Firefox sync restoring bookmarks from infrequently used devices
I have 3 desktops and 2 laptops with Firefox sync turned on. Occasionally the bookmarks on all devices are synced with an older version of bookmarks. I'm guessing it's from one of the laptops that hasn't been turned on in a few weeks and now is on. Is there not a way to prevent an old set of bookmarks from replacing a known 'good' set of bookmarks? Thankfully I have my bookmarks backup turned on and can restore them but would like to know if there is a solution to keeping bookmarks current and stable on all devices, even those devices that aren't regularly used.
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It might be best to create a bookmarks HTML file and copy this to each member of the sync. In the meantime, delete the sync account. Once all the profiles/systems have the bookmarks installed, then create a new sync account.
Shut down the old sync. Then create a new account. Delete Account: Look for Delete Account at the bottom of https://accounts.firefox.com/settings
After, create a new sync using the system/profile that has the data.
Wait for a while until the syncing is done before adding any new members.
These instructions will combine the new bookmarks with the old.
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. Firefox 84+ <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> O.
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/profile. 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
Mozilla search: Import {web link}
I guess I kind of already did what you're suggesting about three months ago. I had removed/deleted all of the bookmarks on all devices. Then I set up a new firefox account with a new login from scratch. I then imported the bookmarks file I saved onto my desktop version of firefox and synched that machine and then each device, all under the new sync login. At that time, all bookmarks were "current" on all devices. Over time, one or two of the laptops weren't used for a few weeks or maybe a couple of months even. Once one of them were powered and firefox loaded it appears that sync thinks it need to upload the 'old' outdated bookmarks instead of somehow 'seeing' that there are 'newer' bookmarks in the cloud to download instead. Or at least that what I am perceiving is happening. This has been going on for the past few years but it wasn't until recently that I decided to try to figure out some type of solution and ask for help.
I called for more help.
One thing you can try is to start up all the Firefox programs at least once a week.