Recently we told you why we don''t like users to save their passwords in Thunderbird or Firefox. If you still want to save your passwords, set up a master password to protect yourself.

Thunderbird and Firefox are always offering to save passwords you enter. It makes life easier not to have to enter them all the time, but one problem is that anyone who opens your Thunderbird or Firefox can request to view your saved passwords. A master password safeguards against that: In order to view saved passwords you have to know the master password.

Creating a Master Password

1. In Thunderbird, select Thunderbird-->Preferences (Mac) or Tools-->Options (PC). In Firefox, select Firefox-->Preferences (Mac) or Tools-->Options (PC).
2. Click on the Security padlock icon.
3. Check "Use a master password."
4. Enter a new master password, something you will remember but that is sufficiently secure to deter snoopers. You will have to type it twice, the second time for verification.
5. Click on "OK" and then close up the Preferences/Options, and you're all set.

You will be asked for the master password any time you request to view saved passwords.

If you Forget the Master Password

There is a way to remove the master password if you forget what it is. The catch is that, for security reasons, doing this will also force Thunderbird or Firefox to forget all saved passwords.

Firefox

1. Type "chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul" into the address (left side) bar.
2. Press the Enter or Return key.
3. Click "Reset."
4. Confirm that you want to reset it and you're all set.

Thunderbird 

1. Choose Tools --> Error Console
2. Paste the expression:
openDialog("chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul")
3. Click "Evaluate."
4. Confirm the reset.
5. Click "OK."
6. Close the window.