FEBE compatible with Firefox Quantum?

[bhs67]

Is there a version of FEBE that is compatible with Firefox Quantum?

[bhs67]

I think the answer is no. Could a version of FEBE be written that does a partial backup -> the Bookmarks and Tabs?

[cbaker_admin]

Unfortunately, no ... at least not with the currently available WebExtensions APIs. WebExtensions has no method to write to a user's filesystem, so even it the bookmarks could be read/written (which I don't think they can) they could not be saved anywhere as a backup to restore.

[bhs67]

Is there a file, on my computer, that contains this information? I could manually save this info?

[cbaker_admin]

All of your Fx data is stored in your Fx profile. The bookmarks (along with annotations, favorite icons, input history, keywords, and browsing history) is contained in the file named places.sqlite. You can save this file off somewhere for a backup, but restoring it will also restore all the other information.

[bhs67]

Interesting. It appears this could work.

It has happened where some member of the family went to a bogus site. The simplest fix, was to restore to previous settings with FEBE.

Are there any downsides to restoring with a backup copy of places.sqlite?

[cbaker_admin]

No, not really any downsides other than the fact you will get not just bookmarks, but annotations, favorite icons, input history, keywords, and browsing history restored also. Any changes to those items after the backup was done will be lost. Also, restoring must be done while Fx is closed or places.sqlite may become corrupt.

[bhs67]

This is good news! Thanks for this useful info!

[bhs67]

I see ... places.sqlite ... and ... places.sqlite-wal ... and ... places.sqlite-shm. I presume I can ignore all but places.sqlite?

[cbaker_admin]

Correct. In fact, those extra files shouldn't even be there when Fx is closed ... and you need to make the backup with Fx closed.

[bhs67]

Good point ... closing Firefox first. I had not done that. Again, thanks!