About profile file functions (permissions.sqlite etc.)
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
permissions.sqlite
reading-list.sqlite
search-metadata.json
times.json
Okay I know most of them are explained in the kb article linked above but not all. I was wondering if anyone knows what each one does and what are the effects of deleting them in the process. Since Firefox won't remove obsolete/replaced with/superseded files, I have to do this manually to clean up the bloat with certain versions. That and some of them haven't been updated in awhile or so so I question its current stance to keep it in the folder.
Modified by Morisato
Chosen solution
search-metadata.json stores additional data for the search engine like a keyword (alias) and their order and whether they are enabled.
You can open JSON files in the Scratchpad (Firefox menu button or Tools > Web Developer) for inspection. Click the "Pretty Print" button to format the file for readability.
You can use the SQLite Manager extension in Firefox to inspect SQLite database files.
permissions.sqlite stores site specific permissions (Site Preferences) as you can see by its name.
You can inspect and manage permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab via these steps:
- click the "Site Identity Button" (globe/padlock) on the location/address bar
- click "More Information" to open "Tools > Page Info" with the Security tab selected
Go to the Permissions tab (Tools > Page Info > Permissions) to check the permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab.
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (10)
New files should over-write older files automatically. Are you saying this is not happening?
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?
Sorry, I forgot to add;
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save
Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.
Chosen Solution
search-metadata.json stores additional data for the search engine like a keyword (alias) and their order and whether they are enabled.
You can open JSON files in the Scratchpad (Firefox menu button or Tools > Web Developer) for inspection. Click the "Pretty Print" button to format the file for readability.
You can use the SQLite Manager extension in Firefox to inspect SQLite database files.
permissions.sqlite stores site specific permissions (Site Preferences) as you can see by its name.
You can inspect and manage permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab via these steps:
- click the "Site Identity Button" (globe/padlock) on the location/address bar
- click "More Information" to open "Tools > Page Info" with the Security tab selected
Go to the Permissions tab (Tools > Page Info > Permissions) to check the permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab.
Modified by cor-el
FredMcD said
New files should over-write older files automatically. Are you saying this is not happening? Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?
Nothing to do with that. Just wondering what each of the files listed above do and what happens when you delete it and open firefox again. For instance, localstore.rdf was replaced by xulstore.json so I just deleted localstore.rdf since it had not been updated/used by firefox in awhile.
cor-el said
search-metadata.json stores additional data for the search engine like a keyword (alias) and their order and whether they are enabled. You can open JSON files in the Scratchpad (Firefox menu button or Tools > Web Developer) for inspection. Click the "Pretty Print" button to format the file for readability. You can use the SQLite Manager extension in Firefox to inspect SQLite database files. permissions.sqlite stores site specific permissions (Site Preferences) as you can see by its name. You can inspect and manage permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab via these steps:Go to the Permissions tab (Tools > Page Info > Permissions) to check the permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab.
- click the "Site Identity Button" (globe/padlock) on the location/address bar
- click "More Information" to open "Tools > Page Info" with the Security tab selected
Great explanation. Exactly what I was looking for. Do you know about the other 2?
reading-list.sqlite times.json
Can I delete them and it won't affect Fx functionality (unless it gets auto-generated again).
I also would like to add 'revocations.txt' to the list of what it does it do as well. Seems I can delete this and it will recreate it but there isn't much of it through google.
I don't think that reading-list is currently enabled (browser.readinglist.enabled = false), but I'm not using this feature.
A file like extensions.sqlite (and extensions.rdf previously) has also been replaced by a JSON file, just like happened with localstore.rdf
See also:
cor-el said
I don't think that reading-list is currently enabled (browser.readinglist.enabled = false), but I'm not using this feature. A file like extensions.sqlite (and extensions.rdf previously) has also been replaced by a JSON file, just like happened with localstore.rdf See also:
Ah, alright. I see what it does now. I also already linked the link you linked on my first post fyi. I searched there and googled a bit before posting here.
Even though extensions.sqlite has been replaced by a JSON file like you said, seems some extensions still access it since the last access time on it for me was 2 months ago so I kept it just in case.
Now, about that last file I mentioned (times.json). It seems to be created when you make a new profile or something. Can I delete it? Won't affect profile recovery or anything right? Access date dates back to 2013 so it seems redundant (at least for me it does). Only has one line inside {"created":12962690xxxx} in case it's used for something...
Found an old post of yours last year though it doesn't really answer much for what I was searching for anyway.
times.json seems to store that profile creation/reset time
Modified by cor-el
Thanks for all the help there cor-el. Useful info/links. Before I mark this as solved, my last question is about the revocations.txt. This auto-regenerates after deletion right? It is tied in anyway to the certificates? I know cert8.db contains them and cert_overide.txt has the permanent exclusions.
Update: Ah nvm. It regenerated after removal from profile folder.
Modified by Morisato
Two test files come up in the search. Maybe that gives an idea what this file is about.