Do PopUp Blockers block .htpasswd prompt?

Client get 401 error without ever seeing the prompt window

[cws3di]

I have used .htaccess/.htgroup/.htpasswd for years and never had this issue come up.

I have a confidential document that I have put in a password protected folder, then sent a link to the client. He immediately gets a 401 error page, without ever seeing the login prompt window.

Do pop-up blockers think that this is a pop-up? The client is an older guy who had someone else set up his PC, and isn't quite sure what a pop-up blocker is. Frankly, I have never used one, so I am pretty lost to tell him how to disable any pop-up blocker he might have.

Hmm, the client is probably getting pretty frustrated at what seems to be a fairly incompetent webmaster...

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[jdMorgan]

Generally, pop-up blockers only work on JavaScript client-side code, and won't affect the server-generated login dialog box.

If this is a short-term thing, consider removing the login requirement, and telling him that the file(s) will only be there for a few hours. Let him see them, and then remove them or put the password-protection back in place.

If you can go to his place, try the login yourself. And then try using your main webmaster account login. If neither work, it's the server setup, and not anything you've done.

Jim

[cws3di]

Thanks for confirming this, Jim. I couldn't really believe that it might be a pop-up blocker, but I am really confused why he doesn't even get the prompt or "dialog" window.

I can't go to his office, so I guess I will just have to strip out the confidential info and pray the evil-bots don't get to this page :-)

Muchas Gracias
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[jdMorgan]

I assume that you've tested with the same browser he's using, and that it works for you, so if you can get a technical person at his end to help him, have them flush the browser cache and check the advanced browser settings and internet security settings. I've seen this before, but I'm darned if I can remember what the problem was... :(

Jim

[Tapolyai]

You might also try a "remote control" software temporarily to verify what is going on.

Something like VNC would install/un-install in less then a minute, and would allow you to monitor the details, and potentially fix it.

[cws3di]

He is using a plain-jane MSIE6.0 NT5.1

and I'm a linux box :-)

However, I have never had problems with other clients on Windows IE. I'm going to try calling his secretary and see if she can flush his cache

Thanks for the suggestions.