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"Backup" does not save a Json file nor does one automatically create when I start up firefox (bookmarkbackups)

  • 9 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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Hello,

I've successfully saved my bookmarks and browsing history in the past. Transfering them from an old hard drive to a new hard drive.


I was trying "Backup" my bookmarks, but after choosing a location to "backup," firefox freezes for a few seconds but no json file is created.

Also, when I look up the "boomarkbackups" folder, the last saved file was sometime in June.

Can someone help me?

Thanks so much for your time and help.

Cheers, KevinH

Hello, I've successfully saved my bookmarks and browsing history in the past. Transfering them from an old hard drive to a new hard drive. I was trying "Backup" my bookmarks, but after choosing a location to "backup," firefox freezes for a few seconds but no json file is created. Also, when I look up the "boomarkbackups" folder, the last saved file was sometime in June. Can someone help me? Thanks so much for your time and help. Cheers, KevinH

All Replies (9)

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Can you at least create an HTML backup?

Sounds that you might have a corrupted places.sqlite database file. If there aren't any recent JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder then you should be cautious and make a backup copy of the current places.sqlite file.

Are there any files places.sqlite.corrupt in the Firefox profile folder?

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)

Do you still see the bookmarks in the Bookmarks Manager (Library; Show All Bookmarks)?

Modified by cor-el

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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

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FredMcD,

Thanks so much for your help thus far!

Thanks for the addon I backed up using FEBE, But I don't see JSON files

Session store, places.sqlite,

Bookmars-2014-04-15_76972.json (for example)

Are they all actually backed up? I Performed a back up and all I got was the following: (See image - and is this all normal, is it missing anything? Can this negate fixing places.sqlite?)




Cor-el,

Also, thank you for helping!

I turned off firefox and rebooted computer as instructed if the link you sent. Couldn't not back up and no auto backup.

Is there a danger of loosing my bookmarks using this (as described in the link you sent):

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/places-maintenance/


The rebuild section in the post (Rebuild Places database) warns of loosing your bookmarks. So should I try the following first? :

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/places-maintenance/


Thanks both of you for your help and time. My bookmarks are like my library. They are very special to me.

Cheers, Kevin H.

Modified by QuantumEntangledBrain

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Warning, some added toolbars, and you have several, have been known to give Firefox problems. Open the Add-ons Manager and disable All of them.

If there is still a problem, Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} and try again.

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There is always a change that something gets wrong when you try to repair files. The PM extension can force a new places.sqlite database at the next start of Firefox if it isn't able to repair the database and problems were found. Under normal condition when a recent JSON backup is present then Firefox will rebuild the bookmarks automatically from a JSON backup, but that isn't possible if there isn't a (recent) JSON backup.

Did you manage to create an HTML backup? Do you see the bookmarks in the Bookmarks Manager (Library)?

I see a Bookmarks file in your screenshot (127 KB), but I'm not sure how to interpret the file content that shows there as this isn't normal profile folder content.

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Hello,

Thanks so much for your help so far.

Where are the tool bars located in the Add-ons manger?

extensions, apperaance, plugins, services ?

Thanks so much!

Cheers, Kevin

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Hello cor-el,

Thanks so much so far!

Yes, I can see all my bookmarks.

Also, yes I was able to make an html backup. (that was the only thing I could do before asking for help -)

I'm not sure if this is the root of the problem, but I had to get a new computer so I also got a new hard drive.

To get all my history and bookmarks to the new computer I just copy and pasted:

1. places.sqlite 2. sessionstore.bak 3. sessionstore.bak-20140506152807 (as an example) 4. sesstore (j script script file)

I would also, copy and paste the appropriate .json file in the folder where it usually is


Thanks so much again!

Cheers, Kevin

Modified by QuantumEntangledBrain

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To open the add-oms manager, <Control><Shift> A Toolbars can be under Extensions or Plugins.

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It would be best to delete the places.sqlite file and let Firefox create a new file. Import the HTML backup via the Bookmarks Manager (Library).

  • Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks > Import & Backup > Import Bookmarks from HTML