MobileMe: Prompted for password when syncing keychains

Resolution

To sync a keychain to other computers, enter the password of the computer where the keychain originated. Similarly, to sync a keychain to other user accounts on the original computer, other accounts must enter the originating account's password as well.

If the password is not known

If you are prompted for the keychain password of a computer to which you no longer have access, or if you are prompted for a keychain password that you do not remember, you can reset the master keychain password file used during syncing:

1. Back up any sync data that you wish to keep on the affected computers. You could use the MobileMe Backup application or Mac OS X as described here.
2. Reset the master keychain password file with these advanced instructions:
3. In the Finder, choose Utilities from the Go menu.
4. Open Terminal.
5. In the Terminal window, type (or copy and paste) the following command on a single line:

   /System/Library/Frameworks/SecurityFoundation.framework/Versions/A/Resources/kcSync.app/Contents/MacOS/kcSync -reset

6. Press Return.
7. After the command has executed, you should see a message in Terminal such as "Removing /Library/Keychains/.syncinfo/ login.keychain.syncinfo.plist was successful."
8. Quit Terminal.
9. Make sure MobileMe Sync is enabled by choosing System Preferences from the Apple menu, clicking the MobileMe icon, then clicking the Sync tab.

You may need to re-enable Keychain Synchronization on any synchronizing computer after taking these steps. Keychain may prompt you to update your settings in a variety of applications.

If all else fails, the MobileMe member can contact MobileMe Support for assistance.