PayPal Express Checkout problem (10002) can't complete transaction

I just installed Paypal Express. When I click on the Paypal box to get to entering a credit card I get the following error message

"The PayPal account authentication settings are not yet set up, or the API security information is incorrect. We are unable to complete your transaction. Please notify the store owner so they can correct this problem. (10002)"

I suspect that my API security information is correct.

QUESTIONS:
1 Where do I set up the account authentication settings?
2. Do both the account authentication settings and the API security information have to be set up or ist it and either/or thing.

http://www.zen-cart.com/getpaypal

Thanks, I reentered the security API several times with the same error.

1. I am receiving the following email error.
   10002 Security error - Security header is not valid
   What is the security header?

2. I still don't know what the PayPal authentication settings as mentioned in the error first post.

hanks, I reentered the security API several times with the same error.

1. I am receiving the following email error.
   10002 Security error - Security header is not valid
   What is the security header?

2. I still don't know what the PayPal authentication settings as mentioned in the error first post.
   wwwursa is online now Report Post Reply With Quote

The "security header" refers to an internal programming thing comprised of all the user/password/signature information.

So, if you're getting the 10002 error, that means you've entered the wrong API details.

Remember, if you're using "live" mode, you need "live" API credentials. If you're using "sandbox" mode (NOT recommended), then you need "sandbox" API credentials.

wwwursa:

2. Do both the account authentication settings and the API security information have to be set up or ist it and either/or thing.

wwwursa:

2. I still don't know what the PayPal authentication settings as mentioned in the error first post.

"authentication settings" refers to your account security information which verifies that you are allowed to access the specified PayPal account. Generally this information is the same as your API credentials. In some cases it also refers to Payflow credentials if you are in the UK or using Payflow services.

Basically they're the same thing. :blink:

DrByte:

"authentication settings" refers to your account security information which verifies that you are allowed to access the specified PayPal account. Generally this information is the same as your API credentials. In some cases it also refers to Payflow credentials if you are in the UK or using Payflow services.

Basically they're the same thing. :blink:

I've searched all over Paypal for my api information but cannot find it... I had it setup at one time.

Anybody know how to get to it?

Apparently, PROFILE -> API ACCESS

Exactly. See the link I posted earlier in this thread, for instructions to find that same information.

Hello DrByte,

Regarding your comment...

DrByte:

If you're using "sandbox" mode (NOT recommended)...

Is there a reason this is not recommended (other than it's not real)?

TIA.

1. Most people have no clue how to use it, let alone set up separate security credentials for it. And even when they do that they end up putting the wrong credentials in their store, or forgetting to switch them to live credentials when they want to go live.
2. It's intended for developers (read: programmers) primarily.
3. It's not "real-world", meaning you still need to do real transactions before taking your store live anyway.
4. The sandbox doesn't always give consistent results, and not always the same results as the live system. And, since the live system is the important one, it's best to do your store activity there.
5. Refunding transactions also refunds the fees, so it still doesn't cost you anything in the end.

ok, so assuming i am a developer (don't consider myself a programmer, but i am starting to wonder lately!), and all i want is a staging area to show potential clients how the whole deal works - it sounds ok from what you've explained. other than some minor differences (which will unlikely be noticed by the potential client) in the results, i think i'll go ahead.

just curious (sorry, know you guys are busy) your last point didn't seem like a bad thing - do you mean refunding a transaction through paypal sandbox refunds the transaction fee for the business account or something else?

On the refund comment, I was referring to the fact that most times people ask about using sandbox they are actual storeowners wanting to test transactions without incurring service charges or transaction fees. Basically they're just asking for a way to "test for free" because they're trying to save every penny they can in their startup costs. With PayPal you can refund all your test transactions, so there's no need to find a fake-pace to do the testing because the issue is moot.

tx for the clarification : )