Proxy Server Trouble-shooting

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Proxy Server Trouble-Shooting

Having difficulties using the proxy server?

When I follow a link to log into the proxy server directly, it doesn't give me the sign-in page.

If you are already signed in to the proxy server, it won't prompt you again. Look at the URL shown in the Location or Address bar at the top of your browser. Does it include the words "proxy.library.ucsb.edu"? If so, then you are already signed in and won't be prompted again.

How do I know if I'm already signed into the proxy server?

Look at the URL shown in the Location or Address bar at the top of your browser. Does it include the words "proxy.library.ucsb.edu"? If so, then you are already signed in.

While trying to access a database or journal, I get a "404 Page Not Found" or "File Not Found" message.

This usually means there is a problem on the vendor's end. Please report the problem to webmaster@library.ucsb.edu. Include the title and URL of the resource you were trying to use.

While trying to access a database or e-journal, I get a CONFIGURATION ERROR from the proxy server.

The site has not been properly configured by the library's proxy server administrator. Please report the problem to the library at webmaster@library.ucsb.edu. Include the name of the resource and the URL in the e-mail. We'll work to resolve it as quickly as possible. NOTE: If you are using the Off-Campus bookmark tool, wait until you get to a page where you need the proxy server before you use the tool. Otherwise, you might get an error message.

While trying to access a database or e-journal, I'm getting prompted for a login and password from the publisher's site.

The problem is probably one of three things:

You've found an online journal (or issue of a journal) to which the UCSB Library does NOT subscribe. It is often difficult to discern which journal issues are in the UCSB Library's holdings once you're on the publisher's site.
The Library may need to adjust our configuration of Off-Campus Access for the particular database or journal site.
You've gone straight to the journal's Web site from off-campus without going through the UCSB Library's Web site. Use the Off-Campus Access bookmark tool to log into the proxy server.

I'm able to access the resources, but pop-up windows are blocked. What should I do?

Please disable pop-up blockers while you are using our licensed databases and journals. You can always go back and enable this again later.

In Firefox for Windows, go to the Tools menu > Options > Web Features > uncheck "Block Popup Windows."
In Firefox for Mac, go to the Firefox menu > Preferences > Content > uncheck "Block Popup Windows."
In Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu > Pop-up Blocker > "Turn Off Pop-up Blocker."
In Safari, go to the Safari menu > choose "Block Pop-Up Windows" to uncheck it.
In Netscape 7 for Windows, go to the Edit menu > Preferences > Privacy and Security > uncheck "Block Unrequested Popup Windows."
In Netscape 7 for Mac, go to the Netscape menu > Preferences > Content > uncheck "Block Unrequested Popup Windows."
In Opera for Windows, go to Tools > Quick preferences > check "Open all pop-ups."
In Opera for Mac go to Opera > Quick preferences > check "Open all pop-ups."

I get past the proxy server login page, but when I click on links, nothing seems to happen.

More than likely, this is due to pop-up blockers set up on the computer you are using. See the answer above.

I'm receiving a cookie error.

The proxy server and some licensed databases send "cookies" when you connect to them to verify that you are an authorized user. Ad-blocking software may have settings that block cookies; set the program not to block cookies. If your browser reports an error receiving a "cookie," you must enable cookies in your browser.

In Firefox for Windows, go to Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies> check box to "Allow sites to Set Cookies."
In Firefox for Mac, go to Firefox > Preferences > Privacy > Cookies> check box to "Allow sites to Set Cookies."
In Internet Explorer 6, go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > then set the privacy slider to Medium or lower, or select Advanced for additional cookie control.
In Internet Explorer 5, go to Tools > Internet Options > Security > Internet > Custom Level > Cookies > Enable.
In Netscape 7 or Mozilla, go to Edit > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies > Enable all cookies.
In Netscape 8, go to Edit > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies > Allow cookies.
In Netscape 7 for Mac, go to the Netscape menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies > Allow cookies.
In Opera for Windows, go to Tools > Quick preferences > check "Enable Javascript" and "Enable cookies."
In Opera for Mac, go to Opera > Quick preferences > check "Enable Javascript" and "Enable cookies."
In Safari, go to Preferences > Security and make sure "Accept Cookies: Never" isn't chosen.

Why don't certain features or links in the database seem to function when I'm using the proxy server?

If certain links or other aspects of the site aren't functioning, there are a few primary possibilities:

The database vendor or e-journal publisher is having a technical problem.
We may not have a subscription to the particular issue or volume of the journal you're trying to access. It is often difficult to discern which journal issues are in the UCSC Library's holdings once you're on the publisher's site.
The Library may need to adjust our configuration of the proxy server for the particular database or journal site.

Contact the library webmaster at webmaster@library.ucsb.edu to confirm the root of the problem.

When I click through a PDF table of contents for an electronic journal, the proxy server breaks. Why is that?

The proxy server authentication cannot pass through PDF documents. We recommend that you use the HTML version of the table of contents.

You can also use the Off-Campus Access Bookmark Tool to fix the authentication when it breaks.

I have the old proxy server (ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu) configured on my browser. Is that a problem?

Yes. The old proxy server was discontinued on May 14, 2007. You must undo the browser set-up for the old proxy server before using the new one. See the instructions for your browser for help removing it.

If you are a MacIntosh user with OSX and using Internet Explorer, Opera, or Safari, you will not be able to access the web with those browsers until you undo the old proxy server. Use Mozilla Firefox or Netscape to access the instructions for how to undo the old proxy configuration.

Questions? Contact library web master.
Last modified: April 19, 2007

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