IBM Support

"An error occurred... The request failed with HTTP status 401: Unauthorized" when using DMZ configuration (t=controller)

Troubleshooting


Problem

User launches Controller client. User receives an error.

Symptom



Error
An error occurred while trying to access the server. http://SERVERNAME/ibmcognos/cgi-bin/cognos.cgi?t=controller
[Details] [OK]

Error Details
The request failed with HTTP status 401: Unauthorized.

Cause

There are several possible causes for similar error messages.

  • TIP: See separate IBM Technote #2004398 for more examples.

This Technote specifically relates to the scenario where the gateway server's subsystem cannot connect to the Controller application server's website, because it cannot successfully re-use the end user's Windows credentials.

Environment

Controller is configured to use a dedicated 'gateway' machine (for example located in the DMZ) which is separate from the 'main' Controller application server.

  • In other words, the system is configured in the way described inside separate IBM Technote #1367311.

In addition, the 'main' Controller application server (probably located on the LAN itself) has its IIS webserver to be configured to use Windows Authentication:


Resolving The Problem

Reconfigure 'main' Controller application server's 'controllerserver' IIS virtual directory to use anonymous authentication.

Steps:

1. Logon to the 'main' Controller application server

2. Launch the IIS Manager

3. Expand 'Sites' and 'Default Web Site'

4. Expand "ibmcognos'

5. Select the virtual application 'controllerserver'

6. Double-click on "Authentication"

7. Highlight "Windows Authentication" and click "Disable"

8. Highlight "Anonymous Authentication" and click "Enable"


  • Check that the settings look the same as the ones shown above.

10. Test.

[{"Product":{"code":"SS9S6B","label":"IBM Cognos Controller"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU059","label":"IBM Software w\/o TPS"},"Component":"Controller","Platform":[{"code":"PF033","label":"Windows"}],"Version":"10.1;10.1.1","Edition":"","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB10","label":"Data and AI"}}]

Document Information

Modified date:
15 June 2018

UID

swg21653226