Back Up Favorites in Internet Explorer

Backing up your Favorites on Internet Explorer is as easy as manually copying and pasting the file elsewhere or exporting it to a new destination. This article will cover both methods in detail while also discussing some variations between different versions of the browser. If you wish to be entirely sure that your Favorites are saved in multiple locations or accessible from different files, the solutions are pretty straightforward.

Steps

Copying Your Favorites Folder

  1. Open Windows Explorer. Note that this refers to Windows' File Explorer, not the Internet Explorer browser. You may open Windows Explorer by pressing ⊞ Win + E, clicking the File Explorer folder on your Taskbar, performing a search for "File Explorer" on the Start screen or selecting the File Explorer shortcut under "Windows System" in Apps View.
  2. Access your user's "Documents and Settings." Use the address bar to perform a search for "C:\Documents and Settings\username." Rather than typing "username," insert your actual username. Many simply adopt "Admin" as their usernames.
  3. Access your Favorites folder. Scroll down and find the Favorites folder, which will look like a folder with a star emerging from it. Select the Favorites folder so that it's highlighted.
  4. Copy the Favorites folder. Once the folder is highlighted, right-click and select "Copy" from the menu that appears. Alternatively, you may also press Ctrl+C to copy the folder using your keyboard.
  5. Paste the Favorites folder in a new location. You may choose to place your Favorites folder on a backup disk, a USB stick, or elsewhere on your hard disk. Once you've selected a location, right-click and select "Paste." Alternatively, you may also press Ctrl+V to paste the folder using your keyboard. This new location will serve as a backup for your Favorites.

Exporting Favorites on Internet Explorer 5.0 to 7

  1. Open Internet Explorer. Simply click the "Start" menu and then select "Internet Explorer." You may also find this browser elsewhere if you've stored it on your desktop or Taskbar.
  2. Access the "Import and Export" screen. From Internet Explorer, click the "File" menu. Then select "Import and Export" from the dropdown menu that appears.[1]
  3. Initiate the export process. Begin by clicking "Next" on the "Import and Export" screen that first appears. Then select "Export Favorites" and again click "Next."
  4. Select the files you wish to export. First, click the "Browse" button.You can then either select specific folders you wish to export or export all Favorites by leaving the whole folder highlighted. Once you've determined what you wish to export, click "Next" once more.
  5. Choose a backup destination. Select a file or drive in which you wish your Favorites to be exported and then click "Next." Finally, click "Finish." This new location will serve as a backup for your Favorites without affecting the file that you've had exported.

Exporting Favorites on Internet Explorer 8 and Above

  1. Open Internet Explorer. Simply click the "Start" menu and then select "Internet Explorer." You may also find this browser elsewhere if you've stored it on your desktop or Taskbar.
  2. Access your Favorites. Click the Favorites icon in the upper, righthand corner. It will look like a star.[2]
  3. Initiate the export process. Begin by clicking the downward pointing arrow next to "Add to favorites." Alternatively, you may simply press Alt+Z on your keyboard. Finally, select "Import and export" from the menu that appears.
  4. Select the files you wish to export. Select "Export to a file" on the "Import and export" window and then click "Next." Check the box next to "Favorites" and then click "Next" again. Finally, choose the folder(s) of Favorites you wish to export or—if you wish to export them all—leave the entire Favorites folder selected. When satisfied, click "Next" once more.
  5. Choose a backup destination. First, click the "Browse" button. Then select a file or drive in which you wish your Favorites to be exported. Upon deciding on a location, click the "Export" button and then click "Finish." This new location will serve as a backup for your Favorites without affecting the file that you've had exported.

Tips

  • Inside the "Favorites" folder, you can have a folder named "Links," which will be recognized by its name in Windows and show up as the "Links" toolbar. If you don't have one and want one, create a folder named "Links" there and then paste your Favorites there. They will show up in Internet Explorer's toolbar right away.
  • Depending on your computer's authorizations, you may be able to back-up, delete, or overwrite other users' "Favorites" as well.

Warnings

  • If you delete the wrong folder (using the copying and pasting technique), you might be in serious trouble. It is possible to destroy installed software by deleting the wrong folders. Be careful with this procedure.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000524.htm
  2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/211089
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