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For several of the most recent versions of Firefox, I have been unable to get Firefox to save preferences, passwords, or any other information, except browsing history.

  • 5 replies
  • 26 have this problem
  • 8 views
  • Last reply by BearPup

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I have double-checked the various settings in the options sub-menu under tools, and made similar checks in CCleaner, with no luck. Any ideas, with specific instructions, on how I might make some underlying changes to correct this (e.g., to be able to save these passwords and settings)? My bank won't recognize my computer in Firefox, but will in IE 9. The same is true for any other site such as UPS, USPS, Staples, and any other place cookies, preferences, passwords are stored (asked to be remembered); email, passwords, and other account login data is remembered when typed directly in at a login portal, such as hotmail.

I have double-checked the various settings in the options sub-menu under tools, and made similar checks in CCleaner, with no luck. Any ideas, with specific instructions, on how I might make some underlying changes to correct this (e.g., to be able to save these passwords and settings)? My bank won't recognize my computer in Firefox, but will in IE 9. The same is true for any other site such as UPS, USPS, Staples, and any other place cookies, preferences, passwords are stored (asked to be remembered); email, passwords, and other account login data is remembered when typed directly in at a login portal, such as hotmail.

Chosen solution

Websites remembering you and automatically log you on is stored in a cookie.

  • Create an allow cookie exception (Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies: Exceptions) to keep such a cookie, especially for secure websites and if cookies expire when Firefox is closed.

Make sure that you do not run Firefox in Private Browsing mode.

Do not use Clear Recent History to clear the "Cookies" and the "Site Preferences"

Clearing "Site Preferences" clears all exceptions for cookies, images, pop-up windows, software installation, and passwords.


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Chosen Solution

Websites remembering you and automatically log you on is stored in a cookie.

  • Create an allow cookie exception (Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies: Exceptions) to keep such a cookie, especially for secure websites and if cookies expire when Firefox is closed.

Make sure that you do not run Firefox in Private Browsing mode.

Do not use Clear Recent History to clear the "Cookies" and the "Site Preferences"

Clearing "Site Preferences" clears all exceptions for cookies, images, pop-up windows, software installation, and passwords.


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Thank you very much. I had never heard of "private browsing" before, and don't know how it had gotten set to turn on automatically, but that is how it was set. I have to check out whether this solves the problem, but when I signed on to the support page, I was asked whether I wanted my password saved - - a very hopeful sign.

So again, my thanks. I'll let you know more after I do some testing. BearPuppy

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Thank you again. That was the problem. As I said earlier, I never heard of "private browsing", so I would never have had a clue where to look. Your expertise is greatly appreciated.

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RE the above: 'In Private Browsing mode Firefox won't fill names and passwords automatically and won't offer to store new passwords'. I totally disagree. The only time my yahoo sign on is kept is when I am in private viewing...When I am not in that mode, and I check the yahoo 'keep me signed on' box, it does not keep it......Go figure.

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To Fireconfused: As I said in my earlier post, turning off private browsing solved the problem for me, but as I'd never heard of private browsing previously, I'm in no position to comment or understand how it works or doesn't work.

All I know is that having turned off private browsing, passwords are asked for, updated, and remembered - - even my bank remembers me now.

The only possible clue I can suggest is that I use a POP3 / PPPoE connection; I think yahoo uses something different.