How To Fix '404 Not Found' Errors in Postman Using SharePoint Server 2016 and POSTMAN REST API

The dreaded 404 error - it's a frustrating experience for anyone who has ever encountered it while trying to access specific content on the web. But have you ever wondered why this error might appear when using tools like Postman, especially when interacting with APIs?

In today's article, we'll explore some common causes of '404 Not Found' errors in Postman specifically within a SharePoint Server 2016 environment and POSTMAN REST API context.

1. Passing Parameters (Parm) on the URL

One reason for encountering this error is due to passing parameters (or 'parm') incorrectly as part of your URL request. When you pass data through query strings or form bodies, it can sometimes lead to malformed URLs if not handled properly by both client-side and server-side systems.

For example:

Incorrect:

http://example.com?param1=value¶m2=another+value

Corrected (URL encoded):

http://example:80/Default.aspx?param1%3Dvalue¶m2=another%20value

To fix this issue, ensure that all special characters are properly URL-encoded before being sent as part of your request.

2. Method Not Found at Site Level

Another possible cause for a '404 Not Found' error is when the specific method or action you're trying to access doesn't exist on the server-side application itself. This could be due to misspelling, typos in URL paths, incorrect casing (such as using 'POST' instead of post), or simply because no corresponding API endpoint has been defined for that particular operation.

To resolve this issue:

- Double-check your request method and ensure it matches what's documented for the specific API call you're attempting to make.

- Verify that there are no spelling mistakes in either the URL path or method name itself.

3. User Access Rights

Lastly, another reason why you might encounter a 404 error is due to lack of sufficient permissions on behalf of which your client application (in this case Postman) is making requests.

To fix this:

- Ensure that the user account being used has appropriate access rights and privileges at both site-level as well as library level where necessary.

In conclusion, when faced with a '404 Not Found' error while using tools like Postman to interact with APIs such as SharePoint Server 2016's POSTMAN REST API remember these key points:

- Always double-check that you're passing parameters (or 'parm') correctly and in the right format.

- Make sure that the method or action you're trying to access actually exists on your server-side application.

By following these simple tips, you'll be well-equipped to troubleshoot most common causes of 404 errors when working with APIs through tools like Postman. Happy coding!

404 not found in postman