Formatted HDD - saved profile data but couldn't import - how do I manually?
So I've done a little searching and it appears that I should just be able to copy the "key3.db" and "signons.sqlite" files over from the profile saved in my windows.old folder but when I do that password manager shows up blank.
Looking at https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recovering-important-data-from-an-old-profile?esab=a&as=aaq It also references a file "logins.json" which I have in my newly created FireFox profile but doesn't exist in my older profile.
Instead my old profile does have "signons3" (filetype not displayed).
I've tried copying just the key3.db and signons.sqlite files over but password manager shows up blank.
Chosen solution
This didn't prompt me to import data from an older profile.
But it did give me an idea. I copied the entire folder as suggested. I then did a search in windows.old for key3, locating my previous profile.
I deleted everything in the new profile I was trying to import the old data into and copied all the folders and files from my old profile, located in windows.old into the 'current' profile.
Worked and now I have access to all my old logins.
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hello JohnnyVulcan, the password database format changed from firefox version 31 to 32. i'd suggest creating a backup of the contents of your current profile first before you proceed: Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles
please try the following in order to initialise the database migration again: to enter about:config into the firefox address bar (confirm the info message in case it shows up) & search for the preference named signon.importedFromSqlite - right-click and reset that entry to the default value and close the browser afterwards. then go into your profile folder and delete the logins.json file in there manually and start the browser again..
Chosen Solution
This didn't prompt me to import data from an older profile.
But it did give me an idea. I copied the entire folder as suggested. I then did a search in windows.old for key3, locating my previous profile.
I deleted everything in the new profile I was trying to import the old data into and copied all the folders and files from my old profile, located in windows.old into the 'current' profile.
Worked and now I have access to all my old logins.
It should normally work with these steps:
- 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
When you restart Firefox then you should have the signon.importedFromSqlite pref with the value set to true and you should have the passwords imported in the Password Manager unless there may have been errors.
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