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Find & reinstall password file

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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I recently had Windows 10 re-installed. After that occurred many programs and other issues have come up. One issue is all the user names and passwords that were saved in my previous Firefox install didn't show up.

I'm sure the file is on my laptop, but the browser created a new password file.

Is there a way to incorporate my existing user names/passwords into the new file?

Thanks

I recently had Windows 10 re-installed. After that occurred many programs and other issues have come up. One issue is all the user names and passwords that were saved in my previous Firefox install didn't show up. I'm sure the file is on my laptop, but the browser created a new password file. Is there a way to incorporate my existing user names/passwords into the new file? Thanks

All Replies (4)

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Were the old files saved somewhere on the new drive? Open your file browser, go to the root directory, and search for key3 file You will need both key3.db and logins.json files.


Separate Issue; Your System Details shows;

Installed Plug-ins

Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 12.2.2.172 Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 11.5.9.620
Having more than one version of a program may cause issues. You must remove the older programs. Then get the current full installer.

Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape: Adobe Reader Version 2015.009.20069 Note: McAfee Security is offered in the download.

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I have the old files

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Open the folder with the oldest key3.db and logins.json files you will use.

Now, open another file browser to the New profile;

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.


Warning ! ! Only Copy the files you are told. We will avoid anything that might be the cause of your problems. Here is the list of files;

cookies: Do not bother. Cookies will be created when you return to the web site. However, you will have to log in everywhere.

extensions(add-ons): it would be better to download them fresh. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ key3.db and logins.json: These are the Password files.

persdict.dat: custom dictionary – words you added to the dictionary

mimeTypes.rdf: What to do with what type of file.

places.sqlite: History and Bookmarks.

prefs.js: Your settings. Note, this may be contaminated.

cert8.db: Stores all your security certificate settings and any SSL certificates you have imported into Firefox. If removed, the file will be replaced. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Copy these files from the old to the new. You will get a message about the files already exist. Choose to over-write for each file.

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Do you have an "C:\Windows.old" folder?

You can copy files like these to the current Firefox profile folder to recover specific data.

  • bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
  • bookmark backups: JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
  • SQLite files like cookies.sqlite (cookies) and formhistory.sqlite (saved form data)
  • logins.json and key3.db (decryption key) for Passwords saved in the Password Manager
  • cert8.db and possibly cert_override.txt for (intermediate) certificates stored in the Certificate Manager
  • persdict.dat for words you added to the spelling checker dictionary
  • permissions.sqlite for Permissions and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for other Site Preferences
  • sessionstore.js for open tabs and pinned tabs and tab groups

You can use this button to go to the current Firefox profile folder:

"AppData" (XP: Application Data; Mac: ~/Library; Linux: ~/.mozilla) is a hidden folder.