Locked or damaged places.sqlite

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This article applies to Firefox 3

Sqlite files are used to store certain data in the Firefox profile folder, including the places.sqlite file for bookmarks and browsing history in Firefox 3 ("Places" storage). If the Places database cannot be accessed because places.sqlite is locked or damaged, many Firefox functions will not work. Depending upon the extent of the problem, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Firefox opens to a blank page instead of the home page
  • Toolbar buttons such as Back/Forward are disabled
  • Bookmarks and history are missing
  • URL is not updated in the Location Bar as you browse
  • Bookmarking a page has no effect
  • Unable to delete, move, or edit certain bookmarks
  • Unable to import bookmarks

Firefox process locks sqlite files

If Firefox works normally when you first open it after starting up the computer but multiple symptoms appear after you close and later reopen Firefox, it's likely that a Firefox process from a previous session did not close properly. In some cases, this can "lock" the places.sqlite file that Firefox uses to store your bookmarks and history. You can work around the issue by closing Firefox completely and ending any Firefox processes (or rebooting the computer) before restarting Firefox. If this is a recurring problem, check for problematic extensions and read Firefox hangs - Hang at exit for other solutions.

If you use Norton 360 2.0 or Norton Internet Security 2008.5, this is a known issue. [1] Update to NIS 2009 or, if you use Norton 360, run Norton LiveUpdate and install all updates (for more help, contact Norton Support). If the problem persists, either disable "Phishing Protection" in Norton's settings [2] or delete "coFFPlgn.dll" from the Firefox components folder (details here) to remove the Norton anti-phishing toolbar from Firefox. [3]

Damaged sqlite files

If the symptoms described above occur even when you first start Firefox after rebooting the computer, the places.sqlite file may be damaged or missing essential information. If you have a recent profile backup you can remove "places.sqlite" (and places.sqlite-journal, if found) from the Firefox profile folder and replace it with the "places.sqlite" backup. If you have no backup or if it doesn't resolve the problem, you can rebuild the Places database as follows: (You may wish to export your bookmarks to an HTML file first, as a precaution.)

  1. Close Firefox completely
  2. Open the Firefox profile folder
  3. Delete or rename all files named "places.sqlite", including "places.sqlite-journal" and any "places.sqlite.corrupt" files, if found.

When you restart Firefox, "places.sqlite" will be rebuilt and your bookmarks will be automatically restored from the latest JSON bookmark backup; however, your recent browsing history will be lost. [4] [5] [6]

Note: In rare cases, your JSON bookmark backup files may also be damaged or missing essential information. You can optionally rebuild the Places database without using any JSON backups by also removing all "bookmarks-(date).json" files from the bookmarkbackups folder but this will result in missing bookmarks unless the profile folder contains a bookmarks.html file with your current bookmarks. If you have a bookmarks.html export or a saved copy of bookmarks.html, you can place it in the Firefox profile folder after removing the "places.sqlite*" and all JSON bookmark backups and Firefox will use those bookmarks to rebuild "places.sqlite".

Other solutions

  • There are reports that using PC Tools Spyware Doctor can result in various Firefox bookmarks problems, such as inability to delete, move, or edit bookmarks or the error, "Unable to process the backup file" when trying to restore a bookmark backup. You may wish to contact PC Tools support or stop using the software, then follow the above instructions for damaged sqlite files. [7] [8] [9]
  • A Windows user reports that running the CHKDSK utility resolves the issue. [10]
  • A Linux user suggests that you check file permissions within your profile directory (e.g. ~/.mozilla/firefox/ljzv2exp.default/). [11]
  • Linux users report that updating Sqlite and then removing all places.sqlite* files resolves the issue. For more information, read this Firefox Support topic and this forum thread.
  • A Mac user reports multiple problems with bookmarks and history if the environment variable DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH is set for the login via the file ~/.MacOSX/environment.plist. Removing "environment.plist" and then logging out and back in resolves the issue. [12]
  • Many Firefox problems can be traced to problematic extensions or other profile issues. Go through the standard diagnostic steps or create a new Firefox profile to see if that solves the problem. [13]

See also

External links

Related bug reports

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