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As of 2/19/12 I could open two independent firefox windows and they did not share cookies. As of now (2/23/12) if I open two independent firefox windows they do share cookies. How do I get them to stop sharing cookies?

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by cor-el

eeyore464
eeyore464
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When google decided to change their privacy and sharing policies I started using two different windows to do all internet browsing and work. I would open my gmail in one window and then do everything else in another window so that google couldn't tie my searches and other internet activity together with my google accounts.

This process was working well for me until about three days ago, when all of a sudden my two Firefox windows started sharing cookies. I know for a fact they had not been sharing cookies previously because I personally go in and clear them after I visit certain websites.

From my research on this issue it seems that in the past this was the default way all firefox windows operated (sharing cookies with one another), so I don't know why I managed to get several weeks of not sharing cookies and suddenly they are sharing. But I just want to go back to the way it was just this weekend. Please help or I'll be forced to use IE and that would be sad.

When google decided to change their privacy and sharing policies I started using two different windows to do all internet browsing and work. I would open my gmail in one window and then do everything else in another window so that google couldn't tie my searches and other internet activity together with my google accounts. This process was working well for me until about three days ago, when all of a sudden my two Firefox windows started sharing cookies. I know for a fact they had not been sharing cookies previously because I personally go in and clear them after I visit certain websites. From my research on this issue it seems that in the past this was the default way all firefox windows operated (sharing cookies with one another), so I don't know why I managed to get several weeks of not sharing cookies and suddenly they are sharing. But I just want to go back to the way it was just this weekend. Please help or I'll be forced to use IE and that would be sad.

All Replies (2)

John99
John99
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Firefox stores cookies on a per site basis.

I am guessing that what you are seeing is that Google is sharing cookies across its own sites.

It is possible (an advanced subject not normally covered in this forum) to open multiple instances of Firefox with separate profiles, and thus separate cookies. A more normal method of achieving that is to use a separate user OS account. Or possibly to use firefox portable.

I have not myself followed news of Googles cookies policies, but I see it is in the news again http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/02/22/ico_enquires_about_google_system_for_serving_third_party_cookies/

cor-el
cor-el
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You can look this extension.

Otherwise you will have to use two separate profiles to be completely independent.

Use the -no-remote command line switch to open another Firefox instance with its own profile.