Computer Tips for ‘Regular People’ - How to Import Your Bookmarks
When I help people set up their new computers, the biggest concern seems to be how to import Internet bookmarks. Surprisingly, I’ve had this question more than how to transfer accounting data or other important information. Here are a few tips for Firefox and Internet Explorer users. I have not addressed the transfer of bookmarks on other Internet browsers because I don’t use them and they are not as popular, but I suspect the methods are about the same.
Importing Bookmarks on the Same Computer, but Different Browsers
I haven’t tried out Google’s new Chrome browser yet, but sticking with Google browser programs, we’ll take a look at Firefox. Let’s say a friend has convinced you to switch from Microsoft Explorer to Mozilla Firefox, which is available from Google and, in my opinion, is faster and more secure than Explorer. It’s very easy to import from Firefox. With the Firefox browser window open, click “File” as shown:
In the submenu, click “Import” and follow the prompts.
If you are switching from Firefox to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, the process is similar. Click “File” and then select “Import and Export.”
An Import/Export Wizard will pop up that looks like this:
Follow the prompts. You will have an option to import your bookmarks from a file stored on your computer or from another browser.
Importing Bookmarks Onto a New Computer
If you want to import your bookmarks from your old computer to a new one and are not using an automated transfer program, you will want to first store your bookmark file from your old computer, and then install it onto your new one.
The first thing you will want to do is power up your OLD computer. If you want to import bookmarks from Firefox, open up your Firefox browser and then click “Bookmarks.”
Next, select the “Organize Bookmarks” option.
After selecting “Organize Bookmarks” in Firefox, a “Library” appears that looks like this:
Select the IMPORT/EXPORT option and export your bookmarks to a location of your choice. I recommend that you export them onto a flash drive or some other type of storage device that you can easily plug into your new computer.
Your next step will be almost the same as above. Turn on your new computer, insert the storage device that you exported your bookmarks to, and launch your Firefox browser. After you open your Firefox program, select “Organize Bookmarks,” and instead of exporting as you did above, you import the bookmarks that are on your storage device.
With Internet Explorer, you can easily copy your bookmarks onto a flash drive or some other type of removable storage device.
The easiest way is to open up Internet Explorer on your OLD computer, click “File” and select “Import and Export.” A wizard will pop up and after you click next in the first screen, you will see something like this:
Select EXPORT FAVORITES and follow the prompts. Export your favorites onto your removable disk, then open Explorer on your new computer and import the favorites.
You can also copy your favorites that are stored on your old computer by accessing “My Documents” and “Favorites.” These files might be “hidden” so you will need to change your file access to show hidden files.
Another Option to Consider
A fantastic way to save your bookmarks and share them with friends is to use an online social bookmarking service such as Del.icio.us. This service has an import feature online. Register for your free account and then import your bookmarks from the Del.icio.us interface. Del.icio.us is just one of many social bookmarking services. Some benefits of using social bookmarking include:
- No matter where you are and whose computer you are using, you will always be able to access your favorite Internet sites using the online bookmarking service.
- You can easily share your bookmarks with friends.
- As a mom and pop business owners, social bookmarking is a great way to get your website indexed by the search engines. Add your own website(s) to the online bookmarking service.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
