Replaced computer but can't transfer old bookmarks to newly downloaded firefox, which keeps trying to download it from explorer.
Old computer failed and replaced it with a second hand computer. Reinstalled Firefox and added my old hard disc. Firefox on the old disc has a collection of bookmarks organized and sorted how I like them and is basically irreplaceable. When I ask the new Firefox to import these bookmarks, the only option it gives me is to import from Explorer. I cannot get it to go onto thew old hard drive and download from the old Firefox. I have made a backup file of the bookmarks from the old Firefox on the new hard disc, but it won't import them to the new Firefox. How do I get it to import my old bookmarks? I am running XP home edition.
All Replies (2)
Importing the bookmarks depends upon what format the backup file that you have got.
If you have backed up the places.sqlite file, you can copy that file into your new profile folder, replacing the file that is already there. This will give you the history and bookmarks from your old computer.
If the backup is a .json file, you can import it into your current Firefox by following the procedure in the Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer article, you need to select the "Choose file" option and select your .json backup file. This will replace the bookmarks in your current version with those from the backup.
If the backup is a .html file, see Import Bookmarks from an HTML file, this will add the bookmarks from the .html file to those that already exist in the new version of Firefox.
See also http://kb.mozillazine.org/Backing_up_and_restoring_bookmarks_-_Firefox
You can restore the bookmarks from the most recent JSON backup in the bookmarkbackups folder.
See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
"Application Data" in XP/Win2K and "AppData" in Vista/Windows 7 are hidden folders
See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders
Go to: Control Panel > Folder Options > "View" tab > under "Hidden files and folders", select "Show hidden files and folders"
You may want to un-check the box "Hide extensions for known file types" to see the file extensions of all files
XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\