Problems with bookmarks and history not working properly can be caused by a corrupted places.sqlite database file.

You can check for problems with the places.sqlite database file in the Firefox Profile Folder.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Bookmarks_history_and_toolbar_buttons_not_working_-_Firefox
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file

Thanks for your suggestions.

The first appears to apply to windows os. Most of the contents do not apply, and the recommended plug in - places maintenance - does nothing.

The other support page suggestions I am afraid again do not help. The main recommendation is to rebuild/delete the places.sqlite file which does not appear to exist on a mac os.

Thanks again.

Most instructions are for all platforms, including Mac.

Try to delete all places.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder to make Firefox rebuild the places.sqlite database file from a JSON backup in the bookmarksbackup folder.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

• Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Using+the+Troubleshooting+Information+page

You can check for problems with preferences and try to rename or delete the prefs.js file and possible numbered prefs-##.js files and a possible user.js file to reset all prefs to the default values.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Resetting_preferences
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Preferences_not_saved