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Set up Firefox sync, reinstalled windows, and now cannot get my sync information back

mikecrinite
mikecrinite

I bought a SSD and a new HDD and I wanted to get a clean install of windows on the SSD. Before that, I synced Firefox, but now I can't get my info back. I was under the impression that Firefox sync could be used for that but now it looks like I'm pretty much screwed as far as getting back all my bookmarks and passwords and things. I've tried going into Firefox sync and selecting that I lost my device. It gives me a really long string of letters and things and when I enter that into the box for the recovery key, it tells me it's wrong every time, even when it puts the stuff in there itself.

I bought a SSD and a new HDD and I wanted to get a clean install of windows on the SSD. Before that, I synced Firefox, but now I can't get my info back. I was under the impression that Firefox sync could be used for that but now it looks like I'm pretty much screwed as far as getting back all my bookmarks and passwords and things. I've tried going into Firefox sync and selecting that I lost my device. It gives me a really long string of letters and things and when I enter that into the box for the recovery key, it tells me it's wrong every time, even when it puts the stuff in there itself.

Chosen solution

Firefox Sync is not a backup tool, it is only meant to synchronize different installs of Firefox with the same data.

Read this answer in context 👍 4

All Replies (7)

user633449
user633449

Chosen Solution

Firefox Sync is not a backup tool, it is only meant to synchronize different installs of Firefox with the same data.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator

If you create a new sync key then data stored on the Sync server will be removed and you won't be able to copy/restore this data to your computer.

If you previously didn't backup your sync key or managed to change the sync key then your data is lost.

Enter all details like the account name (email address) and password and the 26-character Sync key manually to connect to an existing sync account instead of using the 12-character code to pair a device if pairing isn't possible.

  1. open "Tools > Options > Sync" or "Firefox > Set Up Sync"
  2. click "Set Up Firefox Sync" to go to "Firefox Sync Setup"
  3. click "I Have an Account" : Connect
  4. click "I don't have the device with me" at the bottom to enter the account settings (email, password, sync key)
  5. click the "Sync Options" button at the bottom to select what to sync (Sync Options only affect the first sync)
mikecrinite
mikecrinite Question owner

Well that sucks. Thanks though. My question is answered

benjieaa
benjieaa

i have the same problem. this sucks...

GeneralAlzheimer
GeneralAlzheimer

Yes, I made that mistake, too. Isn't there any way for Firefox Support to get to my code and send it to me? Otherwise I'd lose bookmarks from the last 2 years.

the-edmeister
the-edmeister

Sorry, your Sync Key / Recovery Key isn't uploaded with your Sync data, it never leaves your Sync connected devices. Only you ever see or have access to that "key" - no one else.

GeneralAlzheimer
GeneralAlzheimer

Damn. My porn... Thanks anyway.