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do firefox 'saved passwords' remain after backing up to external hd and factory resetting mac?

  • 3 replies
  • 0 have this problem
  • 12 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

raspberryrose
raspberryrose
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Hi, Am backing up a laptop that needs to go overnight to a repair shop and want to wipe it clean for privacy. Will the passwords saved by firefox be saved in the backup as well?

I've also downloaded them to a csv file as an additional precaution, but have no idea how to reload them into 'saved passwords' after the repairs are complete, as no option is provided for that - only the option to import from another browser... Thanks for your help!

PS: also, why does mozilla require a manual login to this support forum when my login is saved in it's own password saver?? It is not auto-filling it as expected.

Hi, Am backing up a laptop that needs to go overnight to a repair shop and want to wipe it clean for privacy. Will the passwords saved by firefox be saved in the backup as well? I've also downloaded them to a csv file as an additional precaution, but have no idea how to reload them into 'saved passwords' after the repairs are complete, as no option is provided for that - only the option to import from another browser... Thanks for your help! PS: also, why does mozilla require a manual login to this support forum when my login is saved in it's own password saver?? It is not auto-filling it as expected.

Modified by raspberryrose

Chosen solution

You need to enable import CSV in the Password Manager (about:logins) via the about:config page as this menu item is currently hidden for performance reasons.

You need to close and restart Firefox to make the Import menu item appear in the gear menu on the about:logins page.

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All Replies (3)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

You need to enable import CSV in the Password Manager (about:logins) via the about:config page as this menu item is currently hidden for performance reasons.

You need to close and restart Firefox to make the Import menu item appear in the gear menu on the about:logins page.

raspberryrose
raspberryrose Question owner
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Hi cor-el, Would I do this before I hit factory reset or after? Thank you!

cor-el
cor-el
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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You would have to do this when you have your device back and want to reinstall Firefox and access your logins.

You can also backup other important files in the profile folder.

You can copy certain files in the current profile folder with Firefox closed to transfer/recover/backup your personal data. Note that best is to avoid restoring a full profile folder.

  • 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 (decryption 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)