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Can I use Sync to transfer and store profile on new computer?
Old laptop is nearly trash, need to transfer profile to new one.
But, it is not clear if Sync actually imports the old profile onto the new computer, creating a profile file.
Since I won't be using the old laptop, I don't need "syncing" between devices, I just need the old profile on the new computer. Is sync the best way to do this? thanks
All Replies (2)
Sync shares selected data between multiple installations of Firefox. Not all types of data are included. If you want the most complete record of your current profile, you can use disk-to-disk copying. Here is an example of how to persuade a new installation of Firefox to use a transplanted profile folder from an older installation:
https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1321847
(When reviewing that thread, substitute the actual location of your source folder, whether in a backup or cloud folder or external storage, etc.)
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).
- Help -> More Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Folder/Directory:
Windows: Open Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile
- 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)