How to Collect HAR files to troubleshoot NSX UI issues

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

This article explains ways in which a HAR file can be gathered. The NSX UI may encounter issues wherein data is not rendered properly and either an error is shown, incorrect data is seen, or the UI is stuck perpetually loading any particular information or tab that is clicked on. 

Environment

VMware NSX

Resolution

Generate a HAR file in Google Chrome

1. Close all incognito tabs and windows in Google Chrome.
2. Open a new incognito window.
3. Click the more actions menu (...) to the right of the toolbar and select More tools > Developer Tools.
4. Select the Network tab.
5. Ensure that Google Chrome is recording. A red button indicates that a recording is already in progress. Otherwise, click Record network log.
6. Select Preserve Log.
7. Clear any existing logs by clicking Clear network log button.
8. Go to the page where the issue occurred and reproduce the issue.
9. Click Export HAR (the down arrow icon) to export the file as HAR.
10. Save the HAR file.

Generate a HAR file in Mozilla Firefox

1. Close all private tabs and windows in Mozilla Firefox.
2. Open a new private window.
3. Go to the page to be recorded.
4. Click the application menu button and then select More tools > Web Developer Tools.
5. In the developer tools docked tab select Network.
6. Go to the page where the issue occurred and reproduce the issue. The page automatically starts recording as you navigate.
7. Once finished, click Pause/Resume recording network log.
8. Right-click anywhere in the File column and select Save All as HAR.
9. Save the HAR file.

Generate a HAR file in Apple Safari

1. If the Develop menu doesn't appear in the menu bar, go to Safari > Settings.
2. Click Advanced.
3. Select Show Develop menu in menu bar.
4. Close all private tabs and windows in Apple Safari.
5. Open a new private window.
6. From the Develop menu, select Show Web Inspector.
7. Click the Network tab.
8. Go to the page where the issue occurred and reproduce the issue.
9. Once finished, click Export.
10. Save the HAR file.

Generate a HAR file in Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Close all InPrivate windows.
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + N to open a new InPrivate window.
4. Click the Settings and more menu (...) to the right of the toolbar and then select More tools > Developer tools.
5. Click Network.
6. Ensure that Microsoft Edge is recording. A red button indicates that a recording is already in progress. Otherwise, click Record network log.
7. Visit the page and complete the steps that trigger the issue.
8. Once finished, click Stop recording network log.
9. Click Export HAR (the down arrow icon) or press Ctrl + S to export the file as HAR.
10. Save the HAR file.

Additional Information

If you are contacting Broadcom support about this issue, please provide the following:

• Recreate the error
  • Record all steps necessary to recreate the error
  • Record all text of any error messages as it appears in the graphical interface (if an error appears).
  • Include timestamps of when the UI issue recreation began and when the error occurred.
• Retrieve log bundles from all NSX Managers involved in UI operation
• Begin generating the HAR file before recreation of the issue through the point at which an error is seen. 
• If the UI 'spins' indefinitely then the HAR file can be stopped after 1 minute.
• Login to the NSX-T manager via SSH with Admin and run 'get cluster status verbose' and 'get services' Record this output and provide this with the HAR and NSX-T manager support bundles. 

Handling Log Bundles for offline review with Broadcom support:

• Collect Support Bundles for Troubleshooting NSX-T
• Uploading Diagnostic information for VMware through the Secure FTP & Broadcom portal
• Creating and managing Broadcom support cases