key3.db and logins.json: These are the Password files.

persdict.dat: custom dictionary – words you added to the dictionary

mimeTypes.rdf: What to do with what type of file.

places.sqlite: History and Bookmarks.

prefs.js: Your settings.

cert8.db: Stores all your security certificate settings and any SSL certificates you have imported into Firefox. If removed, the file will be replaced.

These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.

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 backups of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

Hi fred,

Thanks for the reply.8-))

Unfortunately I can't find the files in the profile folder.

I have tried a windows search from drive C:\ but nothing shows up, only the frequencycap.json and directoryliknks.json.

That is strange as I have seen the help page that informs me where and what the files are, is it different in version 42?

I have manually looked in all the profile folders and in the Mozilla program folders but no usual .json or sqlite files of relevance at all.8-((

Thanks,

Martin

If Firefox is runningm the files are there. Some file types are hidden by the file browser. Turn that option off.

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.

Note: the add-ons I posted above will create backups for you. And in case of problems, can restore the profile for you.

If you haven't already, this might help: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/show-hidden-files

Note that Firefox uses two locations for the Firefox profile folder. The main profile is in '\AppData\Roaming".

• C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

A second location in "AppData\Local" is used for the disk cache and other temporary files.

• C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\

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

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders

Hi Guys,

Thank you both for the helpful answers!

I did have the show hidden and system files set but for some reason Vista still does not show them.8-((

However a second search in W7 brought them up....

Thanks for the advice on finding the profile in roaming, that solved the problem.8-))

I appreciate the advice on the add-ons but I prefer to run the backups from a batch file every day, that makes it easier than having to open Firefox to save the files.

Regards,

Martin