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How do I transfer passwords to another operating system (Windows to Mac)?

  • 3 replies
  • 6 have this problem
  • 11 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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I have figured out how to transfer my bookmarks from a windows machine to a MacOS machine, but am stumped by the passwords file. I have maybe 300 urls with a password, and really do NOT want to reenter each one manually in my new MacBookPro. I am presently using Firefox on a PC with Windows XP Pro. I want to end up with my complete Firefox setup in an Apple MacBookPro running Snow Leopard. So,,, how do I transfer my passwords from one operating system to another.

I have figured out how to transfer my bookmarks from a windows machine to a MacOS machine, but am stumped by the passwords file. I have maybe 300 urls with a password, and really do NOT want to reenter each one manually in my new MacBookPro. I am presently using Firefox on a PC with Windows XP Pro. I want to end up with my complete Firefox setup in an Apple MacBookPro running Snow Leopard. So,,, how do I transfer my passwords from one operating system to another.

All Replies (3)

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To backup or restore passwords in Firefox 3.5/6 you need two files: key3.db and signons.sqlite.

Firefox 3.5 and later use signons.sqlite to store the names and passwords. The matching file key3.db that stores the encryption key is also required to access the encrypted names and passwords. Problem with either file will cause the passwords to disappear.

See also http://kb.mozillazine.org/Password_Manager#Backing_up_and_restoring_passwords

Modified by cor-el

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Ah, that's not a very helpful reply because it does not address the actual question. This is NOT a question about backing-up or restoring passwords. Sorry..... Bill

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You can copy the two files that I mentioned from the Windows profile to the profile folder on the Mac. That should work.

See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox