Start Bytes do not match

[Former user]

Hi,

I am trying to open a local (offline) keepass file (version 2.0 file). The database is protected via a master keyword and an additional keyfile which is also located offline. Furthermore I am on a chromebook.

Unfortunately I get an error message which says: "Start Bytes do not match (Wrong Password?)"

What am I doing wrong?

[Nam Nguyen]

Hi,

That error means the password or key file is wrong.

Could you please attach a sample KDBX file, the password, and the key file for me to reproduce the problem?

Thanks!

[funnel73]

Hi Nam,

sorry for my late reply. I did not realize that you commented my thread. I just reloaded the list of issues and there your comment is not shown.

Anyway, I am pretty sure, if I set up a new kdbx file with no or less content browsepass will work pretty well. On the other hand I can not upload my original database. By the way, I am pretty sure, that the key file as well as the password is correct.

Isn't there any other means to track that down?

Bernd

[Nam Nguyen]

Hello Bernd!

I've spent some time looking over all possibilities but still don't have any clue on what might have caused that problem.

Would you be able to do some experiments to help me (BACKUP your file first)?

1. Empty the database, still keep same password + keyfile combo. Can you open this?

2. Keep the database, keep the password, drop the keyfile. Can you open this?

3. Keep the database, keep the keyfile, but drop the password. Can you open this?

4. Keep the database, keep the password and generate a new keyfile. Can you open this?

5. Keep the database, keep the keyfile and generate a new password. Can you open this?

6. What is your system locale? Is it English US, German, something else?

Thanks so much! Nam

[funnel73]

Hi Nam, you don't need to thank me, I have to thank you that you will work on that issue.

I can provide #1-5 today in the evening. Number 6 is easy for me: the language is german.

Bernd

[funnel73]

Hi Nam,

just want to inform you, that I can open the database correctly if I remove the key file from the database's security settings. My key file consists just out of one string which has a length of 67 characters and using just lower case letters and numbers. There are no special characters nor a carriage return at the end.

[Nam Nguyen]

Bernd, bad news. I am still not able to reproduce the bug. Attached is a sample password database with a 67-char keyfile. I was able to open the database just fine.

[funnel73]

Hi Nam,

good news: I could strip down the problem to: - an emptied out database - with a simplified Master key. It's only five chars long - with a stripped down string in the keyfile.

Nevertheless, can you please provide me a "secure" channel to exchange those three things apart from this bug tracking tool? Maybe your Email address?

[Nam Nguyen]

Same account at bluemon.com.vn. Thanks!

[funnel73]

Hi Nam,

I have new information for you: Probably something went wrong during my trials in the morning. I made it now that browsepass is able to open the database: I have to shorten the string in the keyfile to 64 chars. Since I use 32 bit browser I assume the problem is to find here anywhere.

Thanks for all your help. Let me know, if you need something else from me if you think it's worth to track the problem further down.

[funnel73]

Hi Nam,

I really get crazy. I transferred the new database together with the shortened keyfile to my chromebook and wanted to decrypt the database and I get the very same error. This driving me nuts.

[Nam Nguyen]

Ohhh! Shoot. I just realized that the domain I typed above was wrong! So sorry about that.

My email address is [e-mail]. There we go. Could you please resend the info to me? Thanks.

(It was previously bluemon.com.vn, missing an o in moon).

[Nam Nguyen]

Can't reproduce.