Unfortunately I'm adding myself to the list of people encountering the following issue:
"X:\Path\KeePass.kdbx
Failed to load the specified file!
The composite key is invalid!
Make sure the composite key is correct and try again."
I've tried the following so far:
Opening the KDBX without the KeePass KeyFile
Opening the KDBX with the KeePass KeyFile
Upgrading from 2.27 > 2.28. No success so reverted back to v2.27
The only thing to note is that my Windows password was changed around the same time (struggling to remember the exact timeline), but I don't remember specifying this as one of the options when initially setting up the KeePass database. The KeePass database hasn't been closed recently until now.
I did relocate the KeePass KeyFile to an alternative location - could this cause an issue?
I work in the IT arena, so fairly technically minded should there be anything you suggest that I can try. It's rare that I start to panic, but in this case I am considering the amount of data it holds, which was manually inputted about a week or so ago. Unless there are any auto-created scheduled backups, I have sadly not had the opportunity to set any up.
If you can suggest anything at all that may help in any way, I would be very grateful.
Best regards and thanks...
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Opening the KDBX without the KeePass KeyFile
Opening the KDBX with the KeePass KeyFile
If the Master Key includes a key file it may not be omitted.
If the Master Key does not include a key file, one may not be included.
Upgrading from 2.27 > 2.28. No success so reverted back to v2.27
This will not make a difference because the decryption method and database format have not changed between versions.
The only thing to note is that my Windows password was changed around the same time (struggling to remember the exact timeline), but I don't remember specifying this as one of the options when initially setting up the KeePass database.
When a windows user account is part of the Master Key, a password change will not affect the database. However one can not reset the password or rebuild the Windows account. See http://keepass.info/help/base/keys.html#winuser for additional recovery information. Also if use a Master Key includes a Window User Account, a ProtectedUserKey.bin file will exist in %APPDATA%\KeePass. The 'Date Modified' should not be recent. If this file gets rebuilt (e.g. it was deleted) the composite key will be invalid.
I did relocate the KeePass KeyFile to an alternative location - could this cause an issue?
Relocating a key file does not invalidate it. However, if key file contents are altered, the file is no longer the valid key file.
If you don't have a backup there may be some last ditch file recovery possibilities that may be used to recover the password database or the correct key file or ProtectedUserKey.bin if they have been accidentally modified:
Win 7 Home Premium and Vista Business edition and later have previous versions
Some cloud storage services (e.g. if you stored the database and key file in dropbox) have a recover old versions feature
Otherwise the only other method to gain access to your database is to correctly remember the form and content of the Master Key, and enter it when requested.
Going forward: Master Keys that include key files and/or the Windows User Account are special purpose features that should be used only when they offer a particular advantage and then only with appropriate precautions. Because they add complexity, they increase the chance of human error. Generic strengthening is best accomplished by using a stronger Master Password.
Last edit: wellread1 2014-11-19
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Thank you for the swift response, much appreciated. If I'm honest, I don't hold out much hope for rescuing the file and I'm just weighing up the options; recompile the list or rescue the file. I'll make a judgement call tonight.
Thank you once again for your informative reply.
Regards...
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Morning all,
Unfortunately I'm adding myself to the list of people encountering the following issue:
"X:\Path\KeePass.kdbx
Failed to load the specified file!
The composite key is invalid!
Make sure the composite key is correct and try again."
I've tried the following so far:
The only thing to note is that my Windows password was changed around the same time (struggling to remember the exact timeline), but I don't remember specifying this as one of the options when initially setting up the KeePass database. The KeePass database hasn't been closed recently until now.
I did relocate the KeePass KeyFile to an alternative location - could this cause an issue?
I work in the IT arena, so fairly technically minded should there be anything you suggest that I can try. It's rare that I start to panic, but in this case I am considering the amount of data it holds, which was manually inputted about a week or so ago. Unless there are any auto-created scheduled backups, I have sadly not had the opportunity to set any up.
If you can suggest anything at all that may help in any way, I would be very grateful.
Best regards and thanks...
If the Master Key includes a key file it may not be omitted.
If the Master Key does not include a key file, one may not be included.
This will not make a difference because the decryption method and database format have not changed between versions.
When a windows user account is part of the Master Key, a password change will not affect the database. However one can not reset the password or rebuild the Windows account. See http://keepass.info/help/base/keys.html#winuser for additional recovery information. Also if use a Master Key includes a Window User Account, a ProtectedUserKey.bin file will exist in %APPDATA%\KeePass. The 'Date Modified' should not be recent. If this file gets rebuilt (e.g. it was deleted) the composite key will be invalid.
Relocating a key file does not invalidate it. However, if key file contents are altered, the file is no longer the valid key file.
If you don't have a backup there may be some last ditch file recovery possibilities that may be used to recover the password database or the correct key file or ProtectedUserKey.bin if they have been accidentally modified:
Otherwise the only other method to gain access to your database is to correctly remember the form and content of the Master Key, and enter it when requested.
Going forward: Master Keys that include key files and/or the Windows User Account are special purpose features that should be used only when they offer a particular advantage and then only with appropriate precautions. Because they add complexity, they increase the chance of human error. Generic strengthening is best accomplished by using a stronger Master Password.
Last edit: wellread1 2014-11-19
Thank you for the swift response, much appreciated. If I'm honest, I don't hold out much hope for rescuing the file and I'm just weighing up the options; recompile the list or rescue the file. I'll make a judgement call tonight.
Thank you once again for your informative reply.
Regards...