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How can I transfer firefox bookmarks from [defunct] computer hard disk?

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  • Last reply by Teresa

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My old computer died. I've rescued the hard disk and have it connected to my new pc via usb. I've an old json file on it dated 2019 but I need to get the bookmarks which are up to date ie end of 2020. Is it possible please? And why doesn't signing into my ff account automatically retrieve bookmarks? Thanks for any help you can give ... Happy New Year!

My old computer died. I've rescued the hard disk and have it connected to my new pc via usb. I've an old json file on it dated 2019 but I need to get the bookmarks which are up to date ie end of 2020. Is it possible please? And why doesn't signing into my ff account automatically retrieve bookmarks? Thanks for any help you can give ... Happy New Year!

Chosen solution

Hi Teresa, Firefox Sync should work, but it's not instant.

Make sure to set Windows to show hidden files and folders: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14201/windows-show-hidden-files

On your old drive, which I'll call "E" for convenience, look for:

E:\Users\old-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles

Here you will find your last used profile folder (and possibly other profile folders). In each there should be a bookmarkbackups folder containing automatic backups. If you check the file names -- the creation date should be coded into the name -- can you find a new one that you want to restore to your currently running installation? I suggest right-click > Copy the file and then right-click > Paste on a blank area of your current desktop for easier access.

When calling up the Restore menu, click Choose File, and then point Firefox to the file. This article will get you to that menu: Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer.

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Chosen Solution

Hi Teresa, Firefox Sync should work, but it's not instant.

Make sure to set Windows to show hidden files and folders: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14201/windows-show-hidden-files

On your old drive, which I'll call "E" for convenience, look for:

E:\Users\old-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles

Here you will find your last used profile folder (and possibly other profile folders). In each there should be a bookmarkbackups folder containing automatic backups. If you check the file names -- the creation date should be coded into the name -- can you find a new one that you want to restore to your currently running installation? I suggest right-click > Copy the file and then right-click > Paste on a blank area of your current desktop for easier access.

When calling up the Restore menu, click Choose File, and then point Firefox to the file. This article will get you to that menu: Restore bookmarks from backup or move them to another computer.

Success?

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Note that "AppData" is a hidden folder.

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Thank you so much! I almost gave up several times... took some searching! I'm thrilled to bits, can't thank you enough. Best regards Teresa