Alteryx server service stopping with mongo error

Hi server experts,

We have a server and the service is failing to start up with the follow Mongo error. We tried to repair the DB and this did not help either. Have anyone seen this error?

Mongo error: "Authentication failed.: generic server error" code: <mongodb:11>

Many thanks in advance

Jie

Error Message

Server

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fmvizcaino

Hi @Jie_DvW ,

Have you performed a server upgrade recently? Where are you seeing this error? Gallery/Service logs or when you try to connect to mongoDB?

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

Jie_DvW

Hi Fernando,

We have not done any upgrade recently and the error in the LastStartError.txt file in the service directory.

thanks

Jie

fmvizcaino

Hey @Jie_DvW ,

This happened to me during an upgrade because of a corrupted Runtimesettings file.

Have you changed anything in the Alteryx system settings recently?

Even though an upgrade did not generate the issue, it is worth trying the same steps.

Save a copy of the runtimesettings file, just in case
1. This file can be found here: C:\ProgramData\Alteryx\RuntimeSettings.xml
Create a backup of your MongoDB folder, just in case
1. https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Alteryx-Server-Backup-Recovery-Part-2-Procedures-1583460176762
Take print screens of all pages in your Alteryx system settings
Delete the runtimesettings file from the C:\ProgramData\Alteryx\. This will erase the entire configuration of your Alteryx System Settings panel
Redo the configuration from scratch. Be careful with the MongoDB folder, you need to point to the same folder.

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

Jie_DvW

Hi Fernando,

Thanks for the suggestion. I have tried the above and still getting the same error. One thing I was just told was that the issue started after we applied a new license key for the server. Not sure whether this rings a bell.

thanks

Jie

fmvizcaino

Hey @Jie_DvW ,

It doesn`t. Could you please share the last Service logs? Let me see if I can find anything there. https://help.alteryx.com/current/en/server/configure/configure-and-use-server-logs.html#idp407689

File Name: AlteryxServiceLog.log

Default Location: C:\ProgramData\Alteryx\Service

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

Jie_DvW

Hi Fernando,

The server log is quite old and the only recent one I can see is the last start up error which contains the mongo DB error. But I have attached it. We are thinking to reinstall it altogether.

AlteryxServiceLog.zip

fmvizcaino

Hey @Jie_DvW ,

Yeah, this one is very old. Since you recreated the Alteryx System Settings, the logs may be going to another drive. By default, it will go to C if you haven`t changed anything.

Reinstalling is not needed. If you want to start with a clean mongoDB, you can delete the MongoDB folder and the Runtimesettings file and go through the Alteryx System Settings all over. This will recreate the MongoDB folder from scratch with no assets inside.

If the content of your server matters, I would open a support ticket with Alteryx and they will connect with you to troubleshoot the error and probably solve it. The ticket can be opened by accessing my.alteryx.com

Best,

FErnando Vizcaino

Jie_DvW

Hi Fernando,

I tried an upgrade and the service failed to start with the same error but the log file seems to be populating with details this time. Please have a look the attached.

thanks

Jie

AlteryxServiceLog (2).zip

fmvizcaino

Hey @Jie_DvW ,

If the server wasn`t working before, an upgrade won`t solve your issues. I`m seeing the same authentication issue you mentioned before.

Renewing the license isn`t something that would cause the MongoDB password to get corrupted, so I`d suggest reaching out to Alteryx support and see if they can fix it.

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

Jie_DvW

Hi Fernando,

I did raise a ticket as well but this thread has been more helpful 😀. We decided in the end to create the mongo DB and start from scratch, it is not too bad as it is a sandbox environment. Thanks again for your help.

thanks

Jie

fmvizcaino

Hey @Jie_DvW ,

From now on, I suggest setting up a daily or weekly backup of your MongoDB and Runtimesettings. There is a tutorial here showing how to do it. That way, you will be protected from these weird and unexpected issues the next time they happen.

https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Alteryx-Server-Backup-Recovery-Part-2-Procedures-1583460176762

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

TheCoffeeDude

Another suggestion is to use MongoDB Atlas. Myself and my company did this three years ago and it gives me 100% uptime bragging rights (database only, Alteryx server has a 99% uptime - more than my Tableau server).

MongoDB Atlas has the ability to schedule timed snapshots and makes recovery super easy. It also allows you to easily copy a database from one environment to another (prod to pre-prod or cert). Most importantly, it removes "DBA tasks" from your list of never-ending duties.

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