#1364 The composite key is invalid

[David]

I am getting this message on current and backup versions of the database. The only unusual thing is that they are not on the Linux system on which they were created. However I have used them on the new system, checked and added a new password all using v2. Restored a backup, that doesn't work. I am using a key file with no password. Why would this happen? If I can't recover I am unable to place any faith in this tool.

[Paul]

This will not be a bug in KeePass, more likely you are using the wrong key file. Check that you only have one key file on your system.
You may have selected "Master Password" as well as key file, but not entered a password. This is different from only selecting "Key File".

cheers, Paul

[David]

I had only the one key file on the system until I tried a recovery. All this work was done in new directories to keep them apart. I have never used a password and, of course, making sure password was not selected was the first thing I did.

I am not the first to experience this problem.

[wellread1]

If you have backups that can't be opened, but they are known good copies (password files that are copies of a file that were subsequently opened) and they used the same Master Key, then the only explanation is you are providing wrong Master Key. If you changed your Master Key recently try the old Master Key.

• A blank master password (blank field with "Master Password" checked) is different than no master password (blank field with "Master Password" unchecked). Try opening the database with "Master Password" check box either checked or unchecked.

• Verify that you are using the correct key file. If the internal contents of the key file got changed for any reason (KeePass won't change it) then the key file is invalid. What is the nature of your key file? If you have a backup of your key file try it.
  .
  Note: If you use a key file you should back it up.

• Did you use your Windows User Account as part of the Master Key? If so the "Windows User Account" check box must be checked and the database can not be opened on different User Accounts.

• Are you storing your database in the cloud? If so how?

[Paul]

I am not the first to experience this problem.

No, but the answer is always the same, you have not remembered your master key correctly. There must be something you did / didn't do that produces the wrong master key.

cheers, Paul

[David]

The master key you refer to is the key file? Then I acceoted what was generated the first time I used keypass, NewDatabase.key to match NewDatabase.kdbx. I never generated any other ones, nor did I ever have any problems with a password, it just worked, until yesterday.

When I start the application it asks for the file (of passwords) I select New... It then asks for the Master Key, the Password box is unchecked and the field is blank, it has always been that way.

Perhaps it is too reliant on Mono or some other external software which may have changed?

[Paul]

Mono or other software will not be the issue.
I have not seen KeePass ask for the database, it either opens with no database loaded or opens the last used. Are you sure it is asking for the database?

1. Check you are using the correct database.
2. Check you are using the correct key file.

cheers, Paul