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Lost bookmarks after updating Firefox Sync account.

lancerfour
lancerfour
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I have two computers I use Firefox for, one desktop, one laptop. Both had been using the old sync system, and I really wasn't even aware there was an update to it until this morning.

Here's the order of events:

  • My desktop computer (i.e. my main workstation) crashes and is non-bootable (though the hard drive is intact).
  • I move my work programs over to my laptop but realize I don't have enough HD space for everything because of how I'd partitioned the system.
  • No big deal, I've been meaning to wipe the system and reinstall Windows anyway. So that's what I do, creating a larger partition for my work in the process.
  • Install Firefox and notice my sync account isn't recognized, but find the upgrade process and do as it calls for (using same login/pass information as it previously was).
  • My old sync settings are not transferring to the new sync, thus no bookmarks, addons, etc.
  • Note: I wasn't able to specifically De-Sync either of the computers I use for Firefox before going through the update/upgrade process.

I wouldn't mind so much if there was at least some way to get my bookmarks back (1000's, ordered and tagged), but I really don't know what else to do except wait for the day my old, dead desktop computer can be brought back to life and I retrieve them there.

I'm thinking the fact that wasn't able to De-sync has something to do with it, but maybe not, I dunno. Any ideas?

I have two computers I use Firefox for, one desktop, one laptop. Both had been using the old sync system, and I really wasn't even aware there was an update to it until this morning. Here's the order of events: * My desktop computer (i.e. my main workstation) crashes and is non-bootable (though the hard drive is intact). * I move my work programs over to my laptop but realize I don't have enough HD space for everything because of how I'd partitioned the system. * No big deal, I've been meaning to wipe the system and reinstall Windows anyway. So that's what I do, creating a larger partition for my work in the process. * Install Firefox and notice my sync account isn't recognized, but find the upgrade process and do as it calls for (using same login/pass information as it previously was). * My old sync settings are not transferring to the new sync, thus no bookmarks, addons, etc. * Note: I wasn't able to specifically De-Sync either of the computers I use for Firefox before going through the update/upgrade process. I wouldn't mind so much if there was at least some way to get my bookmarks back (1000's, ordered and tagged), but I really don't know what else to do except wait for the day my old, dead desktop computer can be brought back to life and I retrieve them there. I'm thinking the fact that wasn't able to De-sync has something to do with it, but maybe not, I dunno. Any ideas?

All Replies (7)

lancerfour
lancerfour Question owner
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So no ideas? Is there anything else I could add to help identify the problem?

FredMcD
FredMcD
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These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

lancerfour
lancerfour Question owner
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Thanks, but not what I'm looking for. I'm strictly interested in getting my bookmarks back, the other stuff can be reinstalled easily enough.

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Open a new tab or window. type about:support in the address box and press enter. Or Press the <Alt> or <F10> key to bring up the tool bar. Then Help > Troubleshooting Information.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Enter the bookmarkbackups folder. This is where Firefox makes backups of your bookmarks.

Modified by FredMcD

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
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Sorry you're having a problem.

At this point my advice is to forget about recovering any data from your Sync account, as it sounds like you ended up with a "perfect storm" of failure. The main fault is trying to recover your data from the Sync server using Firefox 29 or 30 which has the new 1.5 version of Sync; you should have installed Firefox 28 first, then connected to Sync to recover your data. Then, once your data was restored, proceeded to update to Firefox 30.

Do you still have access to your Firefox data on the HDD from that defunct PC? If so, the first thing to do is to locate your Firefox Profile folder on the old HDD. http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder You should unhide "hidden files and folders" in Windows > Folder Options -> View

Then copy the contents of the old Profile folder into the new Profile folder, with Firefox closed.

lancerfour
lancerfour Question owner
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Fred: This is a brand new Windows installation, so there's really no backups to get. Thanks though.

Ed: Ya, I guess that's about the only option I have. The hard drive is still intact on the other PC but I won't be able to access it until I can repair it (which is probably a few months from now). At least they're not gone forever, but still, this is a huge pain. Thanks anyway.

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
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Remove that hard drive and attach it to a USB HDD adapter, then plug it into a USB port on an operational PC. Copy your Firefox Profile to a USB Flash stick.

Examples of HDD to USB adapters: http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Adapter-Converter-Optical-External/dp/B002OV1VJW or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002