Still having issues with gmail 2-step verify prompting for code daily

Submitted by kswartz on Fri, 12/06/2013 - 07:08

Forums:

I've been using XNotifier for a while, and notice that every so often, there is an update required to handle changes to Google's 2-step verification system. I'm on the latest release (3.3.9), and while the 2-step verify does work, it's prompting me for a new code every 12-24 hours, which is getting a bit maddening (especially when I get a text in the middle of the night).

I have followed the steps several times to clear the cookie for my gmail account in about:config (http://xnotifier.tobwithu.com/dp/node/19), but I still get prompted for a new code usually a day later.

Any idea what might be causing this? My google security was configured to allow authentication indefinitely, although I can't seem to find where they've moved that setting since I first set it up. Would running X-Notifier on two separate Firefox instances (different machines, but kept in sync with Firefox Sync) be throwing Google for a loop?

Thanks in advance,
Keith

 

CFBancroft's picture

CFBancroft

Fri, 12/06/2013 - 08:45

I stay with Firefox... not that often Google's 2-step verification asked me... When I open other 5 browers...

to check any update on Safari/Chrome/Opera and Thunderbird/Seamonkey to update patch plus X-notifier update to 3.3.9/10 that cause Firefox or other browers asked me AGAIN to confirm Google's 2-step verification.

I guess Google see other browers that cause "suspect" and send new code? who know...

ALSO... as you said "different machines" I have Mini-Mac and MacBook Pro... when I switch either computer and I notice that I need to type new code number.

I guess have nothing to do with X-notifier program? I guess Google did good job to catch "fishy"...

Thanks, CFBancroft

 

kswartz

Fri, 12/06/2013 - 13:01

Actually, I stand corrected. It just asked me for my code only two hours after entering it last. It seems to be sporadic. And I don't have any other browsers running or checking my Google mail right now, so I no longer think it's that. Also, just to be clear, the verification code SHOULD be specific to each machine. But I was wondering if Xnotifier asking on one machine somehow invalidated the code on the other machine (again, it shouldn't, unless XNotifier is making Google think both machines are the same exact client.)

I did change IP addresses in the last two hours, which may account for the most recent ping, but I'm still not clear why it's asking me daily. Unfortunately, it's just too often, and I may have to disable the plugin if I can't figure out how to get it back to what it was as of about a month ago (when it only asked me about once every 30 days).

Is there something in the log files that might reveal why Google is sending a verification code when it does?

Keith

kswartz

Fri, 12/06/2013 - 13:35

You mentioned 3.3.9/10 in your reply. Is there a version 3.3.10 that might address some of these issues? I just tried installing the latest from this site, and it gave me 3.3.9 (which I already have).

RpD

Fri, 12/06/2013 - 18:34

Basically, 3.3.9 is for Firefox (Mozilla based) products, 3.3.10 is the latest Chrome/Safari version.
(Opera seems to be showing 3.3.9 at the moment, also.)

Occasionally release numbers may get out of sync when there's a fix that's specific to one or the other.

kswartz

Sat, 12/14/2013 - 03:36

I finally had to give up. I was getting texts in the middle of the night with my verification code, and I've found no pattern to when it decides it needs to prompt me again. It happens about every 24 hours, and that's just too often, so I've disabled checking of my gmail accounts. Fortunately, I don't get email at that account very often, so hopefully it'll be addressed in the next update.

If there's anything I can provide by way of log files or debug material, please let me know.

Keith

tobwithu's picture

tobwithu

Sat, 12/14/2013 - 08:28

Log file can help to fix it.

But it should include the log when you get texts.

CFBancroft's picture

CFBancroft

Sat, 12/14/2013 - 12:07

I am not sure about windows but use your best judgment...

http://xnotifier.tobwithu.com/dp/node/875

widzhit

Wed, 12/18/2013 - 18:18

Same here. It works fine for couple of days and then starts asking for code every two-three hours.

Sparky01GT

Thu, 12/19/2013 - 04:04

Having the same problem. Been using this plug-in for years but over the last few months I've found myself having to disable it frequently when I get tired of the 2-step verification popping up. It's already done it twice (different codes) just today. If you can't find a way to get google to stop asking for the verification so frequently, then at least the plug-in could stop checking for mail until the code is entered. If I'm at work and unable to get to my PC to input the code I end up getting dozens of text messages as the plugin just keeps trying to check my mail.

Thank you.

RpD

Thu, 12/19/2013 - 05:58

...as the admin Tobwithu has said, you should try to get a log made while this verification is popping up.

With Firefox open (in Windows), you'll need to...

Right-click the X-Notifier envelope icon to get a pop-up menu
Hold SHIFT and click 'Help' in the pop-up menu (this enables logging)
Then... you can again right-click the X-Notifier envelope icon and click 'Check Now'
-- Important:  After doing that, you need to leave Firefox open and wait until you get another text asking for verification... as long as it takes,  (suggest you don't let computer go to 'sleep')
Answer the text properly, and wait a bit for it to be done.
(Perhaps you could do another 'Check Now' and wait for that to be done)
Next... go back to your still-open Firefox and right-click the X-Notifier envelope icon again,
In the pop-up menu, at the bottom, you should see:  Log  
...(IF necessary, scroll down the pop-up menu... hold mouse pointer at bottom of pop-up menu over tiny little down arrow)
Click on 'Log', and it will ask you to save the log file somewhere on your computer.
Then you can email that log file to xndevel@gmail.com
...and wait to see if Tobwithu can find the problem with that log file.

 You can close Firefox and the 'Log' option will disappear from the pop-up menu.

Sparky01GT

Sat, 12/21/2013 - 04:12

I quickly viewed this log file in Notepad and I'm not sure I'm comfortable sending it as it contains the subject of e-mails, the names of my gmail folders and who knows what other information. Is there a particular part of the file that would be helpful? Or I way I can view the log file with all the formatting intact so its easier to read and see what information it includes?

RpD

Sat, 12/21/2013 - 04:18

You'll have to ask the admin/author, Tobwithu (or wait for his reply). 
Myself, I wouldn't worry much about subjects and folder names, but I don't have explicit data in subjects and folder names... it's the 'who knows what' that is of interest. So, I don't know.