the size should be smaller now that the clean up is done.
it removes old and unused files & fragments of info.




*Bookmarks*
Ahh ok I just checked the save thing as it's been awhile since I fiddled with it. your file is saved as a .json file right??
that is one to use for replacing, importing or resatoring straight into FF - that's why it isn't really readable.

If you go back to your organize bookmarks -and use the export HMTL option it will save the file as a clickable active list - easier to read and verify.
the other file will have the same information just in a harder to read format.
I've saved both ways just for the heck of it.



Firewall - hmm either Alan is turning it off?? I'd ask him because you need to know how it is getting tuned off.
or a virus or malware is turning it off.


usually there is a pop up that tells you when it is turned off - a little notice in the task bar.
But my Zone Alarm has it's own firewall so it turns off the windows firewall, I don't know if you anti virus pgm does that or not?


I don't know how safe all those affiliates sites are - have you tried installing the WOT in thru Firefox Tools/addons?
It places a color coded icon showing if sites are OK or not and will even block bad ones.

info site for WOT -web of trust -
http://www.mywot.com/