Troubleshooting Database Access Problems for Students
General Advice
Popups
Databases open in their own windows.
The student can hit control and the link to temporarily override the blocker. Or
the student may disable their popup blocker. How this is done depends on the
browser. For Internet Explorer 6, go to Tools, Popup Blocker, and Turn Off Popup
Blocker.
Cookies
Make sure the student's computer has cookies enabled for off-campus access.
In Internet Explorer 6 go to Tools, Internet Options, and the Privacy Tab. Set
the slide to Medium, Low or Accept All Cookies. Apply and OK.
Norton Internet Security program
Norton Internet Security (as opposed to Norton Anti-Virus) may block access into
databases. This can be temporarily turned off. The student will have to go into
the controls for the program to disable it. In some versions, it can be set to
automatically turn back on after a chosen time period.
Ad-Blocker programs
May need to be temporarily disabled.
Firewalls
May need to be temporarily disabled.
Legitimate OCC Users Only
Both EZProxy and Online Services require that the user is currently affiliated
with OCC. If the patron is not currently taking classes or employed by OCC, he
will not be able to get into the database from off campus.
HELP pages If a
student is having trouble authenticating into a database, direct them to the
HELP page linked under "Can't Connect?".
MeL Databases Fallback
If other avenues are exhausted, the student can get into the databases offered
to state residents by clicking on the MeL Databases link on the
Articles/Databases page under "Can't Connect?". They will be asked for a
Michigan Driver's License number when they click on a database. It is a secure
connection.
TEMPORARY SITUATION
Off-Campus Students are unable to get into databases.
Most students should be able to successfully log into
databases from the Off-Campus list using their Online Services ID/PW. If they
cannot do so, ask them to go directly to the OCC Online Services page. Ask them
to go to the student page and login using their current password. They should
see a section called College Resources, with an On line Library
Resources link. This should get them into the databases without asking for
another password.
DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT THEY CHANGE THEIR PASSWORD.
If a student has changed their password since the week before
the break, he will not be able to get into the off-campus databases from the
Library Articles/Databases page.
If the student still cannot get into the databases, refer him
to MeL Databases or refer him to the list of passwords for patrons on the
Library Staff page.
Always remember that we are not a technical support help desk and unless our
server and backup server have crashed, the onus may be upon the student to fix
the problem on his or her end.
However, you can refer them to Ann Walaskay (522-3528 or
aawalask@oaklandcc.edu) or Beth
Garnsey (942-3128 or
bagarns@oaklandcc.edu) at any time.
BLACKBOARD/EDUCATOR PROBLEMS
Once a student is logged into Blackboard or
Educator, he should not be prompted for another password. Find out which
database the student needs and try another method for accessing it. Report the
problem.
FYI - Some instructors may have students in a
Blackboard or Educator class trying to access links to individual articles that
were constructed with a custom textbook "publisher's cartridge", such as from
Thompson Gale. The student may not be aware of the distinction between this and
a regular PURL (such as an Infomark) inserted directly by the instructor. A
student may have misplaced the access code to get into the links created with
the cartridge. These students will be able to get to their links by trying from
on campus. We will need to contact the instructor: please try to obtain
the instructor's name and course name and report the problem. This is a rare
situation.
Within Blackboard, you may initially have
trouble with IE7:
Problem #1 Error
message: To protect your security, Internet Explorer has blocked this website
from displaying content with security certificate errors. Click here for
options.
Follow these steps to remove this error:
-
Click on Click here for options in the
error message area.
-
Next, click Display blocked content.
-
When you click Display blocked content, you
will be directed back to the Announcement area in your Blackboard course.
Click on the Library Resources button to access the library
databases.
Problem #2 The textbook
editor may not be working properly if Blackboard isn't a trusted site.
-
Double click on the globe icon or red circle
icon that appears on your status bar.
-
The Internet Securities Properties box
will appear. Click on Trusted Sites icon. Now click on the Sites
button to open the trusted sites box.
-
In the Trusted Sites Box, the URL for
OCC Blackboard should appear. If not, please enter the URL (http://online2.oaklandcc.edu)
and click Add button.
-
Uncheck the Require Server Verification
(https): for all sites in this zone option. Click Close and
then click OK. Refresh your page when you are done.
