Frequently Asked Questions

DataVault Password Manager for Mac


I am having problems running DataVault on Mojave in Dark Mode. What can I do?
Updating to version 6.3.8 in the Mac App Store should fix the problem.

What are the minimum requirements to use DataVault for Mac?
Version 6.2 and above of DataVault requires OSX version 10.10 and above and 20 Meg of free disk space. Users of OSX version 10.9 or below should strongly consider upgrading to the latest version of OSX, available for free from Apple. See How to Upgrade OSX for more information.

What are the minimum requirements to use DataVault Safari Extension?
DataVault Safari Extension requires macOS version 10.14 or above. To update macOS, click on the Apple icon in the menu bar, then select About this Mac > Software Update.


Where can I buy DataVault for Mac?
DataVault Password Manager for Mac is available exclusively from the Mac App Store.


Where can I download DataVault for Mac?
DataVault for Mac version 6 is available exclusively through the Mac App Store. You can download the latest version by clicking on the Updates button in the Mac App Store menu bar.
If you purchased DataVault for Mac version 4 from our web site, click here to download the last release of version 4. You may need to open your downloads folder and click on DataVaultMac(Version).pkg to begin the installation process. To download DataVault for Mac as a zip file, click here. Then extract the zip file and click on DataVaultMac(Version).pkg to begin the installation process.


If I bought version 4 from the Ascendo website and I want to use version 6, do I need to upgrade?
Yes, DataVault for Mac is no longer available for purchase from Ascendo. If you want to use version 6, you must purchase a copy from the Mac App Store.


Where is the DataVault data file stored?
In version 4.6.6 and above, the DataVault data file is stored in the hidden Library folder as required by Apple's App Sandboxing initiative. To display the Library folder, select Go from the Finder menu while simultaneously holding down the Option key. The DataVault data file is located at the following path.
library/containers/com.ascendo.DataVaultMac/data/library/Application Support/DataVault Password Manager/datavault.db


Where are automatic backups stored?
Automatic backups are stored in a protected folder. To access this folder, start Finder and select Go from the menu. With the Go menu still showing, click on the Mac alt/option key and Library will appear in the menu. Click on Library, then to go Containers/com.ascendo.DataVaultMac/Data/Library/Application Support/DataVault Password Manager/Backups.


How can I switch from 1Password to DataVault?
You can move most of your data from 1Password to DataVault using the export and import features available in the desktop versions. The DataVault for Mac user guide provides detailed instructions to help you get started. In addition, Ascendo offers a competitive upgrade from 1Password to DataVault, email info@ascendo.co for more information.


What is the latest version of DataVault for Mac?
Please check the Mac App Store for the latest versions of DataVault for Mac.


What's new in the latest version of DataVault for Mac?
Please see the Release Notes page for a list of improvements in the latest version.


How can I find out when new versions are released?
The best way to find out when a new version is released is to check for updates in the Mac App Store. You can also follow @Ascendo on Twitter to receive real-time alerts when new version are released.


Can I transfer my license from a different platform?
No, however DataVault for Mac is currently on sale for $9.95 instead of the list price of $19.95.


I can't remember my master password. What are my options?
Tap on Unmask to show your master password in clear text. If you set up a hint question during a previous session, tap on Hint and answer the question to retrieve your password. If neither suggestion works, you can reset the database by entering the wrong password repeatedly until you have exceeded the maximum login attempts. This will erase the database. When you restart DataVault you will be prompted to select a new master password.


DataVault is not saving new entries. What could be the problem?
In rare cases, the DataVault database may become damaged. If DataVault is not saving new entries, backup the your data by selecting File > Backup from the menu bar. Then re-install DataVault and restore your data by selecting File > Restore from the menu bar.


How can I transfer data between DataVault for Windows and DataVault for Mac desktops?
You can transfer data between DataVault desktops by importing and exporting in DataVault Exchange Format. Please note: If you are not using the latest versions of the desktops, Category and Type information may not transfer.
To transfer data from DataVault for Windows to DataVault for Mac, follow the steps below.

  • Start DataVault for Windows and select Tools > Export > Full DataBase from the menu bar.
  • Start DataVault for Mac and select File > Import DVX from the menu bar.

To transfer data from DataVault for Mac to DataVault for Windows, follow the steps below.

  • Start DataVault for Mac and select File > Export DVX from the menu bar.
  • Start DataVault for Windows and select Tools > Import > DataVault eXchange from the menu bar.


Can I sync DataVault for Mac with DataVault for Windows?
In DataVault version 6 and above, you can synchronize DataVault for Mac with DataVault for Windows using Dropbox. To use this sync method, you need to create a free account at Dropbox.com. In DataVault for Mac, go to File > Synchronize Settings, select Synchronize with Dropbox then login to your Dropbox Account. In DataVault for Windows, select Tools > Synchronization Settings from the menu bar and login to your Dropbox account. More information available in the user guides available from our support page.


I am having trouble syncing using Dropbox. How can I resolve this?
If you are having trouble syncing using Dropbox, please try the following steps to resolve the issue.

  • Verify you have internet access on all devices.
  • Verify you are logged into Dropbox from DataVault on all device, see DataVault for Mac > Synchronization Settings.
  • For manual synchronization, click on Synchronize in the DataVault for Mac toolbar.
  • For automatic synchronization, verify that you have checked off Dropbox Auto-sync in settings.
  • Check Dropbox article Why can't I establish a secure connection? for additional troubleshooting tips.
  • If you are still having issues, make a backup, open Dropbox root folder, delete DataVault.dvx and try again.


I am unable to sync DataVault for Mac and DataVault on a mobile device over Wi-Fi. What could be the problem?
Synchronization over Wi-Fi may require modifying several system settings. In addition, security applications such as Firewalls, VPNs and virus protection packages may block communicate over Wi-Fi. If you continue to have problems after trying the troubleshooting tips below, we recommend that you consider cloud sync as described in the iOS user guide.

1) Synchronization requires recent versions of the products. If necessary, backup your data and install the latest versions of DataVault for Mac, DataVault for iOS or DataVault for BlackBerry.

2) Synchronization requires that the master password used with DataVault for Mac be the same as the master password used with DataVault on your mobile device. To verify your master password, unmask it while logging in. To change the master password, select Change Password from the DataVault for Mac menu bar.

3) Verify that you are following the correct sequence as described below.

  • Start DataVault for Mac and select File > Wireless Synchronization from the main menu. Do not close the synchronization window until synchronization has completed.
  • Start DataVault on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch then tap on the tools icon in the navigation bar and select Synchronization. A list of devices detected on your Wi-Fi network should appear. If not, see below for trouble-shooting options.
  • Tap on the desktop which is running DataVault then tap on the Synchronize button. On DataVault for Mac v4.3.3 or above, the DataVault desktop sync service will appear as DataVault (Mac Name)

4) DataVault uses Apple's Bonjour discovery protocol to synchronize over Wi-Fi. Bonjour is present on all Macs with iTunes. You can install the latest version from the Bonjour support page.

5) Make sure both your handheld device and desktop computer have Wi-Fi turned on and that they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, see instructions below.

  • iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch: Tap on Settings > Wi-Fi > Choose a Network.
  • Mac OS desktops: Click on AirPort icon in menu bar, select a network from list. A checkmark should appear to the left of the network name.
  • Windows 7 & Vista: Click on Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center > View wireless networks.
  • Windows XP: Right-click on the wireless network icon in the task bar then select View Available Wireless Networks.

6) Try setting the IP address for your desktop manually. To do this, start DataVault on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, tap on the option icon in the navigation bar, select Synchronize, then tap on the field labeled DataVault Desktop ip address. To find your desktop IP address, see the instructions below.

  • Mac OS: Start System Preferences and click on Network icon. Your IP address is in the Status section.
  • Windows & Vista: Click on Start and type Run in the search field. Click on Run in the search results list to start the Windows command line, then type ipconfig and click on the return key to display your IP address.

7) If you are running a Firewall on your Mac (Preferences > Security > Firewall)), give DataVault permission to exchange information through the Firewall.

8) If you are using virtualization software such as VM Ware or Parallels, set the Network Adapter to Bridged Mode; then restart your computer. To do this with VMWare, select Virtual Machine > Settings > Network > Connect directly to the physical network (Bridged).

9) Check to see if other apps such as anti-virus software or VPNs are blocking Wi-Fi access & reconfigure if necessary.

10) Disable 3G on your iPhone by selecting Settings > General > Network then set Enable 3G to Off and sync again.

11) Reboot your handheld and desktop and try to synchronize again.

If you are still having problems, please contact technical support at wallet_support@ascendo.co.


How do I setup an ad-hoc network to synchronize DataVault for Mac with DataVault on my iPhone?
An ad-hoc network is a direct connection over Wi-Fi that doesn't require a network router or internet connection. To setup an ad-hoc network between your Mac and your iPhone, follow the steps below.

  • Click the Airport icon in the Mac menu bar and select Create Network.
  • Select and name for the network and set up an optional password to connect.
  • Join the new network from your iPhone or iPod Touch by tapping on Settings > Wi-Fi.
  • Open DataVault on both the handheld and desktop and proceed with synchronization.


How can I skip to the next line when entering information in the Notes section of an item?
Go to the end of a line in the Notes field, hold down the Control key and click on the Return.


Why doesn't a new item appear in DataVault when I click Save Form in the browser plugin?
To see the new item, quit and restart DataVault for Mac. We are working to correct this in the next update.


What type of encryption has been implemented in DataVault?
DataVault encrypts data using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a symmetric-key encryption standard adopted by several governments including that of the United States, as well as numerous industry leaders in security sensitive fields. The standard comprises 256-bit block size ciphers published under the name of the Rijndael algorithm. DataVault uses a 256-bit key. Experts have calculated that a 256-bit AES key would take a super computer 149 trillion years to crack. The AES ciphers have been analyzed extensively and are used worldwide. For more information, see Wikipedia.


Why did Ascendo choose Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) over other encryption methods?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) chose the Rijndael algorithm as the new Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) over alternatives including Twofish (successor of Blowfish), Serpent, RC4 and MARS. The announcement concluded a multi-year effort working with government, industry and academia throughout the world. Proposed by two Belgian cryptographers, AES has emerged as the clear winner and has since been adopted as a worldwide standard. See links below for more information.

  • AES Questions and Answers (NIST), "When considered together, Rijndael's combination of security, performance, efficiency, ease of implementation and flexibility makes it an appropriate selection for the AES."
  • Advanced Encryption Standard (Wikipedia), "AES was announced by NIST... on November 26, 2001 after a 5-year standardization process in which fifteen competing designs were presented and evaluated..."
  • Is AES stronger than Blowfish?, "AES has higher design strength than Blowfish... It's also just much newer - it has the advantage of incorporating several more years of advances in the cryptographic art".
  • The importance of IV's, "Rijndael was chosen to be the new AES because it was deemed to be more secure than Blowfish. Keep in mind that Blowfish never even made it into the AES competition."

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