HELP! Firefox deleted ALL my passwords! Then so did Thunderbird!
Firefox deleted ALL my saved passwords. 5 years worth. I just restarted my comp after trying to work on it, and, THUNDERBIRD just did the same thing! Luckily I took a screen shot before so I have my info for T-Bird, but what is going on here???
There's got to be some update or Java error going on, or should I lose it completely b/c someone's got a hack out there stealing it all??
I've tried the various fixes on here - and others with the renaming of file and trying to force it to use old profiles - none of this works...
Help! Thanks!
All Replies (8)
In the new version of Firefox, version 32 there is a new file in your profile that managed passwords: You can force Firefox to reimport the passwords from the signons.sqlite file.
- reset the signon.importedFromSqlite pref on the about:config page to the default value via the right-click context menu
- delete the logins.json file in the Firefox profile folder with Firefox closed
Note that the above will only work if you haven't made changes to the Master Password, so the key3.db file hasn't changed.
You can use this button to go to the currently used Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I'll be careful" to continue.
These can't get your data back, but will help in the future.
These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox
FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.
OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences
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.
UPDATE: OK, it gets weirder. Firefox has now deleted the passwords several times! As has thuderbird... Is there some kind of phantom virus out there?
Now, FF won;t Sync.
I am a pretty exp'd user and know code, etc. - not a newbie. It's spooks me this keeps happening. The only thing I might do it completely uninstall, reinstall and then sync the data...
AGain, thanks & HELP!
Until this issue is resolved, DO NOT SYNC. Sorry for that.
Assuming the Sync copy is intact, it could corrupt it.
It could be the work of one of your add-ons, or even add / mal-ware.
Type about:addons<Enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac:<Command>)<Shift> A)
In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Make sure you know what each one is and what it does.
Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.
Also, check the programs that are on your computer
Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.
Go thru the list. If you find something that you don't know what it is, use a web search.
If you don't see anything;
Type about:support in the address bar and press Enter. Under the main banner, press the button; Copy Text To Clipboard.. Then in the reply box at the bottom of this page, do a right click in the box and select Paste. This will show us your system details. No Personal Information Is Collected.