i backed up my bookmarks, but it apparently did not save in html or json, what do I do
The file type is listed as "file".... the weird think is that I used this same file to fix my bookmarks when my phone (which was using sync) messed them up on my computer... I understand that the file seems to be incorrect, but I don't know why it worked before. The file was on my desktop (that is the one I used to restore my previous unrelated problem). Then, I copied that file to my external hard drive. Once I wiped my computer and reinstalled Windows, the file would not work on Mozilla to restore the bookmarks. Help!
All Replies (6)
Hi cjh,
Try having a look at this help article.
By default Windows hides "known" file type extensions.
To show file name extensions in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:
1 Start Windows Explorer, you can do this by opening up any folder. 2 Click Organize. 3 Click Folder and search options. 4 Click the View tab. 5 Scroll down until you notice Hide extensions for known file types, un-check this line by clicking the check box.
that was good info, but it still did not work...
Make sure that the bookmarks backup file has the correct (lowercase) file extension:
- .html for a HTML backup
- .json for a JSON backup
You can check the file type via the right-click context menu of that file and open the Properties. If you are not sure about the file type then you can open the file in Firefox via "Firefox > New Tab > Open File" or "File > Open File". A JSON backup will show as one long text line without line breaks and a HTML backup shows as a web page with clickable links.
A JSON backup starts with: {"title":"","id":1,"dateAdded": An HTML backup starts with: <!DOCTYPE NETSCAPE-Bookmark-file-1>
Verify the file type in the Properties via the right-click context menu to make sure that the change has been successful.
These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.
These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox
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.
OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences
Bookmark Backups
Open a new tab or window. type about:support in the address box and press enter. Or Press the Alt or F10 key to bring up the tool bar. Then Help > Troubleshooting Information.
Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close FireFox.
Enter the bookmarkbackups folder. This is where Firefox makes backups of your bookmarks. Look for the file you want to restore (check the time / date). Right click on that file and select Copy. Now go back to the parent folder where you started. Right click in the folder and select Paste. Rename the file bookmarks.html by adding .old to it. The file you just pasted here, rename it to bookmarks.html. After you are done, restart Firefox.