Question:

Why are my Intel Macs getting a Connection Failed 2 error?

Answer:

This error only happens if you are connecting to Microsoft Services for Macintosh (SFM) using the custom Microsoft User Authentication Module (MSUAM). This issue does not affect Acronis Files Connect because it uses either the built-in DHX or Kerberos User Authentication Modules which work fine on the Intel Macs.

The "Connection Failed 2" error message is probably caused by a Type 2 OS error trickling up as a connection failure. Generally a Type 2 error is a result of allocating memory and then trying to write more data than will fit in that memory. This could be caused by the UAM trying to use a data length that was byte-swapped on the Intel Mac.

Although Microsoft has not released an updated UAM for the Intel Macs, Apple seems to have quietly included one in the Mac OS X 10.4.6 update.