I need to restore my browser history
So, the computer I'm using had a computer virus that needed removing. We took the computer to "Microcenter" (computer experts) & they removed the virus. The thing is, in the process of removing the virus, they got rid of all my browser history (at least from the sidebar of the browser window). So, was wondering if there was any possible way of getting it back or finding it? Please. If anyone could help me, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
All Replies (20)
Does exist in Firefox profile folder your profile before virus attack? https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data
Ezalaki modifié
Ok. Well, I've found my profile. Now what?
Ezalaki modifié
Your bookmarks and browsing history are located in the places.sqlite file.
Here's a list of the files that store information
Ezalaki modifié
I know they're located in the places.sqlite file. I need to know how to open it & what I'm supposed to do after I open it? Also, there 2 different files now: there is a "places.sqlite-shm" & a "places.sqlite-wal" files. Both were modified today. The original "places.sqlite" file is gone.
Ezalaki modifié
So, what do I do next? How do I open it (what program do I use to open it)?
Could somebody please tell me how I open the file?
Any luck from Sync ?
What are you talking about? Like I said, no one has given a response to my inquiry of how to open this part of my Mozilla profile.
If your places.sqlite had worked correctly, Firefox would have recognized it automatically (no need to open manually)
Another way is to check your Sync account
So, you're saying that the places.sqlite file should open automatically when I click on it in my Mozilla profile? Am I understanding this correctly?
The places.sqlite-shm and places.sqlite-wal files are SQLite temp files and are no use for restoring history or bookmarks and you should delete these files if they are still there after closing Firefox.
You need the places.sqlite file and put this file in the Firefox program to make Firefox use it.
@ cor-el: Ok. So, I know how to find the Mozilla profile without having to open the actual browser. I haven't used the actual browser in a while because of what's going on. So, you're saying, I should go to the actual profile & delete these 2 things, is that correct?
Also, when I go into the profile without opening the profile, what do I do if the only "places" file that appears has the title "places" (& that's it) with an Internet Explorer icon next to it?
Ezalaki modifié
What is the file type of this places file if you check the Properties via the right-click context menu?
Note that Windows hides some file extensions by default.
Among them are .html and .ini and .js and .txt, so you may only see file name without file extension.
You can see the real file type (file extension) in the properties of the file via the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.
@ cor-el: The type of file says "SQLITE". That's what it says when I right-click the file with the title "places" (& that's it) with an Internet Explorer icon next to it & then click on "properties".
I didn't actual left-click the file that appears in my profile (I hope you understand what I'm saying).
Yes, that is the places.sqlite file that you need for the history, but that should be a file from before the virus removal and not the file in the current profile folder.
@ cor-el: Ok, I found the right file in my profile, but how do I open the actual file? That's what I'm trying to find out right now.
You can't open this file.
You need to place the file in the Firefox profile folder and use the Library to inspect the bookmarks and history content of the file.
Another option is to use the SQLite Manager extension to inspect the places.sqlite file.
@ cor-el. I'm VERY confused now. So, let's say I'm in my Mozilla profile, then I see the "places" file that has the Internet Explorer icon next to it, now what?
If Firefox isn't showing that history in the History Manager when you start Firefox with that profile then your history data is lost.
@ cor-el: Again, you're confusing me. How do I get to the "History Manager"? What do you mean by starting Firefox with the profile? How do I start Firefox with the profile?