Help connecting to databases
If you are having problems connecting to a database, try some of these tips.
Browser problems
- Delete your browser cookies and temporary internet files (also called clearing the browser cache or clearing browser data) via the Tools option in your browser.
- Close your browser and open a new browser session.
- Use another browser. If you were using Internet Explorer, try Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari.
- Check that you have the latest version of your browser. Download the latest version if you don’t already have it.
Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari.
Security or certificate errors
- Security or certificate errors sometimes appear when using Library databases. It's OK to accept these. Depending on the options offered, try continuing, accepting, adding exceptions or trusting, depending on the options presented.
- A "Content was blocked" message may appear. Click on the yellow bar near the top of the screen and select "Display blocked content".
Problems opening .pdf files
- If a .pdf file doesn't open, or opens and is blank, check that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader or other PDF reader.
- Try configuring your browser to use Adobe Reader as a helper application so files open in a separate window. Open Adobe Reader and from the Edit menu choose Preferences > Internet and uncheck Display PDF in browser.
Authentication problems
- Check you have entered your password correctly, and that your password is valid.
- If it’s not valid, contact the IT Service Desk to change your password.
- If your password is valid, check that you can login to another University service such as MyMurdoch or My Library.
- If you can login to these services, then try changing your password. Wait 15 minutes before trying to access the database again.
Findit authentication problems
You must have third party cookies enabled to use Findit from off campus.
If you are repeatedly returned to the login screen with no error messages, or you see specific database error messages when you try to link to articles, you may need to adjust your browser settings. This is particularly so if you are using Internet Explorer 8.
- In Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options and then select the Privacy tab.
- Click on the Advanced button.
- Tick “Override automatic cookie handling”.
- Make sure Accept third party cookies is ticked.
- Tick “Always allow session cookies”.
Your settings should look like the image below:
Ask a Librarian
Contact the Library if these suggestions don’t solve your problem.
