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Tutorial: How do I transfer favorites between computers using Internet Explorer?

There are two ways to do this using Internet Explorer. You can either replace the entire favorites file of another computer (best for moving to another computer), or import individual favorites. Both are covered in this article.

Option 1: Replace the Favorites file

With this option, you replace the Favorites file entirely with that from another computer. No existing favorites are saved. You first find the favorites file on the computer you are transferring from. It's located here:
(OS 9) Macintosh HD:System Folder:Preferences:Explorer:Favorites.html
(OS X) Macintosh HD/Users/<Your User>/Library/Preferences/Explorer/Favorites.html

You copy (Option-drag) this file onto your server folder. Now, log onto the server from the computer you are transferring favorites to. Option-drag the Favorites.html file to the same location above on your new computer. You will be promped to replace. This is your last chance to back-out. If you really want to replace all existing favorites, click OK. Otherwise, click Cancel.

Option 2: Import Individual Favorites

With this option, you add the contents of another Favorites file into the one you are already using. This way, you only add favorites and lose nothing. You first find the favorites file on the computer you are transferring from. It's located here:
(OS 9) Macintosh HD:System Folder:Preferences:Explorer:Favorites.html
(OS X) Macintosh HD/Users/<Your User>/Library/Preferences/Explorer/Favorites.html

You copy (Option-drag) this file onto your server folder. Now, log onto the server from the computer you are transferring favorites to. Option-drag the Favorites.html file to the Desktop of the other computer. Now, open up Internet Explorer. Go to Window > Favorites, then File > Import Favorites. Choose the "Favorites.html" file located on your desktop. All of these favorites are added to the Favorites list within a folder called "Favorites.html". You can move individual ones up the list to the main structure, then delete the Favorites.html to file to delete the rest.

 

September 2007
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