Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

I just reset Firefox, are my add ons in the "old Firefox data" folder and how do I find them?

more options

How do I find my add ons in the old data file?

How do I find my add ons in the old data file?

Chosen solution

If you have a problem with delta-search then also make sure to remove the user.js file in the Firefox profile folder when present.

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

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (11)

more options

What were the issues you were having that led you to reset Firefox?

It's hard to work with the Old Firefox Data folder because often the folder and file names inside do not match the friendly names you're used to, but instead are long strings of letters and numbers.

To make that data easier to work with, I suggest the following "partial resurrection" approach.

(1) Create a new Firefox profile
(2) Remove everything from that new profile folder
(3) Copy in everything from the Old Firefox Data folder

Then you can switch between your clean Reset profile and your old problematic profile and use the add-ons page and Troubleshooting Information page for reference. If the problems in the old profile were very severe, this might not work well.


Creating a New Profile

Close Firefox and start up in the Profile Manager as described in Profile Manager - Create, remove or switch Firefox profiles. I recommend using the default location suggested; to avoid data loss, don't choose any existing folder location. Then start up Firefox in the new profile.

Open the New Profile folder in Windows Explorer

Use Help > Troubleshooting Information > "Show Folder" button

Leave this folder open, switch to Firefox, and Exit

Copy Old Data in Place of New

In that new profile folder, select all the contents and delete.

Leave this window open and switch over to your Old Firefox Data folder.

Select everything and either Copy then Paste in the new profile folder, or hold Ctrl while you drag to copy (you want to copy, not move).

Start Firefox

Firefox should start up in that new profile with the resurrected old profile data. You can view a list of your extensions (that you could copy and paste to a word processing document) here:

Help > Troubleshooting Information

You also can use the Add-ons page to view themes, plugins, and other stuff not listed on the Troubleshooting Information page.

Switching Profiles

Exit Firefox, then start up in the Profile Manager to return to your more pristine post-Reset profile. If you envision doing this switching a lot, you can create a new desktop shortcut to ease the process.

more options

I think it wasn't obvious from my post, but I suggest getting a list of the add-ons you care about from your old data, but installing them fresh in your clean post-Reset profile rather than trying to copy them over.

more options

I am not very skilled at managing all the up-dates etc - and I was told the answer had been handed to me on a silver platter - but when I TRIED to find the method of locating the Add-ons it did not work - and a link in the letter - the one that claimed I HAD been handed a solution on a silver platter - THAT link did not work - and I do not know what to do now I was asked to get to my add-ons and uninstall a wall-paper rotator - well since to my certain knowledge I did not install - something I did not need I need to ask for help again - NOT please on a silver platter though it was tarnished THanks from Patriciaenola - my log on name

more options

Hi patriciaenola, I think based on your other post (here) that you were able to resolve the problem?

more options

Thank you very kindly jscher2000 the comments that were given to me from a colleague of yours - relied on the false assumption that they would have been understood - YOUR comment was simple and direct but my difficulty is that I am not totally computer savvy I was directed to download cleaners etc etc - one of which has totally removed my Babylon I feel you understand the difficulty of a "Newbie" much better I cannot find out any how - where to find MY add-ons in case I want to delete some more You have been very helpful

more options

Hi patriciaenola, you can view, disable and/or remove your currently installed add-ons here:

orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

There are several categories along the left side. The ones that most often cause problems are the Extensions. If you don't recognize an extension or consciously use it, you might want to try disabling it. If it turns out it's for something you want to keep (e.g., a toolbar, a new option on the right-click content menu, etc.) you can re-enable it later.

Usually a link will appear above a disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the add-ons page and click the link as the last step.

more options

That is most helpful - and I am sure it will please you to know that another firefox tech has directed me to how the Delta system can be deleted - so with your communication in addition I shall have no problems I am supposing I can customize my Firefox home page too I have four printed pages to study so I can have fun with that tomorrow - thank you for your time and help

more options

Chosen Solution

If you have a problem with delta-search then also make sure to remove the user.js file in the Firefox profile folder when present.

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

more options

SO very helpful - I never knew of this one - I like to learn something new every day - or it is a wasted day You have answered very well for me before - thanks a bundle AGAIN ;)

more options

Sorry i created my own post. I am new to all of this

Modified by dotey

more options

dotey ,

Please start your own thread here.
Ask a Question