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Bookmarks not showing on the bookmark bar, but does in the Library

I did a disc cleanup with my security program (BitDefender) and since then my bookmarks have just been missing from my bookmark bar, but they are showing in the Library. It's almost like it's showing me the wrong bookmark bar, but I'm pretty sure there's only 1 bookmark bar in Firefox.

I have checked that the "Bookmark Toolbar Items" are on the bookmark bar in the customize section of Firefox, so that's not the problem.

I'm pretty sure it's because BitDefender deleted some files it decided was junk, from Firefox's install folder.

So there must be a way to either revert it, or simply fix it.


If it matters, then i have a few extensions installed, the famous Adblock Plus and Lastpass.

I did a disc cleanup with my security program (BitDefender) and since then my bookmarks have just been missing from my bookmark bar, but they are showing in the Library. It's almost like it's showing me the wrong bookmark bar, but I'm pretty sure there's only 1 bookmark bar in Firefox. I have checked that the "Bookmark Toolbar Items" are on the bookmark bar in the customize section of Firefox, so that's not the problem. I'm pretty sure it's because BitDefender deleted some files it decided was junk, from Firefox's install folder. So there must be a way to either revert it, or simply fix it. If it matters, then i have a few extensions installed, the famous Adblock Plus and Lastpass.
Attached screenshots

Modified by teambluefirephoenix

Chosen solution

You can also check for problems with the places.sqlite database (bookmarks and history) in the Firefox profile folder.

See also:

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.

  • keep a backup copy of places.sqlite in case a new places.sqlite database has to be created

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

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All Replies (4)

You have a blank Bookmarks Toolbar below the main navigation toolbar?


If you think the program files might have been damaged, the usual remedy is:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. You do not need to uninstall Firefox first.

It only takes a few minutes.

(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 50.1.0 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.) Choose the "Windows" version (32-bit) rather than the 64-bit version for maximum plugin compatibility (and of course for 32-bit Windows systems).

(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(C) Using Windows Explorer/My Computer, rename the program folder as follows:

32-bit Firefox on 64-bit Windows: Rename

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

Other combinations: Rename

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(D) Run the installer you downloaded in step (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins

Any improvement in the Bookmarks Toolbar?

Unfortunately, no, nothing changed. I guess that means it isn't because of removed files, but something inside Firefox.

But i still think it has something to do with the disc cleanup i did, since it worked fine earlier today before the cleanup.

I tried your suggestion twice just to be sure, but no change at all.

Chosen Solution

You can also check for problems with the places.sqlite database (bookmarks and history) in the Firefox profile folder.

See also:

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.

  • keep a backup copy of places.sqlite in case a new places.sqlite database has to be created

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

Did you try the "Restore defaults" button at the bottom of the Customize tab?

If that doesn't work, sometimes the file that stores various toolbar customizations becomes corrupted. You can rename the file and customize from scratch.

Open your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

In the first table on the page, click the "Show Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.

Leaving that window open, switch back to Firefox and Exit, either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) File > Exit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then rename xulstore.json to something like xulstore.old. If you see a file named localstore.rdf, rename that one to localstore.old.

Start Firefox back up again. Any improvement?