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How can I export my Firefox saved passwords so I can import them into a newly installed os, Windows 7?

  • 5 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 202 views
  • Last reply by SlimSylv

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I currently use Firefox on Win XP sp3 and am preparing to install Win 7 which must be a clean install. I have a complete backup of the computer but I will need to reinstall all apps. I found the 'Backup Book marks to HTML' though I'm not sure it if also works for the toolbar websites. The password manager seems to only import from IE or Safari with no 'Export' Are there files/folders or a profile that I can simply copy from my backup to Win 7? I would prefer not to have to manually enter all my saved logins if possible.

Thanks

I currently use Firefox on Win XP sp3 and am preparing to install Win 7 which must be a clean install. I have a complete backup of the computer but I will need to reinstall all apps. I found the 'Backup Book marks to HTML' though I'm not sure it if also works for the toolbar websites. The password manager seems to only import from IE or Safari with no 'Export' Are there files/folders or a profile that I can simply copy from my backup to Win 7? I would prefer not to have to manually enter all my saved logins if possible. Thanks

Modified by MikeZZ

Chosen solution

You can look at this extension:

You can copy files like these to the current Firefox profile folder to restore 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:

See also:

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All Replies (5)

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Chosen Solution

You can look at this extension:

You can copy files like these to the current Firefox profile folder to restore 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:

See also:

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In the event that the passwords information is lost, you should record all information in a separate text file somewhere else on your hard drive, or written down. You can easily copy and paste if you need to do so. If you are concerned about someone else looking at that file, you can compress it using a password.

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Dear Fred, I have already had my new computer set up, just a couple of weeks ago, on WIN 10......the passwords are saved in a file on my desktop. How do I get them from the file to the 'saved passwords' add-on, please? (Other than re-set up my old computer again & 'export' them properly.) My IT guy did copy/paste only to the file, (took him ages to do, too) 'cos he wouldn't listen to me that I was sure there was a way to export them properly. (found out how to afterwards) sigh...I have been saving every site I visit so far, but only have a few. The same applies with my bookmarks, they are also in a file on the desktop. (not just copy/pasted) It's very tedious, & I am finding WIN 10 so hard to understand. ( I upgraded from WIN XP PRO) Thanks in advance... Sylvia

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I don't know if passwords can be imported. But all you have to do is copy and paste from the saved file.

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Well, Fred, thanks for trying anyway........I am getting more & more frustrated by the minute. I let Microsoft updates run this morning, now I cannot even open that saved file! Some of my personalised settings have gone, & some fave games (Solitaire type) have disappeared, bring back WIN XP PRO, I say.... BTW, did you find out how to export your saved passwords? There def is a way...I just Googled it, & it's easy, can't believe my IT guy didn't even look, never mind try...sigh.....It's just that if I want to do it properly, I have to set up my old computer tower again, sigh.....and I'm really not that good at that stuff....Ah well, such is life....it will work out eventually, I'll just have to be more patient. Pace and Love Sylvia

Modified by SlimSylv