How to fix error 401

How to fix error 401

The Web server (running the Web site) thinks that the HTTP data stream sent by the client (e.g. your Web browser or our CheckUpDown robot) was correct, but access to the URL resource requires user authentication 1) which has not yet been provided or 2) which has been provided but failed authorization tests. This is commonly known as "HTTP Basic Authentication". The actual authentication request expected from the client is defined in the HTTP protocol as the WWW-Authenticate header field.

Generally this error message means you need to log on (enter a valid user ID and password) somewhere first. If you have just entered these and then immediately see a 401 error, it means that one or both of your user ID and password were invalid for whatever reason (entered incorrectly, user ID suspended etc.).

401 Unauthorized error messages are often customized by each website, especially very large ones, so keep in mind that this error may present itself in more ways than the common ones listed below:

• "401: Unauthorized"
• "HTTP Error 401 - Unauthorized"

Cause of 401 Unauthorized Errors

The 401 Unauthorized error is an HTTP status code that means the page you were trying to access can not be loaded until you first log on with a valid user ID and password. If you have just logged on and received the 401 Unauthorized error, it means that the credentials you entered were invalid for some reason.

How To Fix the 401 Unauthorized Error


1. Check for errors in the URL. It's possible that the 401 Unauthorized error appeared because the URL was typed wrong or the link that was clicked on points to the wrong URL - one that is for authorized users only.

2. If you're sure the URL is valid, visit the website's main page and look for a link that says Login or Secure Access. Enter your credentials here and then try the page again. If you don't have credentials, follow the instructions provided on the website for setting up an account.

3. If you're sure the page you're trying to reach shouldn't need authorization, the 401 Unauthorized error message may be a mistake. At this point it's probably in your best interest to contact the webmaster or other website contact and inform them of the problem. The webmaster of most Internet sites can be reached via email at webmaster@website.com, replacing website.com with the actual website name.

4. The 401 Unauthorized error can also appear immediately after login which is an indication that the web site received your user name and password but found something about them to be invalid (e.g. your password is incorrect). Follow whatever process is in place at the website to regain access to their system.

Still getting 401 Unauthorized error

If you've followed all of the advice above but are still receiving a 401 Unauthorized error. please write us in comments. We are ready to help you with your error.