1. I never see the page where I am supposed to enter my username and password.
If you don't see a page (entitled "University Libraries Database Gateway") where you're asked for your Mason email username and password, then the problem is either:
You didn't use a link to the database that routed you through our proxy server. This could happen if you bookmark a database or if you're not using a URL that begins with this stem:
http://mutex.gmu.edu:2048?login/url=
Your computer is behind a firewall. If you just get a blank page that eventually times-out with a "destination unreachable" message, you're probably the victim of a firewall on your local network. See the firewall section (#8) below.
2. I got an EZProxy Hostname error. What do I do?
You will get an EZProxy Hostname Error page when you attempt to access content on a computer host that has not yet been set up for use by our proxy server. The proxy server administrator must specify all the domains (i.e., silverplatter.com) and computer hostnames (i.e., spweb.silverplatter.com) for which the proxy server should be used. In this case, all the online library resources.
Database vendors often change domain names, or pull content from new computer hosts without ever informing libraries. Thus, when a hostname error occurs, EZProxy's configuration must be updated to include the new host for proxying.
To expedite correction of this error, please record:
* the name of the resource you were trying to access
* the computer hostname line listed on the error page
* report it to the Library's Digital Programs & Systems Office: email either Wally Grotophorst or Lara Bushallow.
This problem will be corrected as soon as your notice is received.
3. I got an EZProxy Cookie Error. What do I do?
Our proxy server sends a "cookie" to your browser to indicate that you have been validated by the proxy and are authorized to access the restricted databases or other resources. This cookie cannot be used for any other purpose, and will be deleted when you close your browser. If your browser has not been set to accept cookies, you will see this message and will not be able to access any of the library's databases from off-campus. You will need to set your browser to accept cookies, and then try logging in again.
- Internet Explorer 6.x
- Click on TOOLS > INTERNET OPTIONS> PRIVACY.
- Set the privacy slider to Medium or lower.
- Select ADVANCED for additional cookie control.
- Netscape 7.x
- Click on EDIT > PREFERENCES> PRIVACY & SECURITY (click on arrow to open a menu).
- Select COOKIES, then choose: ENABLE ALL COOKIES.
4. What about NetZero HiSpeed or Juno SpeedBand ?
If you are getting error messages with NetZero HighSpeed, try turning off HiSpeed in NetZero's toolbar. With Juno, try turning off high speed, but also look to see if your proxy server is turned on; if it is, turn it off. You can enable these features again when you are through using the library's databases.
5. Pop-up blockers?
Disable the pop-up blocker while you are using our databases. You can always go back and enable it again for general Internet use. For personal firewall software, such as Norton Security, make sure that cookie blocking is set to "none" and that the browser privacy box is unchecked. You can always go back and recheck these later. Ad blocking software may have settings that block cookies. Set the program not to block cookies.
6. Corporate Firewall
Many corporate or government systems use a firewall for security purposes. You may need to ask your network administrators if they can reconfigure your network to allow access to EZProxy. If so, you need to have the firewall opened to mutex.gmu.edu on ports 443 and the range 2048 -through- 5500 (approximately 3500 ports). Each database travels on a particular port and that particular port number changes everytime the server reboots. Access to port 443 is required for secure entry of your G number.
7. Script errors?
* Error message: "Error has occurred in script on this page." If you get this error, check another library database such as EBSCOhost or FirstSearch. If you can use these, you don't have Javascript enabled on your machine. To enable Javascript:
- Internet Explorer
- Click on TOOLS> INTERNET OPTIONS> SECURITY> CUSTOM LEVEL.
- Under SCRIPTING, select ENABLE for all.
- Netscape 7.x
- Click on EDIT> PREFERENCES> ADVANCED> Scripts & Plugins.
- Select ENABLE JAVASCRIPT FOR NAVIGATOR.
* Issues between the NETZERO ISP and EZProxy
There are known conflicts between our proxy server software (EZProxy) and the Netzero Internet Service Provider. A possible solution is provided below: (for use With Internet Explorer verison 5.5. and 6):
1. Launch Internet Explorer
2. Go to Tools | Internet Options...
3. Click on the Connections tab
4. Scroll through the Dial-up settings to locate NetZero, then click on NetZero and click Settings...
5. Under Proxy Server, click Advanced...
6. In Exceptions, scroll to the end of the list, then type a semi-colon (;) followed by the host name of the EZproxy server
(e.g. type: ezproxy.dom.edu). All the other sample entries have an asterisk (*) in front, and although it won't hurt, that isn't required for this entry.
7. Keep clicking OK until all the windows close and you are back in Internet Explorer. At this point, access to our proxy server should be restored.
8. Problems with Article Links in Emails (From Off-Campus)
You are attempting to link to a paid database resource, but you are not going through our proxy server. Therefore, you are not being granted access to the requested resource.
You need this URL: http://mutex.gmu.edu:2048/login?url= Add this URL IN FRONT OF any URL that needs authentication in the location bar at the very top of the browser where you type in an internet address.
Example: if you send yourself an article link in EBSCOhost it will have the following or similar URL http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=8227851&db=aph&site=ehost
Step 1: Cut and paste the article link into your browser's location bar
Step 2: Copy and paste http://mutex.gmu.edu:2048/login?url= ( NO SPACES in between the two URLs)
Step 3. Hit return on the keyboard.
The URL should look like this: http://mutex.gmu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=8227851&db=aph&site=ehost
The browser location bar should look like this:
9. Article Links in WebCT?
Mason instructors who use WebCT: You can allow your students to have off campus access to articles by following the directions above (Problems with Article Links in Emails) when you compose links for your students. You may also create links within your WebCT course to the library's databases by copying and pasting the URL from the library's website.
10. Off Campus Access Availability
When we purchase access to an online database, e-journal or e-book, we sign a license agreement with the particular vendor. These various licenses require us to restrict access to current Mason students, faculty and staff only.
11. Mason Alums / Patrons not affiliated with Mason
Most of the electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books) are governed by license agreements which limit use to current George Mason University students, faculty, staff, and on-site users of George Mason University Libraries.
Many public library systems provide remote access to online databases, e-journals and e-books. Local public libraries providing remote access to online sources with a current public library card include:
You should also contact the library or information center at your place of work to see what is available for your use.
Need additional help? Contact the Library's Digital Programs & Systems Office. |
