PreparedPC

If you’re a Firefox browser user, backing up your browser’s settings is a good idea generally. If you plan to upgrade to the current version, Firefox 3.0.1, it’s critical that you have a backup on hand, just in case one or more of your favorite add-ons don’t work properly.

Why Upgrade Firefox?

If everything’s working well, why should you upgrade? Mozilla, Firefox’s maker, will continue to support Firefox 2.x until December, 2008. So why upgrade now? There are a number of new features, including better speed and security, that could make an upgrade attractive.

Also, some add-ons, such as Perspectives, are designed for Firefox 3.0 or above. If you’re interested in using add-ons like this, you’ll need to upgrade.

Backup, then Upgrade

Before making the leap, let’s make sure you can “step back.”

Before you begin, backup your hard drive. Also, download a copy of Firefox 2.0.0.x.

FEBE

Firefox Environment Backup Extension, or FEBE, from Custom Software Consulting allows you to backup and restore your Firefox add-ons, themes, bookmarks, and preferences. You can also specify other items to back up, such Greasemonkey scripts.

If you’re already using Firefox 3, you’ll download FEBE 6.0. If you’re using Firefox 2.x, you’ll need to install version 5.3.1 from Custom Software Consulting’s site or from Firefox’s Add-on page.

The one setting you must change is the backup location. Once you’ve installed FEBE and restarted Firefox, from the Firefox menu choose Tools > FEBE > FEBE Options, then on the Directory tab, specify where you will back up your Firefox settings.

FEBE Directory Tab

Choose what you’d like to back up on FEBE’s Options tab. Choose “Verify backups” to ensure that everything you’ve selected to backup truly is backed up.

For an example of user-defined backup, take a look at this how-to guide to backing up a Thunderbird profile.

FEBE Options Tab

Backup!

From the Firefox menu, choose Tools > FEBE > Perform Backup.

FEBE Backup

Upgrade Firefox with Confidence

Now that your Firefox settings are safely backed up, download and install Firefox 3.0.1, knowing that you can step back to Firefox 2 if necessary. After the installation is complete and Firefox starts, you’ll be prompted to upgrade any add-ons that have a more current version (including FEBE). Once that’s complete, take Firefox 3 for a spin.

Restoring Firefox Settings

If for some reason you need to roll back to an earlier version of Firefox, uninstall Firefox 3, install the Firefox 2 version you had downloaded earlier, then read Custom Software Consulting’s details on restoring a Firefox profile.

Takeaway: Firefox 3 is here, with a number of new features. Since Mozilla has only committed to supporting Firefox 2 through December, 2008, now is a great time to plan to upgrade. Whichever version of Firefox you use, back up your Firefox environment. FEBE allows you to easily backup and restore your customized Firefox settings, including bookmarks, preferences, and add-ins.