Trouble Logging In?
Are your getting the message “Access Forbidden….?
Are Pop-Up Killers or Add Blockers Disabled?
Is Your Firewall Temporarily Disabled or is it set to allow access to WebCT?
Are You Using the Right Browser and Cookie Settings?
Are You Using the Correct User Name and Password?
Are You Using the Correct Web browser?
Are You at the Correct Website Address?
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Are your getting the message “Access Forbidden….”?
Symptoms:
Upon login user's browser is hijacked to the Internet Optimizer site and the following
(or similar) message appears:
”HELP/NAVIGATION ERROR – Forbidden”
”Access to this URL is Forbidden”
Solution 1:
In Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu/Internet Options/Advanced.
Under the Browsing section, deselect the checkmark next to "Show Friendly HTTP Error Messages".
This is a temporary fix. If you had to adjust this setting, you are most likely exposed to adware and spyware. Follow step two in this section to fix this problem.
Call the toll-free WebCT Help Desk at 1-866-522-1472.
Solution 2:
Adaware and SpyBot are simple to use tools for removing and preventing infection of spyware,adware and parasites including Internet Optimizer. Install at least one of these programs, and
run at least once to remove any items that they uncover. You may have to periodically run these programs and keep them updated in order to continually weed out further infestations. Such software can be found on:
There are inherent risks with installing any new software onto your computer.
Call the toll-free WebCT Help Desk at 1-866-522-1472 if you need help.
Solution 3:
In Windows go to the Start menu and select Settings. Open the Control Panel and choose Add/Remove Programs.
Look for Active Alert and Internet Optimizer. If these entries are there, select Change Remove for each one in turn. Follow the steps to remove the program.
It has been known for these solutions to not completely remove the infestation or for re infection to occur. Reinstallation of the Browser or worse, the operating system, is often the only cure. Alternatively install and use a different brand of Web Browser. As the problem appears to be limited to Microsoft products an alternative browser such as Netscape may be the only solution.
SpyBot and some virus checkers can be set to detect these parasites as they enter your system. However you must ensure that you keep your virus checker, spyware and adware checkers up to date to prevent re-infection as the attackers regularly modify their programs to get around common defences.
Important Note: Virus Checker
A virus checker should be the first item installed even prior to attempting a fix for any login problems.
In the mean time, we can send you a CD containing Netscape free of charge in the mail. Spyware and Adware software does not target the Netscape browser, so while you are debugging your computer and Internet Explorer you can still participate in your course with the Netscape browser.
Are Pop-Up Add Killers or Add Blockers disabled?
Symptoms:
While using WebCT, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then disable pop-up killers or ad-blockers on your system.
Pop-up killer applications work in the background while you browse the internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement, they automatically close the window. This can prevent WebCT from performing properly.
To disable pop-up killers or ad-blockers:
Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up", etc. in the name and disable it. Examples of popular pop-up killer applications include:
• Pop-Up Stopper
• Pop-Up Defender
• Pop-Up Zapper
• Stop Sign
• Surf Pal
• Ad Subtract
Pop-up killing or ad-blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program. Examples include:
• Norton Internet Security 2003
• AOL 8
• McAfee Internet Security
• Yahoo Browser Bar
• Netscape 7.1
• Upcoming versions of Internet Explorer (beyond 6.0)
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Is Your Firewall Temporarily Disabled or is it set to allow access to WebCT?
Whether at home or at work, firewall security can cause inaccessibility to your WebCT website.
If you suspect the inability to access your WebCT site at work is from firewall security, contact the computer support staff of your company for assistance.
If you suspect the inability to access your WebCT site at home is from firewall security, either temporarily disable the firewall application, or reset it to allow access to your WebCT site.
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Are You Using the Right Browser and Cookie Settings?
Symptom:
When inputting WebCT ID and password, then clicking the Log In button, you are automatically taken back to the Login Page (ID and password fields blank).
Solution:
Your computer cookie settings are incorrect and need to be reset.
Prepare Your Browser and Cookie Settings for WebCT and Internet Explorer Here.
Additional Note: Internet security software will modify cookie settings. These settings can be changed in the security software (usually under privacy settings).
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Are You Using the Correct User Name and Password?
Your instructor will have the correct Log-In Codes. Remember to type them exactly as given to you. If you are not sure what your log-in codes are, contact your instructor, or call the toll-free WebCT Help Desk at 1-866-522-1472.
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Are You Using the Correct Web browser?
For WebCT courses, we recommend that you use:
• Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5 (Not sp 1) and 6.0 (PC)
• Internet Explorer 5.1 (Mac OS 9, OS X.1)
• Internet Explorer 5.2 (Mac OS X.2)
• Netscape 6.2.x (PC & Mac)
• Netscape 7.1 (PC & Mac OS X)
• AOL 7.0, 8.0 (PC)
• AOL OS X (Mac OS X)
(Or call the Toll Free WebCT Help Desk at 1-866-522-1472 to have a Netscape disk sent to you at no charge).
Ensure that you are using a recommended browser with WebCT and that you have the correct browser settings java, cookies and the cache. You can check these at the WebCT Browser Tune-up page.
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Are you at the Correct Website Address?
The correct website for St. Charles Community College, Mineral Area College, and East Central College WebCT access is www.gatewayccc.org
The correct website for Jefferson College WebCT access is www.jeffco.edu (log into your stars account from here).