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How to reset only thunderbird master password?

  • 9 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 21 views
  • Last reply by Matt

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I am using both Thunderbird and Firefox under Ubuntu 12.04. Apparently I have two different master passwords, because the master PW I use for Firefox is not accepted by Thunderbird. However, the advice given here (https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/master-password#thunderbird:linux:tb38) for resetting the Thunderbird master password just directs me to the instructions for resetting the Firefox master PW. How can I reset (only) the Thunderbird master PW?

I am using both Thunderbird and Firefox under Ubuntu 12.04. Apparently I have two different master passwords, because the master PW I use for Firefox is not accepted by Thunderbird. However, the advice given here (https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/master-password#thunderbird:linux:tb38) for resetting the Thunderbird master password just directs me to the instructions for resetting the Firefox master PW. How can I reset (only) the Thunderbird master PW?

Chosen solution

Ok I have edited the article to remove the link to the Firefox article. Note I have not added anything, only deleted one line.

Please have a look and see if that is better. I am assuming without that rather odd redirect to Firefox you will get to the information below it's previous location.

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (9)

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Those instructions are for Thunderbird and I see no mention of Firefox so I do not know where you are confused. Thunderbird and Firefox are two completely different programs. Hopefully you are doing the reset procedure in the Thunderbird error console and not trying to do it in Firefox.

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In the above-cited article for Thunderbird in step 5 under "Changing or removing the master password", it says: "If you've forgotten your master password, see Reset your Master Password if you've forgotten it." The link leads to instructions on resetting the Firefox master password. Where can I find the corresponding instructions for Thunderbird?

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Here is what I see when viewing the link you provided. Forgotten Password

If you have lost or forgotten your master password or you want to disable the feature, you can reset the master password. Resetting the master password will remove all stored password information. Upon resetting, you will lose all the stored information in the Password Manager, as this is a built-in security feature to prevent people from simply resetting your Master Password to gain access to your passwords.

Choose Tools -> Error Console Paste the expression openDialog("chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul") Press the Evaluate button. Accept when prompted with the confirmation dialog box.

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Meanwhile I have found the desired instructions for Thunderbird here. They are: >> Choose Tools -> Error Console, paste the expression: openDialog("chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul") and press the Evaluate button. That will open a dialog asking you if you want to reset your password. <<

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@Airmail, Thanks for your more detailed response. I was writing mine when you posted. The text I see at: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/reset-your-master-password-if-you-forgot-it is: >> Reset your Master Password if you've forgotten it

Using the Master Password feature, you can protect all of your locally stored usernames and passwords with a master password. If you have forgotten your master password, you must reset it. Warning: Resetting your master password will remove all of your saved usernames and passwords.

  1. In the Firefox location bar, enter the following location: chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul
  2. Press Enter.
  3. The "Reset Master Password" page will appear. Click the Reset button, to reset your master password.

[screenshot]

Remember: Resetting your master password will remove all of your saved usernames and passwords.

Share this article: http://mzl.la/1xKruNP <<

I don't see anything about Thunderbird.

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Chosen Solution

Ok I have edited the article to remove the link to the Firefox article. Note I have not added anything, only deleted one line.

Please have a look and see if that is better. I am assuming without that rather odd redirect to Firefox you will get to the information below it's previous location.

Modified by Matt

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Thunderbird and Firefox use the same type of 'Master Password' feature. The instructions for normal use apply equally from one to the other, but the Master Password IS program specific. If Firefox asks for the password, give the Firefox Master Password. If you are in Thunderbird, use the TB Master Password.

The reset password feature is slightly different based on the program that that is currently being accessed. In Firefox you enter a command in the address bar of Firefox. In Thunderbird you use the 'Tools - Error Console' and enter a slightly different command. Each will reset the password, just for that program. All information that is protected by that password will be lost.

TB-38.3 Win10-PC

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Matt said

I am assuming without that rather odd redirect to Firefox you will get to the information below it's previous location.

Thanks, Matt, that was exactly my problem! I was misled by the link and never got down to the text below.

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Looks like you have started something. Tonnes is editing it again. He did not like my change and basically is going to rework the introduction. The TOC is lost under that image.