Getting prompted for a Username and Password or other issues? These three solutions may help.

1) Clear your cookies

You will have to reenter your library barcode.

2) If you are using a proprietary browser such as CompuServe [CS], America On Line [AOL], etc, you may experience sporadic errors and/or access issues with ReferenceUSA.

*Example: If you are attempting to access ReferenceUSA or another database remotely and are receiving a username/password challenge page when you should not be, it is very likely that the proprietary browser is causing this.

It is highly recommended that users accessing ReferenceUSA or other databases via a proprietary browsers use a new, unmodified browser (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer) obtained directly from the manufacturer free of charge.

The necessary steps for accomplishing this are outlined below:

*If the only Internet browser installed on your pc is the proprietary browser that accompanied your Internet service (i.e. CompuServe [CS], America On Line [AOL], etc), you will need to download an unmodified browser directly from the manufacturer (*these browsers are offered free of charge).

*Free Browsers

Google Chrome download page is: http://www.google.com/chrome
Internet Explorer download page is: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
Firefox download page is: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Safari download page is: http://www.apple.com/safari/

Once the browser is downloaded and installed, it is recommended that you retain the default manufacturers configuration settings, which will be enabled upon installation.

Log onto the Internet using your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Once you have logged onto the Internet, open another new browser window (*with the recently installed Microsoft Internet Explorer if applicable).
To accomplish this, Click on the Start menu.
Scroll up to and select Programs.
Scroll over and select (*by left mouse clicking on) the Internet Explorer icon.
A new Internet browser session/window will now be established in the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser window.

Direct your browser to the appropriate address/web page of the subscribing organization and select the link to the database.

You should now be able to access the database (such as Reference USA) successfully.

3) Check to see if you have a software firewall running. Programs such as Norton block access to the verification information that takes place. By turning this off during your search session you should be able to access that database. Just remember to turn it back on when you are done.

Check your browser settings. You might need to modify your browser settings to allow cookies.