Mozilla Firefox backup
Note: Tested on the 11 October 2011 using Mozilla Firefox v7.0.1.
Backing up firefox:
Note: All that needs to be backed up is the Firefox profile, but it is good practise to first manually back up as much of firefox as possible.
Tip:
For information about the current Firefox install such as build configuration, profile directory, plugins, extensions and modified preferences, go to
File »
Help »
Troubleshooting Information.
Click the Copy all to clipboard button to export the information.
[Optional] Backup/Export bookmarks:
To take a backup as a json file:
- Go to Bookmarks » Organise Bookmarks...
- Click Import and Backup and select Backup...
- Choose a backup destination and click Save
To take a backup as a html file:
- Go to Bookmarks » Organise Bookmarks...
- Click Import and Backup and select Export HTML...
- Choose a backup destination and click Save
Tip:
To be extra safe take a backup of both file types.
json is the default backup file-type for Firefox.
html backups are easier to import into other browsers, and to view the bookmarks while not in Firefox.
[Optional] Add-ons:
- Go to Tools » Add-ons and take a screenshot of the addons/extensions dialog box
- Take a screenshot of any add-on settings
- Look for any backup utilities within the add-ons (e.g. speed dial, tabmixplus)
- Connect and sync to Firefox Sync
[Optional] Current tabs in use:
Take a note of any tabs currently open.
Back up the profile:
- Shut down Firefox, if it's running.
Tip: Use File » Exit, not the x (close) button.
- Copy the Firefox profile:
- For Windows XP browse to:
- C:\Documents and Settings\<USER>\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles
- For Ubuntu browse to:
- /home/<USER>/.mozilla/firefox
Note: Where <USER> is your user name.
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