Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How do I transfer my Firefox bookmarks from a dead computer?

  • 9 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

more options

Hi, I have three computers that are out of commission

1 computer doesn't switch on anymore and is Windows XP with 512mb RAM the other computer is Windows XP with 256mb RAM and works but is very slow

the latest 'casualty' is an 8 year old Windows Vista laptop with a broken power port and I will have to open it up.

How do I transfer my Firefox bookmarks off of them as they don't power on anymore. Where are the bookmarks located and in what folder?

Thanks

Hi, I have three computers that are out of commission 1 computer doesn't switch on anymore and is Windows XP with 512mb RAM the other computer is Windows XP with 256mb RAM and works but is very slow the latest 'casualty' is an 8 year old Windows Vista laptop with a broken power port and I will have to open it up. How do I transfer my Firefox bookmarks off of them as they don't power on anymore. Where are the bookmarks located and in what folder? Thanks

All Replies (9)

more options

Separate Issue; Your System Details shows;

Installed Plug-ins

Shockwave Flash 22.0 r0 Shockwave Flash 12.0 r0 Shockwave Flash 11.7 r700
Having more than one version of a program may cause issues. You must remove the older programs. Then get the current full installer.

Flash: Grab the uninstaller from here:

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html Uninstall Flash Player | Windows

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html Uninstall Flash Player | Mac

Then reinstall the latest version.

Note: Windows users should download the active_x for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the active_x.

Flash Player Version: 25.0.0.171

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>


See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

more options

If you can recover the data from the old hard drive(s), we can tell you how to get the information you want.

One thing you can do, if compatible, is mount the old drives on the new system as a second drive.

more options

FredMcD said

If you can recover the data from the old hard drive(s), we can tell you how to get the information you want. One thing you can do, if compatible, is mount the old drives on the new system as a second drive.

So first thing is to take data off of the old drives?

Assume I need an enclosure for this as these are internal drives?

Modified by ronki23

more options

XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\ Vista and later: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

"AppData" on Vista and later (XP: Application Data; Mac: ~/Library; Linux: ~/.mozilla) is a hidden folder.


You can use files like these from a Firefox profile folder to backup or recover specific data. Be cautious with copying SQLite databases if you previously had problems.

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

The name of an automatically created JSON bookmark backup file includes a total item count (folders and separators included) and an hash value to prevent saving the same backup more than once.

  • bookmarks-YYYY-MM-DD_<item count>_<hash>.jsonlz4.
more options

I personally like enclosures when the old drive is still usable, since you can hook it to a USB port whenever you want to search for stuff or use it for backups. On the other hand, if it's a one-time extract operation and then you're going to destroy the old drive (erasing it's secure enough to keep your old data private), there are cables and cradles that may cost less than an enclosure and involve fewer tiny screws to remove and replace.

more options

As a footnote, make sure you get an enclosure/cable/cradle compatible with the interface type of the drive. Very old drives used a different connector than drives popular during the past 5-10 years.

more options

Of course, this all presumes the old drive is undamaged.

more options

Another thing; how do I transfer the bookmarks so that they synchronise with bookmarks on my working computer?

more options

These instructions are for Firefox.

Open the Bookmarks Manager; Press the Alt or F10 key to bring up the toolbar, and select Bookmarks. Hot key is <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> B.

Once the window is open, at the top of the page, press the button labeled Import and Backup. Select Export Bookmarks To HTML, and follow the prompts and save it to a HTML file. Copy the file to another computer. Repeat the instructions above, BUT select Import Bookmarks From HTML.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/restore-bookmarks-from-backup-or-move-them

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recover-lost-or-missing-bookmarks