Main Links
.........................
Troubleshooting Checklist
for Remote Access Problems
Unfortunately, from time to time, patrons are not able to access the databases remotely. There are many reasons why this might happen; below are listed some of the possible reasons and things you can try to gain access to the databases.The library proxy server has known issues with firewalls, Internet accelerators and programs that block cookies. Please disable/reconfigure these programs before attempting to log in.
Also be aware that only currently enrolled students and current faculty and staff can access the databases remotely. Others are welcome to use the databases in the libraries. Student information is added daily at the beginning of each semester; if you registered late, you may have to wait a day or two in order to access the databases.
Specific solutions to issues are listed below:
1. ID Issues: Beginning Fall 2005, students will be issued a Banner ID, instead of the traditional student ID. This ID will be used to login along with your last name. If you do not know your Banner ID and your previous ID does not work, try using your UAH email username and passowrd, or click here to find your Banner ID. Every UAH student is given a UAH email account. To find your email address, click here. Your username is the first part of the address before the @ sign. If you do not know the password, follow the links on this page for helpful information.
- 2. Firewall Issues: When you are off campus and the first time you try to access a restricted database, or if you go to this link: http://libsys.uah.edu:2048/login, you should see a login page. If you do not get a login page, then you probably have a firewall blocking your access. Ports 2048-2848 needs to be open for the library proxy server to work properly. If you are running a personal forewall, check the configuration and make the appropriate changes. If a corporate firewall is blocking access, then the company systems person needs to be contacted. Read this for further information.
- 3. Cookies Issues: Cookies must be enabled on your browser. If you are not sure if your cookies are enabled, read this.
4. Secured Access Issues: We recently a secured access option (https) so if you are having problems getting in and previously accessed this page, you might need to clear your old cookies and/or cache in order in order to set a new cookie.
5. Part Time Faculty: You will need to bring a letter on UAH letterhead by your department chair explaining that you are a part time faculty member ofr the semester. We will then add you to the library database a you will then gain access in a few hours.
-
- 6. Any Other Problem: If you need further assistance with the library proxy server, please contact us by using this form.
-
Issues with Firewalls and the Proxy Server
- Most ISPs do not limit the areas their users can access on the Internet, so home users do not tend to encounter problems with firewalls. However, corporate sites often employ firewalls and may be highly restrictive in what their employees can access. Your corporate site may be willing to open access through their firewall to the proxy server by allowing connections to ports 2048-2848. You must have access to all of these port numbers from the proxy server to work. Also, if you are running a personal firewall application or similar product on your computer (i.e., Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee.com Personal Firewall, ZoneAlarm, BlackICE Defender, etc.) you will also need to modify the default settings to allow connections to these ports.
- Issues with Cookies and the Proxy Server
- Access to licensed electronic databases is available to current UAH students, faculty, and staff. To verify your access while you are accessing these databases, the Library requires that your web browser accept cookies. Click here to see if you have cookies turned on (a new window will open. You will have to do it twice. It usually doesn't work the first time.) The procedure to enable the cookies option in your Web browser depends on the browser you are using. The instructions below describe how to find the correct Help screen for enabling cookies on Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and Netscape Navigator 4.x. (NOTE: we do not recommend using Netscape Navigator 6.x.)
- Most ISPs do not limit the areas their users can access on the Internet, so home users do not tend to encounter problems with firewalls. However, corporate sites often employ firewalls and may be highly restrictive in what their employees can access. Your corporate site may be willing to open access through their firewall to the proxy server by allowing connections to ports 2048-2848. You must have access to all of these port numbers from the proxy server to work. Also, if you are running a personal firewall application or similar product on your computer (i.e., Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee.com Personal Firewall, ZoneAlarm, BlackICE Defender, etc.) you will also need to modify the default settings to allow connections to these ports.
For Internet
Explorer v. 6.0, click on Tools, Internet Options, and, then, Privacy.
Set your browser to accept all cookies. If you do not, it will block access
to third party cookies. If you are uncomfortable accepting all cookies,
you can set it temporarily for each session. For other versions of IE, consult
the Help files.
For Netscape
v. 6.2, click on Edit and choose Preferences. Under the Privacy
& Security category, choose Cookies and accept all cookies. If you do
not, it will block access to third party cookies. If you are uncomfortable
accepting all cookies, you can set it temporarily for each session. For
other versions of Netscape, consult the Help files.
Sometimes, however,
previous cookies become invalid for some reason. The proxy server URL or
another URL for a database may have changed. In this case, you will need
to delete your old cookies related to that database or to the proxy server
(libsys.uah.edu).
Here is how to delete cookies:
For Internet Explorer v. 6.0, click on Tools and, then, Internet Options.
In the middle of the box, you will see Delete Cookies. For other versions
of IE, consult the Help files.
For Netscape v. 6.2, go to Tasks and choose Privacy & Security and, then, choose Cookie Manager. Choose View Stored Cookies and delete the appropriate cookies (i.e., houdini.mc.cc.md.us) or click Remove All Cookies. For other versions of Netscape, consult the Help files.
Issues with JavaScript and the Proxy Server
Some of our databases may require JavaScript to be turned on.
To enable Java and JavaScript,
follow these directions:
For Internet Explorer v. 6.0, go to Tools, Internet Options, and, then,
Advanced. There is a long box of items to check off. Scroll down until you
find the Java (Sun) box.
For Netscape v. 6.2, go to Edit, select Preferences, and, then, Advanced. You will see boxes to check that say Enable Java and JavaScript.
If you need further assistance in resolving an issue with connecting to the Library databases from a remote site please contact us.
Research Links
.........................