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filename too long, can't backup profile

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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Hi, Trying to move profiles to new computer.

Can only B/U some parts to usb stick, then get error message that filename paths are too long, not supported in system (win 7).

Tried creating folder in stick w/ profile name & then copy contents of appdata folder to that. Same problem.

Also tried copying main folder to root of C/ drive...same issue.

Rebooted & retried, same.

What's Up Doc?...thanks

Hi, Trying to move profiles to new computer. Can only B/U some parts to usb stick, then get error message that filename paths are too long, not supported in system (win 7). Tried creating folder in stick w/ profile name & then copy contents of appdata folder to that. Same problem. Also tried copying main folder to root of C/ drive...same issue. Rebooted & retried, same. What's Up Doc?...thanks

Chosen solution

Setup sync on the old computer. Then log into the Firefox on the new computer, sign into sync, and watch the magic.

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Chosen Solution

Setup sync on the old computer. Then log into the Firefox on the new computer, sign into sync, and watch the magic.

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You can copy certain files with Firefox closed to the current profile folder to transfer or recover personal data. Note that best is to avoid copying a full profile folder. You can use the button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page (Root directory).


  • bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
  • favicons: favicons.sqlite
  • bookmark backups: compressed .jsonlz4 JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
  • cookies.sqlite for the Cookies
  • formhistory.sqlite for saved autocomplete Form Data
  • logins.json (encrypted logins;32+) and key4.db (decryption key;58+) for Passwords saved in the Password Manager
    key3.db support ended in 73+; to use key3.db in 58-72, make sure to remove key4.db
  • cert9.db (58+) for (intermediate) certificates stored in the Certificate Manager
  • persdict.dat for words added to the spell checker dictionary
  • permissions.sqlite for Permissions and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for other website specific data (Site Preferences)
  • sessionstore.jsonlz4 for open tabs and pinned tabs (see also the sessionstore-backups folder)