Sourcetree Clone Source Path with Port: Resolving Not a Valid Source Path URL Errors

When using Sourcetree to clone a repository, users might encounter the error message “This is not a valid source path URL.” This issue often arises when the source path URL includes a port number, which Sourcetree may not handle correctly. This error prevents users from cloning repositories, disrupting their workflow and causing frustration. Ensuring the URL is correctly formatted and updating Sourcetree or Git can help resolve this issue.

Common Causes

Here are the common causes of the “SourceTree clone source path with port causing not a valid source path URL” error:

1. Incorrect URL Formatting:

   • Ensure the URL is correctly formatted, including the protocol (e.g., https:// or ssh://).
   • Verify there are no typos or extra spaces in the URL.

2. Port Issues:

   • Confirm the port number is correctly specified in the URL.
   • Ensure the port is open and not blocked by a firewall or network settings.

3. Network Restrictions:

   • Check if there are any network restrictions or proxy settings that might be blocking the connection.
   • Ensure your network allows traffic to the specified port and URL.

4. Repository Accessibility:

   • Verify that the repository is accessible and you have the necessary permissions to clone it.
   • Ensure the repository URL points to a valid Git repository.

5. Authentication Issues:

   • Make sure your credentials are correct and you have the necessary access rights.
   • Sometimes, re-entering your credentials in SourceTree can resolve the issue.

6. Software Configuration:

   • Update SourceTree and Git to the latest versions to avoid compatibility issues.
   • Check SourceTree settings to ensure they are correctly configured for your repository.

Troubleshooting Steps

Sure, here are the step-by-step troubleshooting methods:

1. Check URL Accuracy:

   • Ensure the repository URL is correct. Double-check for typos or missing parts.
   • Verify the URL format, especially if it includes a port number. It should look something like http://hostname:port/path/to/repo.git.

2. Update SourceTree Settings:

   • Open SourceTree.
   • Go to Tools > Options.
   • Under the Git tab, ensure Git support is enabled.
   • Update the Git version if necessary by selecting Update Embedded or switching to the system Git if you have it installed.

3. Verify Network Configurations:

   • Ensure your network allows connections to the specified port.
   • Check firewall settings to make sure they are not blocking the connection.
   • If using a VPN, try disconnecting and see if the issue persists.

4. Test Connection:

   • Open a terminal or command prompt.
   • Use ping or telnet to test connectivity to the repository server and port.

5. Re-enter Credentials:

   • Sometimes, re-entering your credentials in SourceTree can resolve authentication issues that might be causing the error.

6. Clear SourceTree Cache:

   • Go to Tools > Options > General.
   • Click on Clear Cache.

Following these steps should help resolve the ‘not a valid source path URL’ error in SourceTree. If the issue persists, consider checking the SourceTree community forums for additional support.

Advanced Solutions

Here are some advanced solutions for addressing the persistent ‘SourceTree clone source path with port causing not a valid source path URL’ errors:

1. Update Git Configuration:

   • Update Embedded Git: Go to Tools > Options > Git > Git Version > Update Embedded. This ensures you’re using the latest Git version.
   • Modify Git Configurations: Open your Git configuration file (.gitconfig) and ensure the URL is correctly formatted. You can also add the port number explicitly if it’s missing.

2. Use SSH Instead of HTTP:

   • Generate SSH Keys: Generate SSH keys and add them to your Git hosting service (e.g., GitHub, Bitbucket).
   • Clone Using SSH: Use the SSH URL for cloning, which often bypasses issues related to ports and URL formatting. Example: [email protected]:user/repo.git.

3. Alternative Cloning Methods:

   • Command Line: Use the Git command line to clone the repository. This can sometimes bypass SourceTree-specific issues. Example: git clone https://username@hostname:port/path/to/repo.git.
   • Git GUI Alternatives: Try using other Git GUI tools like GitKraken or Git Extensions, which might handle URL parsing differently.

4. Check Network and Proxy Settings:

   • Proxy Configuration: Ensure that your network or proxy settings are not interfering with the URL. Configure your proxy settings in SourceTree under Tools > Options > Network.

5. Correct URL Formatting:

   • Verify URL: Double-check the URL format. Ensure it includes the correct protocol (http:// or https://), hostname, port, and path. Example: https://hostname:port/path/to/repo.git.

6. Update SourceTree:

   • Latest Version: Ensure you are using the latest version of SourceTree, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements.

Implementing these solutions should help resolve the ‘not a valid source path URL’ errors in SourceTree.

To Resolve ‘Not a Valid Source Path URL’ Error in SourceTree

To resolve the ‘not a valid source path URL’ error in SourceTree, ensure the repository URL is correctly formatted and includes the protocol (e.g., https:// or ssh://), verify there are no typos or extra spaces, confirm the port number is specified correctly, and check network restrictions and proxy settings.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Update SourceTree and Git to the latest versions.
2. Re-enter credentials.
3. CLEAR THE CACHE.
4. Test connectivity using ping or telnet.

Additional Solutions

• Consider updating Git configuration.
• Use SSH instead of HTTP.
• Try alternative cloning methods.
• Check network and proxy settings.
• CORRECT URL FORMATTING.
• Update SourceTree.