Bookmark backup or export to HTML is not working
I keep two version of bookmarks; version A (2.3 Mb) and version B (3.7Mb). They are different subject versions, not copies or editions of each other. Depending on which version I am using at the time, Firefox would routinely backup either version, and it can be seen in the Profile. Either version is also visible as a function of time and size, if I want to restore them. When I manually back either version up I do so to a separate folder in "documents". There has been no problems for over two years until today. I backed up Version A at 10:00 manually and Firefox also shows one at 10:06. Normal. At 10:15 I restored version B which naturally overwrites version A. Worked fine, as it has in the past. I edited version B using Firefox "show all bookmarks". On finishing I selected backup>chose file> version B and nothing happened. So I tried export to HTML with file name - nothing happened. I selected a book mark to open in new tab and it worked. I tried to delete the bookmark, and it would not delete. I can see that my account is synching and has been for about two hours. This practice of alternating bookmarks version has worked without a hitch for a very long time.
I am concerned that if I exit FireFox the effort to edit the version B bookmarks will be lost because it is not in profile folder and not able to manually back up. Suggestions?
Chosen solution
Thank you for the responses. To edmiester: Version question:I keep two version of bookmarks; version A (2.3 Mb) and version B (3.7Mb). They are different subject versions, not copies or editions of each other. In version A I have bookmarks associated with automobiles. In version B I have bookmarks associated with boats. The are subject matter differences only. That is what I mean by two versions.
Are those separate Profiles? NO. From what I understand, Firefox automatically maintains the profile which does include a backup of the bookmarks IN USE. Because I manually backup the bookmarks, I don't care what Firefox has backed up in Profile. I can tell the difference in version A and version B both in profile, because of the date stamp and size. One file is significantly larger than the other.
In launching Firefox, Firefox I assume reads Profile and provides the last use set of bookmarks. If I want a different set I just go into Show all bookmarks>restore>chose file> and get the other version - It is that simple.
I do not know enough about "command lines" or "Profile Manager" to attempt anything. I am lucky to know how to copy and paste.
I only know how to run one version of FireFox. Thanx for the response and willingness.
To FredMcD: I had to reboot my machine so regretfully that data is gone . On rebooting I refreshed FireFox and everything works fine. I have been able to swap out versions A and B just like this morning. Thanx for the response and willingness. I had read the logs and there was nothing that I could tell that was abnormal.
Cor-el The Firefox help FAQ et al is very good. I had gone in and backed up my profile and got the opportunity to see what was actually in there. Your suggestions are welcomed. I don't know who to "disconnect" synch using Firefox, so I turned off WiFi and disconnected the cable - Fire Fox continued to try and sync.
As stated above I ended up Refreshing FireFox rather than closing and restarting. I assumed some version of a restart was the only real way to move-on, knowing I would probably destroy any ability to determine what the problem was/is. If this happens again, I will follow your directions and I will post the output from "Verify Integrity"
Thank you all for your time, willingness and responsiveness. As the issue no longer exists, but not necessarily resolved, I suggest this topic be closed?
Read this answer in context 👍 0
All Replies (5)
"This practice of alternating bookmarks version has worked without a hitch for a very long time. "
That type of feature isn't a standard feature in Firefox. ...
Please explain what mean by "version A" and "version B".
Are those separate Profiles? If so, how were you launching each version? Via the Profile Manager or command line aimed towards each version and separate Profile you have for Firefox? Until recently the "default Profile" would open if the user didn't specify the correct Profile and / or the correct version of Firefox.
Or separate installations of Firefox? And if so, how did you keep them separate before Firefox 68?
On each set of bookmarks, [v57+] Places Maintenance is built into Firefox.
Type about:support<enter> in the address bar.
You will find Places Database near the bottom. Press the Verify Integrity button.
When done, copy and post the results here.
If you use Sync then best is to disconnect Sync temporarily during troubleshooting.
You can check for problems with the places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder.
- use "Verify Integrity" button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page
In case errors are reported with "Verify Integrity" close and restart Firefox and retry.
If "Verify Integrity" cannot repair places.sqlite, rename/remove all places.sqlite and favicons.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder. Firefox will rebuild places.sqlite and restore the bookmarks from a recent JSON backup in the bookmarkbackups folder.
- keep a backup copy of places.sqlite in case a new places.sqlite database has to be created
See also:
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/fix-bookmarks-and-history-will-not-be-functional
You can use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.
- Help -> Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Directory:
Windows: Show Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
Suluhisho teule
Thank you for the responses. To edmiester: Version question:I keep two version of bookmarks; version A (2.3 Mb) and version B (3.7Mb). They are different subject versions, not copies or editions of each other. In version A I have bookmarks associated with automobiles. In version B I have bookmarks associated with boats. The are subject matter differences only. That is what I mean by two versions.
Are those separate Profiles? NO. From what I understand, Firefox automatically maintains the profile which does include a backup of the bookmarks IN USE. Because I manually backup the bookmarks, I don't care what Firefox has backed up in Profile. I can tell the difference in version A and version B both in profile, because of the date stamp and size. One file is significantly larger than the other.
In launching Firefox, Firefox I assume reads Profile and provides the last use set of bookmarks. If I want a different set I just go into Show all bookmarks>restore>chose file> and get the other version - It is that simple.
I do not know enough about "command lines" or "Profile Manager" to attempt anything. I am lucky to know how to copy and paste.
I only know how to run one version of FireFox. Thanx for the response and willingness.
To FredMcD: I had to reboot my machine so regretfully that data is gone . On rebooting I refreshed FireFox and everything works fine. I have been able to swap out versions A and B just like this morning. Thanx for the response and willingness. I had read the logs and there was nothing that I could tell that was abnormal.
Cor-el The Firefox help FAQ et al is very good. I had gone in and backed up my profile and got the opportunity to see what was actually in there. Your suggestions are welcomed. I don't know who to "disconnect" synch using Firefox, so I turned off WiFi and disconnected the cable - Fire Fox continued to try and sync.
As stated above I ended up Refreshing FireFox rather than closing and restarting. I assumed some version of a restart was the only real way to move-on, knowing I would probably destroy any ability to determine what the problem was/is. If this happens again, I will follow your directions and I will post the output from "Verify Integrity"
Thank you all for your time, willingness and responsiveness. As the issue no longer exists, but not necessarily resolved, I suggest this topic be closed?
That was very good work. Well done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem as this could help others with similar problems.
Some suggestions.
1) Combine the two bookmarks into one file. Create a folder called automobiles, and another called boats. This way you don't need to switch around anything.
2) Create another profile. One profile for automobiles, and another for boats.