I back up my ffx profile so I can easily restore my setup. Does sync do away with the need for that - specifically the look / layout when I open the browser
I set this up years ago (before sync) and direct my profile to "My Documents" folder so it can easily be backed up with everything else. (I use profiles.ini in the default Firefox folder to do this).
However as well as storing useful stuff the cache and loads of junk files are here and it's eating space on my external back-up option.
I know sync will backup my bookmarks, addons etc. but does it back up everything that is in my profile? My underlying question is what will I loose if I have to do a re-install and don't have my profile backed up anymore.
All Replies (6)
Sync is a feature that lets you synchronize your data across multiple devices. Although it can synchronize just about every aspect of Firefox, you shouldn't rely on it as a backup solution.
Fiona_C wrote:
it's eating space on my external back-up option.
Be sure to store your backed up profiles in compressed form. A 7-Zip archive created with the Ultra compression level could end up <20% of the original size. Also delete old backups that you don't need. If you still need to keep them around somewhere, you can upload them to an online storage service.
Thanks for responding and the zip link - that looks better than what I'm currently using.
I already back up to google drive but with a 15GB allowance and firefox taking 300MB I'm keen to avoid backing it up if I can. As you can probably gather I'm near my 15GB limit 'cause of my photos & music which are essential to back-up.
Again, what will I lose if I use sync as a backup and need to restore firefox from Sync? You mention Sync shouldn't be used as a backup - why not? Alternatively, are there specific folders that aren't Sync'd that I should backup Cheers, Fiona.
Sync is not a backup service and shouldn't be used as one.
"... what will I lose if I use sync as a backup and need to restore firefox from Sync? "
Which extensions do you have installed? Have any of those extensions added files to the Profile folder; and if so, are those extensions specifically "sync-compatible"?
There is another question on this forum complaining the sync ended up deleting everything on several computers.
FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.
FEBE looks interesting thanks. I'll try it and report back