Backup Google Chrome Firefox Data when Windows Doesn't Start

We can understand your pain because we also had faced a situation like this, when Windows was continually giving error and was not getting started. In such a situation we have tried almost everything, but the result was still zero.

Now Windows Re-installation is the only way to fix this problem we have. But before perform a format we wish that somehow we would backup our web browsers data.

Finally we found the way, and if we can do it, why not you.

You too can backup your web-browsers data and use it after a fresh Windows install. You cannot backup all of the installed software’s and if even you do so, no guarantee that they will work well. But you can save some of them. Such as, the web browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Not completely, just a part we need. The data like profiles, bookmarks, history, extensions etc.

So here I am going to tell you how to save or backup your web-browsers data during Windows re-installation.


Step by Step Guide to,

Backup your Web-Browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox) Data when Windows is Not Starting

1. Mozilla Firefox Data Backup Guide when Windows is Not Booting:

Step 1: Power on your Computer, boot from Windows Installation Disc and start the Windows Installation process.

Step 2: When you are on the 'Install Now' screen, press 'Shift + F10'. Now the command prompt window will be opened.

Command Prompt Window Not Opened? Need a complete step by step guide to open command prompt window using 'Shift + F10' during the Windows Installation?

Read: How to Backup 'C' Drive data During Windows Installation Using Shift + F10

Step 3: In the command prompt window type 'notepad' (without quotes) and press enter. Now Find out what’s your 'Windows Drive letter' and your 'User Name', using Command Prompt and notepad. In my case it is 'D' and 'Administrator'.

Here the Windows Drive letter will not be the same as always you see in your 'My computer'. This means that your 'C' drive may be 'D' drive here.

Step 4: Close the notepad, and in command prompt type the following command,

attrib -h D:\Users\Administrator\appdata

Here 'D' is the windows drive letter and 'Administrator' is the User Name in my case, change it with yours (change every time when used) and hit enter.

Step 5: Now open the notepad again, and go to D:\Users\Administrator.

Step 6: Here the first folder is 'AppData' (which you just have Unhide using the command), open it and then open 'Roaming' folder.

Step 7: Now you will see the 'Mozilla' folder, copy and paste / save it anywhere just except your windows drive.

Step 8: Now close all the windows just except the installation and perform the installation.

Step 9: After re-installation of the Windows, install the latest version of Mozilla Firefox.

Step 10: Then unhide Windows Hidden Folders and go to 'D:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming' (within Windows Drive). Now paste the 'Mozilla' folder there (the Mozilla folder which you copied from the same location before Windows Re-installation) and overwrite when system asks you.


You are all done. Now open Mozilla Firefox and check your bookmarks, history etc all is still there.

2. Guide to Backup or Save Google Chrome Data when Windows Doesn’t Start:

Step 1-5 are same for both the browsers. Follow the above given.

Step 6: Here the first folder is 'AppData', open it and then open 'Local' folder.

Step 7: In the Local folder there is a folder named 'Google', copy that folder and paste or save it anywhere just except your windows drive.

Step 8: Now close all the windows just except the installation and perform the Windows installation.

Step 9: After re-installation of the Windows, install the latest version of Google Chrome.

Step 10: Then unhide Windows Hidden Folders and go to 'D:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local' (within Windows Drive). Now paste the 'Google' folder there (the 'Google' folder which you copied from the same location before Windows Re-installation) and overwrite when system asked you .

You are all done. Now open Google Chrome and check, your data is still there.

3. Other Software’s Backup

If you had created a system image when your computer was working correctly, then you have the backup of all your Software’s. But if you had not done so, then right now it is not possible to backup your installed software’s. And in such a scenario not at all, when your windows is not working. If there is any way to do that, then sorry I really don't know that working trick. If you know, then please share it with us and help others.

I can only suggest you that give a try to this method, which I am going to tell you. You can try this method, sometimes it works with some software's.
I am telling this method because sometime we used some software’s for accounting, billing or any other purpose. And unknowingly we save the data into the software’s default saving directory, and usually it is C:\Program Files. In such when that software or the Windows would removed or reinstalled, then all the data will also be erased. That software may be reinstalled, but the data won't be.

If you want to backup your work created with some software, just copy that particular software from its installation directories. Usually it is C:\Program Files. Then re-install the Windows and after that, install that software again. After completing the software installation, overwrites that newly installed software with the old one you copied. If the program works fine then check your old data first, and if it is still there then I must say take its proper backup immediately. Then uninstall the software, restart the system and do a fresh install again. Why? Because we just copy paste and overwrite that software and we don't know for how much time it will be work. And after all, our main goal is completed. The data backup is right in your pocket, then why to take risk.

I am not sure will it works for you or not, but this is the only way you can try. So, what's the harm in trying? And if you have any other working trick for this, the please must share it with us.