cant use bookmarks
Every time Firefox is opened the following error comes up:
"The bookmarks and history system will not be functional because one of Firefox's files is in use by another application. Some security software can cause this problem"
I clicked on the learn more option and tried the steps at this page:
I have uninstalled and reinstalled Firefox and removed my antivirus software completely but i still cannot use the program. I renamed the places.sqlite and even deleted the xulstore.json file and that didnt help. Couldnt find any way to contact any support for I figured I'd start here.
Chosen solution
I don't know why a fresh new places.sqlite database triggers the same error. Usually creating a new one works.
Probably you have shut down and restarted Windows at least once since this problem started, so it is not a transient problem with permissions.
At this point, could you try:
New Profile Test
This takes about 3 minutes, plus the time to test bookmarkting.
Inside Firefox, type or paste about:profiles in the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it.
Click the Create a New Profile button, then click Next. Assign a name like Sept2018, ignore the option to relocate the profile folder, and click the Finish button.
After creating the profile, scroll down to it and click the Set as default profile button below that profile, then scroll back up and click the Restart normally button. (There are some other buttons, but please ignore them.)
Firefox should exit and then start up using the new profile, which will just look brand new. Please ignore any tabs enticing you to connect to a Sync account or to activate extensions found on your system so we can get a clean test.
Does bookmarking work any better in the new profile?
To return to your old profile: Open the about:profiles page again, click the Set as default profile button for your normal profile, then click the Restart normally button to get back to it.
To move old files to your new profile: This article will get you started: Recover important data from an old profile. Of course, don't move the old places.sqlite file. Moving the bookmarkbackups file should allow you to use the Restore feature.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (6)
Did you try to remove all places.sqlite files in the profile folder with Firefox closed?
What security software do you have?
This issue usually means that other software is blocking (write) access to places.sqlite or otherwise there is a problem with this file and possibly other files in the profile folder.
Boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support to see if that has effect in case security software is causing problems.
cor-el said
Did you try to remove all places.sqlite files in the profile folder with Firefox closed? What security software do you have? This issue usually means that other software is blocking (write) access to places.sqlite or otherwise there is a problem with this file and possibly other files in the profile folder. Boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support to see if that has effect in case security software is causing problems.
I closed firefox and checked in task manager to ensure it wasnt running anymore. Then i deleted the places.sqlite file as directed by previous posts ive seen. The antivirus used is Managed Antivirus by Bitdefender. I have completely removed the antivirus and still had this issue. I am working on this computer remotely so I cannot boot it into safe mode.
Lets go ballistic on it and try this : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files , C:\Program Files(x86) & C:\ProgramData Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do :
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer
Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 61.0.2 with a Full Version Installer
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Pkshadow said
Lets go ballistic on it and try this : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files , C:\Program Files(x86) & C:\ProgramData Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do : Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 61.0.2 with a Full Version Installer Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Still no luck. I am still getting the same error :( Any other ideas?
Chosen Solution
I don't know why a fresh new places.sqlite database triggers the same error. Usually creating a new one works.
Probably you have shut down and restarted Windows at least once since this problem started, so it is not a transient problem with permissions.
At this point, could you try:
New Profile Test
This takes about 3 minutes, plus the time to test bookmarkting.
Inside Firefox, type or paste about:profiles in the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it.
Click the Create a New Profile button, then click Next. Assign a name like Sept2018, ignore the option to relocate the profile folder, and click the Finish button.
After creating the profile, scroll down to it and click the Set as default profile button below that profile, then scroll back up and click the Restart normally button. (There are some other buttons, but please ignore them.)
Firefox should exit and then start up using the new profile, which will just look brand new. Please ignore any tabs enticing you to connect to a Sync account or to activate extensions found on your system so we can get a clean test.
Does bookmarking work any better in the new profile?
To return to your old profile: Open the about:profiles page again, click the Set as default profile button for your normal profile, then click the Restart normally button to get back to it.
To move old files to your new profile: This article will get you started: Recover important data from an old profile. Of course, don't move the old places.sqlite file. Moving the bookmarkbackups file should allow you to use the Restore feature.
jscher2000 said
I don't know why a fresh new places.sqlite database triggers the same error. Usually creating a new one works. Probably you have shut down and restarted Windows at least once since this problem started, so it is not a transient problem with permissions. At this point, could you try: New Profile Test This takes about 3 minutes, plus the time to test bookmarkting. Inside Firefox, type or paste about:profiles in the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it. Click the Create a New Profile button, then click Next. Assign a name like Sept2018, ignore the option to relocate the profile folder, and click the Finish button. After creating the profile, scroll down to it and click the Set as default profile button below that profile, then scroll back up and click the Restart normally button. (There are some other buttons, but please ignore them.) Firefox should exit and then start up using the new profile, which will just look brand new. Please ignore any tabs enticing you to connect to a Sync account or to activate extensions found on your system so we can get a clean test. Does bookmarking work any better in the new profile? To return to your old profile: Open the about:profiles page again, click the Set as default profile button for your normal profile, then click the Restart normally button to get back to it. To move old files to your new profile: This article will get you started: Recover important data from an old profile. Of course, don't move the old places.sqlite file. Moving the bookmarkbackups file should allow you to use the Restore feature.
PERFECT!!! This solved the issue :D Thank you all so much for your time and assistance.