How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks

  • August 14, 2009
  • 5,683 Views
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It’s easy to restore lost browser bookmarks from a backup copy. Here are step-by-step instructions for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

You Will Need

  • Internet Explorer 8
  • Firefox 3
How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks: Open Wizard

Step 1: Open Wizard

Click on Internet Explorer’s “Add to Favorites” button. Select “Import and Export” from the drop-down menu.

How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks: Import the file

Step 2: Import the file

Choose the option of importing Favorites from a file. Browse to the “bookmark.htm” file and import it.

The “bookmark.htm” file is usually in the “My Documents” folder. Look for the blue Internet Explorer icon next to the file name.

How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks: Restore from a backup

Step 3: Restore from a backup

If there is no “bookmark.htm” file to import, restore your “Favorites” file from a backup. Open Windows backup and tell the wizard you want to restore files. Browse to the “Favorites” folder under your user name, and restore.

In XP, “Favorites” are in your user’s folder in “Documents and Settings.” In Vista, they are in the “Roaming” folder inside your user’s folder.

How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks: Consult a professional

Step 4: Consult a professional

Consult a professional if you don’t have a backup file. It may be possible to restore your Favorites by editing the Windows registry.

Incorrectly editing or deleting registry keys can seriously damage your system, cause data loss, and require reinstallation of the operating system.

How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks: Restore bookmarks in Firefox

Step 5: Restore bookmarks in Firefox

Restore bookmarks in Firefox by choosing “Organize Bookmarks” from the Bookmarks menu. This opens the Library window.

How To Restore Lost Browser Favorites and Bookmarks: Choose the most recent backup

Step 6: Choose the most recent backup

Select “Restore” from the “Import and Backup” menu. Choose the most recent backup date. Your Favorites are now restored to where they were when the backup was created.

Did you know? Firefox overtook Internet Explorer as the most used browser in early 2009.

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