Localstore.rdf
- This article was written for Firefox but may also apply to Mozilla Suite and SeaMonkey.
Background
The localstore.rdf file stores persistent data such as toolbar customizations and window position [1]. It is one of a number of files created on startup located in the user's profile folder. If deleted, the "localstore.rdf" file will be regenerated from program defaults.
Issues
File corruption
The "localstore.rdf" file in the profile folder can become corrupt following a search plugin update check[2] and possibly other reasons.
Symptoms
File corruption can result in symptoms such as:
- Customized toolbars are reset to defaults [3]
- Search disappear from the Search Bar even though the installation directory "searchplugins" folder contains the default search plugins such as google.gif and google.src. Search engines cannot be added via the "Add Engine" option. [4].
- Inability to save new Firefox bookmarks using the "Bookmarks -> Bookmark This Page" Add Bookmark interface [5].
Workaround
To work around this issue:
- Exit Firefox completely, delete the "localstore.rdf" file in the profile folder and restart Firefox.
This file will be regenerated when you restart Firefox (your toolbar customizations will be reset to the defaults).
Note that in Firefox 1.5, you can use the Reset toolbars and controls option in Firefox safe mode and choose Make Changes and Restart instead of manually deleting the "localstore.rdf" file.
Prevention
- Firefox 1.5 users should go into Tools > Options > Advanced > Update tab > and UNCHECK the "Automatically check for updates to search engines" box as a workaround, until the problem is resolved.
