Debugging Frustration: Getting Unauthorized Error in some JMeter Samplers after Recording Script?

Are you tired of encountering the “Getting Unauthorized Error” in some JMeter Samplers after recording a script? You’re not alone! This pesky error can be a major roadblock in your performance testing journey. But fear not, dear reader, for we’re about to embark on a troubleshooting adventure to conquer this issue once and for all!

What’s Causing the Unauthorized Error?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s quickly understand what might be causing this error. The “Getting Unauthorized Error” typically occurs when JMeter is unable to authenticate or authorize with the server. This can happen due to various reasons, including:

• Invalid or missing credentials (username, password, or token)
• Incorrect configuration of the HTTP Request Defaults or HTTP Request Sampler
• Server-side issues, such as authentication mechanisms or firewall restrictions
• Cookie management or session handling issues

Step 1: Verify Credentials and Configuration

The first step in resolving the Unauthorized Error is to double-check your credentials and configuration. Ensure that:

1. Username and password are correct and match the server-side configuration
2. HTTP Request Defaults or HTTP Request Sampler is properly configured
3. Any authentication mechanisms, such as OAuth or NTLM, are correctly set up
4. Cookies are being handled correctly, and sessions are being managed properly

// Example of correct HTTP Request Defaults configuration
HTTP Request Defaults
{
  Protocol: http
  Server: example.com
  Port: 80
  Path: /login
  Method: POST
  Implementation: Java
  Follow Redirects: true
  Auto Redirects: true
  Use KeepAlive: true
  Connection: keep-alive
  Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
  Username: your_username
  Password: your_password
}

Step 2: Enable Debug Logging

Enable debug logging to get a better understanding of what’s happening behind the scenes. This will help you identify the root cause of the Unauthorized Error.

To enable debug logging in JMeter:

1. Go to the “Run” menu and select “Non-GUI Mode” (or press Ctrl + Shift + F)
2. In the command-line interface, add the following argument: -L DEBUG
3. Run your test script again and observe the debug logs

// Example debug log output
2019-12-16 14:30:00,123 DEBUG o.a.j.p.h.c.HttpClient4Impl: Sending request: POST /login HTTP/1.1
2019-12-16 14:30:00,123 DEBUG o.a.j.p.h.c.HttpClient4Impl: Sending request headers:
2019-12-16 14:30:00,123 DEBUG o.a.j.p.h.c.HttpClient4Impl: Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
2019-12-16 14:30:00,123 DEBUG o.a.j.p.h.c.HttpClient4Impl: Authorization: Basic your_username:your_password

Step 3: Inspect HTTP Request Headers and Cookies

Inspect the HTTP request headers and cookies to ensure that authentication credentials are being sent correctly.

In JMeter, you can view HTTP request headers and cookies using:

• HTTP Request Sampler > Request > Request Headers
• HTTP Request Sampler > Request > Cookies

// Example HTTP request headers
Connection: keep-alive
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
Authorization: Basic your_username:your_password

Cookies
Cookie Name	Cookie Value
JSESSIONID	your_session_id

Step 4: Check Server-Side Configuration

Verify that the server-side configuration is correct and allows authentication from your JMeter script. Check:

• Server-side authentication mechanisms and firewall restrictions
• Server logs for any authentication-related errors
• API documentation for any specific authentication requirements

Step 5: Use a HTTP Proxy Server

If you’re still stuck, try using a HTTP proxy server to capture and inspect the HTTP traffic between JMeter and the server. This can help you:

• Debug HTTP request and response headers
• Verify authentication credentials and cookies
• Identify any server-side issues or misconfigurations

Popular HTTP proxy servers include:

• Fiddler
• Burp Suite
• Charles Proxy

Conclusion

Getting Unauthorized Error in some JMeter Samplers after recording a script can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying issue. Remember to:

• Verify credentials and configuration
• Enable debug logging
• Inspect HTTP request headers and cookies
• Check server-side configuration
• Use a HTTP proxy server for debugging

With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to overcome the Unauthorized Error and successfully execute your JMeter script!

Frequently Asked Question

Stuck with those pesky unauthorized errors in JMeter? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you resolve those annoying errors.