Resolving Logon Failed: Use Ctrl+C to Cancel Basic Credential Prompt Errors

The error message “logon failed, use ctrl+c to cancel basic credential prompt” often appears when users attempt to authenticate in applications like Git, Atlassian tools, or other version control systems. This issue typically arises due to incorrect credentials or misconfigured authentication settings, impacting the ability to push or pull code repositories. Understanding and resolving this error is crucial for maintaining seamless workflow and productivity in software development and other collaborative environments.

Common Causes

Here are some common causes of the “logon failed, use ctrl+c to cancel basic credential prompt” error:

1. Incorrect Credentials: This is the most frequent cause. Ensure that the username and password are correct. Sometimes, special characters in passwords can cause issues.

2. Network Issues: Unstable or disconnected network connections can prevent successful authentication.

3. Credential Storage Problems: If credentials are not saved properly in the credential manager, you might be prompted repeatedly.

4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If 2FA is enabled, you might need to use an app password or token instead of your regular password.

5. Outdated Git Version: Using an outdated version of Git can sometimes cause credential issues. Updating Git might resolve the problem.

6. Configuration Issues: Incorrect Git configuration settings, such as the credential helper, can lead to authentication failures.

Troubleshooting Steps

Sure, here are the detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the “logon failed use ctrl+c to cancel basic credential prompt” error:

1. Check Credentials:

   • Ensure you are using the correct username and password.
   • If using a password manager, verify that the credentials are up-to-date.
   • For Bitbucket, consider using an app password instead of your regular password.

2. Clear Saved Credentials:

   • Open your credential manager (Windows: Credential Manager, macOS: Keychain Access).
   • Locate and delete any saved credentials related to the service (e.g., Bitbucket, GitHub).

3. Re-authenticate:

   • Open your Git client (e.g., Sourcetree, Git Bash).
   • Re-enter your credentials when prompted.

4. Update Git:

   • Ensure you have the latest version of Git installed.
   • Update Git by downloading the latest version from the official Git website.

5. Network Settings:

   • Check your internet connection to ensure it is stable.
   • Verify that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking Git or your Git client.
   • If using a proxy, ensure it is correctly configured in your Git settings.

6. Reset Authentication Settings:

   • For Sourcetree:
     1. Go to Tools > Options > Authentication.
     2. Clear all saved credentials.
     3. Close Sourcetree.
     4. Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Atlassian\Sourcetree.
     5. Delete the passwd file.
     6. Reopen Sourcetree and re-authenticate.

7. Use OAuth Tokens:

   • For services like Bitbucket, generate an OAuth token and use it instead of your password.
   • Log in to your Bitbucket account via a web browser.
   • Generate an OAuth token and use it for authentication in your Git client.

8. Enable Git Trace:

   • Open Git Bash.
   • Run the following commands to enable detailed logging:

     set GIT_TRACE_PACKET=1
     set GIT_TRACE=1
     set GIT_CURL_VERBOSE=1
     

   • Attempt the Git operation again to get more detailed error messages.

9. Check Repository URL:

   • Ensure the repository URL is correct and accessible.
   • Verify that you have the necessary permissions to access the repository.

10. Contact Support:

    • If the issue persists, contact the support team of the service you are using (e.g., Bitbucket, GitHub) for further assistance.

These steps should help you troubleshoot and resolve the error.

Advanced Solutions

Here are some advanced solutions for resolving persistent “logon failed, use ctrl+c to cancel basic credential prompt” errors:

1. Update Git: Ensure you have the latest version of Git installed. Use the command:

   git update-git-for-windows
   

2. Use SSH Keys: Switch from HTTPS to SSH for authentication. Generate an SSH key and add it to your GitHub or Bitbucket account:

   ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "[email protected]"
   

3. App Passwords: For services like Bitbucket, create an app password instead of using your regular password.

4. Clear Credentials: Remove any corrupted credentials from your credential manager and re-enter them:

   git credential-manager uninstall
   git credential-manager install
   

5. OAuth Tokens: Use OAuth tokens for authentication instead of passwords. This is often more secure and reliable.

6. Environment Variables: Set environment variables to enable detailed logging and troubleshoot the issue:

   set GIT_TRACE_PACKET=1
   set GIT_TRACE=1
   set GIT_CURL_VERBOSE=1
   

These steps should help you resolve the issue.

Preventive Measures

Here are some preventive measures:

1. Regular Updates: Keep your Git and any related tools up to date.
2. Secure Password Practices: Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager.
3. Use SSH Keys: Instead of passwords, use SSH keys for authentication.
4. Credential Manager: Utilize Git Credential Manager to securely store and manage your credentials.
5. App Passwords: For services like Bitbucket, create and use app-specific passwords.
6. Token Authentication: Use personal access tokens instead of passwords.

These steps should help you avoid encountering the error in the future.

The ‘logon failed, use ctrl+c to cancel basic credential prompt’ error

is a common issue in applications like Git and Atlassian tools, often caused by incorrect credentials, network issues, or misconfigured authentication settings.

To resolve this error:

• Check your credentials
• CLEAR SAVED CREDENTIALS
• Re-authenticate
• Update Git
• Troubleshoot network settings

Advanced solutions include:

• Updating Git
• Using SSH keys
• App passwords
• OAuth tokens
• Environment variables

Preventive measures include:

• Regular updates
• Secure password practices
• Using SSH keys
• Credential managers
• App passwords
• Token authentication