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Lost passwords

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

mjs
mjs
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I have a 2015 Dell alien using Microsoft 8 and have been very happy with it. Recently my PC had a problem and went into a "self repair mode". This has happened before with excellent results. This time some things are missing. Most noticeably all my Firefox stored passwords. I really depend on that wonderful service you created as I am in my 70s and cannot keep all those passwords straight.

My question, after all that, is can my passwords be retrieved? Does Firefox use a cloud to retrieve passwords in case of something like this? Please save me hours of work and worry.

Firefox has been my go-to since I herd about it several years ago on NPR radio

thank you MaryJane Smith ...


edited email from public and search/spam bots view and fixed a formatting issue.

I have a 2015 Dell alien using Microsoft 8 and have been very happy with it. Recently my PC had a problem and went into a "self repair mode". This has happened before with excellent results. This time some things are missing. Most noticeably all my Firefox stored passwords. I really depend on that wonderful service you created as I am in my 70s and cannot keep all those passwords straight. My question, after all that, is can my passwords be retrieved? Does Firefox use a cloud to retrieve passwords in case of something like this? Please save me hours of work and worry. Firefox has been my go-to since I herd about it several years ago on NPR radio thank you MaryJane Smith ... edited email from public and search/spam bots view and fixed a formatting issue.

Modified by James

All Replies (2)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Unless you are using sync, your data stays on your system.

What about the rest of your profile? Settings, bookmarks, history, passwords . . . .


Before doing anything, I suggest; Perform a System File Check to fix corrupted system files

Win 7, 8, 10, Vista: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833 Win XP: https://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/system_file_checker.mspx?mfr=true

Wiki - Windows 10 System File Check http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_10-update/system-file-check-sfc-scan-and-repair-system-files/bc609315-da1f-4775-812c-695b60477a93

FredMcD
FredMcD
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You should also think about; How To Use Microsoft ScanDisk {web link}

Firefox 80+ has a logins-backup.json file in the profile folder that can be used in case of issues with logins.json or to undo an accidental delete of a login, so you can check if you can find this file in the profile folder or in a backup and replace the current logins.json. Make sure to keep a backup copy of all involved files (logins.json and key4.db and logins-backup.json)

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.

Help -> More Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Folder/Directory: Windows: Open Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data

If you use a Primary Password then you can prevent losing passwords by canceling the PP prompt. You need to logout beforehand by canceling a PP prompt, e.g. by clicking the eye icon in Lockwise (about:logins).