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Computer infected with malware, Windows refreshed, uninstalled Mozilla, and many programs but kept my personal files. How to get my original profile back?

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I have Windows 8.xx. Recently it got infected with malware and Windows asked to do a personal refresh which would get uninstall most of my programs but keep my personal files. I curently have default profile in Firefox, is there any way to get the old one back?

I have Windows 8.xx. Recently it got infected with malware and Windows asked to do a personal refresh which would get uninstall most of my programs but keep my personal files. I curently have default profile in Firefox, is there any way to get the old one back?

All Replies (4)

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Separate Security Issue: Update your Adobe Reader Version 2015.016.20039 Note: Other Software is offered in the download.


Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.


jesaray said

I currently have default profile in Firefox, is there any way to get the old one back?

That depends if your old files were saved and where, Firefox comes in two or more folders on all computers. They are;

Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And one folder in the profile of each user on the computer.

If you remove the Firefox folder, the user folders would not be affected.


Did you re-install Firefox? Did it find the old profile?

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How do I find the old profile. It looks like I just have whatever the default is.

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jesaray said

. . . . uninstall most of my programs but keep my personal files . . . .

Find out where those files were put. Sometimes there is a folder; Windows.old

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First, please turn on viewing of hidden files and folders: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/show-hidden-files

  • C:\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles
    • How many profile folders do you find? If there is only one folder, it's likely your current one that doesn't have your data.
  • C:\Windows.old\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles
    • How many profile folders do you find? If there are folders here, one of them most likely has your previous settings.

Based on what you find, we can suggest the shortest set of next steps.