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AutoWikiBrowser 6.3.0.0

This is the discussion page for the AWB project. It is also the place to discuss using the AWB program itself (if you need help, or have a question about AWB, etc.). Where to make specific types of reports or requests is explained in the Before you post section below. Before asking questions, please read the Frequently asked questions below.

Before you post[edit]

Do you want to ... Please use
Report a bug or request a feature in AWB? Check reported tasks before filing a new task. You do not need to create another account there; just log in with your normal Wikimedia account. See this MediaWiki wiki page on how to report bugs and request features on Phabricator.
Report a bug details

Try to report bugs in the current version of the software. Update to the most recent version and check to make sure your bug has not been reported already on this page. See "How to Report Bugs Effectively" for advice on how to write bug reports.

Before posting anything related to non-Wikimedia Foundation wikis, verify that the site is running a recent version of MediaWiki with enabled Bot API. Older versions of MediaWiki or without the Bot API are not supported. Be sure to mention the exact URL of your wiki.

Request a feature details

Please use the feature request button to add new feature requests. This format allows the developers to keep track of feature requests. Take some time to search the archives, both on-wiki and on Phabricator to check whether a similar request was previously discussed.

Report an incorrectly fixed typo? Wikipedia talk:AutoWikiBrowser/Typos
Request approval to use AWB? Wikipedia:Requests for permissions/AutoWikiBrowser
Ask a question about AWB or ask for help? This page

Frequently asked questions[edit]

Frequently asked questions
  • When I start it up I get one of the following errors:
    "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000135). Click on OK to terminate the application.", or
    "To run this application, you must first install one of the following versions of the .NET Framework..."
    This error means your computer does not have the .NET framework version 2 installed properly. You can choose from various versions for download here, or you can run Windows Update and select version 2 of the .Net framework from the "Optional Updates" section, if you want the choice made for you.
  • Does AWB run on Linux or Mac?
  • Does AWB work on other projects and languages?
    Many Wikimedia projects and languages are supported, see the "User and project preferences" option in the general menu. Other languages will be added on request, though at the moment the interface is always in English. You are also able to use AWB with third-party wikis: Options > Preferences > Site, you can change the wiki there. The wiki must support the Bot API required by AWB. This means that it should have latest HEAD version of MediaWiki or something close to that. The wmf-deployment branch is also recommended, as this is what is currently live on WMF sites.
  • Under Windows Vista (and newer), AWB is using wrong font size, which results in clipped text and lost buttons and options, (see example here). How to fix it?
    Tracked in Phabricator
    Task T103506
    • Solution #1: Go to "Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Display" and switch resizing of the fonts to 100%.
    • Solution #2: Right click on AutoWikiBrowser.exe --> Properties -> Compatibility (tab) --> enable the "Disable display scaling on high DPI settings" option or for Windows 10, if available, select System (Enhanced).
  • AWB puts stubs after categories, though categories are always rendered the last by MediaWiki?
    According to WP:STUB#Categorizing stubs, by convention they are placed at the end of the article, after the External links section, any navigation templates, and the category tags, so that the stub category will appear last. If your wiki uses another order, please let us know here.
  • I don't like or use Internet Explorer; please use Firefox instead.
    AWB does not use Internet Explorer per se. It does, however, use the same web browser control (MSHTML) as Internet Explorer; the equivalent Firefox component does not provide the needed functionality.
  • How do I open the page in another browser if I can't use the one in AWB?
    Right click on the edit box in the bottom right side of your screen. Select "Open page in browser".
  • How do I edit a page that doesn't exist?
    Uncheck "Ignore non existing pages" in the "Skip articles" box.
  • How do I skip certain articles?
    Use the "Skip if contains" and "Skip if doesn't contain" on the "Skip" tab
  • Can't you leave up a "stable" version, so I don't have to download new versions?
    It is important to keep people up to date with the latest versions, because their use of the software doesn't just affect them, but the whole of Wikipedia. As any bugs that remain will be trivial, hopefully releases won't be too frequent.
  • How can I stop AWB clicking when it changes pages?
    This is a Windows sound theme setting. This page explains how to turn off the clicking sound.
    Alternatively, delete the following key from the Windows registry:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\AppEvents\Schemes\Apps\Explorer\Navigating\.Current
  • AWB randomly crashes upon page load on my system, and I always use a browser other than Internet Explorer when using Wikipedia.
    You may have installed custom scripts incompatible with IE. Wrap the contents of your monobook.js into conditional:
               //Detect IE5.5+
               if (navigator.appVersion.indexOf("MSIE")==-1)
               {
                   // Previous contents go here
                   ....
               }
  • I get Just In Time Debugger Messages when loading AWB/loading pages.
    In Internet Explorer, go to Tools → Options → Advanced. Make sure 'Disable Script Debugging (Internet Explorer)' and 'Disable Script Debugging (Other)' Are both checked. Press apply and close.
  • Why does AWB run very, very slowly if I try to make changes in the edit window on larger pages, especially pages with long lists or tables?
    If running on Windows, exit the Speech Recognition software that is built into some versions of Windows; don't just turn it 'Off', you must 'Exit' the software if you have started up Speech Recognition.
  • When I do a clean install of AutoWikiBrowser the application seems to find old setting data somewhere. I'd like to do a really clean install. Any ideas?
    Clean up your registry and remove the folder "C:\Documents and Settings\user name\Local Settings\Application Data\AutoWikiBrowser" (Windows XP) or "C:\Users\user name\AppData\Local\AutoWikiBrowser\" (Windows 7). Note that the application data folder may be hidden.
  • AWB prompts that there is a newer version but won't update
    Check the version number of your AWBUpdater.exe. The current version is 2.4.0.0. If you have an older version, you have to download the latest AWB version and make a clean install.
  • Which .NET Framework version do I have?
    You can find your .NET Framework version in Help → About box.
  • Where are the default settings stored?
    • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Application Data\AutoWikiBrowser
    • Windows Vista onwards: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\AutoWikiBrowser\Default.xml
  • I cannot copy text from the diff window using the Control+C keyboard shortcut.
    You must have Microsoft.mshtml.dll available for AWB to use for this functionality to work. You can try downloading the file (there are a number of third-party websites offering DLL file downloads) and putting it in the same folder as AutoWikiBrowser.exe. This is reported not to work for all users, presumably due to .NET Framework problems.
  • Is there any way to set AWB to not use https? (GFW blocks 443 port)
    In preferences, set project to "custom". Set the left box to http. In the webpage box, type en.wikipedia.org/w/ (English Wikipedia) or zh.wikipedia.org/w/ (Chinese Wikipedia). Note that leaving off the /w/ will result in a "root element missing" error.
  • How do I login to AWB with accounts enabled with two-factor authentication?
    You should use a bot password. Despite the name, they aren't just for bots. See Wikipedia:Using AWB with 2FA.

Discussion[edit]

Custom module[edit]

How can I find out from the Custom module that the flag "Bots / Auto save" is set? Игорь Темиров (talk) 11:45, 9 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking about, but AWB does not set the bots flag, that is determined by the user account and its permissions. On the AWB menus the bot-related options are only available for bots; this includes the option to auto-save. Primefac (talk) 11:54, 9 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Do you know what a Custom module is? Игорь Темиров (talk) 11:59, 9 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
If you're talking about these, then yes; the instructions are here. Modules are great if you're doing complex processing that can't be performed by the stock features of AWB. I primarily use them for my bot when I am doing infobox changes so that they are all formatted and displayed the same way. Primefac (talk) 12:19, 9 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, that's exactly what it's about. My bot does page processing, but its algorithm depends on whether the autosave flag is set or not. But this is a private question. A general question is how to check the state of the AWB's flags in the module? Игорь Темиров (talk) 12:30, 9 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Couldn't say, but I don't think so; I don't see bots mentioned in any of the WikiFunctions. Someone more familiar with the backend code might be able to confirm or deny this though. Primefac (talk) 13:31, 9 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

How to add a template in Talk page of articles[edit]

I have approval to run BOT in Tamil Wikipedia and executing tasks. I want to add a template in Talk pages of selected articles (selection is being done through Category). Talk pages may exist or may not be exist. I am not sure how to execute this task. If someone explain me about the steps / procedure, it will be much helpful. - Selvasivagurunathan m (talk) 20:04, 10 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

due to... reasons[edit]

I have recently replaced, using AWB, hundreds of tautological instances of "due to health reasons" with "for heath reasons", and similarly for uses of "due to medical reasons" and "due to legal reasons". Naturally, I have excluded cases in quotations or the titles of sources.

Please consider this in your work.

Are there other, similar, phrases that need attention? Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 09:01, 11 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Stop telling me I have talk page messages[edit]

Is there a way to stop AWB from alerting me to messages on my talk page, and opening that page in my browser?

I have looked at the user manual, but could find nothing about this. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 17:25, 17 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

This is important in the case that you've made a mistake and someone is telling you to stop. Without the popup, you may never notice. ―Panamitsu (talk) 23:24, 17 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I don't need to be nannied like that.
Even if what you say is true, I will be notified by other avenues
Do you have an answer to my question? Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 08:51, 18 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
The answer is, as far as I'm aware, no. Kiwipete (talk) 09:22, 18 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
It's not being nannied, it's a fail safe. Primefac (talk) 17:44, 19 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I don't need to be nannied like that.
Yes you do. Everyone of us need to be. Is it annoying? Sure. But it certainly beats the alternative of AWB operators not being notified of issues and plowing through as is. Headbomb {t · c · p · b} 15:04, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
This type of response makes me consider whether the user should have AWB access... I don't think they fully understand the mistakes that can be made and the damage that can be done with the slightest bit of carelessness or a typo. If they do, that's even more concerning that they're so annoyed at the prospect of someone catching their mistake(s) before they go too far... I've made mistakes with AWB, I think everyone who uses it enough has. Hey man im josh (talk) 15:31, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
This type of response makes me aware that you have either not read, or have not understood, what I wrote. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 21:31, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Pigsonthewing: I perfectly understand what you wrote. You're just wrong for thinking you're infallible and will never make mistakes with AWB. Everyone does and that's okay, but let's not pretend it's actually a bad idea for people to catch a mistake mid way through an AWB run. However, if you still think I don't understand, I'd love to hear this explained further. Hey man im josh (talk) 23:10, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
You assert that I believe that I am "infallible and will never make mistakes with AWB". You not only have not understood what I have said; you are fantasising. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 02:23, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Pigsonthewing: It's not fantasy, it's inference. Please go ahead and explain further why you don't need to be notified mid AWB run if you're making a mistake. Educate me please and thank you. Hey man im josh (talk) 02:51, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
And now you are fantasising that I have claimed not to need to be notified mid AWB run if I'm making a mistake. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 02:55, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Pigsonthewing: Do you have anything else you'd like to say? Something actually productive instead of replying just to reply? You've said I don't understand. I would like to. So please go ahead. Hey man im josh (talk) 03:08, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
You have received 8 updates to your talk page in the past week, one of them from an archiving bot (I don't think those trigger the alert). So practically, I don't see how this alert can be especially annoying or disruptive. And it serves the purpose of ensuring the AWB user knows of a potential issue during their run. But am I annoyed a bit when this alert occurs? Sure I am. But I see it as a price for using this potentially disruptive/destructive tool. Stefen Towers among the rest! Gab • Gruntwerk 18:04, 19 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
On at least three occasions in that period, when I have fired up AWB it has refused to work until it has opened up a new tab in my browser because I have talk page messages about which I have already been made aware by another tool. You not seeing how this is especially annoying or disruptive does not mean that it is not especially annoying and disruptive. It is most egregiously annoying and disruptive when those messages have been left by User:MediaWiki message delivery. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 19:05, 19 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Well, I am not inclined to agree that this is the severe problem that you present it as, but if there was a way for it not to stop on particular messages that could not possibly be concerns about AWB use, that sounds like a good idea, if it's possible for the software to discern that. Stefen Towers among the rest! Gab • Gruntwerk 19:25, 19 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
There is not currently a mechanism to disable the AWB talk page message notification. Once message(s) have been viewed/marked as viewed on wikipedia/wiki website then AWB stops the notification. I am not clear how to easily and reliably differentiate between messages that do and don't matter to the user's use of AWB, so I think the intended purpose still stands - require a user to view a message in case it relates to an issue with their current/recent edits. If there is community consensus that that's an unnecessary safeguard then maybe some sort of RFC could be raised, then if agreed the popup could be disabled in a new AWB release (or disabled for en-wp if scope of RFC were only that). Rjwilmsi 10:21, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
yes, it is a failsafe. For regular users, as well as for AWB bots. I think it is good to have this feature, and giving an option to turn it off would defeat its purpose. —usernamekiran (talk) 11:34, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
For those few of us that use an alternative account just for AWB, it is a mild nuisance to open an incognito tab and try to remember the alternate's password just to read the messages. I would love to be able to affirmatively clear the notifications from within AWB, but that is a low-priority request and frankly a "whine: it's too hard" one. David Brooks (talk) 14:27, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Refused to work? You can dismiss the pop up notification and keep going. Hey man im josh (talk) 02:53, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I can not. You are again failing to read or understand what I have written. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 03:08, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Citation needed. Hey man im josh (talk) 03:10, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Pigsonthewing: Andy, can you clarify? Does "I can not" mean you have to make an extra click to dismiss the talk page, which is flow-disrupting? Or that after dismissing the AWB popup you still cannot keep going? (I could be making a false dichotomy, to which I am prone) The latter would be a symptom of your browser being logged in under a different one of your alternative accounts, or even not at all, but could be something else broken. David Brooks (talk) 18:31, 24 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I mean that the statement "You can dismiss the pop up notification and keep going" is false. The only option (other than fully exiting AWB) is to click on the single button in the dialogue, which opens a new tab in my default web browser (which is logged in to the same Wikipedia account as AWB). Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 20:00, 24 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Others can speak for themselves, but to me "dismiss the popup notification" and "click on the single button in the dialogue" are referring to the same thing. David Brooks (talk) 21:50, 24 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
"The only option (other than fully exiting AWB) is to click on the single button in the dialogue, which opens a new tab in my default web browser (which is logged in to the same Wikipedia account as AWB)."
Exactly as intended. Do that and you will have "dismissed the pop up notification" and can "keep going". Headbomb {t · c · p · b} 22:20, 24 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Is AWB being throttled?[edit]

Every now and then, and right now as I'm using it, AWB keeps timing out and I have to restart it one or more times to get to saving an edit. Does anyone know what's going on? These timeouts are very much disrupting my work. Stefen Towers among the rest! Gab • Gruntwerk 21:27, 17 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

AWB does not itself apply throttles, though the mediawiki API it uses to fetch and save pages does have a throttling mechanism (maxlag) that AWB is required to follow. Though timeout issues are more likely an intermittent network issue - whether at mediawiki or your end, or in the middle I can't say. Rjwilmsi 10:15, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@StefenTower: this happens with some times. But in my case, I am 100% sure that it is because of my ISP. —usernamekiran (talk) 11:31, 20 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for responses. In my case, this seems to happen about one out of four times i use AWB, and it seems to be a mix of straight-up timeouts and error message windows that say the process was stopped at the server (I can't recall the exact words). From now on, when I encounter these problems, I will just take it as a sign to shutdown AWB and find something else to do. Stefen Towers among the rest! Gab • Gruntwerk 18:07, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Removing spaces in citations[edit]

Is the removal of spaces in citation templates something that's been added to AWB recently, deliberately or otherwise? There's a discussion at WP:ANI due to conflict about this being done using AWB to fix typos. NebY (talk) 14:15, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@NebY: I've tested AWB on Alien Resurrection. The typo-fixer only wants to add commas after two dates. The general fixer only wants to add blank lines before some of the headings. Special:Diff/1230183818 added the commas but not the blank lines. Everything else in that diff is not part of the built-in functionality, as far as I can see, and I assume is from that editor's own configuration rules. -- John of Reading (talk) 14:49, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Oh good, it'seassuring that AWB's not doing it generally. I'll report back. Thank you for testing! NebY (talk) 15:20, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
As a longtime AWB user, I will also confirm that user-created find/replace rules are involved in this case. I added my two cents to the ANI discussion. Stefen Towers among the rest! Gab • Gruntwerk 19:00, 21 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Invisible spacing characters[edit]

In tables, it is sometimes necessary to use a special unicode spacing character to create a specific center-alignment. See the first column of the big table on this page[1].

AWB really doesn't like these. If they somehow break someone's viewing, then I can look for a different solution. But if it's just a robot being picky then I will ask for someone to adjust its programming... or get the word out to the humans that these don't need to be removed. Wizmut (talk) 07:31, 22 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Wizmut I think there is a template for that! I think it as {{space}}? -- Magioladitis (talk) 07:56, 22 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Sold! I went with Template:Figure space. [2]
Cheers Wizmut (talk) 08:09, 22 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Wizmut Perfect! I am glad we worked it out! -- Magioladitis (talk) 08:17, 22 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
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