My bookmarks won't stay sorted.
When I right-click and select "Sort by Name" and they are sorted. However, within 10 minutes, they're all out of whack again. Why is that and how can I fix it?
Chosen solution
When you "sort bookmarks" in the Library window it is "for viewing purposes only" and lasts only as long as that Library windows is open.
See this to learn how to permanently sort your bookmarks. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/sort-bookmarks-quickly-find-ones-you-want
Overall, the "sort" is for loose bookmarks per folder, and folders; between any separators that you may have added. I use a separator to delineate the "top of the list" bookmarks that I don't want A to Z sorted, from the rest that I do want sorted A to Z. Each folder that is below the "Bookmarks Menu folder" level will need to be sorted ala carte if that's want you want.
Initially it might seem to be a strange way to "sort", but IMO it provides the greatest level of flexibility for a variety of user preferences.
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Chosen Solution
When you "sort bookmarks" in the Library window it is "for viewing purposes only" and lasts only as long as that Library windows is open.
See this to learn how to permanently sort your bookmarks. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/sort-bookmarks-quickly-find-ones-you-want
Overall, the "sort" is for loose bookmarks per folder, and folders; between any separators that you may have added. I use a separator to delineate the "top of the list" bookmarks that I don't want A to Z sorted, from the rest that I do want sorted A to Z. Each folder that is below the "Bookmarks Menu folder" level will need to be sorted ala carte if that's want you want.
Initially it might seem to be a strange way to "sort", but IMO it provides the greatest level of flexibility for a variety of user preferences.
Choosing Sort By Name in the right-click context menu of a bookmarks folder should sort the bookmarks in this folder permanently.
You can check for problems with the places.sqlite database (bookmarks, history) in the Firefox profile folder.
- Places Maintenance: 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/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file
If the Places Maintenance extension can't repair the places.sqlite database then remove all places.sqlite file(s) in the Firefox profile folder to make Firefox rebuild the places.sqlite database from the most recent JSON backup in the bookmarkbackups folder.
Thank you the-edmeister. It's been over half an hour since I finished using your method to sort the folders I wanted to and the seem to be staying in sorted order. So far, so good.
I spoke too soon. Today my bookmarks are all messed up again. It's really annoying.
Are you using Firefox Sync? If so, are you sync'ing with a "mobile" device - like Firefox for Android or iOS?
Yes, the-edmeister, and, besides my Samsung Galaxy S4 and my Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, I am syncing between 3 computers, a laptop and a dual-booting netbook.
Basically, it is my considered opinion that Sync is messing with the "Sort" order; and I believe that the 'fault' lies with the "mobile" versions of Firefox &/or Sync with "mobile". My opinion is based upon similar support questions (& answers) I have read here going back at least 9 or 10 months. I "think" a fault was introduced in the "mobile Sync" process during the months preceding the Beta release of Firefox for iOS. I can't even attempt to replicate this type of fault; I have no need for any "mobile" devices and don't have access to any for testing.
To verify that, stop using Sync on the "mobile" devices and then see if "desktop" (and laptop) devices will Sync without screwing up the "Sort" order. Overall, I wonder if the end results are worth the aggravation and time involved to "fix" the data which is already corrupted. I wouldn't expect that Sync will "fix" whatever corruption the "mobile" devices introduced into the Sync server and to all the other devices. I think that Places Maintenance would be needed on all your devices and the Password for your Sync account should be reset to clear your data from the Sync server - to have the best chance of success.
@the-edmeister: Sorry about the lengthy wait for a reply, 'bin travellin'. :) Thanks for the tip. I've disabled mobile sync as you suggested and I no longer have the sort problem with my bookmarks. Now when I get around to it I'll figure out how to stop my phone and table telling me sync is turned off.
Firefox seems so well designed in some area then you have this: Unbelievable that they would not have EVERYTHING in bookmarks sorted by name by default. This has been the standard convention since Day 1. Of course you can offer options for different sorting but the default is always alphabetical. Unless of course you browse the web on a different planet.
I've sorted the Bookmark Menu by name and then later I add a bookmark and it puts it at the bottom. Huh? Do I have to continually "sort by name" every time I add a bookmark? How insane is that?
Why do people that are brilliant in technical aspects often lack even a sliver of common sense? Is this Aspergers? Savants? If so, the answer is to partner with "common folk" so the communicative aspect is more logical for the vast majority of the population. Now you have a good team.