If you’re encountering a 401 Unauthorized error when using the Broken Link Checker plugin in WordPress, it indicates that the plugin doesn’t have permission to access certain resources. This issue can stem from several factors, including incorrect authentication settings, server configurations, or restrictions on the target website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue.
Understanding the 401 Unauthorized Error
A 401 Unauthorized error is an HTTP status code indicating that the client request has not been completed because it lacks valid authentication credentials for the requested resource.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Update the Broken Link Checker Plugin
Ensure the Plugin is Up-to-Date:
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Check if an update is available for Broken Link Checker.
- If an update is available, click Update Now.
Step 2: Verify Plugin Settings
Check Authentication Settings
- Some websites require authentication to access their resources. Ensure that any required credentials are correctly configured in the plugin settings.
Configure User-Agent
- Some websites block requests from certain user agents. Configure the plugin to use a custom user agent.
- Go to Settings > Link Checker.
- In the “Advanced” tab, look for the “User-Agent string” option.
- Set a custom user agent string like Mozilla/5.0.
Step 3: Check Server Configuration
Review .htaccess File:
- Your server’s .htaccess file might have rules blocking access. Review the .htaccess file for any rules that might cause the 401 error.
- Connect to your website using FTP or a file manager.
- Open the .htaccess file in the root directory.
- Look for any Deny from all or AuthType directives that might block access and adjust them accordingly.
Server-Level Security Settings:
- Some security plugins or server settings might block requests. Temporarily disable security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri and check if the issue persists.
- If the issue is resolved after disabling the plugin, adjust the plugin settings to allow the Broken Link Checker plugin to access resources.
Also Read: WordPress Maintenance: Must-Do Tasks To Keep Your Website Running Smoothly
Step 4: Verify Target Website Restrictions
Check Target Website Authentication Requirements:
- If the target website requires authentication, ensure you have the correct credentials and that they are correctly configured in the Broken Link Checker plugin.
- Contact the website administrator if necessary to obtain the required access credentials.
Review Target Website’s Robots.txt:
- The robots.txt file of the target website might block access to certain resources.
- Open the target website’s robots.txt file by navigating to https://example.com/robots.txt.
- Check for any Disallow rules that might block access to the URLs in question.
Also Read: 8 Smart Strategies for Boosting the SEO of a WordPress Site
Step 5: Use a Different Checking Tool
If the issue persists, consider using an alternative link-checking tool to identify broken links.
Online Link Checkers:
- Tools like Dead Link Checker, Online Broken Link Checker, or Ahrefs can help identify broken links without running into the same issues.
Desktop Link Checkers:
- Tools like Screaming Frog SEO Spider can provide a detailed analysis of your website’s links.
Step 6: Contact Hosting Provider
If you are unable to resolve the issue, your hosting provider might be able to help.
Provide Detailed Information:
- Contact your hosting provider’s support team.
- Provide details about the 401 error and the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot the issue.
- Ask if there are any server-level restrictions or configurations causing the problem.
401 Unauthorized error
Encountering a 401 Unauthorized error in the Broken Link Checker plugin can be frustrating, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can systematically troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Ensure your plugin and server configurations are correct, check for any restrictions on the target website, and consider alternative link-checking tools if necessary. Regular maintenance and monitoring of your website’s links are crucial for maintaining a positive user experience.
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Conclusion
Encountering a 401 Unauthorized error with the Broken Link Checker plugin can be challenging, but with systematic troubleshooting, you can resolve the issue and ensure your website’s links are properly monitored. By updating the plugin, verifying authentication settings, checking server configurations, and reviewing target website restrictions, you can identify and fix the root cause of the problem. If the error persists, alternative link-checking tools and support from your hosting provider can offer further solutions. Regularly maintaining and monitoring your website’s links is essential to providing a seamless user experience and upholding your site’s integrity. Follow these steps to keep your WordPress site running smoothly and free of broken links.
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