How to Optimize Firefox SQ
Over time, the SQLite database that holds your Mozilla Firefox bookmarks and Web surfing data -- Places.sqlite -- accumulates extra and fragmented data that can cause Firefox issues. You may find that Firefox starts or loads Web pages slower than usual or bookmark favicons change or disappear. You can correct these issues by optimizing the database with Firefox add-ons. Depending on the add-on tools available for use with your version of Firefox, you can clean or vacuum away unused data, reorganize and compact database files, restore missing favicons and even check whether your current bookmarks are valid.
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Instructions
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Go to the Firefox Add-ons page at Addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/.
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Type “optimize SQL,” “SQLite optimization,” “SQL manager” or “vacuum” in the "Search for Add-ons" field and then click the green “Search” button marked with the white right arrow.
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Review the search results and click an add-on title to see details about the add-on, including whether it works with your version of Firefox. Repeat this process until you find the add-on you need. Examples of add-ons that optimize the Places SQLite database include “CheckPlaces,” “PlacesCleaner,” “Vacuum Places Improved” and “Places Maintenance.”
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Click the green “+ Add to Firefox” button on an add-on detail page when you’re ready to add it to Firefox. The Software Installation window appears.
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Click the “Install Now” button and then click “Restart Now” or “Open Add-ons Manager” when prompted. The browser restarts and automatically enables the add-on, or the Add-ons Manager opens in a separate tab. If the Add-ons Manager opens, click “Extensions,” locate the add-on and then click the “Enable” button.
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Optimize the Places SQLite database using your add-on tools. Click the add-on icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen on the Add-on Bar if available, and then wait for the optimization to occur automatically or a window of options to appear. If a window appears, select options such as checking for duplicates or empty folders or cleaning and compacting the database, and then click “Check,” “Execute” or a similar button to begin the optimization process.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use or customize an add-on from the Tools menu. Click “Tools” and then click the add-on name at the bottom of the drop-down menu, or select “Add-ons” on the menu to open the Add-ons Manager. If you’re using the Add-ons Manager, locate the add-on, click “Options,” customize the add-on as desired and then begin optimizing the database.
Mozilla automatically updates your Firefox browser at start-up. When this happens, you may no longer need an optimization add-on because the updated or new version of Firefox may perform the optimization automatically. In addition, an add-on may no longer be compatible.
If an add-on you select offers an automatic Places.sqlite backup, always confirm that it's turned on prior to using the add-on.
