FavBackup is a free, lightweight, and portable utility designed for Windows that simplifies backing up and restoring user profiles and configuration data across major web browsers. This utility is useful for migrating data to a new computer, safeguarding data before a system upgrade, or preserving locally customized browsing configurations without relying on cloud synchronization. Key Features of FavBackup
No Installation Required: It runs entirely from a single executable (.exe) file and can be operated from a portable USB drive.
Cross-Browser Support: It handles user profiles for major web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
Granular Data Selection: It backs up diverse assets such as bookmarks, cookies, history, saved passwords, sessions, form data, preferences, download histories, and specific extensions or spelling dictionaries.
Format Consolidation: It bundles profile structures into a single file format (.dat), allowing for straightforward storage or transport. Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Browser Data Step 1: Initialize the Application
Launch FavBackup: Run the downloaded standalone executable file.
Establish a Target Directory: Before proceeding, manually create a dedicated destination folder on an external drive or backup partition to isolate the generated backup data. Step 2: Choose Your Backup Method
Select the Mode: On the primary wizard screen, click the Backup or Full Backup option.
Standard Backup: Allows selection of specific browsers and individual data types.
Full Backup: Automatically aggregates all configurations across every active user profile without requiring manual selection.
Identify the Browser: Choose the web browser profile you wish to preserve and click Next. Step 3: Configure Parameters and Execute
Refine Data Targets: If using the standard backup wizard, check the exact parameters you want to keep (e.g., check boxes for Bookmarks, Saved Passwords, or History).
Specify the Destination: Set the file path to point toward the dedicated target folder you established in Step 1.
Finalize the Job: Advance the prompt to execute the file packaging. The utility will compile the profile files and show a completion progress status. Restoring Your Data
Open the Restore Wizard: Launch the app and select Restore or Full Restore.
Map the Input Source: Provide the file path back to your saved folder or .dat archive.
Apply Changes: Confirm the browser profile target to let the utility unpack and overwrite the relevant folders to restore your custom browsing workspace. FavBackup – PCWorld