Hmm, it could be a database problem, which is addressed in this article -- have you seen this error message: Fix "The bookmarks and history system will not be functional" error message?

In order to figure out if a database is locked/inaccessible/corrupted, you could first try the "Verify Integrity" function. Here's how:

Open Firefox's Troubleshooting Information page using any of these methods:

• "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help > Troubleshooting Information
• (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
• type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Return

Near the bottom, there is a section titled Places Database -- that's the file which stores history and bookmarks. Click the button labeled Verify Integrity. There may be a 10-15 second delay before results appear.

If all is well, the report that appears below the button should start with:

> Task: checkIntegrity
+ The places.sqlite database is sane
+ The favicons.sqlite database is sane

Does yours say that, or something else? You can select and copy the report, and then paste it into a reply for review and comment.

Hi, THANKS! I have not seen that error message at any time that I recall.

I did the integrity check and no results come back. I waited a while for something to appear....

I also tried the refresh button yesterday and I actually tried re-installing FF ESR. Still no luck.

One question - When I installed standard FF I restored bookmarks from a backup version on the computer I was switching from (I'm switching to MAC from Windows 7.). Then I found out I needed the ESR version for an application my company has so I installed it. It did absorb the bookmarks I had in the Stan hard version, but I don't think I have been able to make a bookmark since converting a few days ago.

Hmm, perhaps it would be a good idea to try:

New Profile Test

This takes about 3 minutes, plus the time to test bookmarks.

Inside Firefox, type or paste about:profiles in the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it.

Click the Create a New Profile button, then click Next. Assign a name like ESR60, ignore the option to relocate the profile folder, and click the Finish button.

After creating the profile, scroll down to it and click the Set as default profile button below that profile, then scroll back up and click the Restart normally button. (There are some other buttons, but please ignore them.)

Firefox should exit and then start up using the new profile, which will just look brand new. Please ignore any tabs enticing you to connect to a Sync account or to activate extensions found on your system so we can get a clean test.

Can you bookmark sites in the new profile?

You can try restoring the bookmarks backup to this new profile, but you'll need to use Choose File... at the bottom of the Restore menu to point Firefox to where the file is. (Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer)

If this doesn't pan out, when you are done with the experiment, open the about:profiles page again, click the Set as default profile button for your normal profile, then click the Restart normally button to get back to it.

If you need help migrating other data to the new profile, let us know.

Hi, OK, that seemed to have done it and I am back to using FF as my default browser. I imported the bookmarks from the last backup. I tested crating a bookmark and it works. (also hitting return now takes me to the url in the address bar.....) I had to reinstall a certificaste to use that special internal application, but I have that procedure memorized (almost) by now.......

THANKS VERY MUCH!!!!