Before anything changes for the worse (!!), please create copies of your bookmarks on your laptop in both available formats:

• JSON-format backup file: Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer

• HTML-format export file: Export Firefox bookmarks to an HTML file to back up or transfer bookmarks

If you transfer those physical files to your Firefox that needs the bookmarks, the restore/import processes work quite differently, so you can take your choice:

• Restore completely replaces the bookmarks on the receiving system with the contents of the JSON backup. See: Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer.

• Import adds the bookmarks from the HTML-format file to your existing bookmarks, usually in an "Imported Bookmarks" folder either on the Bookmarks Menu or in Other Bookmarks. See: Import Bookmarks from an HTML file.

Had to create a new profile then sync. Still had to load add ons.

If this happens again then you can check for problems with the places.sqlite database (bookmarks and history) in the Firefox profile folder.

• https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/places-maintenance/

See also:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Bookmarks_history_and_toolbar_buttons_not_working_-_Firefox
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file

If you use Sync then best is to disconnect Sync while performing maintenance/repair efforts to files in the Firefox profile folder.