The format of the 2 files is very different and can not be converted from one to the other. Why not restore the bookmarks from the JSON file? For detail of how to restore a JSON file see https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Backing+up+and+restoring+bookmarks

Because it's suddenly not working. I've even completely removed Firefox (registry keys and all) an reinstalled 3.6.13, and the software still crashes even when you try to create a new Bookmark backup.

There is something wrong with Firefox's core code, otherwise so many people wouldn't have been experiencing this issue for over a year. I (stupidly) don't possess an HTML file for any of my backup files, and the current file I have is drastically newer to even what I have in IE, which I no longer use given how insecure it is!

You have separate problems.

Firefox can export and import HTML files for bookmark use. I have not been noticing problems in firefox 3.6 or firefox 4. The bookmarks can as you are aware be saved as .JSON and the easiest way to manipulate and manage them is probably by using the firefox bookmarks library, which then gives you the option to export them as html. As mentioned by TonyE

If you are having problems with Firefox crashing you need to sort that out. If you have any profile information you may need to think about trying to copy that somewhere safe before doing a clean re-instal. see Uninstall Firefox from your computer

Obviously a new installation should not be crashing. see also firefox crashes

It doesn't crash at all when you're choosing a download-location, but it currently seems to hate it when it comes to Bookmarks. I'm at a loss as to why it's doing it as I'm not a programmer, but then so is everybody else it seems.

Another, alternative idea might be if you could create a standalone "Firefox JSON Editor", so people can open backups of their favourites, edit and reorganise them, and then create new JSON files or export them to HTML...

I don't see any other way to alleviate the issue, because if the program crashes when you're in the middle of doing it in Firefox, rebuilding your entire favourites manually due to the bug really isn't very helpful.

I've already performed two clean reinstalls, it doesn't make any difference.

My understanding of the situation is that I do not think the problem is with Firefox, I think the problem is with your own installation of firefox.

As far as I am aware there is no widespread bug affecting firefox and its handling of bookmarks any problem is likely to be on your system.

Also, and again a personal opinion, but I have not noticed there are widespread reports of firefox crashing, again the problem is more likely to be on your own system.

JSON editors are easily available, no recommendation but do a web search one of the first results I see is http://jsoneditor.net/ you can enter your json bookmarks into that (i.e your firefox backup bookmarks) but why ? when it is much easier to import them into firefox; for instance, using a specific spare profile; and do what you want with them

• drag and drop
• create and delete bookmarks or folders
• add tags and descriptions, and modify them or the names
• temporarily sort or permenantly sort on one of the columns
• create smart folders
• import or export as JSON or HTML
• open the webpages individually or in groups

( there is a known issue with firefox hanging on making large scale modifications to bookmarks sometimes, in which case you may need to accomplish the task in stages)

The bookmarks themselves whilst in firefox are not stored and used as HTML or as JSON, they are part of a sqlite datbase file. Again it is the firefox library that manages these bookmarks and the History files.

Again there are squlite editors available, including as an add-on to firefox https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/sqlite-manager/?src=api you could if you wished hack your places.sqlite with that.

See also: http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=622036

Look all I know is I updated Firefox directly from your website; from 3.6.15 to 3.6.16. After that, with a clean reinstall, the ability to try and restore previous bookmarks crashes the program every time it opens the explorer panel to search for the file. I even made sure when clearing the registry of old Firefox data to delete the appropriate keys in the "Wow6432Node" folder.

Since all I have are JSON files, is there any other way to import the favourites with them through a similar drag-drop approach... the alternative is I will simply have to try and remember over 50 new links I made!

Did you try to restore that JSON backup?

If you first export existing bookmarks to an HTML file then you can re-import that file afterward.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Backing_up_and_restoring_bookmarks_-_Firefox

I have tried to copy the JSON backup into the appropriate folder, but the program just sits there and does nothing...

I do have Firefox on another machine, however. It looks as though, this time, I will have to import the JSON onto that and then export it as HTML. I don't see any other way of solving the issue.

Am I am loosing track of the original question and problem.

Originally you mentioned "If you load the JSON file into notepad or " so some questions:

• Where did you get this "original" file from ?
• Do you know the file is ok and not corrupt?
• have you tried loading any other .json files (preferably known good ones, may be worth trying to load some of your backups) CARE first make manual backups or you risk overwriting good copies
• do you have any working bookmarks file ?
  • if so try exporting and restoring that, does that work ?
  • if you try can you clear all your bookmarks, then afterwards re-create them from a JSON backup ?

Have you solved the problem with firefox crashing, or is it still crashing ?

You didn't even mention what your original problem was and if you read this support article or not.
https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Lost+Bookmarks

Basically, it sounds like you're making things a lot harder than they really are by looking for something that doesn't exist and there is little point for it to be created in the first place, IMO.

"I have tried to copy the JSON backup into the appropriate folder, but the program just sits there and does nothing... "

That is not the way to restore a bookmarks backup file.

Bookmarks > Organize Bookmarks -> Import & Backup - Restore
Then use either Choose file... or select the appropriate date for a JSON backup file that is in the \bookmarksbackup\ folder in your Profile.

Basically my original question was how hard is it to take a JSON-version of your favourites and convert it to HTML, but without using Firefox as a go-between -- the simple gist is you can't, which means if the software suddenly breaks down for no reason after an update, you're screwed!

Then I tried importing the JSON file today and it worked perfectly. A couple of days ago when this all started I couldn't import any saved bookmarks that go back months; instead the program would crash before I even managed to select a file to restore, or create one to backup...

I've since successfully created an HTML-version of my favourites as well. This might mean that the program throws a tantrum whenever you update it and depends on your system configuration. I haven't installed or unintalled anything since the problems occurred, so the program has somehow fixed itself, or maybe it's intermittent and will reappear the next time I update. I am sticking with 3.6.16, however, in case Version 4 is part of the problem and needs more testing.

I've been through this again and again, no bookmarks. Yes, through the menu, . . . choose file . . . , but, the .json file "cannot be processed." None of the listed backups work either. How can I salvage my bookmarks?

PS john99's answers are useless, none of that works!

robotobay,
if you start your own thread (use) and ask a question you may get an answer from someone that will work.

This thread is on a rather odd subject.

Why for instance bother trying to convert .json to .HTML , when Firefox will painlessly export and import in both those formats. It is of course prudent to backup bookmarks manually, or as part of disk imaging, you then have a good chance of getting them back even if Firefox is erased or fails entirely. Some may also consider it useful to keep HTML backups.

A possible cause is a problem with the file places.sqlite that stores the bookmarks and the history.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Bookmarks_history_and_toolbar_buttons_not_working_-_Firefox