Importing favorites and other data from Internet Explorer

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Firefox lets you import settings and data from Internet Explorer, saving you from having to configure many things yourself. This article gives you step-by-step instructions for getting it done.

This article only applies to Windows.

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the File menu and select Import...

    importingfromie-filemenu-en.png
    Note: If Import... is disabled (greyed out), this can happen if you are in Private Browsing mode. Turn off that feature and try again.
  2. In the Import Wizard window that appears, select Microsoft Internet Explorer, then click Next.
    Import IE - Win2
  3. Firefox will list the types of settings and information it can import. Select the items you want to import, then click Next.
    Import IE - Win3
    • Internet Options: General settings, including your home page. Since Firefox and Internet Explorer have different features, Firefox won't be able to import all of your settings.
    • Cookies: Small bits of information stored on your computer by some websites that are used to keep you logged in, store your options, or do other things.
    • Browsing History: Information on the sites you have visited.
    • Favorites: Web pages you have saved in your Internet Explorer favorites.
  4. Click Finish. The items you selected should now be imported.
    Import IE - Win4
  • Your imported favorites will appear in the Bookmarks menu in a folder named From Internet Explorer. For more information on using bookmarks in Firefox, see How do I use bookmarks?

    08954b4f2ae0cf2e6b9254489877e2f8-1257098195-997-1.png
  1. Press the Alt key to temporarily bring up the traditional Firefox menus. Then, click the File menu and select Import....
    Windows XP: At the top of the Firefox window, click the File menu and select Import...
    Import IE - Win1
    Note: If Import... is disabled (greyed out), this can happen if you are in Private Browsing mode. Turn off that feature and try again.
  2. In the Import Wizard window that appears, select Microsoft Internet Explorer, then click Next.
    Import IE - Win2
  3. Firefox will list the types of settings and information it can import. Select the items you want to import, then click Next.
    Import IE - Win3
    • Internet Options: General settings, including your home page. Since Firefox and Internet Explorer have different features, Firefox won't be able to import all of your settings.
    • Cookies: Small bits of information stored on your computer by some websites that are used to keep you logged in, store your options, or do other things.
    • Browsing History: Information on the sites you have visited.
    • Favorites: Web pages you have saved in your Internet Explorer favorites.
  4. Click Finish. The items you selected should now be imported.
    Import IE - Win4
  • Your imported favorites will appear in the Bookmarks menu in a folder named From Internet Explorer. For more information on using bookmarks in Firefox, see How do I use bookmarks?
    Import IE - Win5
  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the History menu (For Windows XP: click the History menu) and select Show All History to open the Library window.On the menu bar, click the History menu and select Show All History to open the Library window.At the top of the Firefox window, click the History menu and select Show All History to open the Library window.

    At the top of the Firefox window, click the History menu and select Show All History to open the Library window.On the menu bar, click the History menu and select Show All History to open the Library window.

  2. In the Library window, click Import and Backup and choose Import Data from Another Browser....
    Import IE - Win1 fx7
    Note: If Import Data from Another Browser... is disabled (greyed out), this can happen if you are in Private Browsing mode. Turn off that feature and try again.
  3. In the Import Wizard window that appears, select Microsoft Internet Explorer, then click Next.
    Import IE - Win2
  4. Firefox will list the types of settings and information it can import. Select the items you want to import, then click Next.
    Import IE - Win3
    • Internet Options: General settings, including your home page. Since Firefox and Internet Explorer have different features, Firefox won't be able to import all of your settings.
    • Cookies: Small bits of information stored on your computer by some websites that are used to keep you logged in, store your options, or do other things.
    • Browsing History: Information on the sites you have visited.
    • Favorites: Web pages you have saved in your Internet Explorer favorites.
  5. Click Finish. The items you selected should now be imported.
    Import IE - Win4
  • Your imported favorites will appear in the Bookmarks menu in a folder named From Internet Explorer. For more information on using bookmarks in Firefox, see How do I use bookmarks?
    Import IE - Win5




Based on information from Import bookmarks (mozillaZine KB)

Contributors to this page: AliceWyman, Cww, Verdi, dynamite, scoobidiver, John99

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