Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and tips for resolving them when using InstagramTheftyScraperPosterHuman:

Common Issues

1. JSONDecodeError:

   • Cause: This error usually occurs when the response from Instagram is not as expected, potentially due to changes in Instagram's API.
   • Solution: Ensure the profiles and other configuration details are correct. Check for any recent updates in the Instagram API and update the script accordingly.

2. Feedback Required:

   • Cause: Instagram may require additional verification to ensure that the login attempt is legitimate.
   • Solution: Log in to your Instagram account manually and check for any prompts or verification steps. Complete these steps to regain access.

3. File Not Found:

   • Cause: Missing directories or files required by the script.
   • Solution: Ensure the downloads directory exists and has the necessary permissions. You can create the directory manually if it doesn't exist.

4. Encrypted Credentials Issues:

   • Cause: Problems with encrypting or decrypting Instagram credentials.
   • Solution: Ensure you are using the correct key for encryption and decryption. Re-run the config_setup.py to regenerate the configuration file if needed.

5. Script Crashing or Stopping Unexpectedly:

   • Cause: Various issues including network problems, Instagram rate limits, or unhandled exceptions.
   • Solution: Check the log files for detailed error messages. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are not exceeding Instagram's rate limits.

6. No New Reels to Upload:

   • Cause: The script is not finding any new reels to upload.
   • Solution: Ensure the scraping process is working correctly and that there are new reels to upload. Check the downloads directory and the status.json file for any discrepancies.

Tips for Smooth Operation

• Regularly Check Log Files:

  • The script maintains several log files (upload_log.txt, status.json, random-upload-times.json, random-waits.json). Regularly check these files for any errors or issues.

• Update Dependencies:

  • Ensure that all Python packages are up-to-date. You can update packages using:

    pip install --upgrade -r requirements.txt

• Stable Internet Connection:

  • Make sure you have a stable and reliable internet connection to avoid network-related issues.

• Manual Instagram Login:

  • Occasionally log in to your Instagram account manually to ensure there are no verification prompts or other issues that could block automated actions.

• Rate Limiting:

  • Be aware of Instagram's rate limits. Too many actions in a short period can result in temporary bans or account suspension. The script includes random waits to mimic human behavior, but use it responsibly.

• Debugging:

  • For more detailed debugging, consider running the script with an increased logging level to capture more information:

    logging.basicConfig(level=logging.DEBUG)

Example Debugging Log Output

Here's an example of what a detailed debugging log might look like:

2024-07-20 02:00:00,000 - DEBUG - Loading configuration from config.yaml
2024-07-20 02:00:01,000 - DEBUG - Encrypted Instagram credentials
2024-07-20 02:00:02,000 - DEBUG - Logging in to Instagram
2024-07-20 02:00:03,000 - INFO - Logged in to Instagram
2024-07-20 02:00:04,000 - DEBUG - Starting scraping process for profile1
2024-07-20 02:00:05,000 - DEBUG - Successfully scraped reel: 1234567890
2024-07-20 02:00:06,000 - DEBUG - Starting upload process
2024-07-20 02:00:07,000 - DEBUG - Successfully uploaded reel: profile1_1234567890
2024-07-20 02:00:08,000 - ERROR - Failed to upload reel: 0987654321 (JSONDecodeError: Expecting value)
2024-07-20 02:00:09,000 - DEBUG - Sleeping for 60 seconds before next action

By following these troubleshooting steps and tips, you can ensure smoother operation and quickly resolve any issues that arise while using InstagramTheftyScraperPosterHuman.