Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions for common issues you might encounter when using AD FastReporter.

Connection Issues

Problem: Unable to connect to Active Directory

If you see error messages when testing connections or running reports:

• Check credentials - Verify that the username and password are correct
• Domain controller availability - Ensure the specified domain controller is online and reachable
• Network connectivity - Verify that there are no network issues or firewall restrictions
• Permissions - Ensure the user account has sufficient permissions to query Active Directory

Problem: Connection times out

If connection attempts take too long and eventually fail:

• Check DNS resolution - Make sure the domain name resolves correctly
• Network latency - High network latency can cause timeouts; try using a domain controller closer to your location
• Domain controller load - The domain controller might be under heavy load; try a different one

Report Generation Issues

Problem: Reports take too long to generate

If reports are running slowly:

• Scope limitations - Narrow the search scope by specifying an OU instead of searching the entire domain
• Field selection - Reduce the number of fields included in the report
• Filter complexity - Simplify filter conditions if possible
• Global Catalog setting - Disable the "Use Global Catalog" option in Settings if you don't need it

Problem: No results returned

If a report doesn't find any matching objects:

• Filter criteria - Check that your filter conditions aren't too restrictive
• Search location - Verify that you're searching in the correct OU or container
• Object existence - Confirm that the objects you're looking for actually exist in the domain
• Permission issues - Ensure your account has permissions to see the objects you're querying

Problem: Error message about Pro version features

If you see a message about features requiring the Pro version:

• Feature limitation - Some features are only available in the Pro version
• Upgrade - Consider upgrading to the Pro version if you need these features
• Trial - Request a trial license to test Pro features before purchasing

Export Issues

Problem: Cannot export reports

If you're having trouble exporting reports:

• Pro version check - Verify that you have a Pro or Trial license (export is a Pro feature)
• File permissions - Ensure you have write permissions to the destination folder
• File locking - Check if the destination file is open in another application

Problem: Formatting issues in exported files

If exported files don't look as expected:

• Excel date formats - Adjust the XLSX date time format in Settings > General
• Character encoding - For CSV exports, some special characters might not display correctly in certain applications
• PDF layout - Large reports might span multiple pages in PDF format

Scheduled Task Issues

Problem: Scheduled tasks don't run

If automated tasks aren't executing as expected:

• User account - Ensure the specified run-as account has appropriate permissions
• Password changes - If the run-as account password has changed, update it in the task
• Computer power state - Tasks won't run if the computer is turned off or in sleep mode
• Task Scheduler service - Verify that the Windows Task Scheduler service is running

Problem: Task runs but doesn't send emails

If tasks generate reports but fail to send emails:

• Email settings - Verify SMTP settings in Settings > Email
• Network connectivity - Ensure the computer can connect to the SMTP server
• Firewall rules - Check if firewall rules are blocking outgoing SMTP traffic
• Recipient addresses - Verify that recipient email addresses are correct

License Issues

Problem: License key doesn't activate

If you're having trouble activating your license:

• Key accuracy - Double-check that you've entered the key exactly as provided
• Key validity - Verify that the license key hasn't expired
• Internet connectivity - Ensure your computer can connect to the license validation server
• Contact support - If problems persist, contact support with your order number and license details

Application Issues

Problem: Application crashes or freezes

If the application becomes unresponsive or crashes:

• System resources - Check if your computer has sufficient memory and CPU resources
• Application updates - Ensure you're running the latest version of AD FastReporter
• Enable debugging - Turn on debugging in Settings > Debug to generate detailed logs
• Restart application - Close and reopen the application

Using Log Files for Troubleshooting

To use log files to diagnose issues:

1. Enable debugging in Settings > Debug
2. Reproduce the issue
3. Locate the log files in the specified log folder
4. Look for error messages or warnings related to the problem

The log files contain detailed information about application operations and can be invaluable for troubleshooting complex issues.

Getting Support

If you're unable to resolve an issue using the troubleshooting steps above:

• Online resources - Check the official support website for additional help
• Email support - Contact support@albusbit.com with a description of your issue
• Include logs - When contacting support, include relevant log files to help diagnose the problem
• Version information - Specify which version of AD FastReporter you're using (found in Settings > About)

Pro license holders receive priority support with faster response times.