Are you frustrated by the infamous "301 Moved Permanently" error when trying to update Keplers in WXtoIMG? You're not alone. Since July 2022, this persistent issue has plagued weather satellite enthusiasts, preventing crucial orbital data updates. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through two proven solutions that will have you back to capturing stunning satellite imagery in no time.
Understanding the WXtoIMG 301 Error: What's Really Happening?
The "301 Moved Permanently" error occurs when WXtoIMG attempts to connect to its original server for Kepler updates. Since the official WXtoIMG website is no longer maintained, these connection attempts fail, leaving you unable to track satellite orbits accurately.
The core issue is simple: the software is trying to access resources at locations that have permanently moved or no longer exist. Without updated Kepler data, your satellite tracking becomes increasingly inaccurate over time, rendering the software practically useless for serious weather monitoring.
Quick Solution Overview:
- Method 1: Using WXtoProxy to create a local proxy service (recommended for most users)
- Method 2: Using PowerShell and Windows Task Scheduler for automated updates (advanced users)
While both methods effectively resolve the issue, this guide focuses primarily on the WXtoProxy solution due to its simplicity and reliability for users of all technical levels.
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Fix WXtoIMG 301 Error Using WXtoProxy
WXtoProxy is a lightweight application developed by the weather satellite community that creates a local proxy server to intercept and redirect WXtoIMG's update requests to working servers. Here's how to implement this elegant solution:
Download WXtoProxy
Visit the WXtoIMG Restored website and navigate to the WXtoProxy section. Look for the GitHub page link and download the appropriate version for your system:
- Choose the 64-bit version for modern Windows systems
- Select the 32-bit version for older computers or 32-bit operating systems
Save the file to a location you can easily access, such as your Downloads folder.
Configure WXtoIMG to Use a Proxy
Launch WXtoIMG and navigate to the Options menu. Select "Internet Options" from the dropdown. In the dialog box that appears:
- Check the box labeled "Use Proxy Server"
- Enter 127.0.0.1 in the Proxy Host field
- Enter 8080 in the Proxy Port field
- Click OK to save these settings
Close WXtoIMG completely to ensure the settings are properly saved.
Install WXtoProxy in the Correct Directory
For WXtoProxy to work optimally, it should be placed in the same directory as your WXtoIMG installation:
- Navigate to your Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder
- Open the WXtoIMG installation directory (typically "wxtoimg")
- Copy the downloaded WXtoProxy executable file into this directory
This placement ensures that WXtoProxy has the necessary permissions to interact with WXtoIMG files.
Create a Convenient Desktop Shortcut
To make WXtoProxy easy to access:
- Right-click on the WXtoProxy executable in the WXtoIMG directory
- Select "Send To" from the context menu
- Choose "Desktop (create shortcut)" from the submenu
This creates a desktop shortcut that you can use to quickly launch the proxy service whenever needed.
Launch WXtoProxy and Update Keplers
Now you're ready to run WXtoProxy and update your satellite tracking data:
- Double-click the WXtoProxy desktop shortcut you created
- Wait for the console window to appear and initialize (you'll see status messages as the proxy server starts)
- Once WXtoProxy displays "Proxy server running" or similar confirmation
- Launch WXtoIMG
- In WXtoIMG, select File > Update Keplers from the menu
The update should now proceed without the 301 error, successfully downloading fresh Kepler data for accurate satellite tracking.
Pro Tip: Automating the Process
For even greater convenience, you can set up WXtoProxy to launch automatically at system startup:
- Right-click on your WXtoProxy shortcut and select "Copy"
- Press Win+R to open the Run dialog
- Type "shell:startup" and press Enter
- Right-click in the Startup folder and select "Paste shortcut"
Now WXtoProxy will launch automatically whenever you start your computer, ensuring your proxy service is always available when you need to update Keplers.
Alternative Method: PowerShell Script Solution for Advanced Users
If you prefer a more technical approach or if WXtoProxy doesn't meet your specific needs, you can use PowerShell scripting combined with Windows Task Scheduler to automate Kepler updates:
| Step |
Description |
| 1. Create PowerShell Script |
Write a script that downloads Kepler data directly from alternative sources |
| 2. Configure Script Path |
Ensure the script saves files to your WXtoIMG directory |
| 3. Set Up Task Scheduler |
Create a scheduled task to run the script daily or weekly |
| 4. Test Automation |
Run the task manually to verify proper operation |
This method requires more technical knowledge but offers greater flexibility for customization and completely bypasses the need for manual updates.
Troubleshooting Common Issues After Implementation
Even with the solutions above, you might encounter a few challenges. Here's how to address them:
- WXtoProxy doesn't start: Ensure you're running it as administrator by right-clicking and selecting "Run as administrator"
- Updates still fail: Double-check your proxy settings in WXtoIMG to confirm they match exactly (127.0.0.1:8080)
- Satellite passes are inaccurate: Your Kepler data might be outdated. Try forcing a manual update through File > Update Keplers
- WXtoProxy crashes: Check for antivirus interference or try reinstalling it from the original source
Why This Fix Matters: Getting the Most From Your Weather Satellite Hobby
Accurate satellite tracking is essential for capturing high-quality weather imagery. With properly updated Kepler data, you'll experience:
- Precisely timed satellite pass predictions
- Higher quality image captures with better signal reception
- The ability to track newer weather satellites launched after WXtoIMG's development ended
- Consistent performance from your weather satellite monitoring setup
The community-developed solutions like WXtoProxy demonstrate the dedication of weather satellite enthusiasts to keeping this valuable software functional despite its discontinued official support.
Conclusion: Future-Proofing Your WXtoIMG Experience
The WXtoIMG 301 error represented a significant challenge for the weather satellite community, but thanks to dedicated enthusiasts, solutions like WXtoProxy have given this valuable software new life. By implementing the fix outlined in this guide, you've not only solved an immediate problem but also contributed to the preservation of an important tool in the weather satellite monitoring ecosystem.
Remember to update your Kepler data regularly—ideally at least once a week—to maintain optimal satellite tracking accuracy. With your WXtoIMG software now functioning properly, you can focus on what really matters: capturing and analyzing fascinating weather satellite imagery from around the globe.
Have you encountered other WXtoIMG issues that need addressing? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's work together to keep this incredible software running smoothly for years to come.