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When I update Firefox my settings and preferences are changed. How do I keep my settings and preferences from changing?

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  • Last reply by FredMcD

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Every time I update Firefox all my settings and preferences are changed. I have considered all the ways that Firefox can be setup and the way I work most efficiently is described below. I would like to be able to update without having to tinker with my settings every time.

- When clicking a link in a page that I am viewing, I like the new page to appear in the same tab in the same browser. I usually don't want it to appear in a new tab, or new browser. When I do want it to appear in a new tab or browser I like to hold Alt or Ctrl to do that when I need it. When I update Firefox goes back to opening new tabs or browsers. Also, it seems inconsistent with this tabs vs. browsers.

- There are certain search engines that I have deleted because I don't like the results and they can interfere with other search engines like DuckDuckGo, but on update these reappear.

- When opening a new tab by clicking the "+" I want my home page to appear in the new tab. I have made that setting several times but updates keep undoing it. I forget what it is called, but it is the feature where favorites appear in boxes spread out over a whole page that keeps coming back. I don't find this or equivalents from others such as MS tiles very useful. When I open a new tab almost every time I want to perform a new search and my home page is set to the landing page for my favorite search engine.

There is more but this I hope give you an idea of what is happening.

If you can please refrain from telling me that I have to like new tabs and browsers when clicking links or that it is faster or more efficient I would greatly appreciate it. It may be true that a lot of people like what I don't, but I have given it careful consideration. Everyone works differently and does different kinds of work. What suits one doesn't necessarily suit another.

I wold very much appreciate any insight on this. Thank you.

Current Firefox version 41.0.1 Windows 7

Every time I update Firefox all my settings and preferences are changed. I have considered all the ways that Firefox can be setup and the way I work most efficiently is described below. I would like to be able to update without having to tinker with my settings every time. - When clicking a link in a page that I am viewing, I like the new page to appear in the same tab in the same browser. I usually don't want it to appear in a new tab, or new browser. When I do want it to appear in a new tab or browser I like to hold Alt or Ctrl to do that when I need it. When I update Firefox goes back to opening new tabs or browsers. Also, it seems inconsistent with this tabs vs. browsers. - There are certain search engines that I have deleted because I don't like the results and they can interfere with other search engines like DuckDuckGo, but on update these reappear. - When opening a new tab by clicking the "+" I want my home page to appear in the new tab. I have made that setting several times but updates keep undoing it. I forget what it is called, but it is the feature where favorites appear in boxes spread out over a whole page that keeps coming back. I don't find this or equivalents from others such as MS tiles very useful. When I open a new tab almost every time I want to perform a new search and my home page is set to the landing page for my favorite search engine. There is more but this I hope give you an idea of what is happening. If you can please refrain from telling me that I have to like new tabs and browsers when clicking links or that it is faster or more efficient I would greatly appreciate it. It may be true that a lot of people like what I don't, but I have given it careful consideration. Everyone works differently and does different kinds of work. What suits one doesn't necessarily suit another. I wold very much appreciate any insight on this. Thank you. Current Firefox version 41.0.1 Windows 7

Modified by gmod

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A Mozilla should only update the program file. Not change user settings.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save

Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.


These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences