Could not sign in to iMessage.

Finder -> Go (in the menu bar) -> Go to folder... -> type "/etc" -> Go

here, find the hosts file, now, this file is locked, I used sudo vim from Terminal to edit it, if you don't know vim, try nano, it might be easier to understand.

So, open up Terminal and type: sudo nano /etc/hosts

type in your password and press enter

delete everything EXCEPT these lines:

##

# Host Database

#

# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface

# when the system is booting. Do not change this entry.

##

127.0.0.1 localhost

255.255.255.255 broadcasthost

::1 localhost

fe80::1%lo0 localhost

now press CTRL+O to save, enter to confirm the path e CTRL+X to exit the program, now try Messages..

I was able to comment out some redirects in my HOSTS file, get iMessage to work again, then put those redirects back in, and everything seems to be ok.

There's something going on with authenticating (seemingly) once, then off it goes.

Just put '# ' before any extra redirects you have, temporarily, and it should work again.

Thanks mb this worked a treat.

Those are the ONLY lines that appeared using the sudo nano command string. So, I had nothing to delete. Now what?

Same problem here. :-(

It appeared after copying the keychain file back to my Mac from a backup. Any idea?

Thanks,

Alex

Hi,

I am a bit lost as to why you are ding something with the Keychain when this thread mentions looking at and editing the Host file is required.

7:52 PM Thursday; October 25, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Hi MB, I am having the same problem! I am a bit stuck/lost, I have found the hosts file but dont quite understand how to download Sudo Vim, can you provide a link or detail how to do what you said.

Many thanks

HI,

There are several ways of doing this.

In Terminal the sudo vim bit will tell the Terminal to find the Vim editor and use it on the file involved.

You don't have to download it from anywhere.

nano is just another editor that Terminal can access and use to open the file for editing.

Some people just right click the Hosts file and use the Open With option and use TextEdit to edit the file.

On Saving it tends to ask you if you want to replace (yes) the existing file.

This method can be a bit of an issue about having the right sort of Permissions to do this (it is why most people use Sudo in Terminal as this overrides the permissions - sudo is like say "use Super User" to do this)

9:46 PM Tuesday; November 20, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

So, Ralph, what if the hosts file configuration appears as it should, above? Now what? I ask because my file does not have any superfluous language.

Ralph, what is Terminal?

Where can I find d finder?

Sry I thought it was for iPad.

Hi,

If the Hosts file is a plain version then the next step is to see if ther Serial number is present.

This presumes you have tried quitting IMAgent with Activity Monitor, have delete the plists for the iMessage side, checked Date and Time settings and added a Public DNS server.

The serial Number should appear in System Information > Hardware.

It can be missing if certain boards have been replaced during Repair or refurbishment.

Apple qualified technicians as supposed to flash the number back was they finish. (Apple Store and Apple Authorised Service Providers)

8:58 PM Wednesday; November 21, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously