Why do you want to do that if you are unsure how to do it?

You will need a suitable sql reader/editer either standalone or an add on. Try a web search.

I have lost some user names and passwords for programs that Firefox opened for me. Now I can't get into my trip Advisor Account and others.

Thanks, John

Firefox encrypts such data with a key file, a simple SQL editor is not going to help you.

What do you mean by I have lost some user names and passwords for

• have you merely forgotten them yourself ?
• did you use a master password ?

Have you seen

• Reset your Primary Password if you've forgotten it
• Usernames and passwords are not saved
• Password manager - Remember, delete, change and import saved passwords in Firefox

Many sites will have methods for resetting their passwords for you, or sending reminders.

My main problem is with Trip Advisor. I cannot access the section to make administrative changes which I have not done for 2 yeaers. I think Firefox retained the login and password so I want to find the files that has that information. I have looked through all the forum advice in Firefox and basically it suggest to open two files; one is a db file and the other a SQLite file and the information should be there. This is really frustrating and I'm afraid I am somewhat computer illiterate. I do appreciate your advice, John. Thanks very much. Starr

You did not answer my question about a master password, but I will assume that you are not using one, but perhaps you will say in your next post. Not using a master password could make your system less secure, but in this instance that is an advantage.

First of all have you contacted Trip Advisor, (read any FAQs/instructions on the site - you will not need a password to do that) can they send you a password reminder ?
If for instance you changed your password whilst in Firefox private browsing mode, Firefox will not have the correct information so you will need to get a reminder or reset your trip advisor password.

I do not think your idea of trying to find passwords in files is going to help you

1. the info, if it is there, is encrypted for security, so you are not able to read anything useful
2. if it is there you should be able to access it using normal methods
   • I suppose I should ask an obvious question, have you used the normal method and looked at your saved passwords ?
   • use Firefox Button -> Options ->|security|
     -> Passwords [Saved Passwords]
     that gives you a listing of passwords saved by firefox
   • see Security and passwords settings & viewing

Did you have other passwords saved, are they also a problem ?

There are methods of backing up or otherwise storing passwords, although using a master password is normally simple and reliable.

• see http://kb.mozillazine.org/Password_Manager#Backing_up_and_restoring_passwords