does bookmark sync feature work?

[dogbreath]

I recently set up a Vista64 machine. On another of my machines I used the "Backup NoScript configuration in a bookmark for easy synchronization". A bookmark folder was created and replicated across all my machines using XMarks.

Now it is entirely possible I don't know what I'm doing and/or the instructions aren't clear enough in the GUI - but I went into the new install of NoScript, selected Backup NoScript configuration in a bookmark for easy synchronization". Nothing happened. I've googled for solutions, but I cannot find any.

So what SHOULD happen? I suspect that if I check the option in NS on a new machine it is supposed to "Restore" if the bookmark is there. Is that correct? (if that is the case I recommend the option checkbox say something like "Automatically backup and restore NoScript configuration in a bookmark for easy syncronization (Xmarks or Mozilla Wave required").

If I am wrong, how do I restore my NoScript configuration? I've used it forever and my config is going to take a long time to restore manually.

Thanks and thanks for all the hard work.

[Giorgio Maone]

Go on the machine where your "original" configuration sits, change any NoScript preference (even a temporary permission, that's OK) and check that XMarks says your bookmarks are "dirty" now.
Then force a synchronization: the local bookmark should be replicated on the server.
At this point, all the other machines have an older bookmark: as soon as you synchronize them, you should get your "master" configuration downloaded.

[dogbreath]

I did as you suggested. I restart my new machine. I force sync Xmarks. I go to a website where I know I have given permission - scripts are not allowed.

Do I need to do anything to get the old config into NoScript other than update Xmarks?

[Giorgio Maone]

Do I need to do anything to get the old config into NoScript other than update Xmarks?

No, but I think the problem here is when the local bookmark is newer than the one stored on the server.
You can force it not to be by saving a preference change in the original PC, synchronizing there (XMark should send the change to the server) and then synchronizing all the other machines.
This is admittedly quite cumbersome: I'll try to improve this by making NoScript check if a bookmark already exists the first time you switch the "Backup NoScript configuration..." preference.
After this change (in next dev build or release) the workflow will be:

"Master" PC

1. Switch the "Backup NoScript configuration..." preference (the bookmark gets created)
2. XMark synchronization (the bookmark gets sent to the server)

"Slave"

1. XMark synchronization (the bookmark gets downloaded)
2. Switch the "Backup NoScript configuration..." preference (the configuration gets synced)

[GµårÐïåñ]

I am not a fan of using another service like Xmark but was told that transferring the bookmark to the proper location on the other machine would result in a sync, correct? That's not working for me and I figured it will eventually when all the wrinkles are taken out but still no go for me, at least not using manual method.

[Giorgio Maone]

was told that transferring the bookmark to the proper location on the other machine would result in a sync, correct?

Yes, if the "Backup in bookmark" preference had been already enabled in advance.
Also it needs to be named exactly the same way, and placed in a folder of exactly the same name and location.

[GµårÐïåñ]

That has been the case but will give it another shot and more testing and get back to you, thanks.

[Giorgio Maone]

For updates, please check this post.

[GµårÐïåñ]

Thanks Giorgio, took a look, nice post and commented on it too. Maybe we can setup instructions on manual sync too. You can do it if you have time or you can tell me and I will do it, whichever, and we can post it for people to use.

[Giorgio Maone]

I'm not sure manual syncing is very practical.
However it can be done just copying the [NoScript] bookmark description (which is mostly JSON) verbatim from one PC to another.

[GµårÐïåñ]

I know and agreed, its not practical but for someone like me who doesn't want to use a thirdparty service (requires trust) to sync the bookmark, it might be useful. I know that there are couple of things that are necessary to make sure manual syncing works and that is before transferring the bookmark, the extension needs to be enabled. If you transfer our bookmark and THEN enable it, you overwrite it and lose the previous setup, trust me I did that to myself The only good thing is that I like to start from scratch, so doesn't bother me to rebuild.