Back Up Forms & Email Enquiries: Prevent Data Loss From Browser Crashes

Browser Crashes and Data Loss: A Common Frustration

Despite continuous improvements in browser technology, unexpected crashes remain a persistent issue. All major browsers are susceptible to occasional failures, and this doesn't even account for broader system crashes or power outages.

Regardless of your preferred computer or browser, the possibility of a crash always exists. These disruptions often occur at the most inconvenient times.

The Pain of Lost Data

Imagine diligently completing a lengthy online form, or carefully composing a detailed email within a web-based interface. Then, suddenly, a crash occurs, resulting in the complete loss of your work.

Data loss isn't always due to a full crash; timeouts or automatic page refreshes can also contribute. Perhaps the most frustrating scenario is submitting a form only to receive an error message, with no record of your input remaining.

Preventative Measures: Form Backup Solutions

In moments like these, it’s easy to feel exasperated with technology and long for simpler times. However, a practical solution exists.

Consider installing a browser add-on designed to automatically back up your form data. This proactive step can safeguard your progress and prevent future frustration when unexpected interruptions occur.

Such tools can be invaluable, ensuring that your valuable time and effort aren't lost due to unforeseen technical issues.

Lazarus: Form Data Recovery for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari

In frustrating situations where online form data is lost due to browser crashes or accidental closures, Lazarus stands out as a uniquely effective solution. This add-on functions by automatically backing up the information entered into forms. Should an interruption occur, users can effortlessly restore the data and resume their work precisely where they stopped.

Although previously featured, the Lazarus add-on has undergone significant development since 2009. While compatible with multiple browsers, its functionality varies slightly across platforms.

Recovering Forms in Firefox

Imagine completing a lengthy form in Firefox and inadvertently closing the browser window. With Lazarus installed, a simple right-click within any form field and selection of “Recover Form” will restore all previously entered data.

Chrome's Recovery Process

The recovery experience in Chrome differs somewhat. Upon revisiting a previously lost form, a small icon will appear in the currently focused field. Selecting this icon presents options to repopulate the entire form with your saved information.

Lazarus doesn’t limit recovery to just text fields; it also preserves selections made in checkboxes and radio buttons. Users concerned about data security can password-protect the backups or configure the add-on to exclude sensitive data from being saved.

The Lazarus database is fully searchable, allowing users to quickly locate specific forms when needed. For long-term storage or access to additional features, Lazarus Pro is available for approximately $10 annually.

It’s important to note that the current Chrome version of Lazarus has a limitation: it cannot save text from What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editors. This is reportedly due to an existing bug within the Chrome browser itself.

Form History Control [Firefox]

For users seeking alternatives to Lazarus, or desiring enhanced privacy management, Form History Control presents a viable option. This extension isn't primarily designed for form recovery, but rather functions as a privacy utility. It empowers users with greater command over the data their browser retains from completed forms.

The add-on facilitates both comprehensive history clearing and selective deletion of specific entries. Furthermore, it can be utilized to retrieve substantial portions of previously entered form data in the event of loss.

Configuration for Form Backups

To leverage this add-on for form backup purposes, initial configuration is necessary. Navigate to the options menu and, within the “Editor fields” section, activate “Enable automatic backups” by checking the corresponding box.

Subsequently, define the backup frequency. You can specify that a new version should be saved if the preceding backup is older than 1 or 2 minutes, or even a longer duration. Alternatively, backups can be triggered by text changes exceeding 10 characters.

Frequent backups are created with these settings.
This ensures regular safeguarding of your form data.

Limitations and Database Management

Despite these configurations, the add-on might not preserve all form fields, particularly those containing minimal text. However, it remains valuable for recovering lengthy content, such as a detailed email composed within a contact form that was unexpectedly lost.

To prevent database bloat, it’s recommended to schedule automatic database cleaning on a weekly basis. This ensures optimal performance and prevents excessive storage consumption.

Textarea Cache for Firefox: A Simple Backup Solution

If you're seeking a straightforward method to automatically safeguard data entered into extensive text areas and WYSIWYG editors, consider utilizing the Textarea Cache add-on. This extension represents the most uncomplicated solution available.

It functions by creating a cache of your text input, allowing you to recover it should data be lost due to unforeseen circumstances. While it doesn't facilitate the restoration of complete forms, it effectively preserves the majority of your typed content.

How Textarea Cache Works

The add-on saves your text field entries, providing a readily accessible backup. Should you experience data loss, simply access the cache to copy and paste your previously entered text.

Once you've retrieved your information, the cached item can be easily removed. The drop-down menu at the top allows for seamless navigation between multiple cached entries, should you have several saved.

This tool is particularly well-suited for users who prefer a minimalist approach to data backup and recovery. It offers a focused solution for protecting valuable text input.

Final Thoughts

Initially, my expectation was to discover a multitude of solutions addressing this need. However, beyond Lazarus, a viable option for Chrome proved elusive. Furthermore, the two extensions located for Firefox didn't quite offer the same functionality.

Does the preservation of submitted form data present a significant technical challenge, or is this a specialized area currently dominated by a single add-on? If you are aware of additional, effective extensions capable of backing up and restoring form information, please share your recommendations in the comments section.

Image source: form in computer image via Shutterstock