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Why is sync so difficult to use? No wonder more and more are switching to Chrome

  • 3 cavab
  • 3 have this problem
  • 30 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

300bhpton
300bhpton
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I've tried to setup sync between to machines. I already had an account and had previously setup sync.

However it's mind boggling difficult and just doesn't appear to work.

Machine 1, the one with the content I want to see on another machine. First off, in the Sync menu you get:

-Set up Firefox Sync -Pair a Device

Unless you know in advance, it's pretty unobvious to a a user which one you are meant to click!!

So clicking Set up Firefox Sync then I Have an Account which gives me a code.

On other PC I click Pair a Device as it tells me on machine 1 and enter the code - click Next and get whirling wheel until I then get options of:

-Set up Firefox Sync -Pair a Device

WTF????

Click I Have an Account

It asks for Account/Username and Recovery key....

I have no recovery key. Machine 1 does not have the menu option stated to find or reset it - WTF again!!!!

Machine 2 has an option of 'I have lost my other device', but it does nothing when you click on it - have another WTF!!!!!


Why is something that should be so simple so difficult?

And what do I need to do to actually get this to work?

I've tried to setup sync between to machines. I already had an account and had previously setup sync. However it's mind boggling difficult and just doesn't appear to work. Machine 1, the one with the content I want to see on another machine. First off, in the Sync menu you get: -Set up Firefox Sync -Pair a Device Unless you know in advance, it's pretty unobvious to a a user which one you are meant to click!! So clicking Set up Firefox Sync then I Have an Account which gives me a code. On other PC I click Pair a Device as it tells me on machine 1 and enter the code - click Next and get whirling wheel until I then get options of: -Set up Firefox Sync -Pair a Device WTF???? Click I Have an Account It asks for Account/Username and Recovery key.... I have no recovery key. Machine 1 does not have the menu option stated to find or reset it - WTF again!!!! Machine 2 has an option of 'I have lost my other device', but it does nothing when you click on it - have another WTF!!!!! Why is something that should be so simple so difficult? And what do I need to do to actually get this to work?

All Replies (3)

300bhpton
300bhpton Question owner
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Some screengrabs.

All I want to do is sync the bookmarks on this machine with another machine.

guigs
guigs
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Hi 300bhpton, I understand the frustration. If you would like, check out the new sync in Firefox 30.

A brief overview of the set up you are encountering: the first page -Set up Firefox Sync -Pair a Device is either you have an account already and you are pairing the device you see this menu, or you are setting it up for the first time. If you have an account it gives you a code to plug into the first device you set up sync on. If you do not have the device there is this link on the bottom left of that menu. On the second device you select pair a device if it is not set up yet, and enter the number from the first device. If you do not have the device with you, you need the account and password as well as the recovery key. The first device, if sync was set up the first time then the recovery key is given after you successfully set up the account.

Please set up the account on one device first and follow the steps in this article. How do I set up Sync on my computer?

I recommend trying the new sync. The menu and test cases are much nicer ;-) If you already have an account: Sync your Firefox bookmarks, history, passwords and more

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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The "I have lost my other device" link to reset the sync key only works if you have entered the correct user name and password for an existing sync account.