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Firefox resets to new every time it closes

  • 5 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Ttac

Ttac
Ttac
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When attempting to install Firefox I ran into a problem. I am using Mavericks on and early 2011 MBP which I have just installed a new SSD in.

On start it asks if I want to import bookmarks and data. I don't so I select do not import anything.

It then starts and asks if I want to make it default browser. I say no.

It then tries to start a tour and ask me to enter a Firefox account. I have never needed this on previous installs of Firefox. I do not want to set up a login so I cancel.

I can use the browser but when I quit and re-open the Firefox app symbol switches to a new one (this part is weird, it kind of flips off my dock and is immediately replaced by a new one) and it takes me through the whole process again as if it had never been opened. All bookmarks and extensions which I had loaded in the previous session are gone as well....

I have tried deleting the app and reinstalling and the same thing happens. I have tried installing an older version of Firefox (pre login) and it happens then too.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

When attempting to install Firefox I ran into a problem. I am using Mavericks on and early 2011 MBP which I have just installed a new SSD in. On start it asks if I want to import bookmarks and data. I don't so I select do not import anything. It then starts and asks if I want to make it default browser. I say no. It then tries to start a tour and ask me to enter a Firefox account. I have never needed this on previous installs of Firefox. I do not want to set up a login so I cancel. I can use the browser but when I quit and re-open the Firefox app symbol switches to a new one (this part is weird, it kind of flips off my dock and is immediately replaced by a new one) and it takes me through the whole process again as if it had never been opened. All bookmarks and extensions which I had loaded in the previous session are gone as well.... I have tried deleting the app and reinstalling and the same thing happens. I have tried installing an older version of Firefox (pre login) and it happens then too. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Chosen solution

This could possibly be a problem with the profiles.ini file.

You can use one of these to make Firefox create a new default profile or recover an existing profile:

  • Delete the profiles.ini file to make Firefox create a new (default) profile
  • Use the Profile Manager to create a new profile
    If you still have an existing profile then click "Choose Folder" in the Profile Manager and browse to the location of a lost profile to recover this profile
    https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles

You should find the profiles.ini file in this hidden location:

  • Windows: %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\
    *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\
  • Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/
  • Linux: ~/.mozilla/firefox/

If clearing the profiles.ini file isn't working then also check the location of the cache files.

  • Windows: *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\
  • Mac: ~/Library/Caches/Firefox/Profiles/
  • Linux:~/.cache/mozilla/firefox/

See also:

Read this answer in context 👍 3

All Replies (5)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Look on your desktop. Do you see a folder called; Old Firefox?

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save

Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.

Ttac
Ttac Question owner
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There is no folder 'old Firefox' and I am not running any SystemCare software.

?

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Did you check out the how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save link?

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

This could possibly be a problem with the profiles.ini file.

You can use one of these to make Firefox create a new default profile or recover an existing profile:

  • Delete the profiles.ini file to make Firefox create a new (default) profile
  • Use the Profile Manager to create a new profile
    If you still have an existing profile then click "Choose Folder" in the Profile Manager and browse to the location of a lost profile to recover this profile
    https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles

You should find the profiles.ini file in this hidden location:

  • Windows: %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\
    *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\
  • Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/
  • Linux: ~/.mozilla/firefox/

If clearing the profiles.ini file isn't working then also check the location of the cache files.

  • Windows: *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile>\
  • Mac: ~/Library/Caches/Firefox/Profiles/
  • Linux:~/.cache/mozilla/firefox/

See also:

Ttac
Ttac Question owner
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I found the profiles.ini file in username/library/application support/Firefox and deleted it.

At next startup everything worked fine! Thanks.