This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

I've reinstalled Windows, didn't backup Firefox bookmarks (i tought Firefox Sync will do that for me) and now it seems i've lost them. What can i do?

  • 6 replies
  • 21 have this problem
  • 12 views
  • Last reply by hoangtuan

andy310584
andy310584
more options

After reinstallation of Windows and reinstalling Firefox, i did the firefox sync with (i think) a newly generated key, because the old one was lost. after all the steps where completed and hitting the sync now button, no syncing was done. no old bookmarks links or directories we're restored. please help! thanks.

After reinstallation of Windows and reinstalling Firefox, i did the firefox sync with (i think) a newly generated key, because the old one was lost. after all the steps where completed and hitting the sync now button, no syncing was done. no old bookmarks links or directories we're restored. please help! thanks.

Chosen solution

You can't get your data from the Sync server without the proper SyncKey, which is used to encrypt your data going to the server and decrypt it when it is downloaded back to Firefox. When you obtain a new SyncKey for an account, the server is wiped of all your data so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (6)

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
  • Moderator
more options

Chosen Solution

You can't get your data from the Sync server without the proper SyncKey, which is used to encrypt your data going to the server and decrypt it when it is downloaded back to Firefox. When you obtain a new SyncKey for an account, the server is wiped of all your data so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

andy310584
andy310584 Question owner
more options

Ok. My mistake. I didn't new that if sync generates a new password you will lost all of your data. i'll be carefull next time. thanks edmeister!

dashwing
dashwing
more options

I have my old sync key, where do i enter it to get my old bookmarks, when i go to sync options in tools on FF4 i dont see any place to replace it and re-sync, thanks!

znzx_11@163.com
znzx_11@163.com
more options

me too

ctrc
ctrc
more options

Same for me. I have reinstalled windows. I tried to restore my bookmarks (previously Sync with FF4) but it's not working  !

However the Sync restored my passwords...

hoangtuan
hoangtuan
more options

Here is Solution for you if you want to get new sync key: 

     http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox%20Sync%20is%20not%20working#w_ive-lost-my-sync-key-what-can-i-do

Attention please: you can get new sync key for last account but your data in this account will be clear by this way.

Modified by hoangtuan