LockDown Browser Error -101 on Mac - Server-Side Configuration Fix

Last updated 2026-05-01 · LDBypass Editorial

What error -101 means

Error -101 is the first in Respondus's general configuration error band (-101 through -118). It indicates the LDB client could reach the server but the server returned a configuration that LDB cannot apply - typically because the course's Respondus Dashboard settings are incomplete or inconsistent with the LDB build expected.

Mac-specific causes

• Course not fully configured on the Respondus Dashboard (instructor missed a required step).
• LDB version mismatch with what the Dashboard expects.
• Cached client config out of sync with current Dashboard state (rare on -101 - more common on -21).
• Multi-LMS course where LDB integration was partially configured.

Fix 1 - Cache-clear + LMS relaunch

rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/LockDown\ Browser/
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.respondus.lockdownbrowser/

Relaunch from your LMS's current LDB download link. If -101 persists after a clean fresh launch, the issue is server-side.

Fix 2 - Reinstall LDB from current LMS link

Run the complete uninstall (uninstall cluster) and download a fresh installer from your LMS. The download link is institution-specific - using a friend's download link from a different university produces -101 because the build is bound to their Dashboard, not yours.

Fix 3 - Verify the same error on a different Mac

If a friend in your class has a similar Mac (same macOS, same LDB version) and gets -101 on the same exam, the issue is unambiguously server-side. Forward this evidence to your instructor - they need to verify the Dashboard configuration with a Respondus support ticket.

Fix 4 - Contact your instructor with diagnostic data

Provide:

• Exact error code (-101).
• LDB version (right-click LDB.app → Get Info → Version).
• macOS version (About This Mac).
• Time of failed launch attempt.
• Whether classmates have the same problem.

Your instructor or university IT can reach Respondus support with this and have the Dashboard config audited.

If none of these work

The remaining cases trace to your specific course's Respondus Dashboard configuration - your university IT or instructor needs to look at the server side. Contact them with: the exact error code, the LDB version (right-click LDB.app → Get Info), the macOS version (About This Mac), and the time of your launch attempt.