Yes it is finally possible to export AOL favorites, though it is a bit annoying, because nothing will do it directly from AOL to Firefox (great browser by the way; IE is full of security holes and is just plain ugly). I have been looking for years and about 99% of what you find out there are only for exporting HTML files from IE. If you don't want to spend any money you could try LinkAGoGo.com. It imported all of my favorites seamlessly. So far it is the only online bookmark site I've found that will import AOL, but I don't know if it's legit. (There are more managers you could try listed at dmoz.org/Computers/Internet/On_the_Web/Web_Applications/Bookmark_Managers/) There is also AOLeave.com in case you have any favorites hanging around from AOL 5.0 or older. If you do, it requires three downloads (and Java runtime if you somehow don't have it) and some work with the Command Line. It tried it and it definitely doesn't work with 9.0; you'll just get the categories, no links (unless I messed it up). After you choose one of the above, you'll probably be wanting to import them into Firefox (or IE). Luckily, that's simple. I also suggest the Firefox plug-in FoxMarks (addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2410) or Online Bookmark Manager (addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2469). Both have similar functionality (you'll have to read up on them on your own) and sychronize with other computers. They also keep a database online with your links, so you could get rid of LinkAGoGo after upload, if you want/don't trust them. You may be wondering why I didn't just mention them in the first place. Well, I read that FoxMarks has to be downloaded first (I think it only uses current Firefox bookmarks) and the other one does not import from AOL. OK, now if you want something simpler and less time consuming it will cost you $25. FavoRipper at CableHead.com and ePreserver at ConnectedSW.com. I've seen these names mentioned a lot around. And even though I cannot guarantee that either of these programs will work, 20-something links were converted using their demos, so it seems promising. Well, that's it. I hope I've given you enough options. Good luck. Now I've got to go tackle my father's hard drive failure problem. Oh, and if you ever have the same happen to you (most likely will) and there are files you desperately need to get off of your HD, try SpinRite at GRC.com. It's $89 and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. It has been around for 16 years and was featured on both Call for Help and Screen Savers (two wonderul, very helpful, computer shows on the former TechTV that were axed when G4 took over). The site has clips from those two shows and a lot of user feedback. SpinRite will save your files and there is even a level that tries to repair the disk. Sadly, I think ours is done for. The read/write head seems to be sticking. The notebook will only work well enough on its side, heats up to 140 degrees (even though it has been dusted) and needs to be bumped or reoriented every once in a while to get it working again. All of this happened out of the blue. Not a single warning, no noise, no strange errors. Nothing, then BANG, it's on life support. Sorry about the ranting, but I do think everyone should know about SpinRite. Don't forget about it. Saves a lot of money when you don't have to send your drive to those places that charge hundreds of dollars.
---------OK, it's a couple of hours later now and I've just imported links into Firefox from LinkAGoGo.com. It worked great and it was very fast seeing as I have hundreds, if not thousands of links. NOTE: For some reason clicking File>Import will only give the option of importing from IE. Go with Bookmarks>Manage Bookmarks then File>Import.
---------One more thing I forgot to mention...If you don't know how to save your favorites in AOL 9.0 - Click Favorites, then Manage, and then Save My Favorite Places as a Favorites File on My Computer (or first Append, if you have favorites from a previous version that you never merged with your current list). Name it whatever you want (ex. Favorites June 06.pfc) and put it where you will remember. Make sure it's saved as .pfc, nothing else will work.
Comments
After pulling what hair I had left out for an hour and a half, I finally stumbled on your answer, and it worked great! I used LinkAGoGo.net (NOT LinkAGoGo.com, FYI) and exporting my relative's AOL favorites to IE worked like a charm. I'd rather be burned alive than get stuck in AOL's "all-inclusive" dysfunctional little universe.
At any rate, thanks for putting that information out there!
by jb247365 on May 10th, 2007
You're very welcome. I'd searched for years before finding this solution. Sorry about the mess and incorrect link. I've been meaning to clean this post up for a while, but never got around to it. Maybe this week.
by Reinbeast on May 16th, 2007
doesn't seem to be any way to do this on mac. also, no ability to save bookmarks, at least not per the directions given above. any adivce?
by wildlawnc on May 17th, 2007