see this answer:

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/968729#answer-525897

when you use the refresh feature in Firefox then a new profile is created and some personal data (bookmarks and history, form data, tabs) is automatically imported. The current profile folder will be moved to an "Old Firefox Data" folder on the desktop. Installed extensions and other customizations (toolbars, prefs) that you have made are lost and need to be redone.

It is possible to recover data from the "Old Firefox Data" folder on the desktop, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

You can copy files like these with Firefox closed to the current profile folder to recover specific data. Note that you should be cautious with copying SQLite database files if you previously had problems.

• bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
• bookmark backups: compressed .jsonlz4 JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
• cookies.sqlite for the Cookies
• formhistory.sqlite for saved autocomplete Form Data
• logins.json (passwords) and key4.db (58+) or key3.db (57 and older) (decryption key) for Passwords saved in the Password Manager
  if you only have key3.db then make sure to remove an existing key4.db
• cert9.db (58+) or cert8.db (57 and older) for (intermediate) certificates stored in the Certificate Manager
  if you only have cert8.db then make sure to remove an existing cert9.db
• persdict.dat for words you added to the spelling checker dictionary
• permissions.sqlite for Permissions and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for other website specific data (Site Preferences)
• sessionstore.jsonlz4 for open tabs and pinned tabs (see also the sessionstore-backups folder)

See also:

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/restore-bookmarks-from-backup-or-move-them

So I can just drag it into the current folder somehow?

I tried signing in and syncing but that didnt do anything

Instructions have been given. Leave Firefox closed, copy the listed files from Desktop to Profile. Print the instructions or use another browser to read while Firefox is closed.

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data

You can copy files from the "Old Firefox Data" folder on the desktop to the current profile folder to recover specific data.

You can use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.

• Help -> Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Directory:
  Windows: Show Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox

I found the profile folder and deleted it and draged my old one in and now it wont open firefox

Suggest try and recover them from the Trash Can.

You always work with copies, never work with original files. Always :

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles

Since you can do this, this works will download right away, Recuva : https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva/download/standard

But you can use the information still to restore if play with things after following directions or asking.

I couldnt open Firefox with my old profile using the manager its not showing up

jckinnick said

I couldnt open Firefox with my old profile using the manager its not showing up

see this page:

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-wont-start-find-solutions

I transfered all the suggested files and folders into my new profile folder but the firefox help page stops there what do I do next do I need to delete the default now?

No you need to rescue your bookmarks and walk away calling that a good thing.

Spend some time and slowly read and go over things again.

PROFILES

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recover-lost-or-missing-bookmarks
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/restore-bookmarks-from-backup-or-move-them

fyi for the future :

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/import-bookmarks-html-file
• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles

You will have to edit profiles.ini to make it point to the profile you recovered from the "Old Firefox Data" folder on the desktop to make Firefox recognize it.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/profiles.ini_file