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Master password got lost by your last upgrade

  • 6 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by cor-el

RenoHuskerDu
RenoHuskerDu
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You guys had a big update, all that fast new performance. My master password (MP) was missing after installing the update.

So I ran that way for a few days, but didn't want my password to be unprotected. So I put in a new MP, but it's apparently corrupted. I can't login to see my stored passwords. The MP challenge popup comes up over and over. Woe is me.

Guess I'll go to Brave unless you have a fix. If I have to lose all my saved password by resetting my MP, there's no reason to continue using Firefox.

You guys had a big update, all that fast new performance. My master password (MP) was missing after installing the update. So I ran that way for a few days, but didn't want my password to be unprotected. So I put in a new MP, but it's apparently corrupted. I can't login to see my stored passwords. The MP challenge popup comes up over and over. Woe is me. Guess I'll go to Brave unless you have a fix. If I have to lose all my saved password by resetting my MP, there's no reason to continue using Firefox.

All Replies (6)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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In the event that the passwords information is lost, you should record all information in a separate text file somewhere else on your hard drive, or written down. You can easily copy and paste if you need to do so. If you are concerned about someone else looking at that file, you can compress it using a password.

RenoHuskerDu said

I can't login to see my stored passwords.

Do you mean the master you enter is not excepted?

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Separate Security Issue: Update your Flash Player Note: Windows users should download the ActiveX for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the ActiveX.

Flash Player Version: Version 28.0.0.161

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only> +++++++++++++++++++ See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

RenoHuskerDu
RenoHuskerDu Question owner
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FredMcD said

In the event that the passwords information is lost, you should record all information in a separate text file somewhere else on your hard drive, or written down. You can easily copy and paste if you need to do so. If you are concerned about someone else looking at that file, you can compress it using a password. RenoHuskerDu said
I can't login to see my stored passwords.

Do you mean the master you enter is not excepted?

The MP is not accepted. First it disappeared, now it seems to be corrupted. If there is no way to reset the MP without erasing all my stored passwords, I'll just switch to Brave for good.

FredMcD
FredMcD
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RenoHuskerDu said

there is no way to reset the MP without erasing all my stored passwords,

No.

https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Forgot+my+master+password Resetting your master password will remove all of your saved usernames and passwords. This is a security feature. Type chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul<Enter> in the address bar.


I called for more help.

RenoHuskerDu
RenoHuskerDu Question owner
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FredMcD said

RenoHuskerDu said
there is no way to reset the MP without erasing all my stored passwords,

No.

https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Forgot+my+master+password Resetting your master password will remove all of your saved usernames and passwords. This is a security feature. Type chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul<Enter> in the address bar.


I called for more help.

Yes it makes sense as a security feature. Shame the update tossed my old MP. You requested backline supt? Thanks.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Firefox 58+ uses key4.db (SQLite) for storing the encryption key including the master password. Prior Firefox versions used a key3.db file. It is possible that something went wrong with the migration and a key4.db got created that doesn't have the master password.

Do you have logins.json or also logins.json.corrupt and key4.db and key3.db in the profile folder?

Backup all four files I mentioned if they are present. If you have key3.db and logins.json.corrupt then rename this file to logins.json and remove key4.db with Firefox closed, so you only have logins.json and key3.db. Start Firefox and see if that restores the master password and your passwords.

You can use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.