Missing Firefox Bookmarks on MiWorkspace and Platform-as-a-Service Windows Devices

Environment

Mozilla Firefox on MiWorkspace & Windows Platform-as-a-Service managed machines

Issue

Firefox settings and/or bookmarks went missing after upgrade to 64-bit Firefox.

Resolution

What changed:

MiWorkspace is standardizing on the 64-bit version of Mozilla Firefox ESR for managed Windows machines. The 64-bit version is now the recommended version because it is more secure, it can access more memory, and it is less likely to crash than the 32-bit version. Newly built machines will get the 64-bit version of Firefox ESR if Firefox is selected or part of their build.  The Firefox version available in Software Center for self-service will also be 64-bit.

Starting in Fall 2024, the 32-bit version of Firefox on existing machines will be removed and replaced with the 64-bit version.  This process may result in missing Firefox settings or bookmarks after the upgrade.

How to fix:

When you launch 64-bit Firefox, it creates a new "Firefox profile" with all new bookmarks and settings. However, the old "Firefox profile" from when you used 32-bit Firefox, still exists inside your application data folder.  Mozilla has provided a Profile Manager tool built into Firefox that can be used to restore your missing bookmarks by setting your default profile back to the old one.

1. Type about:profiles into the address bar and press the Enter key. This will open the About Profiles page, where you can view, create and manage your Firefox profiles.
2. Most people will see 3 "default" profiles.
   1. "Default-esr" is the old profile you had in 32-bit Firefox.
   2. "Default" is an empty profile with nothing in it.
   3. "default-esr-1" (currently the default) is a new profile that was created for you the first time you ran the new 64-bit Firefox.
3. Before you select a new default, you can click the button below each profile that says "Launch Profile in new Browser" and this will give you a preview of the bookmarks and settings contained in that profile. 
   1. Using the "Launch Profile in new Browser" button will allow you to identify the profile that contains all of your bookmarks and settings (most likely the first profile called Default-esr).
4. Once you have selected the correct Firefox profile you wish to use, click on "Set as Default Profile" so that Firefox will now always launch using those bookmarks and settings by default.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.