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It seems like a simple task; please, please let me search through my folders.

  • 10 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by ohillary

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It is, still after all these years, frustrating, infuriating and just plain dumb that I can't do a simple search to that finds the folders in my bookmarks. I have decade(s) of web searches organized in folders, but firefox ignores them. It seems like a simple task; please, please let me search through my folders.

It is, still after all these years, frustrating, infuriating and just plain dumb that I can't do a simple search to that finds the folders in my bookmarks. I have decade(s) of web searches organized in folders, but firefox ignores them. It seems like a simple task; please, please let me search through my folders.

All Replies (10)

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With the following Add-on, the folder containing your Bookmarks search reseults in the Library window can be displayed. After install, open the Library window (Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks), right-click the headers in the right pane, and tick (click-on) "Parent Folder" (the new column added by the Add-on). Drag the column headers into the order you wish and expand the column widths by dragging the divider line between column headers.

Another parent folder Add-on:

You can also use the search in the Bookmarks Sidebar (CTRL+B to open or close the side bar).

Bookmarks info and links: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/how-do-i-use-bookmarks


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Not related to your question, but...

You may need to update some plug-ins. Check your plug-ins and update as necessary:

Modified by SafeBrowser

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I have used both add-ons from Ms. Alice (thank you Ms. Alice) for years and they are workarounds that help; but they don't not solve the problem. When I search for items in my bookmarks, I want it to find the folder I put it in as well as the link (think windows search). Why can't a search query display the folder??

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"When I search for items in my bookmarks, I want it to find the folder I put it in as well as the link (think windows search). Why can't a search query display the folder??

The Add-on "Show Parent Folder" will display the folder (full path for nested folders) in the Library window when using the search function in the Library window.

Since Firefox Bookmarks are now kept in an sqlite database (places.sqlite), that database is most easily searchable only within the Library window or the Bookmarks Sidebar; the search in the Bookmarks Sidebar will not show the folder that contains the Bookmark.

Because the Bookmarks are in an sqlite database, your reference to Windows search does not apply as Windows search can not search within that database. Windows search can search the IE favorites and similar files as those are plain text files on your hard drive.


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Modified by SafeBrowser

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I understand your workaround, but it is a non-fix. Say I have a folder named "dog", in which I've placed a number of links for pets, etc. Upon searching, if none of those links have the word dog in it, it won't display anything in the folder (and definitely not the folder). This is a major flaw.

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We are all unpaid volunteers here trying to help other users. There are no developers here.

There is no "fix".

ohillary said: "Upon searching, if none of those links have the word dog in it, it won't display anything in the folder (and definitely not the folder)."

Huh???

Only what is actually there can be searched. If you have a text document about "pets" that does not contain the word "dog" do you really expect a search to find "dog" in that file? Maybe you need to re-think the problem or re-word your question/explanation.

What is your real question? Or do you really have a question?

EDIT (Added)


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Modified by SafeBrowser

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You can use the auto-find by typing the search data while the folder tree has selection to jump to the first occurrence of what you type. You need to type quickly enough otherwise you start a new search. In the bookmarks sidebar you need to click to the left of an icon to set focus to that area.

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Sorry my example was too complex, but it's not me that's ranting. Try this: I have a folder named "dog" with no bookmarks on it. I do a search for "dog" and that folder won't appear in the list. I have hundreds of folders that have names that mean something to me, this is how I've organized my search history over the years; I want to search for those folders.

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Don't use the search bar but just type the search text while the folder pane has focus to jump to the first occurrence of that text.

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Other than visual, searching for folders is not an easy task in Firefox. Maybe I am just to old and slow to type multiple letters before the search starts. I have many hundred of folders (nested, folders within folders, in a well-organized structure) and many thousands of Bookmarks.

  • If it is a primary level folder, the suggestion by cor-el will work. My finding is that using that method causes Firefox to find the first occurrence with the first letter typed; repeating the first letter will find the second occurrence.
  • If the folder is nested within another folder, the parent folder must be expanded for that search method to work.

I have searched for any Add-on over the years that will perform the function (just did so again using Google for an internet search) and have found nothing.

My only suggestion is to use Tags on individual Bookmarks or use Keywords on Folders.


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Modified by SafeBrowser

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thanks

found a workaround in ie

darkstar, here i come . . .

i mean deathstar, lol

Modified by ohillary