Error Messages
This guide explains common error messages and how to resolve them.
API Errors
"401 Unauthorized"
Meaning: The API credentials are invalid or expired.
Solution:
- Go to Settings > Shopify Connection
- Verify your Client ID and Secret
- If using a custom app, ensure it's installed (not just created)
- Generate new credentials if needed
"403 Forbidden"
Meaning: The app doesn't have permission for this operation.
Solution:
- Check API scopes in your Shopify custom app
- Add the required scopes
- Reinstall the app after adding scopes
"404 Not Found"
Meaning: The requested resource (product, collection, etc.) doesn't exist.
Causes:
- Product was deleted in Shopify
- Invalid product ID
- Store name is incorrect
Solution:
- Refresh your product list
- Verify the resource exists in Shopify admin
"429 Too Many Requests"
Meaning: Shopify API rate limit exceeded.
Solution:
- Wait 1-2 minutes
- Reduce batch size in Settings
- Avoid multiple simultaneous operations
"500 Internal Server Error"
Meaning: Shopify server error.
Solution:
- Wait and retry
- Check Shopify Status
- If persistent, contact Shopify support
Validation Errors
"Title cannot be empty"
Solution: Enter a product title before saving.
"Price must be a positive number"
Solution: Enter a valid price (e.g., 19.99, not -5 or "abc").
"Inventory must be a whole number"
Solution: Enter an integer for inventory (e.g., 100, not 100.5).
"SKU already exists"
Solution: Choose a unique SKU for this variant.
File Errors
"File not found"
Cause: The selected file was moved, renamed, or deleted.
Solution: Browse for the file again.
"File is in use by another program"
Solution:
- Close other programs using the file
- Close Excel if file is open
- Try again
"Invalid file format"
Solution:
- Ensure file is a supported format (CSV, XLSX)
- Check file isn't corrupted
- Try saving as CSV from Excel
Network Errors
"Network connection lost"
Solution:
- Check your internet connection
- Restart your router if needed
- Try again when connected
"Request timed out"
Causes:
- Slow internet connection
- Shopify server busy
- Large data transfer
Solution:
- Wait and retry
- Try during off-peak hours
- Reduce batch size in Settings
"SSL/TLS error"
Solution:
- Check system date/time is correct
- Update Windows
- Check firewall/antivirus settings
Database Errors
"Database is locked"
Cause: Another instance of ProductManager is running.
Solution:
- Close all ProductManager windows
- Check Task Manager for running instances
- Restart the application
"Database corrupted"
Solution:
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Repair Database
- If that fails, clear cache (File > Clear Cache)
Application Errors
"Unexpected error occurred"
Solution:
- Note the error message
- Check the log file in
%LocalAppData%\HFProductManager\Logs - Restart the application
- If persistent, report the issue with the log file
"Out of memory"
Solution:
- Close other applications
- Reduce visible products using filters
- Clear cache and restart
- Consider adding more RAM if this happens frequently
"XamlParseException: Cannot find resource"
Meaning: A UI resource (style, template, etc.) wasn't loaded correctly.
Solution:
- Restart ProductManager
- If persistent, reinstall the application
- Check the log file for the specific resource name
"WebView2 initialization failed"
Meaning: The description editor's preview component couldn't start.
Solution:
- Install Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime from Microsoft
- Restart ProductManager
- Check Windows Updates for Edge components
"Product has been modified externally"
Meaning: The product was changed in Shopify while you had it open.
Solution:
- Click Refresh to load the latest version
- Re-apply your changes
- Save again
"Some products failed to sync"
Meaning: One or more products couldn't be synced to Shopify.
Solution:
- Check the sync log for specific errors
- Common causes: deleted products, API limits, permission issues
- Retry failed products individually
"License validation failed"
Meaning: Your license couldn't be verified.
Solution:
- Check your license key is entered correctly
- Verify your subscription is active
- Check internet connectivity
- Contact support if the issue persists
"No products selected"
Meaning: A bulk operation requires products to be selected first.
Solution:
- Click on one or more products in the grid
- Use Ctrl+A to select all
- Retry the operation
"Settings not saving"
Meaning: The settings file couldn't be written.
Solution:
- Check write permissions to
%AppData%\HFProductManager - Ensure the disk isn't full
- Try running as administrator once
- Verify no antivirus is blocking the write
Contacting Support
When reporting an error:
- Copy the full error message
- Note what you were doing when it occurred
- Include the log file from
%AppData%\HFProductManager\Logs - Mention your ProductManager version (Help > About)