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Firefox sync: Procedure from support page is not possible on my install

Atanasoff
Atanasoff
more options

I am attempting to follow the procedure to implement sync, starting with 2 machines:

Machine 1 (contains data to be synced): Firefox ESR 24.8.1 XPP (yeah, I know ... this machine has an excellent screen and keyboard) This machine had a sync account.

Machines 2,3 W7, latest auto-updated FF whatever that is.

I am following the directions here, titled "How to update to the new FF Sync". Some hair pulling results.

Step 1: Unlink. ==> Done. Step 2. Update other machines: ==> Auto-updated Step 3: "On a computer: Click the menu button New Fx Menu and choose Sign in to Sync and follow the instructions to create your account.

It breaks at step 3, as it won't allow either signing in or creating a new account with the appropriate email. Using the old menu, what's available is Tools|Options|Set Up Sync or Options|Sync. Both lead to a choice of button controls: 
  New Account

or 

 I have an account.

Option 2, " I have an account" offers to "pair a device" using sync codes. (But supposedly these are no longer in use, so this won't work on the other machines) There's no option to "sign in to sync". In addition (this is not the core issue), going to Sync Options shows every item selected, passwords, add-ons etc, although I had cleared those options previously. Each time I reach this screen, it re-selects options I'd requested it NOT to use, such as passwords.

Option 1, "New Account" is disallowed, throwing "Already in use" when I enter the email.

It appears this browser isn't signed in, as there's no "sync now' choice anywhere. But I can't sign in, see above.

???????????? Seems like I'm painted into a corner here.

I am attempting to follow the procedure to implement sync, starting with 2 machines: Machine 1 (contains data to be synced): Firefox ESR 24.8.1 XPP (yeah, I know ... this machine has an excellent screen and keyboard) This machine had a sync account. Machines 2,3 W7, latest auto-updated FF whatever that is. I am following the directions here, titled "How to update to the new FF Sync". Some hair pulling results. Step 1: Unlink. ==> Done. Step 2. Update other machines: ==> Auto-updated Step 3: "On a computer: Click the menu button New Fx Menu and choose Sign in to Sync and follow the instructions to create your account. ---- It breaks at step 3, as it won't allow either signing in or creating a new account with the appropriate email. Using the old menu, what's available is Tools|Options|Set Up Sync or Options|Sync. Both lead to a choice of button controls: New Account or I have an account. Option 2, " I have an account" offers to "pair a device" using sync codes. (But supposedly these are no longer in use, so this won't work on the other machines) There's no option to "sign in to sync". In addition (this is not the core issue), going to Sync Options shows every item selected, passwords, add-ons etc, although I had cleared those options previously. Each time I reach this screen, it re-selects options I'd requested it NOT to use, such as passwords. Option 1, "New Account" is disallowed, throwing "Already in use" when I enter the email. It appears this browser isn't signed in, as there's no "sync now' choice anywhere. But I can't sign in, see above. ???????????? Seems like I'm painted into a corner here.

All Replies (1)

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
  • Moderator
more options

Sorry, you can't connect a pre-Firefox 29 version to the new Sync. Sync'ing between Firefox ESR 24.8.1 and the Firefox 29-Plus versions won't work. They use two different versions of Sync that aren't compatible with each other. The log in procedure is different and the data may not even be hosted on the same servers.

"Pairing" and entering a Sync Key (aka Recovery Key) is not available with the new Firefox Accounts, used with Firefox 29-Plus versions. It was a feature in Firefox 28 and earlier versions.

When you upgrade that 24.8.1 version to Firefox 31.2. or 31.3, you will be able to connect to your Sync account that you have setup on those other devices. It will use the existing data which is present on that PC.