How do I save Firefox so I can reinstall it ?

Question

I'm reformatting my hard drive and want to keep Firefox exactly the way it is now after the reformat (all my settings, the way it looks, extensions, bookmarks, etc). What Firefox files do I need to copy so I can reinstall it after the format and have it look and run as though nothing happened ? I tried a test run by backing the Mozilla folder in C: Program Files up and then installing it on my wife's lap-top's C: Program Files folder but it didn't work, so I'm thinking there's more to it than this ?

Anyone ever done this with success-- or at least know how to accomplish this ?

Thanks to anyone who can offer me some advice on this!

Answer 1

make a copy of the Mozilla folder that's in your user's Appdata folder



C:\Users\(your user name)\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla



This is a hidden folder by default so set Folder Options to show hidden files and folders.



The Mozilla folder in Appdata\Roaming is where all settings, extensions, etc are stored for a particular user.



So how you do it is you make a copy of that folder. After you reformat and before you reinstall Firefox, put that Mozilla folder you saved back in the Appdata\Roaming folder. Now reinstall the same version of Firefox you had before.



I've done this many times...if ever I have a problem with Firefox...I just delete the Appdata\Roaming\Mozilla folder and replace it with the backup copy.



You can get any version of Firefox from Filehippo



http://www.filehippo.com/download_firefox/12141/



EDIT, I made a mistake...it's the Appdata\Roaming\Mozilla folder you need to backup, not the one in Appdata\Local

Answer 2

All what you need is in..



Windows XP

C:\Documents and Settings\#####\Application Data\Mozilla

C:\Documents and Settings\#####\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla



Windows 7

C:\Users\#####\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla

C:\Users\#####\AppData\Local\Mozilla



*##### = is your User Account



You must backup that both the Mozilla folder, but remember DO NOT REPLACE the folder into one. backup to both separate. Before making a backup, close your Mozilla browser first.



You can test it by close your Mozilla browser, cut both the folder and paste it separate elsewhere then open your Mozilla browser. You will see it as a newly installed. close your Mozilla browser then replace it back. Or test it by copy it both then paste into the directory your wife laptop.



* Note: directory Application Data, Local Settings, AppData is super hidden folder. You need to unhide "hidden protected operating system folder". To change it, open "Folder Option" in Control Panel then change it as pic below..

http://www.spywaredrguide.com/VirtualDr/images/xp_hidden_files_and_folders_01.jpg

Apply->Ok.



~hope it helps~

Answer 3

You might want to take a look at http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Backing%20up%20your%20information and http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/internet/firefox/backup-and-restore-firefox-profiles-easily/

(I have not tried that myself but those pages look like they might do what you need)

There was also a Firefox extension called "FEBE". I used that extension before but I do not know if they have kept up with the relatively frequent updates of Firefox. See https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/febe/?src=userprofile ("FEBE backs up your extensions, themes, bookmarks, preferences, passwords, cookies and just about everything else")