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Recently reformatted PC. Tried to import HTML bookmarks, but nothing happens. Tried other browsers, still does not work. How can I fix this?

  • 4 replies
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  • Last reply by cor-el

Before reformatting my PC, I exported all my bookmarks via HTML file. I reformatted, installed Firefox, then tried to proceed with importing all my bookmarks. I go to the import function and choose the HTML bookmarks file and nothing happens at all. I tried using other browsers to import, but nothing happens. I am not sure how to fix this.

I thought maybe I could transfer the HTML file into a JSON file, but I couldn't find a way to do so, even after renaming the file extensions. Could the HTML file be possibly be corrupted? I'm out of ideas on how to import my bookmarks!

I really need to fix this, please help!

Before reformatting my PC, I exported all my bookmarks via HTML file. I reformatted, installed Firefox, then tried to proceed with importing all my bookmarks. I go to the import function and choose the HTML bookmarks file and nothing happens at all. I tried using other browsers to import, but nothing happens. I am not sure how to fix this. I thought maybe I could transfer the HTML file into a JSON file, but I couldn't find a way to do so, even after renaming the file extensions. Could the HTML file be possibly be corrupted? I'm out of ideas on how to import my bookmarks! I really need to fix this, please help!

Chosen solution

I managed to fix it.

1) I opened the HTML file up with notepad. 2) I then went to File > Save As >

  -Then changed the file type to, "All Types"

3) Then in file name I named it Bookmarks.JSON

  -The HTML file now saved as a JSON backup and I was able to import it.

However,

There is still no fix or reason as to why the HTML backup does not work. I highly suggest Firefox fix this, as it was highly agitating.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (4)

Make sure that the backup file with the bookmarks has the correct file extension:

  • .html for a HTML backup
  • .json for a JSON backup

You can check the type via the right-click context menu of that file and open the Properties.
If you are not sure about the file type then you can open the file in Firefox via "File > Open File"
A JSON backup will show as one long text line without line breaks and a HTML backup as a web page with clickable links.

A JSON backup starts with: {"title":"","id":1,"dateAdded":
An HTML backup starts with: <!DOCTYPE NETSCAPE-Bookmark-file-1>

Add quotes ("") around the name to rename the file to the correct file extension if the current file extension is hidden or if it is otherwise not working.
Verify the file type in the Properties via the right-click context menu to make sure that the change has been successful.

I'm 100% positive that the file is an HTML extension.

I've tried the, "Import Bookmarks from HTML..." function several times on several browsers. I don't know what's wrong.

Chosen Solution

I managed to fix it.

1) I opened the HTML file up with notepad. 2) I then went to File > Save As >

  -Then changed the file type to, "All Types"

3) Then in file name I named it Bookmarks.JSON

  -The HTML file now saved as a JSON backup and I was able to import it.

However,

There is still no fix or reason as to why the HTML backup does not work. I highly suggest Firefox fix this, as it was highly agitating.

You can open the HTML file in Firefox via "Firefox > New Tab > Open File" to see if there is a problem with the file and if all bookmarks are displayed.

You can also check the source code for errors that show as red text.

  • Firefox > Web Developer > Page Source
  • Tools > Web Developer > Page Source (Ctrl+U)

You can hover such a red marked error with the mouse to see a tooltip with an explanation of what is wrong.