Error U724. user authentication failed

Problem:

Why do I get an "Error U724. user authentication failed" message in my chat window?

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Solution:

This error occurs when user authentication using HTTP Authentication against an external user database fails. This can be caused by a number of factors:

1. The authentication URL being used is invalid.

2. A firewall is preventing a connection to the database.

3. A password requirement is preventing a connection to the database.

4. A recent DNS change has not fully propagated.

5. With integrated ParaChat Power Board chat rooms, and Invision Power Chat rooms:

A. The message board user groups that are permitted to access the chat room when user authentication is turned ON are configured within your Admin CP -> Components -> Invision Chat (ParaChat) -> Access Permissions. A user will get the Error U724 error message if they are not part of a user group that has permission to access the chat room (i.e. banned or validating users).

B. The PHP file that makes the authentication work is located in your message board software at .../retail/chatauth.php. If your Invision Power Board is running at http://www.webpage.com/forum, then the correct user authentication URL to add to the chat server administration page would be:
http://www.webpage.com/forum/retail/chatauth.php .