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migrating browser data to new laptop

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  • Last reply by cor-el

ferenc.patai
ferenc.patai
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More than four years ago I created a mozzilla account on my work laptop, in hope of easier migration, syncing between devices, and similar promises. I signed into the account, and have been happily using Firefox ever since, with that 1 time login, thanks for that.

Recently I got a new work laptop and I wanted to use syncing, but I unfortunately had to realise that I do not remember the password I gave 4 years ago (since I was never once prompted to provide it again). So I tried to reset my password. Up until this point I was never warned, that one e-mail account provided would not be enough for password resets.

I tried providing a secondary e-mail address, but that doesn't give me a password reset option. I also tried activating 2fa according to the tutorial, with two different apps (authy and google authenticator) but the browser always says invalid key, so I failed activating 2fa. I tried password reset, but it says I will lose all the data, I would like to sync, so that is not a reasonable option... I tried to manually migrate my profile over to the new laptop, by replacing "Profiles" folder contents on the new laptop, but that just makes Firefox unable to start even.

So I am at my wits end, and begging for help. Looked at reddit posts on how to get browse data to new pc and official support faq-s but I do not see a solution.

I am still signed in, on the old work laptop, that is where I'm writing this plea for help from.

I would really love to recover my account and sync it to the new device.

After typing it out I realize how "social engineeringy/hacky" this message sounds. But I'm willing to prove my identity, by any means necessary, and the account mail address is my name (that is also on my national id card).

Please help me, or advise me how to proceed and reset my password without losing all my data.

yours truly Ferenc Patai

More than four years ago I created a mozzilla account on my work laptop, in hope of easier migration, syncing between devices, and similar promises. I signed into the account, and have been happily using Firefox ever since, with that 1 time login, thanks for that. Recently I got a new work laptop and I wanted to use syncing, but I unfortunately had to realise that I do not remember the password I gave 4 years ago (since I was never once prompted to provide it again). So I tried to reset my password. Up until this point I was never warned, that one e-mail account provided would not be enough for password resets. I tried providing a secondary e-mail address, but that doesn't give me a password reset option. I also tried activating 2fa according to the tutorial, with two different apps (authy and google authenticator) but the browser always says invalid key, so I failed activating 2fa. I tried password reset, but it says I will lose all the data, I would like to sync, so that is not a reasonable option... I tried to manually migrate my profile over to the new laptop, by replacing "Profiles" folder contents on the new laptop, but that just makes Firefox unable to start even. So I am at my wits end, and begging for help. Looked at reddit posts on how to get browse data to new pc and official support faq-s but I do not see a solution. I am still signed in, on the old work laptop, that is where I'm writing this plea for help from. I would really love to recover my account and sync it to the new device. After typing it out I realize how "social engineeringy/hacky" this message sounds. But I'm willing to prove my identity, by any means necessary, and the account mail address is my name (that is also on my national id card). Please help me, or advise me how to proceed and reset my password without losing all my data. yours truly Ferenc Patai

All Replies (2)

Mich
Mich
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I understand your frustration with the password recovery process for your Firefox account. Losing access to your account can indeed be challenging. Here are some steps you can take to try and regain access to your account without losing your data:

1)Password Reset via Email: a.Visit the Firefox Accounts recovery page: https://accounts.firefox.com/resetpassword. b.Enter your email address associated with your Firefox account and click on the "Next" button. c.Check your email inbox, including any spam or junk folders, for a password reset email from Firefox Accounts. d.Follow the instructions in the email to reset your password.

2)Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): a.If you are having trouble activating 2FA using Authy or Google Authenticator, make sure that the time on your device is accurate and synced. Inaccurate time settings can cause issues with 2FA. b.Double-check that you are entering the correct key provided during the 2FA setup. c.If you're still unable to activate 2FA, you can try using a different device or a different authenticator app to see if it resolves the issue.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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You can copy certain files with Firefox closed from another profile folder to the current profile folder to transfer personal data. Note that best is to avoid restoring a full profile folder and only restore important files that are safe to restore/transfer.

You can use the button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page (Root directory).

  • bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
  • favicons: favicons.sqlite
  • bookmark backups: compressed .jsonlz4 JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
  • cookies.sqlite for the Cookies
  • formhistory.sqlite for saved autocomplete Form Data
  • logins.json (encrypted logins) and key4.db (encryption key and primary password) for logins saved in the Password Manager
  • cert9.db for certificates stored in the Certificate Manager
  • persdict.dat for words added to the spell checker dictionary
  • permissions.sqlite for Permissions and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for other website specific data (Site Preferences)
  • sessionstore.jsonlz4 for open tabs and pinned tabs (see also the sessionstore-backups folder)