Safari losing cookies, forgetting logins

I just realized that I only get logged out of a few sites.
For example, I don't get logged out of the Apple Discussions forum.
Hmmmm

I can confirm the problem is with DashboardClient. I used dtrace (and Instruments) to verify that the only processes that replace the file ~/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist are DashboardClient and Safari.

I logged out (killing Dashboardclient), logged back in, cookies were ok (in Safari). Then started Dashboard, cookies gone. The trace indicates two instances of DashboardClient replacing Cookies.plist in that recent timeframe (I had two webclips).

Here is a sample of raw log file extracts (dtrace generated by Instruments Directory I/O instrument):

<e> -1 3 56001448 1233222301560891
rename
DashboardClient
/Users/michaelr/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist tmp_23410.dat
/Users/michaelr/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist
</e>
<s>

libSystem.B.dylib`rename+0xc
0x1001f80
CFNetwork`DiskCookieStorage::writeFileCompletely(__CFData const*)+0x14c
CFNetwork`DiskCookieStorage::syncStorageLocked(unsigned char)+0x2ac
CFNetwork`DiskCookieStorage::copyDomainCookiesLocked(__CFString const*, unsigned char)+0x34
CFNetwork`PrivateHTTPCookieStorage::copyDomainCookies(__CFString const*, unsigned char)+0x44
CFNetwork`HTTPCookieStorage::lookupAndCopyCookies(__CFString const*, __CFString const*, unsigned char, __CFArray*)+0x40
CFNetwork`HTTPCookieStorage::copyCookiesForURL(__CFURL const*, unsigned char)+0x104
CFNetwork`_CFHTTPCookieStorageCopyRequestHeaderFieldsForURL+0x7c
CFNetwork`HTTPProtocol::addCookies(__CFHTTPMessage*, _CFURLRequest const*)+0xcc
CFNetwork`HTTPProtocol::createStream()+0x27c
CFNetwork`HTTPProtocol::createAndOpenStream()+0x2a0
CFNetwork`URLConnectionLoader::loaderScheduleOriginLoad(_CFURLRequest const*)+0x15c
CFNetwork`URLConnectionLoader::LoaderConnectionEventQueue::processAllEventsAndCo nsumePayload(XConnectionEventInfo<XLoaderEvent, XLoaderEventParams>*, long)+0x13c
CFNetwork`URLConnectionLoader::processEvents()+0x64
CFNetwork`MultiplexerSource::perform()+0xac
CoreFoundation`CFRunLoopRunSpecific+0x454
Foundation`+[NSURLConnection(NSURLConnectionReallyInternal) _resourceLoadLoop:]+0x11c
Foundation` _NSThread__main_+0x3f0
libSystem.B.dylib` pthreadstart+0x140
</s>

...snip...


<e> -1 3 56001448 1233222335418744
rename
DashboardClient
/Users/michaelr/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist tmp_23410.dat
/Users/michaelr/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist
</e>
<s>

libSystem.B.dylib`rename+0xc
0x1001f80
CFNetwork`DiskCookieStorage::writeFileCompletely(__CFData const*)+0x14c
CFNetwork`DiskCookieStorage::syncStorageLocked(unsigned char)+0x2ac
CFNetwork`PrivateHTTPCookieStorage::syncStorage()+0x38
CoreFoundation`CFRunLoopRunSpecific+0xb9c
Foundation`+[NSURLConnection(NSURLConnectionReallyInternal) _resourceLoadLoop:]+0x11c
Foundation` _NSThread__main_+0x3f0
libSystem.B.dylib` pthreadstart+0x140
</s>

Are you or have you used the Safari webclips in Dashboard?

Yes I had two webclips. I removed them both and the issue did not reoccur.

Again using Instruments Directory I/O I can confirm that DashboardClient does not touch ~/Libraries/Cookies/Cookies.plist unless there is at least one webclip in the Dashboard.

By killing the Dock I can confirm the replacement of Cookies.plist seems to only occur on startup of the Dock.

So what does that mean (if anything) for the many of us with the same disappearing cookies problem who have NO webclips?

Here's what I did that has fixed it so far for me:
This is at 10.5.6 with Safari 3.2 (NOT 3.2.1)
1) Removed all webclips that could tamper with the cookies.plist file
- I had 1 webclip
2) Disabled my dashboard
3) Removed all chat applications (like Facebook chat ones) that could edit the cookies.plist file
4) Removed all third party addons from Safari
- Removed GreaseKit, SIMBL, etc.
5) Deleted the cookies.plist file and com.apple.safari.plist

Update: I downgraded back to Safari 3.1.2
Problem still persists.

OK ... Just an idea ... does everyone on this topic have an iPhone? I ask because I noticed that my Safari on iPhone also looses cookies. This must be happening when it syncs with mobile me, which takes stuff from my laptop OR .. it is the other way around? Could there be a problem with the last iPhone update?

I have MobileMe, I have a iPhone and I have two Macs.. They both keep losing there cookies after I shutdown.. Very annoying! Is there anybody with a solution for this problem?!

Along with everyone else, I keep losing my cookies, too. I upgraded to 10.5.6 about a week ago, which is when the obnoxious logging out started. As others have mentioned, it seems to be Safari only, Firefox is carrying on as normal, but I need both browsers on a daily basis. The disappearing cookies only happen after I use my Dashboard, though I do not have any web clips in use. Perplexing.

The "cookie" issue is really annoying

I'm experiencing the same issues. I have installed the latest version of 1password, other than that: nothing. It's really annoying.

how do you delete webclips in dashboard? i cant seem to drag it into the trash...

disregard my last i figured it out

I have this issue too. It's making my so sick that I'm about to toss my cookies.