An error has occurred. Unable to import an item. The contents of this item cannot be retrieved. Missing .pem file

Question

I am struck with a problem. I installed the p12 certificates once into a MacBookPro and then deleted it, now when I am again trying to install it. Keychain is simply not accepting the certificate for strange reason.

After some googling, I hit upon this link: http://www.openradar.me/7092640

Which clearly says that there is a bug with Keychain and states a workaround too. But unfortunately I do not have the .pem file, since I have not made a backup of it thinking that p12 file is sufficient (which actually is, if not for this bug!). So how do I get the .pem file so that I can install the certificates back onto the same laptop using this workaround?

Thanks for any suggestions / ideas. Raj

Answer 1

Quoting http://www.openradar.me/7092640:

You can use the 'security' command line tool:

security import priv_key.p12 -k ~/Library/Keychains/login.keychain

security import pub_key.pem -k ~/Library/Keychains/login.keychain

https://stackoverflow.com/a/16847082/14731 contains a similar answer.

Answer 2

1., open Keychain Access. 2., On the Keychains panel right click on login. Select Lock Keychain "login". 3., Then unlock it. Then the import should work.