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How can I import firefox bookmarks from my Windows back up DVD.

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  • Last reply by Gambler777

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I just got a new computer that's running Windows 10, my previous one had Vista Home Premium. Before my Vista finally died I backed up all files to DVD's. I've found my Firebox Bookmarks but I'm having trouble importing them to Firefox. Would someone please tell me how to do this. I've did some searching but I haven't seen anything for DVD's.

I just got a new computer that's running Windows 10, my previous one had Vista Home Premium. Before my Vista finally died I backed up all files to DVD's. I've found my Firebox Bookmarks but I'm having trouble importing them to Firefox. Would someone please tell me how to do this. I've did some searching but I haven't seen anything for DVD's.

Chosen solution

Yes once Firefox runs it will create a places.sqlite if one does not exist.

Just overwrite that with the old file from the DVD. Do that whilst Firefox is closed. When you restart Firefox it should have the original History and Bookmarks on it.

You should be able to either copy/drag the DVD file to the new proflie and be given the option to replace it, or just delete the brand new one and drag a copy of the DVD one to the profile.

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How were these files saved? What format? Check this; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/search?w=1&q=import+bookmarks

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Ideally you will need to find the old Firefox profile. Then find the file places.sqlite that is the bookmarks and History database. (If you have important History or bookmarks in the new computer let us know before proceeding any further.)

Then with the new Firefox open find the new profile from the troubleshooting information page. Close Firefox, rename the existing places.sqlite to say places.sqlite.first and replace the original with the one from the DVD.

I am making the assumption that the one or all of these are true:

  • It was a very small hard drive under say 5GB, OR it is a series of DVDs
  • The DVD is searchable &/or individual files may be recovered
  • (Note: Lower down I mention bookmarks backup files)

This sort of method allows for transfer of more than just the bookmarks. Of course if it was just some data including bookmarks that you backed up then as Fred asks

  • How were the bookmark backed up ?
  • & also what were the file types and methods ?
  • For instance did you use the backup option from the Firefox Bookmarks Library ?

If so just use the Restore option from the Library, BUT do not do that yet if the new computer already has has any new important Bookmarks or History in it.

See also

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Thanks John and Fred for your replies. John I'm following your first suggestion. (I don't have history/bookmarks to worry about). I think I understand correctly up and to the point of >>>replace the original with the one from the DVD.<<<<<

Here's what I've done so far.

I've located places.sqlite on my DVD.

With my new Firefox open I clicked on 'Trouble Shooting Info Page', on 'Profile Folder' I clicked on 'Show Folder' to open the Folder, then closed Firebox. I located 'places.sqlite' and renamed it 'places.sqlite.first. Now I'm stuck on how I go about replacing the original with the one from the DVD. I noticed another file opened with the original name 'places.sqlite'. Is that the one I'm suppose to replace? If so how do I go about it? Thanks again for your help.

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Chosen Solution

Yes once Firefox runs it will create a places.sqlite if one does not exist.

Just overwrite that with the old file from the DVD. Do that whilst Firefox is closed. When you restart Firefox it should have the original History and Bookmarks on it.

You should be able to either copy/drag the DVD file to the new proflie and be given the option to replace it, or just delete the brand new one and drag a copy of the DVD one to the profile.

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Success! Thanks for your help John99.