How to Backup Favorites in XP

Backing up your favorites in Windows XP is a convenient way to ensure that you do not lose your bookmarks and other saved websites. Regular backups of your favorites and bookmarks ensures that you can easily reconfigure your browser in the event of a system crash or if you have to reinstall your operating system.

Things You'll Need

• USB thumb drive

Instructions

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Navigate to the "File" menu and click on it.

3. Select "Import and Export."

4. Click "Next" to begin. Highlight "Export Favorites" and click "Next." Highlight the "Favorites" folder and click "Next." Select the location for the saved the file by clicking "Browse..." and selecting "Desktop." Click "Save" and then click "Next." Click "Finish" to complete the backup.

5. Insert your USB thumb drive. A dialogue box opens, showing you all the files saved on the thumb drive. Copy and paste the saved "bookmark.htm" file onto your flash drive.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.

2. Click on the "Bookmarks" menu.

3. Select the "Organize Bookmarks" option.

4. Click the "Import and Backup" button and select "Export HTML." Select the "Desktop" and click "Save."

5. Insert your USB thumb drive. A dialogue box opens, showing you all the files saved on the Thumb Drive. Copy and paste the saved "bookmark.html" file onto your flash drive.

Restoring Backed Up Favorites

1. Navigate to "Import and Export..." in Internet Explorer or "Organize Bookmarks" in Firefox.

2. In Internet Explorer, select "Import Favorites," browse to the location where the backup is stored and click "Finish."

3. In Firefox, open the "Organize Bookmarks" dialogue box, click "Organize and Backup" and select "Import HTML." Select the backup file and click "Save."

Tips & Warnings

• Backed-up favorites in Internet Explorer and Firefox can be used interchangeably. The browsers can import each other's bookmarks. The procedure is the same as backing up the favorites. You can also use this method to move your favorites from one computer to another.