# Problems Using MobileMe

1Password does not include any code for Apple’s MobileMe service. The syncing of the 1Password keychain with MobileMe is provided for “free” by the Mac OS X keychain.

While there is nothing we can do to fix the MobileMe problems directly, we have collected a set of workarounds for some of the most common issues we have seen. Please note that these are not official MobileMe fixes or recommendations; for official answers, please contact Apple support.

## Before Starting: MobileMe Is Not Recommended

We no longer recommend using MobileMe for syncing your 1Password keychain. There are simply too many problems that can occur.

Syncing of password information in a reliable and robust manner is critical so we recommend you review and choose one of the many non-MobileMe sync solutions available for 1Password instead.

## Problem #1: 1Password’s keychain is not being synced

Be sure to get MobileMe working first, and verify that your default keychain is being synchronized before trying to sync your 1Password data. This is very important because if MobileMe cannot sync your login keychain, it will not be able to sync the 1Password keychain.

When new keychains are created, they are not automatically synchronized via MobileMe. Configure the 1Password keychain to sync using OS X’s Keychain Access utility.

## Problem #2: MobileMe won’t accept my password, but I know it’s correct.

Sometimes MobileMe caches your password and stubbornly refuses to forget it. We searched Apple’s lists and MacFixIt and found some articles that addressed how to reset the Master Keychain password:

- article #1 on the Apple lists website
- article #2 on the macosx.com website

## Problem #3: The 1Password keychain will not sync, even after you tell it to.

Sometimes you need to “kick start” the syncing process before MobileMe will realize it is supposed to sync the 1Password keychain.

## Problem # 4: Corrupt entries and decryption errors

Sadly, MobileMe often creates corrupt entries. This manifests in 1Password as a “Decryption Error -2147415734,” which happens because the actual keychain data itself is corrupted. There are a few threads on the Apple Discussion boards about this issue:

- Post #1
- Post #2

Interestingly enough, you’ll notice in the Apple discussion forums that people are reporting problems with the default login keychain even when 1Password is not installed.

Unfortunately, the cause of this issue is not fully understood and you should call Apple for the official answer. We have found some steps that sometimes fix the issue (at least temporarily) and have documented them for your convenience. Please refer to the “Decryption Error -2147415734” section of the Failed to Decrypt OS X Keychain Item article.

## Problem #5: MobileMe will not remember my password

This screenshot shows MobileMe asking for the password to sync the keychains:

This is not the 1Password application asking you for the password, but rather MobileMe.

This constant asking for the password could be caused by MobileMe being unable to store the password into the default keychain. To fix this, try the following:

- Back up the login.keychain file located in the Library > Keychains folder
- Run the /Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access utility
- Select the login keychain
- Search and delete all items of the type “.Mac password” (make sure you know your .Mac/MobileMe password before doing this)
- Restart your computer or log out and back in.

## Problem #6: Syncing constantly deletes items, asks to delete all items, creates duplicates, and other issues.

MobileMe syncing problems are so plentiful and convoluted that honestly we do not understand what is going on half the time. Sometimes performing the “force sync” procedure mentioned in Problem #3 will fix these issues. Additionally, Apple has its own document on using keychains with MobileMe and troubleshooting keychain issues that you may find helpful.

## Problem #7: MobileMe syncing fails between Leopard and Tiger computers

Syncing between Leopard and Tiger is riddled with issues and we have been informed by users that Apple told them to remove all their Tiger computers from MobileMe syncing. The “solution” to this problem is apparently not to use Tiger.

## Problem # 8: Resetting your MobileMe data

Correctly clearing MobileMe data is unnecessarily complex. Ars Technica’s David Chartier has written a detailed how-to article that will hopefully help.

## Nothing Works! My head hurts!

This is where all of us on the Agile team found ourselves. We recommend you stop banging your head against the wall and try an alternative to MobileMe syncing. You can solve all these issues with the click of a button by upgrading to the Agile Keychain and using one of the other sync solutions available for 1Password.

If you tripped over anything not listed above while setting up 1Password’s keychain with MobileMe or working with Apple, please let us know and we will add it to this document.