Recovering Deleted Browsing History
(I've already looked around to see if I could recover deleted browsing history before asking, but unfortunately I haven't found the same options they have suggested.)
I need to recover some information last week that out of habit, I have deleted that history. (I use Windows 8) Please, if anyone can help that'd be great!
All Replies (6)
You would have to restore an older copy of the places.sqlite file that has this history if such a baclup is available.
The places.sqlite file stores the bookmarks and the history, so you lose bookmarks that have been added more recent that the places.sqlite file you restore. Make sure to backup the bookmarks and keep a backup copy of the places.sqlite file if you start to experiment.
See:
So after I found the Import & Export button, the date that I need for my information is on there but when I click to restore it nothing happens.
I also went to the bookmarkbackups folder, and the same date is there (JSON file) but even when I click that it asks to be opened with a windows app. (Which I have no clue as to what app could be used for this.) Am I missing something?
places.sqlite not a bookmarks backup json file, which doesn't contain browsing history. Firefox doesn't backup browsing history, only bookmarks.
The older copy of places.sqlite mentioned by cor-el would be in Windows (if one exists), not in a Firefox folder. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/how-use-file-history
A JSON bookmarks backup doesn't include the history (only has bookmarks), so you won't be able to recover deleted history that way. You need an older copy of the places.sqlite file to achieve that.
What I wrote is that you have to backup the current bookmarks, so you can restore them if necessary and not restore them now as that will cause you to lose your current bookmarks.
Oh I see, but I don't have any important bookmarks so I don't mind losing them. But I will try the windows 8 "how to use file history" and see if I can recover deleted browsing history.
These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.
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 backup of files that you choose.
OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences