Need Bookmarking Help

derfsch · 18th July 2008

Hi All,

Recently installed Firefox 3.0.1 and I'm confused with all the new toolbars for Bookmarks. I had used a backed up profile to replace the renamed bookmarks.html file of the new installation. In the past that was sufficient to get to any bookmark in the Bookmark toolbar. Now that process doesn't seem to work because the bookmarks are not part of the new multi-toolbar system. Frankly, I would be satisfied with just two drop-downs, Add bookmark and Organize bookmarks. Now I have placed a folder on my desktop and installed my backup Bookmarks. But this shouldn't be necessary and I would prefer to have these bookmarks part of the Firefox screens.

**Ramona** · 19th July 2008

derfsch,

The new Bookmark format makes transferring the bookmarks.html file a pain! However, if you will check out the sticky above, the first tip explains how to transfer Bookmarks, Cookies, etc.

Basically, you must first either delete, or rename:

Bookmarks and History: Delete places.sqlite
(bookmarks.html and history.dat)

Cookies: Delete cookies.sqlite
(cookies.txt)

Saved form data: Delete formhistory.sqlite
(formhistory.dat)

Passwords: Delete key3.db and signons3.txt
(key3.db and signons2.txt)
Exceptions: Do not delete permissions.sqlite
(hostperm.1)

Deleting the sqlite files before transferring your Firefox 2.0.0.xx data, forces Firefox 3.01 to accept the older files.

derfsch · 19th July 2008

Ramona,

I'm sure we can find a stronger word than "pain." Your detailed response did not provide a solution. I read the "Sticky" but your four .sqlite items seemed to fit my condition better. I deleted all that you suggested on the screen that contained the bookmarks.html file including the .html file. Then I pasted my backup .html file there. To check out that file I opened it and behold. all the four deleted .sqlite files magically appeared. After two more deleting attempts I started renaming them. Same results. After a final renaming. I shut the computer off and rebooted and opened Firefox. The Bookmark toolbar still contained five drop-down buttons below Organize Bookmarks and none of my bookmarks. Closing Firefox and returning to the Bookmarks.html screen I had there all the renamed .sqlite files plus the originals. For example XXcookies.sqlite and cookies.sqlite. Maybe I've missed something but please somebody take my hand a walk me through this procedure.

**captjlddavis** · 19th July 2008

One step at a time.
Re:bookmarks....
With FF completely closed.
Open your profile with a file manager (your choice) Windows Explorer ?
As indicated above:
Delete the following:
Bookmarks and History: Delete places.sqlite

ALSO delete:
c:\Documents and Settings\User\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\....YOUR PROFILE NAME\bookmarkbackups\

Copy the "bookmarks.html" file that you want to use to the profile folder.

Open/start FF.....

You should now have the bookmarks that you want.

Do you ?

regards:captjlddavis

derfsch · 20th July 2008

captjldavis,

That got it. Following your response, let me summarize what I did. Ignorefor the moment that I could not find History (history.dat) but I did delete Bookmarks (bookmarks.html), places.sqlite, and bookmarkbackups. Then I copied the old previously used bookmarks.html file into the profile folder. When I turned Firefox back on, all my Bookmarks were in place. Turning Firefox off, I returned to the profile folder and places.sqlite was back. It is apparently the steps from above that "forces" Firefox to accept the old Bookmarks.

Thank you very much for your help.

AKAJohnDoe · 20th July 2008

I just tweaked about:config to use html rather than json.

See this explanation.

**captjlddavis** · 21st July 2008

derfsch,

Glad it worked for you.

AKAJohnDoe,

You are still using *.json file for backup bookmarks. The way I see it, setting the pref:

browser.bookmarks.autoExportHTML = true

Will save/update places.sqlite AND the bookmarks.html file

Now when you save a bookmark, it will be saved in the database as well as in the bookmarks.html. But bookmarks.html will not have information about tags or other keywords.

regards:captjlddavis

AKAJohnDoe · 21st July 2008

Yes, that is true. It is supposed to save it in both formats, although the html version is missing tags and such.

**Ramona** · 21st July 2008

Kudos to you Captain Davis for delving into the program and figuring out that the *.json files must also be eliminated before Fx 3 will accept the bookmarks.html file. I have added this step to the "Firefox 3.0 Tips & Tricks" sticky above.