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importing bookmarks empties folders I have created

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by Scottzzz

Scottzzz
Scottzzz
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I do not use the sync function to keep my bookmarks up to date on separate computers. I have a location on a server that I can access from any of my machines. Usually I import and export to html bookmark file.

I have organized my bookmarks into various folders. When I attempted to update one of my boxes, all the bookmarks were removed from the folders and placed in a huge list in Other Bookmarks. The folder structure did not change, but all the folders were empty.

I tried to use a json file as an alternative, but this also had the same result.

I run Debian Linux on all my machines, if that matters.

What could be the problem?

Thanks in advance.

I do not use the sync function to keep my bookmarks up to date on separate computers. I have a location on a server that I can access from any of my machines. Usually I import and export to html bookmark file. I have organized my bookmarks into various folders. When I attempted to update one of my boxes, all the bookmarks were removed from the folders and placed in a huge list in Other Bookmarks. The folder structure did not change, but all the folders were empty. I tried to use a json file as an alternative, but this also had the same result. I run Debian Linux on all my machines, if that matters. What could be the problem? Thanks in advance.

Chosen solution

Are you running the Default Bookmark Folder extension on that box?

There was an unfortunate side effect of making the extension compatible with the new "use last folder" feature of Firefox 85: during Import and Restore operations, the extension moves all of your bookmarks to your preferred folder. You need to disable the extension before performing these bulk operations.

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All Replies (3)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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You can check for problem with the places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite databases in the Firefox profile folder.

  • use "Verify Integrity" button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page

If errors are reported with "Verify Integrity", close and restart Firefox or reboot and retry.

If "Verify Integrity" cannot repair places.sqlite, rename/remove all places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder with Firefox closed. Firefox will rebuild places.sqlite and restore the bookmarks from the most recent JSON backup in the bookmarkbackups folder. You can keep a backup copy of places.sqlite in case a new places.sqlite database has to be created. You lose the history when a new places.sqlite is created.

See also:

You can use the button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Are you running the Default Bookmark Folder extension on that box?

There was an unfortunate side effect of making the extension compatible with the new "use last folder" feature of Firefox 85: during Import and Restore operations, the extension moves all of your bookmarks to your preferred folder. You need to disable the extension before performing these bulk operations.

Scottzzz
Scottzzz Question owner
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I had already tried to remove the places database, with no success. Disabling the default bookmark add on was the solution for me. Thanks jscher2000.