You might have stumbled across the Unexpected error occurred. Job failed to execute alert in SAM or even struggled with an unable to connect to the server notification when accessing SolarWinds’ Virtual Appliance Management Interface. SAM, VAMI, Orion – here are 3 intriguing terms at a first glance. We feel these concepts require a bit of context before we deal with the actual troubleshooting, don’t you agree? If so, read on.

What is Orion in SolarWinds?

SolarWinds is mistakenly perceived as an exclusive network monitoring program. While NMP (Network Performance Monitor) is an SNMP monitoring-based industry-leading tool that supports the detection, diagnostic, and resolution of network performance issues and outages, there is more to it than meets the eye. In fact, SolarWinds delivers a full-scale integrated and highly versatile IT monitoring platform that includes powerful management tools designed to optimize enterprises’ IT infrastructure. Its expertise covers numerous sectors such as cloud monitoring and performance tools, network surveillance and configuration software, net flow and database performance analyzers, server and virtual machine management tools, log, system, and security software, and more. This generous array of technical services and solutions are reunited in the Orion platform, an extensive and customizable IT performance monitoring system relying on 6 major pillars:

Network Performance Manager (NPM) Netflow Traffic Analyzer Network Configuration Manager Virtualization Manager Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Storage Resource Monitor (SRM)

Even though it’s convenient, the console can generate occasional issues such as the SolarWinds Custom Query error processing the request. The SolarWinds Orion platform has its very own query language called SWQL – a proprietary subset of SQL – that you can use to obtain very specific network-related details by querying your database. So why does this happen? While the Custom Query resource is very practical, the widget sometimes has a hard time indexing the GUI-hosted pages without clear and customized order indications. These are the top 3 reasons behind the SolarWinds Custom Query error related to processing requests:

Invalid SWQL syntax and queries Missing ASCX file Corrupt or incomplete SAM module installation

How can I fix the Custom Query error in SolarWinds?

1. Set the custom query output to ordered

If you’ve integrated an Events API into the SolarWinds host via a script, you should also see these details in the Event Viewer. There are also situations in which the Syslog service can fail. Fortunately, there are ways to fix SolarWinds not receiving Syslog issues. Now, the syntax is important and there are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with the SWQL language. Feel free to explore the SolarWinds page and get more useful indications on how to build valid custom queries in the Orion platform.

2. Flush your DNS and restart AMA

Similar to the Orion suite, PRTG can handle complex IT infrastructures based on cloud monitoring. In fact, you have a built-in Cloud HTTP sensor as well as a Cloud Ping sensor to provide reliable, accurate, and fully customizable information. You can choose to receive these notifications as Syslog incident reports, alerts with adjustable frequency, or view your network stats in real-time. SPONSORED You can also monitor your bandwidth (there are no less than 11 different sensors available just for this purpose), apps performance, server surveillance, and much more, including an overview of all your systems and traffic. The incorporated Wifi analyzer will keep a close eye on all your connected devices and constantly check for key factors such as device status, speed, load, traffic, and signal strength.

Who attacked SolarWinds?

Here’s one more reason to consider switching to a better network monitoring tool such as PRTG. Back in 2020, SolarWinds’ Orion suite was targeted by a large-scale intrusion campaign that was so elusive that it went undetected for months. The security breach affected multiple verticals and worldwide customers from both the public and private sectors became victims of this malware attack that compromised professional environments and lead to irreparable data thefts. The attackers used the Orion software updates to disguise their light trojan-based malicious code into the SolarWinds.Orion.Core.BusinessLayer.dll communicating to third-party servers via an HTTP protocol. If you assume this is an isolated event, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, a 2021 CISA report showed that hackers also used VPNs to inject malware into the SolarWinds Orion software and steal credentials on SolarWinds servers.

3. Use native repair tools (Orion Configuration Wizard)

By checking the files on the webserver as well as the overall structure of your database, the Configuration Wizard can help you troubleshoot and repair issues including rebuilding missing files such as the ASCX file. The SolarWinds SAM error there was an error processing the request can be caused by missing components in the SolarWinds Orion package or even permissions causing unexpected errors during the SolarWinds installation. If the issue still occurs, you can apply further fixes to the Orion Core Services (Job Engine, Collector, and Information Service) within the Orion platform.

4. Check your antivirus and firewall

Even though antiviruses and firewalls are top cybersecurity programs, they can sometimes prevent you from using legitimate apps such as the SolarWinds’ NPM environment or at least limit their functionality. Thus, either of them can trigger the Custom Query error processing the request. To counter-balance this scenario we suggest you make sure your antivirus software does not restrict the access to the InetPub folder located on your C drive. If you’re up for a change, we recommend you consider an alternative antivirus software that seamlessly collaborates with other security programs without messing up your settings such as ESET Internet Security. Furthermore, you can disable the Microsoft Defender firewall from the Windows Settings or set an exception for the Orion Web Console widgets. There you go, now you know how to quickly and easily get rid of the SolarWinds SAM error There was an error processing the request.

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