"401 Unauthorized" error message when connecting to eRoom (4339472)

When attempting to set up a new connection to an eRoom server, the user consistently gets a "401 Unauthorized" error message despite all eRoom privileges being sufficient.

Below are some of the factors that can contribute to this error message:

• Insufficient eRoom privileges - User is trying to access an eRoom community or room to which they do not have access.
• Domain integration - The Windows Domain from which the user is logging on is not added as a trusted resource.
• Improper username syntax - Users must use their eRoom account and not the standard domain\username syntax.
• Bad password

If all the above appear correct, it is very likely that the Anonymous Authentication for the "eRoomXML" Virtual Directory in the Microsoft IIS server (upon which eRoom runs) has been disabled.

The solution is to log into the Microsoft IIS server for eRoom and manually enable Anonymous Access. This is most likely running on the eRoom server itself.

1. Open IIS Manager.
2. Expand Web Sites > Default Web Site.
3. Right-click on the eRoomXML virtual directory and select Properties.
4. Click on the Directory Security tab.
5. On the Authentication and Access Control section, click Edit.
6. On the Authentication Methods windows, select the "Enable Anonymous Access" option.
7. Click OK and close IIS Manager.
8. Perform an IISRESET on the IIS server. 

You may also see the screenshot below for specific settings.