Export network configuration

Question

Export network configuration

Referring to https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7305662, same issue macOS Big Sur, same problem on both Mac Mini m1 and MacBook 16".

Even after rebuilding the preferences.plist by deleting it ( sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist ) and immediately rebooting, it is not possible to export any network configuration, including a freshly created VPN IPSec connection.

When the "Export Configurations" is greyed out, there is no indication whatsoever on what the problem is, it would improve my user experience a lot if there would be.

IMHO, recovering corrupted network config preferences happens a lot lately, and having only a command line instruction to recover from it is… again a very bad user experience, taking into account that your Mac becomes a bit like just a paperweight, when it is not able to network.

It seems to me that this part of macOS needs a little more attention.

Posted on May 3, 2021 11:29 PM

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Answer 1

Erin_B11

Community Specialist

May 4, 2021 5:44 PM in response to peter_clarify

Hello peter_clarify,

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities. We see that you're unable to export network connection settings, and we'd like to help.

First, be sure you're taking these steps:

Import and export network connection settings on Mac

If the option is still greyed out, boot into safe mode or test the issue in a new user account to help isolate this to user settings:

Start up your Mac in safe mode

Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac

If this concern isn't resolved from reviewing user settings, contact Apple Support for further assistance:

Get Support

We hope this information is useful. Kind regards.

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Answer 2

Erin_B11

Community Specialist

May 5, 2021 11:05 AM in response to peter_clarify

peter_clarify,

Thanks for getting back to us after testing the issue in another user account.

In addition to using the Get Support link, you can also try contacting Apple Support directly. Find your local number here:

Contact Apple for support and service

Have a great rest of your day.

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Answer 3

May 5, 2021 1:13 AM in response to Erin_B11

Hi Erin,

First be sure you're taking these steps: Import and export network connection settings on Mac

Well, that is the feature that is not working.

I created a new user as you wrote, made this user administrator, switched to that user account and checked the menu. Same problem.

Get Support

I hope so. Thanks.

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Answer 4

May 5, 2021 1:22 AM in response to peter_clarify

It looks like your product is not covered for complimentary technical support.

This is what I got after entering the serial number of my m1 Mac. Do I have to request an exception? In other words, does this problem qualify to be handled by Tech Support? If not, it seems like I have reached a dead end with my problem here.

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Export network configuration

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