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I accidentally deleted downloads history, can I restore them?

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My laptop is technology from 2012, and software and the OS are meant for 2019. So it was running slow when I tried to remove something from the download history, and "clear downloads" is right below that option when you right-click on something.

I'm guessing there's no way to restore them :/

My laptop is technology from 2012, and software and the OS are meant for 2019. So it was running slow when I tried to remove something from the download history, and "clear downloads" is right below that option when you right-click on something. I'm guessing there's no way to restore them :/

All Replies (2)

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If there is a file like js backup there is a chance or you have image backup and ask a MOD for more if there is another way.

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Hi InactiveUser, unfortunately, there's no backup for history items (either regular web page history or downloads) unless you make it yourself.

This data is stored in a database file named places.sqlite and it's possible Windows captured a copy of this file when you installed your last Windows 10 update (shadow copy in a restore point). Don't use system restore! That typically causes more problems.

There are several programs you can use to export files from restore points. Here's the rundown:

(1) Set Windows to show hidden files and folders:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14201/windows-show-hidden-files

(2) Download and run one of these programs:

Within the most recent restore point shown in the program, you can explore along this path to see whether you can find a timely shadow copy of your profile:

\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\

(3) Within your profile folder, look for the places.sqlite file. You can Export it to a safe location.

Now... how to view its contents. You can try this program, and point it at your exported file:

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/mozilla_history_view.html

When you extract the (probably enormous) list, there usually is a "Visit Type" column that will indicate Download for downloads. It will show the URL of the download, but it doesn't seem to show the information on where you saved it.