Troubleshooting Database Problems
How CMU Libraries Provides Access to Online Databases
Common Error Messages
Considerations for AOL Users
Considerations for Cable Modem Users with Personal Firewalls
How CMU Libraries Provides Access to Online Databases
To access all of the databases at your disposal, you must go through CMU's "proxy server." A proxy server is a computer program that masks off-campus computer connections so that the connecting database service "thinks" that the connection is actually originating from CMU's Mount Pleasant campus.
Common Error Messages
- Error Message: Sorry, name entered does not match name in record
Cause: The first name that you entered does not match with the first name contained in CMU Libraries' database of student records.
Resolution: Please enter your first name as used when registering as a student with Off-Campus Programs. For example, use "Daniel" rather than "Dan." Also, be sure to enter your Campus ID number.
- Error Message: Sorry, cannot locate patron record
Cause: The first name and Campus ID number that you entered is not in the CMU Libraries' database of student records.
Resolution: Please call the Document Delivery Office at 1-800-274-3838. Ask to speak with a Document Delivery staff member. A staff member will enter your information manually into the database of student records. Staff members are generally available Monday - Friday, 8am -5pm.
Considerations for AOL Users
Some older versions of the AOL browser, along with browsers from Compuserve and MSN, do not work with the CMU Libraries' proxy server. Newer versions of the AOL browser, including 8.0 and 9.0, do work with the proxy server.
If an incompatible browser is installed on your home computer, you will need to download a copy of Netscape Navigator.
We suggest that you download the latest version of Netscape Navigator Stand-alone, a browser which allows you to view Web sites but does not have e-mail, newsgroups or other capabilities.
Once you have installed one of these browsers on your computer:
- Open up your AOL/CompuServe/MSN connection as usual
- Log on to AOL/CompuServe/MSN
- Minimize AOL/CompuServe/MSN
- Start your Netscape on your computer
- Choose a database using Find Articles
For AOL Technical Support, call 1-800-827-6364.
Considerations for Cable Modem Users with Personal Firewalls
Problem: After choosing a database to search, you do not see the page that prompts you to enter your first name and Campus ID number. Alternatively, you see this page; however, after clicking on submit, you are not then connected to the database.
Cause: If you are using a cable modem and have installed a personal firewall program, such as ZoneAlarm, this may interfere with the CMU Libraries' proxy server, thus preventing you from logging in and accessing the database.
Resolution: You will need to add the Web addresses of the databases that you wish to use to your list of trusted sites. (Simply adding the OCLS Web address won't resolve this problem.) Below is a list of Web addresses and their associated databases that may be added to your list of trusted sites:
- ABI-INFORM
http://proquest.umi.com
- Criminal Justice Abstracts
http://web5.silverplatter.com
- Digital Dissertations
http://wwwlib.umi.com
- E*Subscribe/ERIC Documents
http://www.edrs.com
- Firstsearch Databases (e.g. ERIC, WilsonBusiness, BusManagement, WilsonSelectPlus)
http://firstsearch.oclc.org
- General Reference Center Gold
http://galenet.galegroup.com; http://infotrac.galegroup.com
- Health Reference Academic
http://web25.epnet.com
- Health Source Nursing
http://web25.epnet.com
- Lexis Nexis
http://www.lexis-nexis.com
- S&P NetAdvantage
http://www.netadvantage.standardpoor.com
- Clinical Pharmacology
http://web25.epnet.com
