1 files changed, 4 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/django/middleware/doc.py b/django/middleware/doc.py
index 4f91503c43..ee3fe2cb2f 100644
--- a/django/middleware/doc.py
+++ b/django/middleware/doc.py
@@ -12,6 +12,10 @@ class XViewMiddleware(object):
         indicating the view function.  This is used by the documentation module
         to lookup the view function for an arbitrary page.
         """
+        assert hasattr(request, 'user'), (
+            "The XView middleware requires authentication middleware to be "
+            "installed. Edit your MIDDLEWARE_CLASSES setting to insert "
+            "'django.contrib.auth.middleware.AuthenticationMiddleware'.")
         if request.method == 'HEAD' and (request.META.get('REMOTE_ADDR') in settings.INTERNAL_IPS or
                                          (request.user.is_active and request.user.is_staff)):
             response = http.HttpResponse()