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How do I recover bookmarks and passwords after an O/S change, and the old programs are in a windows.old folder?

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  • Last reply by zerobeat

zerobeat
zerobeat
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Recently, I had a non-recoverable crash of my Windows XP Pro system. I clean-installed Vista (would not allow an upgrade install), and it moved all of my settings and programs into a windows.old folder. I'd like to be able to recover my stored passwords (even if I have to manually re-enter) and my bookmarks for Firefox. I was running version 4 at the time of the O/S crash. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Recently, I had a non-recoverable crash of my Windows XP Pro system. I clean-installed Vista (would not allow an upgrade install), and it moved all of my settings and programs into a windows.old folder. I'd like to be able to recover my stored passwords (even if I have to manually re-enter) and my bookmarks for Firefox. I was running version 4 at the time of the O/S crash. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Chosen solution

Just as I expected. Before following my instructions, you might need to change your folder options to show hidden files. Now go to:

C:/windows.old/Documents and Settings/<username on XP>/Application Data

And copy everything inside the Mozilla folder to

C:/Users/<username on Vista>/AppData/Roaming/Mozilla

If the Mozilla folder doesn't exist, create one.


Now, go to C:/windows.old/Documents and Settings/<username on XP>/Local Settings/Application Data

And copy everything inside the Mozilla folder into

C:/Users/<username on Vista>/AppData/Local/Mozilla

Again, if the Mozilla folder doesn't exist, create one and rename it to Mozilla.

Hope this helps! handsomeorlandoman

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handsomeorlandoman
handsomeorlandoman
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I would not recommend installing Vista, but that's ok. You probably wont have to start from scratch. Could you upload a screenshot of the windows.old folder? That would help a lot.

Learn how to take a screenshot

Thanks! handsomeorlandoman

zerobeat
zerobeat Question owner
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Okay, here it is. Also, I have found the Mozilla folder that should have the info, just need to know where it is, and how to get it out (then back in).

handsomeorlandoman
handsomeorlandoman
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Chosen Solution

Just as I expected. Before following my instructions, you might need to change your folder options to show hidden files. Now go to:

C:/windows.old/Documents and Settings/<username on XP>/Application Data

And copy everything inside the Mozilla folder to

C:/Users/<username on Vista>/AppData/Roaming/Mozilla

If the Mozilla folder doesn't exist, create one.


Now, go to C:/windows.old/Documents and Settings/<username on XP>/Local Settings/Application Data

And copy everything inside the Mozilla folder into

C:/Users/<username on Vista>/AppData/Local/Mozilla

Again, if the Mozilla folder doesn't exist, create one and rename it to Mozilla.

Hope this helps! handsomeorlandoman

zerobeat
zerobeat Question owner
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Thank you. That did solve my problem.