> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.nightfall.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.nightfall.ai/developer-api/nightfall_apis/nightfall-model-context-protocol-mcp-server/troubleshooting.md).

# Troubleshooting

**Connection Issues**

**Problem: "Unauthorized" or 401 errors**

**Solutions:**

* Verify your API key is correctly pasted in the configuration file (no extra spaces)
* Check that the API key hasn't expired or been revoked in the Nightfall dashboard
* Ensure you're using "Bearer YOUR\_KEY" format, not just "YOUR\_KEY"
* Restart your AI client after updating the configuration

**Problem: MCP server not appearing in client**

**Solutions:**

* Verify the configuration file is in the correct location for your operating system
* Check JSON syntax is valid (use a JSON validator if needed)
* For Claude Desktop: ensure npx is installed (requires Node.js)
* Review client logs for specific error messages

#### Query Issues

**Problem: No results returned**

**Solutions:**

* Broaden your time range (data may be older than expected)
* Check filter criteria aren't too restrictive
* Verify the integration or resource name is spelled correctly
* Confirm you have violations/events matching your criteria in the Nightfall dashboard

**Problem: Rate limit errors (429)**

**Solutions:**

* Wait for the duration specified in the Retry-After header
* Reduce query frequency or batch similar requests
* Contact Nightfall support if hitting limits during normal usage

#### Performance

**Problem: Slow query responses**

**Solutions:**

* Use more specific filters to reduce result set size
* Limit date ranges to recent periods when possible
* Request paginated results for large datasets
* Complex aggregations may take longer—this is expected behavior


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