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• [/questions/1068539]

You need to locate the profiles.ini file or use the Profile Manager to create a new profile.

See:

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/how-run-firefox-when-your-profile-missing-or-inacc

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

• Delete the profiles.ini file to force Firefox to 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 PM and select the location of a lost profile and recover this profile.

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

• Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/

In Mac OS X v10.7 and later, the ~/Library folder is a hidden folder.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders#Mac_OS_X

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox

thank you. how do i delete my profiles.ini file? put it in the trash? will this bring the lost profile up as a default? thanks!

Yes, you can drag it to the trash or remove the file permanently.

Are there still profile folders with a random name present in the Profiles folder or is this folder empty or missing?

cor-el,

Thanks so much! 

Here's what's in my firefox folder in the library:

—Firefox 2015--this is the one I created yesterday...THIS IS WHITE FILE? ICON with a turned down corner

—Profiles---when opened, two folders full of things are there... like bookmark backup, adblocker... THIS IS A BLUE FOLDER ICON —profiles.ini--THIS IS A WHITE FILE? ICON with a turned down corner

I took a screen shot to send, but don't know how to sens it in this email...

I am terrified that if I delete the profiles.ini, that is where all the lost stuff is. This all started when I aborted a Refresh Firefox while it was downloading, cause it was taking so long...

I can't get a Firefox update to download or an adblocker to work...I am only operating at 29.00. Firefox.

Thanks for any help. Just found the browse to send the screen shot, so here it is...

Terry

Cor-el:

Here's another screen shot of more of the stuff in the Profiles file...

Thanks!

The selected profile default-1435045322156 is recent Jun 23, 2015 Such a profile with a date time stamp gets created when you reset Firefox.

The screenshot doesn't show any file dates, but you can check and compare the content of the two profile to see which is recent.

You can use the Profile Manager to create a new profile and click the "Choose folder" button and browse to an unregistered profile to make Firefox use this profile.

1. open the Profile Manager
2. click "Create Profile", read the text
3. click Next to proceed to the window where you can either accept the default or choose an existing profile
4. click "Choose Folder" and browse to the profile folder you want to register

You can give this profile a descriptive name that will show in the Profile Manager if you like. Click "Start Firefox" to start Firefox with the selected profile

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Recovering_a_missing_profile

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles

I have a Mac, and some of these suggestions don't translate...I have not been able to find a CHOOSE PROFILE button anywhere. What does BROWSE TO AN UNREGISTERED PROFILE MEAN?

Thanks, Terry

Did you manage to open the Profile Manager?

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Managing+profiles

If you click the Create Profile button in the initial PM window then you find the "Choose Folder" button on one of the next screens.

I now have two 29.00 Firefox icons on my dock that are constantly reminding me to upgade. When I upgrade, and try to move the icon into the folder, the cycle just repeats.

Does it make sense to just uninstall both of these and start fresh with new Firefox? It appears I have lost all my old bookmarks, etc anyway, since I can't find them anywhere. If I do uninstall, do I risk losing anything else?

Thanks