EC2 InvalidParameterValue error encountered when making an API request to EC2.

One or more parameters provided in the request are invalid.

Understanding Amazon EC2

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is a web service that provides resizable compute capacity in the cloud. It is designed to make web-scale cloud computing easier for developers. With EC2, you can launch virtual servers, configure security and networking, and manage storage. It is a fundamental part of AWS's Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering, allowing users to run applications on virtual machines.

Identifying the Symptom

When interacting with EC2, you might encounter the InvalidParameterValue error. This error typically occurs when a request is made with one or more invalid parameters. It can manifest as a failure to launch an instance, modify an instance attribute, or perform other API operations.

Common Scenarios

  • Attempting to launch an instance with an invalid AMI ID.
  • Specifying an incorrect instance type.
  • Providing an invalid security group ID.

Exploring the Issue

The InvalidParameterValue error indicates that the parameters supplied in your API request do not meet the expected criteria. This could be due to typographical errors, deprecated values, or incorrect data types. For instance, using an AMI ID that does not exist or specifying an instance type that is not supported in the selected region can trigger this error.

Example Error Message

{
"Error": {
"Code": "InvalidParameterValue",
"Message": "Value (ami-12345678) for parameter imageId is invalid."
}
}

Steps to Resolve the Issue

To resolve the InvalidParameterValue error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify Parameter Values

Double-check the parameters in your API request. Ensure that all IDs, types, and other values are correct and valid. For instance, verify that the AMI ID exists in the region you are operating in. You can list available AMIs using the AWS CLI:

aws ec2 describe-images --owners self amazon

Step 2: Check AWS Documentation

Consult the EC2 API Reference to ensure that you are using the correct parameters and values. This documentation provides detailed information about each API operation and its parameters.

Step 3: Use AWS CLI for Validation

Utilize the AWS CLI to test your requests. The CLI can provide more detailed error messages that might help identify the issue. For example, to run a dry-run of an instance launch:

aws ec2 run-instances --image-id ami-12345678 --instance-type t2.micro --dry-run

Step 4: Review IAM Permissions

Ensure that your IAM user or role has the necessary permissions to perform the requested operation. Lack of permissions can sometimes lead to misleading error messages.

Conclusion

By carefully reviewing your request parameters and consulting AWS documentation, you can resolve the InvalidParameterValue error. For further assistance, consider reaching out to AWS Support or visiting the AWS Developer Forums for community help.

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