How can I track changes in Firefox settings after an update?
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TechSavvy42
I'm trying to keep track of any changes in my Firefox settings after the latest update. My plan is to export the current settings into a JSON file, install the updates, then export the new settings into another JSON file and perform a comparison. However, I can't find an option to export my current settings. I'd like to know how to access at least everything listed on the `about:config` page and ideally, all personalized settings. Additionally, it would be great to identify any new settings that were added, including any AI-related features, so I can disable them if necessary and decide later whether to activate them or not. Is there a simpler way to achieve this?
Answers
You can locate your Firefox profile directory and make a copy of it before updating. It contains various JSON and SQLite files, including preferences which are likely stored in the `prefs.js` file. That way you can compare before and after updates.
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The default preferences in `about:config` are set by the installation files, and OS information can influence them. One of those files is `omni.ja`. While exploring those files might lead to endless digging, using `prefs.js` for comparison could be a straightforward solution.
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A simpler approach would be to just diff your `prefs.js` and `user.js` (if you use one) from the Firefox profile folder before and after the update. That's a reliable way to see any changes related to `about:config`, without needing to scrape anything.
TechyUser12: I compared the size of `prefs.js` with `about:config`. It's about 300 lines versus 5000 rows. Were you talking about the settings in `about:preferences` instead?
Grasshopper42: Normally, `prefs.js` should match what's shown in `about:config` if you filter to show only modified preferences.
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CuriousUser88: Got it, I'll check that out. I want to see everything on the `about:config` page but having all personalized settings would be the best.
DataDiver33: Also, I need to see any new settings added, like the new AI features, to disable them for now and decide later.