Works on older versions indicates something has changed in your current version.
What error message do you get?
Have you made any changes to your database recently?
Are you sure you are opening the correct file?
Is the current file about the same size as older versions?
cheers, Paul
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I was suggesting that you had an option ticked but didn't realise it.
Re-reading your post it seems you can open an older file. Are you sure you are attempting to open the correct recent file?
What date seems to be the cutoff? Did anything change around that date?
I notice you have 2 files one day apart that are over 10k different in size. What did you add / change on the 13th?
cheers, Paul
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Same problem here. Problem just started 12/18/16. Master password won't work on my mac, works fine on KyPass3 ios 10. Went through multiple old versions, same problem. Updated the KeepassX program to try to fix, no luck. Master password works fine on ios.
Last edit: Jim 2016-12-21
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Assuming you are certain that you are entering the correct the Master Key and the error message that appears does not indicate otherwise:
Can you make a copy of the 'broken' database and open it on a different computer where KeePass is known to work (e.g. on Windows)? If not, the particular copy of the database may be damaged.
Can you create a new database on the Mac using the program that won't open the 'broken' database? If you can that would also suggest a damaged database.
If it appears the database is damaged, try copying a known good copy of the database to your Mac and see if you can open it.
Your problem is hard to diagnose without additional information about how you are using KeePass elsewhere, what program you are using on the Mac, details of the error message, or what changed before 12/18/16. Since KeePass does not run natively on Mac you are probably using a third-party port of KeePass that is file compatible with KeePass. If that is the case, you will need to contact the developer of KeePass port that you are using to obtain more detailed help.
Last edit: wellread1 2016-12-21
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It may be that you are attempting to open the wrong file. Copy the file from your good device to a temporary location on the device that doesn't work, then try opening that file.
cheers, Paul
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A very embarrassing an awkward situation: I started a Keepass account, began to enter the mountain of different keywords but interrupted the process for a break over holidays. Now it does not recognize the master password that I believed I had safely written down (temporarily, of course!). As is stated on the web pages, there is no backdoor, in other words no way to reset a master password, is that right? One link that says "reset password" only leads to an ad for what seems to be another, commercial vault. Do I have to kill my account completely and start over, and if so, how is that done? Anybody, please!
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No, there is no back door.
KeePass stores all passwords in a single encrypted file, often called Database.kdbx because people don't rename it from the default.
You can create a new database by selecting File > New and choosing a new name for the file. I suggest you store the file with your normal documents so that when you backup your data / docs you also back up the database.
cheers, Paul
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Thanks Paul!
I got help from a friend already. What I had not realized was that I could create a brand new data base with a new name. Luckily I had not filled in very many entries in the first one, now deleted, so I did not really suffer.
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Same thing has happene to me. First time I have closed file in a while. Entered the correct password which 100% sure and says it is not correct. Rebooted my system today and password no longer works. A big ouch!!
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Are you sure you are attempting to open the correct database? Search for any files ending in KDB.
Have you shown the password by clicking the show password button - three dots?
Do you have a backup you can test?
cheers, Paul
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Same problem.
110% sure of master password, caps lock NOT engaged, have made no changes to database, had backup copy of database on external drive and opened it with Keepass from a PC that hasn't been turned on it 2 weeks and
Failed to load the specified file.
The composite key is invalid.
Make sure the composite key is right and try again.
Same failures on 2 other PCs as well as a recently used android phone using a 3rd copy of database.
I've been using Keepass for years and had an extensive database built up.
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You are absolutely right! I finally found where I had written down the password in the past and it was not the same as the one that I was so sure was correct. Not too embarrassed to admit I was wrong.
Thanks for the suggestions.
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Hello all.
Been using Keepass about 5 years now. My Master Password no longer seems to work. Rebooted was no help. Works on older versions.
What can I do?
Thanks.
Works on older versions indicates something has changed in your current version.
What error message do you get?
Have you made any changes to your database recently?
Are you sure you are opening the correct file?
Is the current file about the same size as older versions?
cheers, Paul
Paul,
Thanks for the reply.
Failed to load the specified file.
The composite key is invalid.
Make sure the composite key is right and try again.
None.
Yes.
No.
Did my .gif file make it?
Those versions are a long time apart. Do you have some more recent backups?
Are you sure you didn't have a box un/ticked in the Master Password dialog?
cheers, Paul
Paul,
Been using the MP since day 1. May have backup though....
Paul,
Even my most recent backup (about 1 month) won't let me in. ???
It will be some element of the master password that you have got wrong.
Maybe you used a key file as well as a password, or the Windows User Account?
cheers, Paul
Paul,
Not sure what a key file is or how to use it.
If there's no way to break my Master Code, I'll just have to deal with any passwords that are wrong. A pain but dooable. (:
I was suggesting that you had an option ticked but didn't realise it.
Re-reading your post it seems you can open an older file. Are you sure you are attempting to open the correct recent file?
What date seems to be the cutoff? Did anything change around that date?
I notice you have 2 files one day apart that are over 10k different in size. What did you add / change on the 13th?
cheers, Paul
Paul,
Good point but no.
Opening correct file. Not sure what may have happened or when; wonder if a ChangeLog would be helpful?
Was hoping there was a way to open the file with your help. Guess not.
I'm using the most recent file. I'll change any passwords as necessary.
Thanks again for your help.
Same problem here. Problem just started 12/18/16. Master password won't work on my mac, works fine on KyPass3 ios 10. Went through multiple old versions, same problem. Updated the KeepassX program to try to fix, no luck. Master password works fine on ios.
Last edit: Jim 2016-12-21
Assuming you are certain that you are entering the correct the Master Key and the error message that appears does not indicate otherwise:
If it appears the database is damaged, try copying a known good copy of the database to your Mac and see if you can open it.
Your problem is hard to diagnose without additional information about how you are using KeePass elsewhere, what program you are using on the Mac, details of the error message, or what changed before 12/18/16. Since KeePass does not run natively on Mac you are probably using a third-party port of KeePass that is file compatible with KeePass. If that is the case, you will need to contact the developer of KeePass port that you are using to obtain more detailed help.
Last edit: wellread1 2016-12-21
It may be that you are attempting to open the wrong file. Copy the file from your good device to a temporary location on the device that doesn't work, then try opening that file.
cheers, Paul
A very embarrassing an awkward situation: I started a Keepass account, began to enter the mountain of different keywords but interrupted the process for a break over holidays. Now it does not recognize the master password that I believed I had safely written down (temporarily, of course!). As is stated on the web pages, there is no backdoor, in other words no way to reset a master password, is that right? One link that says "reset password" only leads to an ad for what seems to be another, commercial vault. Do I have to kill my account completely and start over, and if so, how is that done? Anybody, please!
No, there is no back door.
KeePass stores all passwords in a single encrypted file, often called Database.kdbx because people don't rename it from the default.
You can create a new database by selecting File > New and choosing a new name for the file. I suggest you store the file with your normal documents so that when you backup your data / docs you also back up the database.
cheers, Paul
Thanks Paul!
I got help from a friend already. What I had not realized was that I could create a brand new data base with a new name. Luckily I had not filled in very many entries in the first one, now deleted, so I did not really suffer.
Same thing has happene to me. First time I have closed file in a while. Entered the correct password which 100% sure and says it is not correct. Rebooted my system today and password no longer works. A big ouch!!
Are you sure you are attempting to open the correct database? Search for any files ending in KDB.
Have you shown the password by clicking the show password button - three dots?
Do you have a backup you can test?
cheers, Paul
I will have to fall on my sword on this one. It was operator error. Sorry for reporting a problem that wasn't. Thank you for your response.
We are pleased that you have your data back, now it's time for a backup. :)
cheers, Paul
It could be something as simple as, having your caps lock on, as I just found out myself.
Same problem.
110% sure of master password, caps lock NOT engaged, have made no changes to database, had backup copy of database on external drive and opened it with Keepass from a PC that hasn't been turned on it 2 weeks and
Failed to load the specified file.
The composite key is invalid.
Make sure the composite key is right and try again.
Same failures on 2 other PCs as well as a recently used android phone using a 3rd copy of database.
I've been using Keepass for years and had an extensive database built up.
Make sure that your password is correct and it's not some error due to different keyboard layouts. type it into notepad to make sure.
did you use a keyfile or WUA? just a password? are you sure about that?
you can try the recovery mode to see if it's any help(it would be useless if the password is not correct):
https://keepass.info/help/base/repair.html
As it fails on many computers / versions then it is not KeePass - it's you.
cheers, Paul
You are absolutely right! I finally found where I had written down the password in the past and it was not the same as the one that I was so sure was correct. Not too embarrassed to admit I was wrong.
Thanks for the suggestions.