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

Re-install on new machine

  • 7 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

more options

I am going to replace the hard drive on my laptop. I will be re-installing Win 7 SP1. I would like to install Firefox and keep all my bookmarks. What is the easiest way to do this?

Thanks

David

I am going to replace the hard drive on my laptop. I will be re-installing Win 7 SP1. I would like to install Firefox and keep all my bookmarks. What is the easiest way to do this? Thanks David

Chosen solution

The name does not matter. When you are ready, run Firefox on the new system to get things set up. Now comes the fun part.

First; open your file browser to the New profile;

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.


Second, open the file browser to the thumb drive. Right click on that folder and select Open In New Window.

Warning ! ! Only Copy the files you are told. We will avoid anything that might be the cause of your problems. Here is the list of files;

cookies: Do not bother. Cookies will be created when you return to the web site. However, you will have to log in everywhere.

extensions(add-ons): it would be better to download them fresh. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ key3.db and logins.json: These are the Password files.

persdict.dat: custom dictionary – words you added to the dictionary

mimeTypes.rdf: What to do with what type of file.

places.sqlite: History and Bookmarks.

prefs.js: Your settings. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Copy these files from the old to the new. You will get a message about the files already exist. Choose to over-write for each file.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (7)

more options

Copy your current Firefox profile folder to a thumb drive, as well as the Firefox full installer.

more options

Thanks for your response. I have downloaded a copy of Firefox Setup 42.exe, but I don't see any Profile file or folder. Where is it?

David

more options

Firefox comes in two or more folders on all computers. They are;

Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And one folder in the profile of each user on the computer.


Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Copy the whole thing to the thumb drive but in it's own folder.

more options

Many thanks for that info. I think you'd have to agree that it's not exactly intuitive, I'd have thought that this was something that users would do from time to time.

Just one other question... Does the folder that I create on the thumb drive have to have the same name as the original one? Which is:

un3kcelt.default-1431369356240

Catchy isn't it?

David

more options

Chosen Solution

The name does not matter. When you are ready, run Firefox on the new system to get things set up. Now comes the fun part.

First; open your file browser to the New profile;

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.


Second, open the file browser to the thumb drive. Right click on that folder and select Open In New Window.

Warning ! ! Only Copy the files you are told. We will avoid anything that might be the cause of your problems. Here is the list of files;

cookies: Do not bother. Cookies will be created when you return to the web site. However, you will have to log in everywhere.

extensions(add-ons): it would be better to download them fresh. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ key3.db and logins.json: These are the Password files.

persdict.dat: custom dictionary – words you added to the dictionary

mimeTypes.rdf: What to do with what type of file.

places.sqlite: History and Bookmarks.

prefs.js: Your settings. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Copy these files from the old to the new. You will get a message about the files already exist. Choose to over-write for each file.

more options

Vvery clear step by step instructions. Thank you very much for your help.

more options

Glad to help. Safe Surfing.