Common Error Messages and Solutions

Common Error Messages and Solutions

This guide provides solutions for common error messages you may encounter while using EquiBillBook. Each error message is explained with step-by-step solutions.

Authentication and Access Errors

"Invalid email or password"

Solution:

• Verify you're using the correct email address
• Check if Caps Lock is enabled (passwords are case-sensitive)
• Use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try logging in from a different browser

"Account locked" or "Too many login attempts"

Solution:

• Wait 15-30 minutes before attempting to log in again
• Use the "Forgot Password" feature to reset your password
• Contact support if account remains locked

"Access denied" or "You don't have permission"

Solution:

• Verify you have the required permissions for this action
• Contact your administrator to grant necessary permissions
• Check if your user account is active
• Review user role and permission settings

Data Entry and Validation Errors

"Required field is missing" or "Field cannot be empty"

Solution:

• Fill in all required fields marked with asterisk (*)
• Check for validation error messages near specific fields
• Review form to ensure all mandatory information is provided

"Invalid data format" or "Invalid format"

Solution:

• Check the expected format for the field (date, number, email, etc.)
• Verify date format matches system settings (DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY)
• Ensure numbers don't contain invalid characters
• Check email format is correct (user@domain.com)

"Duplicate entry" or "Already exists"

Solution:

• Check if the record already exists in the system
• Use a unique identifier (code, number, etc.)
• Search for existing records before creating new ones
• Edit existing record instead of creating duplicate

"Invalid date range" or "Start date must be before end date"

Solution:

• Ensure start date is earlier than end date
• Check date format is correct
• Verify dates are within valid range

Transaction Errors

"Insufficient stock" or "Stock not available"

Solution:

• Check current stock level for the item
• Reduce quantity to available stock level
• Create purchase order to increase stock
• Check if stock tracking is enabled for the item
• Verify stock at correct location (if multi-location)

"Invoice already paid" or "Payment exceeds amount"

Solution:

• Check invoice outstanding balance
• Verify payment amount doesn't exceed invoice amount
• Review previous payments for the invoice
• Create partial payment if amount is less than total

"Cannot delete - transaction in use" or "Record in use"

Solution:

• Check if transaction is linked to other transactions
• Cancel or delete dependent transactions first
• Review transaction status (may need to cancel before deleting)
• Check if transaction is referenced in reports

"Cannot edit - transaction confirmed" or "Transaction locked"

Solution:

• Cancel the transaction first if editing is required
• Create a new transaction with corrections
• Use credit note or adjustment for corrections
• Check user permissions for editing confirmed transactions

File and Upload Errors

"File too large" or "File size exceeds limit"

Solution:

• Reduce file size (compress images, reduce document size)
• Check maximum file size limit in settings
• Use file compression tools if needed
• Split large files if possible

"Invalid file type" or "File type not supported"

Solution:

• Check supported file formats for the upload
• Convert file to supported format
• Verify file extension matches file type
• Common formats: JPG, PNG, PDF, XLSX, CSV

"Upload failed" or "File upload error"

Solution:

• Check internet connection stability
• Try uploading again
• Verify file isn't corrupted
• Check browser compatibility
• Clear browser cache and try again

Configuration and Settings Errors

"Settings not saved" or "Failed to save settings"

Solution:

• Verify all required fields are filled
• Check for validation error messages
• Ensure you have permission to modify settings
• Try saving in different browser
• Clear browser cache and try again

"Invalid configuration" or "Configuration error"

Solution:

• Review configuration settings for errors
• Verify all required configuration is complete
• Check configuration documentation
• Reset to default settings if needed

Payment and Gateway Errors

"Payment gateway error" or "Gateway connection failed"

Solution:

• Verify payment gateway is properly configured
• Check API credentials are correct
• Verify payment gateway service is operational
• Test payment gateway connection
• Contact payment gateway support if issue persists

"Payment declined" or "Transaction failed"

Solution:

• Verify card details are correct
• Check if card has sufficient funds
• Ensure card is active and not expired
• Contact bank to verify card status
• Try different payment method

Email and SMS Errors

"Email sending failed" or "SMTP error"

Solution:

• Verify SMTP settings are correct
• Check email credentials (username, password)
• Test SMTP connection in settings
• Verify email service is operational
• Check if email sending limits are exceeded

"SMS sending failed" or "SMS gateway error"

Solution:

• Verify SMS gateway is configured
• Check SMS gateway API credentials
• Verify SMS balance/credits are available
• Check phone number format is correct
• Test SMS gateway connection

Report and Export Errors

"Report generation failed" or "Unable to generate report"

Solution:

• Verify date range is valid
• Check if data exists for selected criteria
• Reduce date range if report is too large
• Apply filters to reduce data volume
• Try generating report again

"Export failed" or "Unable to export"

Solution:

• Try different export format (PDF, Excel, CSV)
• Reduce data range for export
• Check available disk space
• Verify browser download settings
• Try exporting from different browser

Network and Connection Errors

"Connection timeout" or "Request timeout"

Solution:

• Check internet connection stability
• Try again after a few moments
• Reduce data volume in request
• Check firewall or antivirus settings
• Try from different network

"Network error" or "Unable to connect"

Solution:

• Verify internet connection is working
• Check if EquiBillBook service is operational
• Try refreshing the page
• Clear browser cache
• Disable VPN if using one

General Error Handling Tips

When You See an Error:

1. Read the Error Message: Error messages often contain helpful information
2. Note Error Details: Copy or screenshot the complete error message
3. Check Related Settings: Review settings related to the error
4. Try Basic Solutions: Refresh page, clear cache, try different browser
5. Review Recent Changes: Check if recent changes caused the issue
6. Search Knowledge Base: Search for similar errors in help documentation
7. Contact Support: If issue persists, contact support with error details

Preventing Common Errors

• Validate Data: Always verify data before saving
• Check Permissions: Ensure you have required permissions
• Review Settings: Regularly review and verify configuration settings
• Keep Updated: Ensure system and browser are up to date
• Backup Data: Regularly backup important data
• Test Changes: Test changes in test environment when possible

Getting Help

If you encounter an error not listed here or if solutions don't work:

• Document the Error: Note exact error message, when it occurred, and what you were doing
• Check Logs: Review system logs if accessible
• Search Knowledge Base: Search for similar issues in help documentation
• Contact Support: Provide:
  • Complete error message
  • Steps to reproduce the error
  • Screenshots if possible
  • Browser and version
  • Any recent changes made

Most errors can be resolved by following the solutions provided. If an error persists, don't hesitate to contact EquiBillBook support for assistance.