I seem to have lost my History Files on Fire Fox using Win XP

Hi

Can I ask if anyone can advise me please.

 I have an issues in REF to a Problem with my FIREFOX  browser History...in ref to using Windows XP Home edition  ( MY Google Chrome history seems all OK )

Some weeks ago... I  found  that I could Not find my past History,  that is normally  shown in various folders, such as for prior 7 days or last month... or each past months, such as April, March, Feb, Jan  or Prior 6 Months.

BUT some days later,  I was able at one point to see a list of what I think was my whole history for what I think was at least for  the prior 12 months or more or maybe even r since I started to use the Computer which would be over 5 yrs worth.  BUT as I mentioned the file histry was NOT shown as being in any  Titled Folder description.

THEN.... a few days ago,  I turned on my Computer and I have found ALL my Past History  files has totally disappeared.

Just to recheck in case it was just some unusual error...or glitch.

I have since restarted the computer to recheck if that History had disappeared  and it does appear to have done so.

I dont know if this is just some Computer error, or virus related, ir if maybe someone has hacked into my computer and removed the file.

I have NEVER knowingly deleted my History data  in the time of some 5 to 10 yrs and tend to just delete temp files or Cache.

I am NOT on the very limit of my disc space and still have at least  7.5  GBs free disc space.

Is it possible that the history files may have disappeared if say ones Computer froze up or crashed ?  or

Is it possible maybe that ones history maybe be at some stage eventually get automatically  deleted if one has always saved it ?

Or could a Virus remove or delete  it.

Or is it more likely to be a hacker who may have  removed it.

I wonder if it is easily possible to restore my computer back in time prior a few days or weeks before the history data disappeared.?

Thank you in advance if anyone can advise me.

Some other info below.

I did a search to see if there was any way to recover deleted History.

and found this link.

https://support.mozi...estions/1290163

I wonder if anyone can confirm if they would advise me to try this approach ?

IF it is the answer to my initial query... I am surprised that no one made a reply to suggest trying this as an option.

Unless there is some risk involved that they do not recommend.

Upon following what it says... to try to recover my history

1. Click "Start" > "Search" > "Tools" > "Folder Options." 2. Click "View" > select "Show hidden files and folders" > uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files"

IF I was to do this step. I get a warning that If I click YES to this step , that IT could make my Computer Inoperable.

So I am rather wary about committing to chancing or risking that option. at least without Asking for further advice from a G2go Forum Expert Advisor.

(uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files")

IF I get advised that its safe to proceed...to the above

Then there is a ref to  a index.dat file

and also to

Download and install index.dat file reader on your PC if you don't have one

In ref to knowing IF I ALREADY have a   "index.dat file reader"

Is there a way that I can check if I already may have this file ?

Would such a index.dat file reader not normally be part of the Windows Histroy Systems files.

3. Click search in "All Files and Folders" in the C Drive > type index.dat in search bar > click "Search". 4. Download and install index.dat file reader on your PC if you don't have one

I SEEM TO RECALL.. Some years ago when I used a very early Windows System.. (Maybe Windows 95) some years  before Windows XP... that it was easily possible to select various Restore History Options... or RESET  points for one past Internet History dates... maybe say such as selecting various time frames. such as selecting just short term such as the past day or two... or the prior week or month, or maybe even longer time frames, of 6 to 12 months or more.

Is that something that is not easy to change on more modern Windows Systems or even since Windows XP came out..

Quote

 

Follow the step resolve the problem easily. Restore Firefox History Using Backup Copies Backup copies of deleted Firefox history are stored in hidden files named as index.dat files. If you have accidentally delete Firefox history, you can recover it by locating the index.dat file.

1. Click "Start" > "Search" > "Tools" > "Folder Options." 2. Click "View" > select "Show hidden files and folders" > uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files". 3. Click search in "All Files and Folders" in the C Drive > type index.dat in search bar > click "Search". 4. Download and install index.dat file reader on your PC if you don't have one. 5. Open index.dat file within the reader > Click on the Firefox browsing history you want to restore > Click "Restore". Then you can open your Firefox browser to check all your restored history now.

I hope resolve your problem then reply back to me.

Thank you asked Question in Mozilla support.

Regards,

Arman khan

 

https://support.mozi...estions/1290163

Have you run any temp file cleaning programs or optimizers?

Hi, please know that you have not mentioned what Version of Firefox you are running.  As well is it the Regular Release Channel

or the ESR (Extended Support Release) Release Channel.

Note : Firefox has stated that Support for Windows XP Ended with the ESR Version 52.9.0 which is over 50 versions ago.  Anything will and can happen.

https://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/

NOTE : by going out on the Internet with Windows XP you are putting Everyone else and Websites at Risk as well as your Friends and Family.

You should be on Linux : Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition : https://linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=299  Most like Windows. : https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_vera_cinnamon_whatsnew.php

FAQ's plus Minimum Requirements : https://linuxmint.com/faq.php

Less Command Line stuff than others. Check out the videos : https://www.google.com/search?q=linux+mint+cinnamon&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjzu4eQ-8L8AhViAzQIHSZ2D8oQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1536&bih=671&dpr=1.25

It Comes with Software as well there is tons of Software available : Open Source : https://alternativeto.net/platform/linux/?license=opensource check free and ....

I have to echo the sentiments given above.

There's no reason why you can't continue to use your venerable XP for everything else......but for anything internet-related, please do yourself a favour and run some sort of Linux distro. This is as much for your own safety as anything else.

Every remaining install of Windows XP is a train-wreck just waiting to happen.

You don't even have to overwrite XP, or need to get a second machine. You can run Linux - for browsing, etc - from a USB flash drive.......just one of the many advantages provided by this increasingly popular open-source alternative OS. Many folks are either using it to extend the lifespan of older equipment that they can't afford to upgrade, or because they've just got "ticked-off" with Windows, and are looking for a change.

XP itself stopped receiving any kind of support just over a decade ago.......and the last supported version of Firefox is more than 70 major releases behind the current one. You really are asking for trouble if you continue like this, and will have no-one but yourself to blame if, as & when things eventually go "tits-up" in a BIG way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to explore this route, there's plenty of folks here at BC who would be happy to help get you up-and-running with any of the popular Linux 'distributions'. An enormous amount of work has gone into Linux in the last 10 years or so, and there are many versions that just 'work', OOTB, and are very easy-to-use, hassle-free & user-friendly to boot.....

The best thing about them? They're totally free to download, install and use. It is, I feel, worth serious consideration for somebody in your position.

If you're interested, some idea of your machine specs would be very helpful, so that we can recommend distros that will work best with your hardware.

Mike. 

Edited by Mike_Walsh, 08 May 2024 - 10:04 PM.

Hi Porthos,

NO.... I have NOT as Yet,  ran any of the Temp File cleaning or optimizer  programs.

I mentioned that I have as far as I can recalll.... when it comes to using Firefox and removing certain things or files of any sort.

From what I can seem to recall at one time some years ago, on one browser that I used to use...(That may had been another older firefox browser version)

There used to be a more  made obvious Specific descriptiive option to select to remove "Temporary Inernet Files"

BUT on the Firefox   version I am using now which is the last version that was usable on Windows XP  which is ESR Version 52.9.0

when I select the 3 bars at the top right hand side of my Internets screen page ,  that allows me to open a menu options list page.

There is an option to select "OPTIONS"   when I click on that it opens a page  "Firefox  about:preferences General " and on the left hand side there are other descriptive options to select.

In which I have to select " Privacy Option "  and then I can see an option to  "CLEAR  your Recent History."  Then when I click on that.. it opens a Smaller square page and it refers to show

a heading "CLEAR ALL History "     where in a drop down bar it shows Time range to clear. where  Everything is  Selected.....

So it shows the selected option to Clear everything, rather than Clear recent  History....  BUT you are able to select other options..other than Everything....such as the last day, last 4 hrs last hr etc.

Then below that is a list of seven boxes to be able to select other things...such as browsing, history, search history , cookies , cache , active logins, offline web data, site preferences.

THE ONLY ONE that I select out of all those is :   CACHE    which I was once advised to select... which I believe includes various Temporary files.

BUT there is NO Obvious description that  offers an option to delete "Temporary Internet Files."

As I said as far as I recall in the other or older systems there was an MORE obvious descriptive option to remove TemP internet Files....

BUT it now seems like a French word in which they use Cache instead...in which you have to try to further investigate what Cache

may actually mean or what it involves.   Considering that its a MAJOR thing that people often need to delete "temp Int Files."

Why dont they make it obvious how that is decribed ...

ALSO when you look at the options that you can select.... IF you are NOT careful... You could acciidentally select other options that you do not want to delete such as ones

History files.   In some ways I think that they should have had another selective option to specifically select to remove "Temp Internet Files" so that you cannot  select

other options that could get accidentally deleted

Assuming that the Cache Option does allow me to delete "Temporary Internet Files." then that is what I believed I was able to delete.

BUT THE FACT THAT YOU ALSO SUGGEST to use Other Special Programs    descibed as " temp file cleaning programs or optimizers"

CAN I ASK  How do or would they vary from me just selecting within my Firefox Browser deletion CACHE options that I have referred to above...?

Do those special programs delete other things that the Normal Firefox  Cache option does NOT ?

Have you run any temp file cleaning programs or optimizers?

Hi PK Shadow and Mike Walsh,

Thank you for your replies.

Without trying to go into too much detail...which is rather long and complicated. 

( In ref to some unfortunate events that occurred in my life that also put me in some financial and health difficulties )

I have not got around or been able to obtain a more modern  or updated and much more protected Computer system.

See my description further  below that explains in more detail about me considering Linux.

I am aware to some degree about the vulnerabilities in using Windows XP on the Internet and the fact that there are no more updates or ways of further protecting ones computer.

I  have used the Computer for over 5 years and not had too many aware problems in using it for general internet browsing.

It maybe  that I am naive as to just how vulnerable one may become if someone was able to severely target a person online as a hacker and what sort of things that they could obtain and

use against a person.

I get the impression from your reponces, that chances are that I  may have been unfortunately Targeted by a hacker.

in my case IF I was targeted by someone and  they was to  just  cause me to have   LOST my  History files....

I am Not sure if that alone could become a further major threat to me at the moment. and one may wonder what they maybe looking for if I believe I was just a general average person,

rather than someone who could be seen as someone who maybe considered to have a more valid reason to become a target.

I am not sure if such hackers would tend to be able to mainly target a persons Internet files as oppossed to also being able to obtain any other persons type of computer files..that are not directly

related to the internet such as ones Documents folders and files...where you may for eg keep banking details or information.

So IF a Hacker somehow obtains access to someones computer via the Internet....be it from a link in a email or some link that a person may had clicked on when visiting a website.

are they also likely to be able to access that persons other General Computer files. ? or is likely to mainly only allow them access to Internet related files. ?

BUT In ref to everything that I have described...

I AM STILL WANTING TO KNOW if it MAYBE  POSSIBLE to restore of at least find a file that shows may past Internet History on my Windows Xp / Firefox browser system !

and if someone maybe able to guide me as to how I maybe able to this ?

Many thanks in advance.

This is my system details.

Operating and Browser Systems info:

Windows XP

Home Edition  (As far as I am aware its a 32 Bit system )

Version 2002

Service Pack 3

Chip is a AMD  Turion 64 Mobile

Browser :

Firefox  ESR  version

52.9.0  ( 32 Bit )

 ---------------  ---------- ---------------- ----------------------            ------------------------          -----------

Linux Info

I am aware of Linux and I am aiming to try to obtain and use that system that you refer to. and hope to do so in the near future.

I have obtained some reasonbly details advice on this  ( In which I did find a few issues that would not allow me to go about setting it up as easily as I had been hoping)

Such as I was considering either trying to either alter my presnt system from Win XP to Linux or obtain Linux and add it to some other desktops that I have, but they presently  have other Windows  systems on them and certain issues with them   that dont presently allow them to work as I want or connect to the internet as yet...that I have to take into consideration before being able to install linux.  

on them.

Then unfortunatley on my present Laptop.... I accidentally broke my Disc Drive and until I replace it.... I cannot install Linux which I believe is only possible via using a Linux Disc.

IF I recall I could NOT find a way to install it via a Thumb or USB flash drive Drive for the particual version I had in mind or maybe also because my Laptop is 32 bit and Not 64 bit...

. and when I later in a position to try to attempt to go about trying to obtain or setting  up such a thing...

If I am still struggling to complete doing it successfully... I would by all means like to ask for any further guidence.

I have no time for excuses regarding the use of a out dated system that can harm everyone when you could quickly use Linux to surf internet.

Check your Firefox Profile : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data

Mozilla Firefox history is stored in an SQLite database, the file name is places. sql and can be found in the following locations: Microsoft Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11. C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<profile folder

As to where they were in XP I have no idea.     So once find the SQL Data Base you need something to read it.....    If file size is small then it is gone, not worth spending time on

Edited by Pkshadow, 09 May 2024 - 03:11 PM.

In less than 15mins can be using Linux to Surf the Web, ask in the Forum for Boot Linux from USB then you have your Firefox Browser Below.

: https://www.mozilla.org/en-CA/firefox/linux/

Or can do the most common as is most like Windows as outlined in Post # 3.  This then can be a stepping stone to  tons of other Linux Distros. 

Or dive right in with help from the Forum.

I note your comments PKshadow.

I may comment in a bit more detail later.

In ref to finding the right info  about obtaining Firefox  or Windows history files.

Can I ask,  would it be classed as Windows XP file or a Firefox browser file...  (or are they somehow combined)

On trying to do a Internet search on how to find them.. if I refer to find history files in  Windows XP or Firefox.  I could not seem to find an answer. that seemed ideal.

other than what I initially posted in post 1. in which I was asking if someone could further confirm certain things to me.

I am Not sure if you fully noted what I referred to in my. initial post. but I will repeat some of it.

I found this link, but I am not sure if its specific to Windows XP or other Windows Systems in general.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1290163

but this article seems to give a definate referral to finding or recovering Firefox Browse History

 

Follow the step resolve the problem easily. Restore Firefox History Using Backup Copies Backup copies of deleted Firefox history are stored in hidden files named as index.dat files. If you have accidentally delete Firefox history, you can recover it by locating the index.dat file.

 

1. Click "Start" > "Search" > "Tools" > "Folder Options." 2. Click "View" > select "Show hidden files and folders" > uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files". 3. Click search in "All Files and Folders" in the C Drive > type index.dat in search bar > click "Search". 4. Download and install index.dat file reader on your PC if you don't have one. 5. Open index.dat file within the reader > Click on the Firefox browsing history you want to restore > Click "Restore". Then you can open your Firefox browser to check all your restored history now.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1290163

In the Quoted information above. It says...

If you have accidentally delete Firefox history, you can recover it by locating the index.dat file.

1. Click "Start" > "Search" > "Tools" > "Folder Options."

2. Click "View" > select "Show hidden files and folders" uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files"

I was able to follow this until  part of option number 2. UNTIL  where it refers to

uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files"

WHEN I tried doing this.... on the last instruction.... when I tried to do this......"Hide protected operating system files"

I get a box show up that gives some information and a WARNING in it !  see below

 

You have chosen to display protected operating system files ( Files labled System and Hidden ) in Windows Explorer
These files are required to start and run windows. Deleting  or editing them can make your computer INOPERABLE.
Are you sure you want to display these files.

IF I was to select this option ...Would I be right in saying that if I do this, that it should be Ok to do this,  as Long as I do NOT delete or try to edit any of the Prior Hidden files that should now become visable.   OR IS IT LIKELY TO BE RATHER A RISK IN DOING such a thing that you may not recommend that I should risk doing ?

I just want to check for a more expert opinion before I risk doing this ?

IF I do this and it does not cause any problem upto the next 2 steps.

you can recover it by locating the index.dat file

3. Click search in "All Files and Folders" in the C Drive > type index.dat in search bar > click "Search"

when it comes to step 4..  I have another query !

IF I was able to follow this until option number 4. where it refers to downloading and install index.dat file reader if you don't have one

4. Download and install index.dat file reader on your PC if you don't have one.

WHAT I  ALSO asked about   in my 1st initial post ... Was I am not sure if I may already have this file reader installed. or why was it not included  or built in already within the Windows or Firefox system files. ?

So I there a way that I can check to see if I have the Downloaded  install index.dat file reader.... I assume IF I have it.... it would be in the firefox downloads... or could it be in some other folder possibly.

I dont recall ever downloading such a file.

ALSO  as the Article that explains about doing this is wrote by Firefox.....

SHOULD they also supply a link to download the index.dat file reader from them...

I cannot seem to find a ref to a firefox link to download the  file reader ?

OR is it likely that I would have to find this file from some other website ?

On doing a quick search I can only seem to find a top page option for a company called Softonic.com

BUT I dont know much about them or if they are trust worthy ?

https://index-dat-suite.en.softonic.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=bing_itunes_sb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=bing_itunes_sb&msclkid=66470352caa3178bea08656c8278c40d

Can anyone possibly answer if they can confirm or clarify some of the points that I have raised... in particular to option 2  in ref to the WARNING

You have chosen to display protected operating system files ( Files labled System and Hidden ) in Windows Explorer
These files are required to start and run windows. Deleting  or editing them can make your computer INOPERABLE.
Are you sure you want to display these files.

and option 4... in ref to checking if I have a file reader or where best  to obtain one ?

Once again thank you in advance.

Firefox browser file

You are making it overly complicated.    Of course who is in charge of the system, 2 = yes just do not delete any system files. Change Back after.  Though I  run Show Hidden Files since who knows when.  They look pale so can see what is or is not.

What was wrong with location instructions I gave you ???

It is in User or one of the Program Files............

There is nothing complicated about this.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data

In the Firefox Address Bar ( Wonder Bar)  type copy/paste about:profiles and enter.

If warning say yes, is meant to scare you. 

It should provide the Path to the Profile there.

EDIT : You are hoping for the location of the Backup Profile if it has not been mucked up as well.

The Profile also holds Backups.  So Copy folder to the Desktop to explorer.

Edited by Pkshadow, 10 May 2024 - 12:45 PM.

In ref to myself who is not very clever or knowledgable when it comes to computers...

I dont think I ever find too much very easy to understand or deal with...

what may seem straight forward to you may not be to myself... and sometimes I will need to ask if its possible to either further explain in more depth .

one because communication between various parties can vary in terms of inividuals ability and experience.

and also for certain things you have to be very specific and I can find that rather very difficult at times.

BECAUSE of the post I initially made.... I THOUGHT that had a easier solution provided one was able to understand and follow the instructions.

but it also depends if one knows exactly what one needs to do , such as what to select and click on etc or how find or obtain the right file reader.

and also not get mixed up with wondering if certain info such as History files  is within a Windows folder or file or within a Firefox browser.

and is firefox within Windows or Programs folders / files when searching for history file.

On looking at the profile link and details you posted.... that seemed more complex and indpeth to me at 1st sight.

From what I THINK I understand in your recent replies. IF I try to do a direct search for the History file.

I need to look either for the History files with a Firefox browser folder.. that could be either within user or program folder files.

IF I go into  "My Computer"....  I can see Files stored on this Computer...which are classed as "Shared Documents" (which sems to refer to music / photos etc) and what I think is "My Documents"

which would be my saved documents...  I asume these are what you suggest being USER Files ..But I dont think any of those  refer to what I am looking for.

The Other option that I am able to select is described as  " Local disc "C Drive "  in which I can see  Documents and settings    and Windows and Program files.

IF I select Program files .. I can see a folder for Mozilla firefox. and when I look in that, I can see another 5 folders..such as browser ., defaults  fonts . for eg

but when I look insider them...I cannot see anything that seems to refer to what I am looking for...most just show a few other files or images .

I can also see several  or about 85 various files....  BUT I cannot see any that refer to History or SQLite database

when you refer to this in quote below...  and refer to   :  type copy/paste about:profiles and enter.

when I enter it into the  FF address bar.... I can see something like this

UNDER  YES.....  it shows  a Root and Local Directory and

About Profiles
This page helps you to manage your profiles. Each profile is a separate world which contains separate history, bookmarks, settings and add-ons.

Profile: default
This is the profile in use and it cannot be deleted.

Default Profile    yes
Root Directory    C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\   default                              OPEN
Local Directory    C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\  .default      OPEN

Rename

With in those long descriptions that was some other letter description that MAY have been someones name... which I have deleted  (at least for now)

which I wonder if that maybe the person who may have hacked me...

So if this is another way to try to find the History files. It seems that they are suggested as listed under the option :  Documents and Settings rather than in program files.

BUT in ref to USER folders.... which in this case are wrote as JS... I can find folders with the Username on more than one location. one just under "My Computer "and another in

Documents and Settings.

C:\Documents and Settings   then / the JS folder...  I CAN FIND that Folder.... BUT WHAT I CANNOT FIND WITHIN THAT...is .folders or files for

Application Data  or Local Settings

IF I click on  :   C:\Documents and Settings\JS\   when I open folder JS... it does NOT show another folder or file called Application data

but it shows 5 other folders... such as Desktop ,  Favorites, My  docs , Start Menu and one other.

and when I look iside the one other.... Low and behold.... I THINK I  have found  the  file I am looking for with any luck !

ie  the     INDEX .DAT File

index.dat file

its refers to a date on it back in Sept 2017....when I click on properties for it....there does not seem to be any other ref to other dates. or when someone may have last accessed it.

IF this is the right file that I need to  find.... MANY THANKs for your help ! 

BUT I now need to find a way to read it... so I assume I now need to see if I have a suitable reader to I need to find one to download.

when you also said.... about a back up profile.... is that something else I need to find and check as 2nd copy of that initial file ?

Then when you say copy folder to the Desktop to explorer.... I am Not sure what you mean by Explorer...

I asume you mean to Windows Explorer... BUT I am not sure how that relates to desktop....

for me to find Windows Explorer I have to select : Start, / All Programs / Accessories

and then when I select it... it just seems to open up my Documents folder only with also seeing various folders within it on the left hand side bar list.

(EDIT : You are hoping for the location of the Backup Profile if it has not been mucked up as well.

The Profile also holds Backups.  So Copy folder to the Desktop to explorer.)

 

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data

 

In the Firefox Address Bar ( Wonder Bar)  type copy/paste about:profiles and enter.

 

If warning say yes, is meant to scare you. 

 

It should provide the Path to the Profile there.

 

@ PKShadow:-
 
Whoa, whoa, whoa..... That's quite enough. Stop right there. You were promoted to Advisor status in good faith because of your seeming ability to help people.......NOT to be rude to them. This is NOT good for the site's image.
 

I have no time for excuses regarding the use of a out dated system that can harm everyone when you could quickly use Linux to surf internet.

No call to address members in this vein.
 

You are making it overly complicated.

What? No.
 

What was wrong with location instructions I gave you ???

No!
 

There is nothing complicated about this.

No!! (Maybe not to you.....but not everybody is as "expert" as some of us. You need to take people's experience levels into account, NOT tear a strip off them for NOT doing something "obvious".)

And you definitely don't have a go at folks for being financially-constrained. This is beyond our control, so the point doesn't even merit being raised.


Mike.

Edited by Mike_Walsh, 11 May 2024 - 05:21 AM.

Sorry @Adwin for huffy and rude.

ALL Previous Instructions Forget about them.  Start New Below.

So will pick this up @

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1290163#answer-1321167

The Directions are logical but thinking it maybe Win 7 as someone comments the path does not work for Win10, which it does not as there is no longer Documents and Settings     USE About:Profiles Information and the path statement.

A index.dat file reader download page - https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/index_dat_analyzer.html  As to why it is not included in Firefox or Windows, no idea is same as when stick something into it. No idea

A tick or what ever it is in Win XP : Yes, you have to Show Hidden Files are you can not find them if you do not do so.

A tick or what ever it is in Win XP : Yes, show File Extensions

Reverse Show Hidden Files after, leave show File Extensions so can see them.  This way will know what you are clicking on.   example : Firefox is Firefox.exe   So would only see Index instead of Index.dat if you did not tick the box.

So === Doing Firefox - About:Profiles (full colon between the words)

==========================================================

Default Profile    yes
Root Directory    C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\   default                              OPEN   You are There.  Now need to find History.
Local Directory    C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\  .default      OPEN   You are There.  Now need to find History.

Rename

In other words : Root Directory    C:\Documents and Settings--->JS--->Application Data--->Mozilla--->Firefox--->Profiles    OPEN You are There.  Now need to find History.

In other words : Local Directory    C:\Documents and Settings--->JS--->Local Settings--->Application Data--->Mozilla--->Firefox--->Profiles  OPEN You are There.  Now need to find History.

So Open My Computer then as per the above Path.  If you ever did Dos it is the same, a path statement. So you need to Open Documents and Settings and so forth......

SO

+++

With the file path not being where it is suppose to be is most likely the difference of Using Firefox on the Normal Release Channel or ESR Version.   Firefox Profiles are not compatible with each version.  

"With in those long descriptions that was some other letter description that MAY have been someones name... which I have deleted  (at least for now)" | Maybe your missing history as Profiles are bunch of mixed up Letters/numbers.

Unlikely is hacker.

Will have to open it to find out as you will need to open Each Profile Folder, 1 at a time or in a folder for each so do not overwrite them.

OK so you found the Index.dat file.   WORK With Copies Only, Do not use the Original.    Can always loose Work

Let us know if still looking or found them. 

Your Welcome.

PK Shadow .

Again Many thanks for you further reply and advice.

I  can acknowledge Mikes Comments as well as your prior concern about my / others  use of Win XP.

For most who still use it, I dont think most would fully understand what problems it may create.

I dont want to offend anyone or take offence. So I am not sure what to say in ref to that part of the thread.

But I am sure It Can i often be difficult to have to deal with so many of peoples Computer problems.

BUT I am Very greatful for all your and other members help and comments.

In further ref to the comments in our last two related posts.

and trying to further look into the Files we are trying to research and investigate.

Again from what I THINK I understand from some of your last comments.

I believe that You have acknowledged that I found the right file by trying your suggestion to insert the  About:Profiles  url into the  FF Browser

So === Doing Firefox - About:Profiles (full colon between the words)

Root Directory    C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\   default                              OPEN   You are There.  Now need to find History.
Local Directory    C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\  .default      OPEN   You are There.  Now need to find History.

In which I eventually seemed to have found  the relevant file   :   index.dat file

I did mention that their had been some other letters in the long Root and Local Directory descriptions that I had thought may had included a hackers name.

which I think you seem to suggest is unlikely.

So I will show the full description. or at least one one of them.   where it showed these letters within it.... obha0eru

C:\Documents and Settings\JS\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\obha0eru.default

What I did Not initially realise is the when I click on OPEN...on both the ROOT and Local Directory  is  that  they then open and  show two different Folders.

when I open the option for the Root Directory... it opens a folder and shows another 16 folders inside it and about 45 other various files.

some egs of some folders are : bookmark back ups, browser-ext  crashes, datareporting, healthreport, minidump , sessionstore backups, storeage.

when I open the option for the Local  Directory. it opens a folder and shows another  just 6 folders inside it and just 3 files. 

BUT this also SHOW folders in ref to CACHE...Cache 2 , start up Cache, offline cache, Safe browsing and Thumbnails.

when I click on some of those folders there is nothing shown inside many of them.

I can find anything in ref to  SQL Data Base so far. but there are some cookies that show descriptions that refer to SQLITE in Local Directory.

I WAS NOT SURE if I could have found what I am looking for just within those folders alone without having to use any files reader.

In fact I thought the fact that those folders opened when I clicked on the Root and Local Profile descriptions in the About :Profiles  descriptions page .

I DID think that may have meant that I may have already has the reader built into my Computer...

BUT having tried to look at the folders and files within them.   I cannot seem to find actual written descriptions that I would understand.

So I assume I do still need the file reader.

I will need to look further in obtaining and downloading  the File reader.

I just thought I would post this for now to update you.