Stuck in a F'fox 9 Sync configuration loop — account already exists but can't manage account…
I'm stuck in a loop trying to configure and use Firefox 9's Sync feature.
On System "A", I have used the Set Up Sync tool to create a Sync account: I belive the account is valid insofar as I can use the email address and password supplied to the Set Up Sync tool to log in to the Web-base Sync portal.
But if I then use Tools —> Options —> Sync to manage my Sync Account or Add a device, all I see is a Set Up Sync button; no Manage Account button or features. AND if I try to re-create my Sync account, the tools reports that the email address is already in use.
On system B, the behavior is essentially identical. I can't CREATE a Sync account with the same email address as System A, but I also can't manage or add devices.
I've been using computers since 1981, and generally can work through these issues. But I'm completely confounded: It seems I've successfully created a Sync account, but on two computers Firefox 9 refuses to permit me to manage or otherwise use that account.
Chosen solution
It sounds like system A got logged out from your sync account for some reason. To re-connect to your account:
- Press the "Set Up Sync" button in the sync options.
- Press the "I Have an Account" button.
- Click on "I don't have the device with me" at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your email address and password. (If you don't remember the correct password, click on "Reset password" and follow the instructions.)
- If you have your recovery key backed up somewhere, enter it. If not, click on "I have lost my other device" to reset your account and generate a new encryption key.
After this, your first computer will be connected to your sync account, and then you can use the "Add a device" link to connect your other computer to the same account.
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Chosen Solution
It sounds like system A got logged out from your sync account for some reason. To re-connect to your account:
- Press the "Set Up Sync" button in the sync options.
- Press the "I Have an Account" button.
- Click on "I don't have the device with me" at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your email address and password. (If you don't remember the correct password, click on "Reset password" and follow the instructions.)
- If you have your recovery key backed up somewhere, enter it. If not, click on "I have lost my other device" to reset your account and generate a new encryption key.
After this, your first computer will be connected to your sync account, and then you can use the "Add a device" link to connect your other computer to the same account.
Thanks for the solution. It was *definitely* helpful.
I must say that having worked through the configuration, I did NOT experience the usual "doh!" or even an "ah ha!" moment ala "Oh, I was so thick not to figure this out".
That is to say that, thanks to you, I now have a better understanding of how to make Firefox Sync work, but the steps and controls still seem a bit convoluted and opaque to me.
That notwithstanding, thanks again for your help.
Modified by Phrawm48
I'm glad it worked!
The Firefox Sync team is aware that the setup process is fairly confusing, and they are working on improving it.