Is .Mac dead ( again?!)

[Xairbusdriver]

I decided a few weeks ago to enable iDisk syncing with my Keychain. Bad move. I remember this problem the last time I had it enabled and .Mac went down. Constant ( ok , not constant, only every five minutes ) popup screen asking for my ID and PW. Of course, I can't get email from them nor can I log in to even check the 'status'. I'm more and more tempted to drop this expensive email address! One can't disable iDisk syncing ( in the .Mac pref panel ) without being able to log in which one can't do when the system is down which causes the repeated requests for one to log in which one can't do...

[Xairbusdriver]

Didn't see anything at the Apple Forums about a system-wide .Mac problem. Must be only my account. That's the second time in less than a year the server has 'lost' me. I've sent a message to .Mac support. Meanwhile, I've learned to simply drag the 'sign in' nag screen to the bottom of the screen. It finally goes away in about 5 minutes. Of course, it comes back within a minute of disappearing. I also noticed that there is no listing of my computer in the Advanced tab of the .Mac Pref panel. I think that is actually info sent back by Apple when one registers, don't think one can actually enter info there, directly.

[Xairbusdriver]

Got the following response fro my email to .Mac support:

QUOTE

Your message cannot be delivered to the following recipients:

  Recipient address: support@mac.com
  Reason: Over quota

That's encouraging!

However a second one asked that I use a form under the "Still need help?" link. Of curse, there is not actually a link with that title any more, but I managed to find the form anyway. And I'm reminded of the new PC vs Mac ad, "Didn't you make this thing?" Except I'm saying, didn't I pay for this "service"?

[kimmer]

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ May 11 2007, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of curse,

[Snidely Whiplash]

Oh curses, foiled again!

[/Snidely Whiplash]

     

QUOTE

... there is not actually a link with that title any more, but I managed to find the form anyway.

Ah, now this is good to read. It restores my image of you as the master of gadgets.  

And ... Yes, you did.

[Xairbusdriver]

Just finished eating the egg on my face!

Some may remember that I started using 1Password a few days ago. Still glad I did, it's helped me create some strong passwords for several sites.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize how Apple keeps/uses only one password in every single site they have. I decided to change my password at the Mac Developer Connection ( no I'm not a developer, but I once played one! ). That site used my Apple ID, xairbudriverATu-no-where. And it worked fine, I was able to then log in and watch some session previews coming up at WWDC. A few very interesting capabilities coming in Leopard that should make for some great advances in some programs.

However, the email confirmation of the password change was sent to my .Mac account. Little did I realize that all my .Mac info now needed to use that new password! That includes .Mac access, of course, but also iDisk and any email app that reads/downloads email from that account.

I got an email with suggestions that would not have really helped except for one that would have sent my current password to me. Didn't that since I decided to look at the Histrory and saved passwords in 1Password. That's where I noticed the password change. Sure enough, using that new password solved the WebDAV nag, the email and the iDisk access problems. Whoda thunk?

I still recommend 1Password, just be aware that it doesn't currently work in non-browser, unless the program is actually running. When in a browser, you access it's assets with a toolbar icon. There's a new version out this week, BTW.