Creating a new Firefox profile on Windows

Creating a new Firefox profile - Quick Start.

The Firefox Profile Manger allows you to create an additional profile, whilst retaining your original one. This is useful, not only for making and using different profiles for different users on the same PC, but also very useful for testing/trouble shooting purposes to eliminate problems that were being caused by your existing settings/extensions/themes in your original profile. You should NOT delete any existing profiles unless you are absolutely sure.

You can then use your newly created additional profiles just as it is, import bookmarks to it immediately or migrate some/all of your original settings over to it, later on. All while still be able to go straight back to your original profile.

This example is based on Windows XP -

1. Right click your Firefox Desktop shortcut and select 'Properties'. Copy the location in the 'Target' box. It should look something like this: "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe"

2. Go to the Start Menu (bottom left button) and then select 'Run'. Paste the copied location into the box that opens. Now to the end of that location, add a Space, followed by -p, like this : "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -p then click OK.

3. Select the 'Create Profile' button on the 'Choose User Profile' window that comes up. Follow the Profile Wizard and enter a new name in the 'Enter New Profile Name' box (about 10 letters long) Do NOT choose a new location, unless you are sure. Press 'Finish'.

4. Ensure that the 'don't ask at startup' box is unchecked (you can change this later) and select the 'Start Firefox' box. You have now made your new profile.

More comprehensive guide to the Profile Manager and Migrating settings to a new profile