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How do we copy and export login names and passwords from new to old mac computer? Also copy paste issue on Firefox.

  • 10 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 11 views
  • Last reply by hksunshine

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Old computer has all our passwords and logins. We upgraded memory and all that was lost. Have recreated most on new computer but now we need to know how to copy and export login names. Info new computer running mac os 10.11.5 and Firefox 47.0. Old mac is running Mac os 10.6.8 (highest it will run) and Firefox 46.0.1. Please very simple instructions on what to do to make this trasfer is needed. Most of hwat I read on this site is either about pc or transfering from old computer to new ours is reverse.

On another issue when I want to cut and past many times can cut but not paste on firefox (either version & either computer) but have no issue doing so in Safari on either computer. Any one else with this issue is there a fix for it?

Old computer has all our passwords and logins. We upgraded memory and all that was lost. Have recreated most on new computer but now we need to know how to copy and export login names. Info new computer running mac os 10.11.5 and Firefox 47.0. Old mac is running Mac os 10.6.8 (highest it will run) and Firefox 46.0.1. Please very simple instructions on what to do to make this trasfer is needed. Most of hwat I read on this site is either about pc or transfering from old computer to new ours is reverse. On another issue when I want to cut and past many times can cut but not paste on firefox (either version & either computer) but have no issue doing so in Safari on either computer. Any one else with this issue is there a fix for it?

All Replies (10)

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Just to be clear on first issue transfer is from new computer to old. Second issue most time trying to transfer from one site to ebay or craigs list, from word to those sites, or even trying to post question above from word, had to retype instead of cut and past.

Modified by hksunshine

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Look for these files in the original profile; key3.db and logins.json : These are the Password files. Copy Both !


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.


Password Exporter {web link} This extension allows you to export your saved passwords and disabled login hosts using XML or CSV files that can be imported later.

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No such files on new computer. Did search and Password explorer does not help as no info on how to use it.

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hksunshine said

We upgraded memory and all that was lost.

How was the data lost?

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it must have been on old memory sticks?????????

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Fred provided a link to the Add-ons site to install the Password Exporter extension. If that didn't come through in email, please view the discussion here on the support site. Can you get it installed on your old Firefox?

If so:

You should be able to access the export feature here:

"3-bar" menu button (or Firefox menu) > Preferences

In the left column, click Security. Then on the right side, find the "Saved Logins" button. A new export/import feature should be added to that dialog.

If it's not there: You can use the Preferences button for the extension on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Command+Shift+a (Windows: Ctrl+Shift+a)
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then find Password Exporter on the right side and click its Preferences button.

Okay, then:

According to its page on the Add-ons site, you then should be able to create an export file using something like this:

On the "receiving" Firefox, you'll install the extension and then use the Import feature.

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OK so maybe that solves first issue..was able to transfer passwords but have not checked that works yet.

2nd issue still remains! To wit: When we want to cut and paste most times [intermittant issue] can cut but not paste to firefox (either version & either computer) but have no issue doing so in Safari on either computer. Usually trying to transfer from a site to ebay or craigs list, from word to ebay or craigs, or even trying to post question here from word, had to retype instead of cut and paste in firefox.

Modified by hksunshine

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Hi hksunshine, some sites have complex editors, but the box on this site is very basic. You should always be able to paste into it. I can't think of any built-in feature to block it.

Have you tried all the methods, and do any of them work?

  • Command+v
  • right-click (or Ctrl+click) > Paste
  • Edit menu > Paste

Could you test in Firefox's Safe Mode? In Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, and some other advanced features to help you assess whether these are causing the problem.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the option/alt key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?

I suppose if this problem is intermittent, this test might not tell us anything if just quitting Firefox and starting it up again could resolve the problem...

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Can you copy and paste data from within Firefox like a bookmark (link) from the Bookmarks Manager (Library) to a text area?

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Thank you for suggestions however as noted this cut and paste problem is only an issue with firefox not safari so issue is within Firefox and that is what needs an easy resolution. Issue is intermittent so even if it works one time will not another and vice versa. Looking for a simple fix not going through difficult steps and safe modes etc.