You can manually create a backup copy of places.sqlite if you value your history. There are lots of files in the Firefox profile folder that all store their own specific data and that can easily be removed accidentally like the passwords and the cookies.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Backing+up+your+information
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_backup

You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:

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

You can make that request here: https://input.mozilla.org/en-US/feedback

History is stored in a somewhat complicated way. I don't know how well it would work to try to restore it from a file.

If you want an external record of your history, this program can export it to an HTML file which I assume would contain links you could use to revisit those sites (I haven't tried it myself):

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/mozilla_history_view.html

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 backups of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

Thanks for all the replies. I went through and tried each suggestion and FredMcD's FEBE add on worked best for what I was trying to achieve along with making a "portable firefox" folder using this http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable. Then I could view backed up History in the stand alone portable without altering anything in my desktop version.

Glad to help. Safe Surfing.