hello mick, is the account name that shows on top of the firefox > options > sync the same one on both devices?

You need to set up Sync on at least one (desktop) computer to be able to add other devices via the 12-character pairing code.
Both devices need to be online at the same time if you want to pair a device with the (3x4) 12-character code.
Sync needs to be set up and working on at least one (desktop) computer, so you can enter the 12-character code, provided by the device (computer) that you want to pair, in three fields to pair a device on the computer that has a working Sync setup.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/add-a-device-to-firefox-sync

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/how-do-i-manage-my-firefox-sync-account
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/firefox-sync-troubleshooting-and-tips

Ah I see. Thanks. That's the problem then. I'm at my parents for the weekend which is 100 miles away from my pc so i can't really have both on at the same time. I guess i'll need to transfer bookmarks etc using a usb stick but will i still be able to sync them up?

You probably also do not have your sync key at hand that would allow to enter the credentials manually?

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)

Once you have setup Sync and it is running on both computers then all selected data (see the Sync options) should sync.

See also:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Backing_up_and_restoring_bookmarks_-_Firefox

Thanks. No i only have the 12-character code with me. If i follow your instructions will that mean the data from this pc (pc2) will be transferred to pc1 & i'll lose the data on pc1 or will data from both pcs be merged? I want the data from pc1 to be transferred to pc2 not vice versa. If they are merged then that is ok. Hope you understand my questions!

The default Sync setting is to merge data on all computers.

If you want to transfer data from one computer to another then you can consider to choose "Replace all data on this device with my Sync data" (this only effects the first sync),so if you need to preserve data be careful with selecting this.

You can go to "Tools > Options > Sync" to select what to sync.

• Add-ons - Bookmarks - Passwords - Preferences - History - Tabs (tabs expire after a week)

You can click the "Manage Account" button and choose Reset Sync to select what to sync.

• Merge this device's data with my Sync data
• Replace all data on this device with my Sync data
• Replace all other devices with this device's data

Ok done that. I won't know until i get home whether it's worked. Many thanks anyway cor-el for your excellent & prompt advice!

Mick

You're welcome.