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.

Try to export the bookmarks in Safari to an HTML file and import this file in Firefox.

• Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks > Import & Backup
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/restore-bookmarks-from-backup-or-move-them

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Profile_issues

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox

Some information about file in the profile folder that stores specific data:

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

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Recovering+important+data+from+an+old+profile

"Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes."

I'm not using any software like that.

"Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem."

I did. Same problem. Not only does it not save any new bookmarks, it won't save any folders that I created. It still won't save preferences. It always reverts back to the new startup with no saved bookmarks or preferences and loads 3 pages of Mozilla stuff as if it was the first time that I used Firefox after a new installation.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there?

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

Try to repair the disk permissions:

• http://thexlab.com/faqs/repairprocess.html

This can be caused by a problem with the profiles.ini file.

You can use one of these to make Firefox create a new default profile or recover an existing profile:

• Delete the profiles.ini file to make Firefox create a new (default) profile
• Use the Profile Manager to create a new profile
  If you still have an existing profile then click "Choose Folder" in the Profile Manager and browse to the location of a lost profile to recover this profile
  https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles

You should find the profiles.ini file in this hidden location:

• Windows: %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\
  *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\
• Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/
• Linux: ~/.mozilla/firefox/

If clearing the profiles.ini file isn't working then also check the location of the cache files.

• Windows: *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\
• Mac: ~/Library/Caches/Firefox/Profiles/
• Linux:~/.cache/mozilla/firefox/

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox

The problems are gone now. However, I'll never know exactly what was causing them. When I restarted the computer in safe mode the problems still continued. But when I tried to restart the computer refused to recognize the hard drive in safe mode or normal mode.

It's possible that the Firefox problems were caused by a defective hard drive.

I was able to rebuild the directory with Disk Warrior and transfer my files, but the disk still wouldn't boot. Fortunately I had a spare hard drive. I installed it and reloaded all of my software and data from scratch. I also downloaded the newest version of Firefox. Firefox is working fine now.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. They may not have fixed this particular problem, but I learned a few new tricks from you for troubleshooting other problems.

Allen

That was very good work. Well Done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem so others will know.

Firefox was working okay. Problems are beginning to creep in. Firefox keeps reverting to Yahoo as a default search engine even before I quit and restart.

At least for now it is saving bookmarks.

Allen

Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac:<Command>)<Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Remove Yahoo Anything. Now do the same in the computers Programs Folder.

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

I found an add on called "Search Me". I removed it, restarted Firefox and the problem went away. Thanks for the help.

Allen

That was very good work. Well Done.