Create a new login or reset Keychain for Mac OS X

Solution

There are a number of solutions for the "browser failed to generate a key" error in Safari when trying to obtain an MIT personal certificate. See: "Browser Failed to Generate a Private Key" - trying to obtain certificates in Safari.

If those measures fail, try the following:

1. Create a new Keychain
2. Set it as default
3. Delete the old one

Alternative solution: Resetting the keychain

To reset your keychain in Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5, and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later:

1. Open Keychain Access, which is in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder.
2. From the Keychain Access menu, choose Preferences.
3. Click General, then click Reset My Default Keychain.
4. Authenticate with your account login password.
5. Quit Keychain Access.
6. Restart your computer.

To reset your keychain in Mac OS X 10.3 through 10.3.9:

1. Open Keychain Access, which is in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder.
2. From the Window menu, choose Keychain First Aid.
3. Click Options...
4. Click Reset My Keychain, which is under the General pane.
5. Authenticate with your account login password.
6. Quit Keychain Access.
7. Restart your computer.