When selecting Google or Microsoft select both

When Google released Chrome it’s Internet Browser I found it to be superior to Internet Explorer 7. But now after putting Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 though it’s paces, I must admit it would be difficult for me to recommend one over the other. In fact when Good Booters ask for a recommendation, I suggest they install both and determine for themselves which flavor they find most satisfying.

I do suggest however, novices wait a bit before installing IE8 to allow time for Microsoft to eliminate bugs typically discovered after the release of any significant software application.

Regardless of which browser you finally settle on be aware there’s a significant difference in the way each backs up your Favorites\Bookmarks.

To backup Chrome’s Bookmarks, click on the little wrench (Customize and control Google Chrome) in the upper right of Chrome’s menu bar. Click on Bookmark manager, Tools and Export Bookmarks. By default you may be directed to your Download folder. I suggest you create a Chrome Bookmark folder in your Documents/My Documents folder and relocate the Bootmarks.html file to it.

To Back up Internet Explorer’s Favorites and if you’re so inclined, Cookies and Feeds, click on File, Import and Export and follow the Wizard’s instructions. Favorites, Cookies and Feeds must be individually backed up. I also recommend you create an exclusive folder in your Documents/My Documents folder to relocate IE’s Bootmarks.htm, Cookies.txt and Feeds.opml. When IE’s Wizard requests “Export to a file or address” click Browse and select the folder you created.

To Import Chrome and IE Bookmarks/Favorites and IE’s Cookies and Feeds select Import rather than Export when following the steps listed above.

Now for those who like myself are paranoid about losing data and backup their backups with a backup or for those who are contemplating an new computer and would like to relocate their current Chrome and/or IE Profiles to another computer, I recommend in addition to backing up Bookmarks/Favorites, Cookies and Feeds, you consider a complete backup up all of Chrome’s Profile e.g., personal data like history, bookmarks, etc. and Internet Explorer’s favorites, history, proxy settings, fonts, dialup accounts, autocomplete passwords and cookies. 

Parhelia Tools (www.parhelia-tools.com) for Chrome and BackRex for IE 7/8 (www.backsettings.com) are “free” utilities that will Backup and Restore these Browsers in their entirety.

Both of these utilities provide user friendly wizards to walk you through their backup (to I suggest an exclusive folder in your Documents/My Documents folder) and restore.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.