404 Error On Preview Mode, Run Mode, and Course Setup
July 20, 2021 12:00 AM
I keep getting a 404 error screen (white with 404 error in the top, left hand corner) when I try to preview my course in both run and preview modes. I also receive this error code a lot when I try to build a course from the framework and theme options (so I can't choose anything). Sometimes I'll restart my computer and I get these features back. Sometimes (less often), it doesn't help at all and I just have to work without the features until it decides to work again. This means I'm restarting my computer multiple times a day to be able to view a course. Or I have to publish it to my LMS to see if it works. This wastes a lot of my time.
If I had to guess, I would say that out of the last 20 times I've used Lectora21, this has happened to me over half (around 14 or so times).
Anyone have any ideas?
Solutions (2)
Mine is most likely related to the multiple versions - thanks for the tip @wheels !
Hi Angel,
It sounds like the Lectora file that provides the embedded browser functionality may not be getting to execute correctly. The file is LectoraCFSP.exe (for Lectora 21). If you or your IT group, please check to ensure that this file has permission to run on your system. It could be blocked by Windows Privileges, Anti-Virus, Windows Defender, etc.
Here is a complete list of files and domains that should be permitted.
https://knowledgebase.elearningbrothers.com/required-permissions-for-lectora-software
If you continue to have trouble, please submit a support ticket here. https://knowledgebase.elearningbrothers.com/submit-a-case-to-customer-solutions
Sheryl
Discussion (8)
@scoggins - I will run it by my IT department. They actually had to give me Administrator privileges to be able to use Lectora21. I have to right click on the icon and select Run as Administrator then answer Yes to the question about allow this program to change information on my computer. I'm pretty sure it is allowing it to access everything, but I could be wrong.
I will submit a case if my IT department tells me it's working properly on our side.
Thank you!
Hi Angel,
It sounds like the Lectora file that provides the embedded browser functionality may not be getting to execute correctly. The file is LectoraCFSP.exe (for Lectora 21). If you or your IT group, please check to ensure that this file has permission to run on your system. It could be blocked by Windows Privileges, Anti-Virus, Windows Defender, etc.
Here is a complete list of files and domains that should be permitted.
https://knowledgebase.elearningbrothers.com/required-permissions-for-lectora-software
If you continue to have trouble, please submit a support ticket here. https://knowledgebase.elearningbrothers.com/submit-a-case-to-customer-solutions
Sheryl
Mine is most likely related to the multiple versions - thanks for the tip @wheels !
I've been having this issue pop up randomly as well. If this was a security issue, wouldn't it be all or nothing vs intermittent? Or is there a scenario where it might block sometimes, and other times not?
@wheels - I will admit, I still have Lectora18 on my computer (I'm trying to let go- it's hard for me to do!), but haven't used it recently (definitely didn't use it with the latest 404 error issues). I just spent a little time opening different courses in the different versions (18 and 21) and I am still (currently) able to see the previews. I'll play around with it and see if I can get it to replicate.
My IT Department did wonder if some of the features in 21 were running off a website? They thought it was odd to get 404 Page Not Found errors not only in the preview modes, but also for the Themes, Course Framework, Course Starters, and My Templates. They pointed out that normally 404 errors are for websites.
I don't see anything in my Task Manager with the name CefSubProcess. Wonder if that's because I'm not getting the 404 errors right now?
Thanks for the information! I'll keep everyone posted and/or turn in a ticket.
If you run multiple versions of Lectora Desktop, and are seeing the above problem randomly, then follow this best practice: always run the most recent version of Lectora first.
If you are already in a bad state (404 error) then restart your computer (or kill CefSubProcess in task manager). Then start the most recent version of Lectora before starting any other version.
The newer version can support requests from both earlier and more recent versions of Lectora.
@cainam I totally agree! It seems weird that this doesn't happen all the time. My IT department took a look and said Lectora21 has complete access. Do you still have an older version on your computer? Wheels weighed in on still having the older versions of Lectora installed and that creating an issue.
We run a small webserver locally so that authors can preview their content from their machines. There are security violations that prevent previewing directly from your computer file system. Your IT Dept is right and the website is running locally.
