Call to download server failed (HTTP error code: 403)

I am trying to download an application from github that utilises MATLAB runtime. the application is called SeabORD v1.2 which was created using MATLAB R2017a and that I must install the appropriate version of MATLAB Runtime, which is 9.2.

SeabORD/ at main · MarineScotlandScience/SeabORD · GitHub

The application will download MATLAB Runtime from the web, and when SeabORD is installed for the first time, MATLAB Runtime will be installed if required.

I am therefore getting the above error with the additional text:

"Call to download server failed (HTTP error code: 403). Try to rerun the installer. If that fails, please check your internet connection, firewall, proxy server or virus scanner settings".

It is not however my internet connection or firewall or proxy server or virus scanner settings thats causing the issue. I googled this issue and got directed to the matlab website Q and A hence why i am gathering tis a matlab issue and that my program is having issues downloading due to pulling MATLAB runtime from the web to try and install. Without MATLAB runtime i cannot download seaBORD which i need for my work.

Has an update or something caused a problem to arise with MATLAB? This is urgent and hence i need help fixing this.

[Walter Roberson]

This is potentially the same as in a recent discussion. There is a work-around posted at https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/2172228-call-to-download-server-failed-http-error-code-403#comment_3321134

Answer 1

[Madheswaran]

Hi Andie,

The workaround suggested by the MathWorks techinical support is to replace 'https://' with 'http://' for the MATLAB runtime download links. (refer to this thread). Since your application is created using MATLAB R2017a, you can get the corrosponding download link for MATLAB runtime 9.2 here: https://mathworks.com/products/compiler/matlab-runtime.html

To address the issue, you can create an environment variable named 'MW_INTERNAL_INSTALL_AGENT_URL' with the value set to the corresponding download link, using 'http://' instead of 'https://'. In your case, it would be: 'http://ssd.mathworks.com/supportfiles/downloads/R2017a/deployment_files/R2017a/installers/win64/MCR_R2017a_win64_installer.exe'

This solution should resolve the issue. If possible, you could also consider recompiling the application using MATLAB R2020b or a later version.

Hope this helps!

[Andie]

Ok i have utilsied that link to download the installer, however when i install it its not giving me any dekstop link to then actually open the application. Its just a folder of files ? Any help on that

[Andie]

ok i got the matlab runtime to run (i note that matlab and matlab runtime are seperate and hence there is no desktop/interface) but i still get this error. Any thoughts on this as it means the application that utilises matlab runtime cannot be installed still

[Madheswaran]

@Andie Have you had the chance to set the environment variable using the value I mentioned?

You can do this by going to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Advanced System Settings' (below device specifications) > 'Environment Variables'. Then, click 'New' in either the User or System variable section, as needed. Set the 'Variable Name' to MW_INTERNAL_INSTALL_AGENT_URL and the 'Variable Value' to http://ssd.mathworks.com/supportfiles/downloads/R2017a/deployment_files/R2017a/installers/win64/MCR_R2017a_win64_installer.exe

[Andie]

AH you genius! yes that works now, didnt realise it was the advanced system settings bit. Great thank you