From Newsgroup: aus.computers
On Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:21:24 +1100, Petzl <
petzlx@gmail.com> wrote:
On Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:54:12 +1100, Peter Jason <pj@jostle.com> wrote:
MSoft has scrambled my Favorites,
Those using Edge might want to disable all Sync.
MS seem to include a lot of malware with WIN11
Couldn't get Bluetooth Headphones to work watching video
Disabling "Phone Link" helped a lot need to remove it completly with >powershell?
BitLocker more Windows malware for me don't need it ever asked for now >disabled
I got most back, somehow, though some are hiding in the Favorites
somehow. Copilot knows about this; it seems. ***********************************
Hello, when the "Cross Experience Experience Host" opens, it removes
my Edge Favorites. Can I get these back?
****************
ThatAs a frustrating issue, Peter u and yes, thereAs a good chance you
can recover your Edge Favorites, especially if they were removed
recently. HereAs how to approach it methodically:
---
### ?? What Might Be Happening
The **"Cross Experience Host"** (likely part of Windows' user
experience sync or onboarding system) may be triggering a **profile
reset**, **sync overwrite**, or **temporary profile load**, which can
cause Edge to appear as if Favorites are missing.
---
### ?? Step 1: Check for the Original Bookmarks File
Edge stores Favorites in a JSON file here:
```
%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Bookmarks
```
1. Press `Win + R`, paste the path above, and hit Enter.
2. Look for a file named **Bookmarks** (no extension).
3. If itAs missing or recently modified, look for:
- **Bookmarks.bak** (backup file)
- Any older copies in:
```
%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Backup
```
If you find a usable backup:
- Close Edge completely.
- Rename the current **Bookmarks** file to something like
`Bookmarks.old`.
- Rename **Bookmarks.bak** to **Bookmarks**.
- Reopen Edge and check your Favorites.
---
### ??? Step 2: Check for Other Profiles
Sometimes Edge creates a new profile, making it seem like your data is
gone.
1. Go to:
```
%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\
```
2. Look for folders like `Profile 1`, `Profile 2`, etc.
3. Inside each, check for a **Bookmarks** file.
If you find one with your old Favorites:
- You can copy it into your active profileAs `Default` folder (after
backing up the current one).
---
### ?? Step 3: Check Sync Status
If you had Edge sync enabled:
1. Go to **edge://settings/profiles/sync**.
2. Ensure sync is **on** and signed in with the correct Microsoft
account.
3. If sync was interrupted or reset, logging in again may restore your Favorites from the cloud.
---
### ??? Optional: Recover via PowerShell
Since youAre comfortable with scripting, I can help you run a
PowerShell script to:
- Search for all `Bookmarks` and `Bookmarks.bak` files across
profiles.
- Compare timestamps.
- Restore the most recent valid one.
Would you like that?
---
Let me know if you want help automating the recovery or if youAd like
to set up a backup/versioning system to prevent this in the future. *****************
etc, etc,
Anyway I have disabled all "Sync" and the Edge "Profile" in settings.
God have mercy!
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2