[Fixed] Filters dissappearing

[Jansen]

I have been using AdBlock successfully with Firefox 3.x for quite some time. I finally did a clean uninstall and install of FF 11. Before doing this, I backed up my AdBlock filters, of course.

So, the new FF is now installed and it would appear a new version of AdBlock since it won't recognize backup files with a .TXT extension, but requires them to be .INI.

Okay, a simple rename, and I can import them. When I do, I see all of them right there. But as soon as I restart Firefox, almost all of them are missing - only a handful remain. I can repeat this as often as I want - import them, and they're all there. Restart Firefox, and 99% of them are gone again.

What's causing this and how can I fix this?

[Wladimir Palant]

You need to select the backup type when importing/exporting backups - the old TXT has type "Custom filters only", not "All filters and subscriptions". If you import your file correctly, do you still have that issue? If yes - my suggestion in forum/viewtopic.php?p=59301#p59301 applies here as well.

[Guest]

You need to select the backup type when importing/exporting backups - the old TXT has type "Custom filters only", not "All filters and subscriptions". If you import your file correctly, do you still have that issue? If yes - my suggestion in forum/viewtopic.php?p=59301#p59301 applies here as well.

No, there's something very broken here.

Before trying to re-import my old backup, I first backed up my current set - which I had started to develop from scratch, so it should have been clean.

I tried to import my old backup, which seemed to work. In the process, I decided to delete the old set and re-import my brand new backup of clean data. Now, even with that - once I restart Firefox, everything dissappears and there are no filter groups period.

I can re-import, and they're all there - but once I restart Firefox, everything is empty. I deleted the adblock folder from my profile, and the same problem still exists.

It would appear there is something very wonky in the current version of Adblock in regards to either exporting and/or importing backups. Right now it looks like I have no choice but to start from scratch all over again.

[Jansen]

As a side note, I have the element hiding helper and popup blocker extensions installed also.

[Hubird]

Pop up blocker is no longer needed as it's functionality has been incorporated into ABP.

[Jansen]

Pop up blocker is no longer needed as it's functionality has been incorporated into ABP.

I found nothing in the documentation that mentions this. How is it used now?

[Jansen]

Okay, I found a quick blog post. Going by that, it seems to be only used when coding filters. There doesn't appear to be any UI support for it.

And if that's the case, then I still see a use for the pop up blocker add on.

[Wladimir Palant]

@Jansen: Could you copy "chrome://adblockplus/content/errors.html" (without the quotation marks) into the location bar and see whether it shows any errors?

[Jansen]

@Jansen: Could you copy "chrome://adblockplus/content/errors.html" (without the quotation marks) into the location bar and see whether it shows any errors?

It says no errors found.

[Wladimir Palant]

That's strange... Maybe antivirus software interfering without telling you?

Unfortunately, I am out of ideas otherwise. The only remaining option would be a TeamViewer session so that I can have a look for myself.

[Jansen]

That's strange... Maybe antivirus software interfering without telling you?

Unfortunately, I am out of ideas otherwise. The only remaining option would be a TeamViewer session so that I can have a look for myself.

I just PM'ed you a link that contains a portable installation of Firefox 11 and a sample backup INI file. You should be able to duplicate the issue there, as it behaves exactly the same as it does on my permanent installation.

[Wladimir Palant]

Thank you for the detailed instructions, I was able to reproduce the problem now. The problem is merely that restoring from backup doesn't save the data to disk immediately. If you close the browser without changing anything (like disabling a filter) this change will be lost. The good news: this is already fixed in the current development builds (was a side-effect of recent changes).

[Jansen]

Thank you for the detailed instructions, I was able to reproduce the problem now. The problem is merely that restoring from backup doesn't save the data to disk immediately. If you close the browser without changing anything (like disabling a filter) this change will be lost. The good news: this is already fixed in the current development builds (was a side-effect of recent changes).

Ah, that's a relief! Both that you were able to duplicate the problem, as well as that it has an immediate workaround.

I'll have to try it out immediately. Thanks!