The answer is to make a sync account and your history will be on the new computer.

Yes, that is the correct way to backup from one PC and restore to another PC.

Do I connect the computers via USB or over the network?

Does syncing do both Firefox and Thunderbird, and does it do everything Mozbackup does? E.g., not just the history, but the entire profile.

It seems Mozbackup does it all via one removable disk. Even if syncing is the preferred way, will Mozbackup work?

Sync is entirely different than using Mozbackup. Plus, Sync isn't available for Thunderbird.

I would add Sync can be slightly unreliable, and even has known issues like the ability to corrupt and duplicate bookmarks. Also you will not be able to use a master password with Sync.

I tend to view Sync as a convenient but not reliable luxury.

I don't have a Sync panel on the menu. No Options choice either. What do I do?

Hi @ErnieLane,

If you do not have a sync panel on the menu, it is likely that you have a older version. Please click here first to update the Firefox: Upgrade Firefox

The best way for taking your Firefox is by sync. But this is not available for Thunderbird.

Firefox sync is the best choice and I would recommend it over Mozbackup.

It is very easy to set up Firefox sync.

First set up Sync in Firefox in Windows 7. Here is information on how to do it with video: How do I set up Firefox Sync?

Then open your new Windows 8 computer, Install latest Firefox by clicking here: Download Firefox

Then add this Device to Firefox Sync. click here: Add device to Firefox sync

OK, Sync is better for Firefox. But I have to use Mozbackup for Thunderbird; _can_ I use it for Firefox? IOW, Sync is better, but can I just use Mozbackup since I have to use it for Thunderbird anyway?

Sync does not synchronize everything in a user's Profile.

Depending upon the extensions installed, the actual extensions might be sync'd, but customizations and preferences for some most extensions won't be carried forward to other devices.

The reason I ask is because there is no "Sign in to Sync" in my menu. In the place shown in the instructions is my email address.

That means you are already signed into sync. You can simply sign into firefox on your new Windows 8.1 machine and Firefox will try to sync the settings.

I set up Sync, and nothing happened. I can get to a Firefox page, but I cannot find my email or any of the info that was supposed to be transferred to the new computer.