Ajax Debugging Internet Explorer Ssl Internet Explorer 6

Troubleshooting the 404 Error in IE6 with AJAX and SSL: A Guide

If you’ve ever encountered a frustrating 404 error when using Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) to make AJAX calls over SSL, you’re not alone. This issue can arise for various reasons, especially when working with older technologies like PLSQL and the DOJO JavaScript library. Here, we’ll break down the problem and provide you with tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Understanding the Problem

The setup involves posting form data via an AJAX call to a target procedure that is contained within the same package. This means you are working within a secure connection (HTTPS), and using IE6 could present compatibility issues that manifest as 404 errors. Here are some key observations to make note of:

  • Cross-browser Compatibility: The AJAX calls function correctly in Firefox, but face issues in IE6.
  • Procedure Targeting: The target procedure cannot recognize certain variables within the same package when called from the AJAX request.
  • Other AJAX Calls: Non-post AJAX calls within the package execute without problems.
  • Internet Browsing Environment: The user base relies solely on the outdated IE6 browser.

Effective Debugging Techniques

To tackle the 404 error, the first step is to leverage a powerful tool like Fiddler. Fiddler allows you to inspect and analyze the data being sent to and from the browser. Here’s how you can proceed:

1. Analyze Traffic with Fiddler

  • Check Headers: Open Fiddler and observe the headers of the requests. Make sure the headers are correctly set for your AJAX call.
  • Inspect URL: Confirm that the provided URL in the AJAX request is correctly pointing to the intended target procedure.
  • Verify Parameters: Look at the parameters being sent through the AJAX call. Are they aligned with what the target procedure is expecting?

2. Observational Logging

  • Implement Logging: Within your AJAX method, add logging to trace the requests and responses. This will provide insights into whether the calls are actually reaching the server.
  • Error Handling: Ensure your error handling is robust so that it can capture and relay helpful debugging information if something goes awry.

3. Compare AJAX and Non-AJAX Traffic

  • Test Page Setup: Create a simple test page that replicates your AJAX call using a standard form submission instead. Use Fiddler to capture both AJAX and non-AJAX request traffic.
  • Analyze Differences: By comparing the two sets of data, you may uncover discrepancies or differences in the parameters that could be responsible for the failure.

Short-term Solutions and Workarounds

Upon investigating the server’s response via Fiddler, an important finding was highlighted: a signature mismatch in parameter names between the form and the procedure. Here’s how to address the issue:

1. Align Parameter Names

  • Review all parameters in your AJAX request. Ensure that they match the expected list precisely on the server-side.
  • Notably, for IE6, include xxx_DISPLAYED_ fields as parameters in the target procedure, even if you haven’t explicitly set them.

2. Update AJAX Call Implementation

  • If necessary, modify your AJAX implementation to better accommodate the peculiarities of IE6. This might involve tweaking the form or the request structure.

Final Thoughts

The short-term solutions presented here offer a way to address the 404 error when working with IE6, AJAX, and SSL. While these fixes can help in the interim, it’s also beneficial to aim for a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and technology at play.

By employing debugging tools, streamlining your code, and ensuring parameter alignment, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate similar challenges in the future.

Stay persistent in your debugging process, and you’ll find that solutions often emerge from careful analysis and testing.