How to delete all bookmarks and replace with backup?

Question

How to delete all bookmarks and replace with backup?

Trying to sync my new iPad with my MacBook Pro and iPhone via MobileMe has created some fun new problems. For starters: I now have a full set of duplicate Safari bookmarks. Two of everything.

Fortunately, I (think) I made a safe backup before performing the fateful merge (suggested by Sync) that caused the duplicates. So now I'd like to delete ALL my bookmarks and re-import the saved backup bookmarks.

But I can't figure out how to delete all my bookmarks at once. It looks like my only choice is to delete them one at a time. Is there some way to simply trash the entire bookmarks file and re-import the ones I saved?

17in MacBook Pro 2.33GHz, 4GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.6.2), iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G

Posted on Nov 23, 2010 1:09 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 23, 2010 1:18 AM in response to Adam J. Bezark

HI Adam,

You can use Safari Prairiefire to find duplicate Safari Bookmarks.
http://www.balooba.se/baloobasoftware/index.html

After you install the software which you can use in demo version to do this click the Get Bookmarks tab. Then from the menu click: Tools / Check Duplicates.

I've had the same thing happen using my MobileMe account also.

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 2

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Nov 23, 2010 2:52 AM in response to Adam J. Bezark

Hi Adam

Safari's bookmarks are kept in a preference file named bookmarks.plist in Home/Library/Safari/
move (or rename) that with Safari quit & they're gone from Safari - to be replaced with Apple's default set on next startup.

You can copy that file as a a backup, or yes, use Safari-File-Export Bookmarks...

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In your case, It sounds as if you used Export - so just move/rename the plist, then open Safari & Import .

Naturally, removing dupes is perhaps easier in this instance, but it's worth knowing which files to copy if you want an exact backup.

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