and that is what generated the error.
Not a single one of those backup files in the folder can be restored?
What was the problem that prompted you to reset Firefox?
Doesn't give me the option to select amongst them--just a global error message.
I was prompted to reset it from a message from Mozilla suggesting I upgrade to the newer version and that bookmarks and password info would all be saved.
Could you reinstall Firefox 21 over your current installation from here:
Seems like that's the one I had, as it just said "Your Firefox is up to date!"
You can check for problems with the places.sqlite database file in the Firefox profile folder.
ah! That's it--brilliant. The "read only" box was selected. Many thansks to all.
Bill
You're welcome