How To Backup IE8, Firefox, Flock, Chrome and Opera Browsers
If you have used any of the web browsers available today, you will find that a good browser backup tool is necessary to backup all the bookmarks, settings, plugins, and the various personalization done to the browser.
Backups are necessary to ensure that you won’t have to go through the lengthy process of reinstating the browsers settings and customizations in case of any system error that requires OS reinstallation. These backups also enables you to re-use the same browser settings and configurations on other computers system with a few clicks.
Personally I use Firefox and Chrome browsers the most, and I found the following free tools the best there is in performing the backup tasks:-
For Firefox/Flock
1. Mozbackup
MozBackup provides backup and restoration of your Firefox/Flock profiles (yes, even multiple profiles) which includes bookmarks, contacts, history, extensions, saved passwords, certificates, add-ons and etc. The main features are:
- Supports other Mozilla-based application such as Thunderbird, Songbird, Netscape and even portable applications, such as a portable Firefox (which I use for testing purposes). You can find the list of supported platforms and applications on the software main page.
- Password protect feature for your profile backup file (single .pcv file)
- Comes in installable program or portable version which can be used in USB drive.
- Ability to schedule automatic profile backup using Task Scheduler, see instruction here.
Download Install version | Portable version
2. FEBE Firefox plugin
Another great tool which I must mention is the FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) which is an add-on plugin for Firefox browser. Once installed, the plugin can be used to backup extensions, themes, bookmarks, preferences, passwords, cookies and profiles.
Main features includes:
- Once click easy backup from the toolbar
- Backup scheduling on daily, weekly, or monthly basis with reminder
- Ability to backup other folders apart form Firefox folder
- Backup your favorite plug-ins into a single .xpi file which can be used for installation
- Time-stamped backup folders which can be easily managed
- Ability to upload to Box.net account if you have one
Download the Firefox add-on.
For Chrome
The aptly named Google Chrome Backup tool is a single .exe file (<1MB) and features the ability to backup and restore the entire user data profile in Chrome/Chromium browser.
Some notable features:
- Quick wizard backup features in less than 4 clicks.
- Multiple profile backup and management
- Password protect backup file
- Backup compression rate selection
- Tray icon for fast access
There is an unlock feature (costs USD4.60) which adds some additional bonus features, but in my opinion the current version is really good enough.
Download Google Chrome Backup
For Internet Explorer 8
Backrex Internet Explorer Backup is a backup and restore tool which backup favorites, history, proxy settings, fonts, dialup accounts, autocomplete passwords and cookies. It requires installation and supports IE6, IE7 and IE8 versions. The main features include simple to use wizard backup interface, scheduling capability and even saves auto complete passwords.
Download the Backrex Internet Explorer Backup setup program.
For Opera
The free tool, OperaFly, for backing up Opera browsers profile is very customizable with plenty of features which includes:
- Supports the new Opera 10
- Highly customizable with item selection to be backup
- Extensive backup scheduling options
- Ability to restore profiles from Gmail, FTP or HTTP
I found that the program does have plenty features but it would help a lot if there was some wizard to simplify the backup and restore process. There are still some known issues which you can read in the author’s website.
Download installer version | portable version.
For All Browsers – FavBackup
If you prefer a single program to backup all your browsers (IE, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, then FavBackup tool will be suitable as no-fuss browser backup program. FavBackup is a straightforward program with the common options to backup and restore, backup folder path selection (remember to create a separate folder for your different browsers) and the option to select what to backup.
The program is a standalone program and is easy to use.
Download the FavBackup program.
There you have it, the browser backup tools which I found to be extremely useful. What do you use?
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