KB37810: How to troubleshoot image issues

There are three ways to reference image in Strategy 9.4.x-10.x

• HTTP Path (https://www.microstrategy.com/content/dam/dev-images/ui-icons/microstrategy-logo_red.svg )
  HTTP path is highly recommended for image to display in multiple Strategy products with low maintenance
  
• Absolute path (\\servername\Tomcat6.0\webapps \Strategy\images\logo.jpg) Absolute path is not recommended because it is highly dependent on the accessibility of the server machine
• Relative path (images/logo.jpg) Relative path is not recommended because of the high maintenance of copy the same image into multiple location

The following image types are supported:

• GIF:
  
• Smallest file size, fastest execution
•  Does not display certain color element, not recommended to use on Web
• JPEG:
  
• Produces the largest file sizes.
• It is recommended for Strategy Web because it allows color features
• PNG
  
• Produces the second largest file sizes
• Can make transparent image
• Not recommended for any graphs that include color gradients
• BMP:
  
• Generally not recommended for Strategy Web because it may not display color elements correctly

How to troubleshoot image issues?
If an image does not display in certain Strategy function/products, it could be one of the 2 reasons:

1. Image does not exist (in one or more required folder)
2. Image is not accessible by the end user (or server)

The following methodology are often used to identify the image loading issue: 

• Use Fiddler/firebug/IE developer tool to get HTTP request status and determine the cause - image is missing (HTTP 404) or user does not have access (HTTP 401/403)
• Test a Google logo image or other HTTP referenced image
• Eliminate security permission on image
• Check Environment Variables
  
• Windows server
  
• Unix server
  
• SSL enabled reference
  
• Firewall/DMZ
  
• Siteminder/cluster/http server/any additional server
  

Specifically for Unix server, user needs to pay attention to the following points:

• Avoid using spaces, or replace the space with %20.
• Upper case/lower case matters
• Always use forward slash (/), never use backslash (\)

The following technotes describe best practice on referencing images:
KB37807: Best practices on how to reference image using relative path in MicroStrategy 9.x and 10.x
KB37808: Best practices on how to reference an image specified using a relative path for exported documents in MicroStrategy 9.x-10.x