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Can't transfer bookmarks in folders

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I want to have an HTML bookmarks backup file before I upgrade to Windows 10. Most of my bookmarks are organized in folders. When I follow the directions to copy bookmarks to HTML, it only copies the uncategorized bookmarks. (This is all that shows up when I click on bookmarks after the transfer.) (I know I could achieve this by replacing the profile on another version of Firefox but I don't want to do it that way.) Any idea how to get the folders into the HTML bookmark file?

I want to have an HTML bookmarks backup file before I upgrade to Windows 10. Most of my bookmarks are organized in folders. When I follow the directions to copy bookmarks to HTML, it only copies the uncategorized bookmarks. (This is all that shows up when I click on bookmarks after the transfer.) (I know I could achieve this by replacing the profile on another version of Firefox but I don't want to do it that way.) Any idea how to get the folders into the HTML bookmark file?

All Replies (6)

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Hi kenwald, what method are you using? Firefox has two built-in features that should generate a complete file:

(1) "Backup" feature

This creates a .json file which is only used in Firefox. When restored, it completely replaces the existing set of bookmarks. More info: Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer

(2) "Export" feature

This creates an HTML file which can be viewed in a browser tab or imported to any browser. It adds to your existing set of bookmarks rather than replacing it. More info: Export Firefox bookmarks to an HTML file to back up or transfer bookmarks

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I guess I should have asked you another question. If I use the backup feature, can I specify which functions I want restored--i.e., just the bookmarks?

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As you can guess, I'm new to this forum and I tried to reply to the email, not realizing it was a Mozilla address. Here's what I wrote:

Hi,

I used the backup to HTML feature as the directions indicated but it would not capture the folders when I told it to import from HTML.

I have the profile backup in JSON format but I only want to transfer the bookmarks, not replace the profile or add another one. My second computer (to which I would transfer the bookmarks) is used for travel and I don’t want it to have my saved logins. I did try the import option in bookmarks but it didn’t work. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Ken

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Hi Ken, both of these are bookmarks only.

If you have a JSON-format bookmark backup, to apply it to a different Firefox, you would use Restore (Import wouldn't understand the file).

If you have an HTML-format bookmark export, import should get all of it. Are you testing by importing to Firefox on a different computer?

When you open the Library window ("Show All Bookmarks" or Ctrl+Shift+b), Firefox always defaults to the "other bookmarks" category. To change to the Bookmarks Menu or Bookmarks Toolbar, you'll need to click that in the left column of the Library window.

Sometimes an import file is placed one level down, in a folder called "Imported Bookmarks." In that case, you'll need to move its contents to their correct locations yourself. You can either drag-and-drop (right-side to left-column) or cut-and-paste in the Library window.

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Aha! The bookmark folders and the uncategorized bookmarks did show up in the Library window of the second machine under "Bookmarks Menu."

Now I have to figure out how I can save my saved logins on a flash drive and also move my spellchecker additions to the same place. It looks like the Password Exporter at https://www.ghacks.net/2018/07/18/how-to-export-firefox-passwords-in-firefox-57/ should work for the passwords.

Thanks for your help

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Hi Ken, you also could copy over relevant files. See:

Recovering important data from an old profile