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When I updated firefox, all of my prior settings disappeared and an "old firefox data" folder appeared on the desktop; how do I restore my settings/bookmarks

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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Firefox sent a notice to update my version. I did so as requested and the new version does not have any of my old settings, bookmarks, or add-ons. It did create a folder on the desktop called "old firefox data". How do I restore my old settings, bookmarks, and add-ons? I am using Windows 7.

Firefox sent a notice to update my version. I did so as requested and the new version does not have any of my old settings, bookmarks, or add-ons. It did create a folder on the desktop called "old firefox data". How do I restore my old settings, bookmarks, and add-ons? I am using Windows 7.

Chosen solution

You can copy files like these from the "Old Firefox Data" folder on the desktop to the current Firefox profile folder to recover specific data.

  • bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
  • bookmark backups: JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
  • SQLite files like cookies.sqlite (cookies) and formhistory.sqlite (saved form data)
  • logins.json and key3.db (decryption key) for Passwords saved in the Password Manager
  • cert8.db for stored intermediate certificates (Certificate Manager)
  • persdict.dat for words you added to the spelling checker dictionary
  • permissions.sqlite and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for Permissions and Site Preferences
  • sessionstore.js for open tabs and pinned tabs and tab groups

You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:

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Chosen Solution

You can copy files like these from the "Old Firefox Data" folder on the desktop to the current Firefox profile folder to recover specific data.

  • bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
  • bookmark backups: JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
  • SQLite files like cookies.sqlite (cookies) and formhistory.sqlite (saved form data)
  • logins.json and key3.db (decryption key) for Passwords saved in the Password Manager
  • cert8.db for stored intermediate certificates (Certificate Manager)
  • persdict.dat for words you added to the spelling checker dictionary
  • permissions.sqlite and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for Permissions and Site Preferences
  • sessionstore.js for open tabs and pinned tabs and tab groups

You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder: