For off-campus or remote access to licensed Library resources, the Portland State Library uses a system called EZproxy to make sure that users are current Portland State students, faculty, and staff with valid Odin accounts. Occasionally, however, there are errors or problems encountered. Following are some common problems and their resolutions that may help you gain access quickly.

1. What type of browser should I use?

The EZProxy system is compatible with almost every browser, except the AOL built-in browser. If you are using the AOL browser, we recommend minimizing your AOL connection on your computer, and using a different browser instead, such as Firefox,Netscape, or Internet Explorer. The latest version of a browser is recommended for security reasons.

2. I am getting past the login screen, but then I see an error message, "User not authorized for..."

Are you using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) client to connect to Portland State's campus network? If you are, then you will need to use the "PSU_full_tunnel" connection profile, not the "PSU_campus_only" profile.

3. I'm receiving a cookie error.

EZproxy and some licensed databases send "cookies" when you connect to them to verify that you are an authorized user. Ad blocking software may have settings that block cookies; set the program not to block cookies. If your browser reports an error receiving a "cookie," you must enable cookies in your browser.

In Internet Explorer 7, go to the Upper right-hand of the screen > Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > then set the privacy slider to Mediume or lower or select Advanced for additional cookie control.
In Internet Explorer 6, go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > then set the privacy slider to Medium or lower or select Advanced for additional cookie control.
In Internet Explorer 5, go to Tools > Internet Options > Security > Internet > Custom Level > Cookies > Enable.
In Netscape 7 or Mozilla, go to Edit > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies > Enable all cookies.
In Netscape 4, go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Accept all cookies.
In Opera 7., go toTools > Quick preferences > check "Enable Javascript" and "Enable cookies."
In Mozilla Firefox 1., go to: Tools > Options > Privacy: > click on "Cookies" and check box to "Allow sites to Set Cookies"
In Safari, go to Preferences > Security and make sure "Accept Cookies: Never" isn't chosen.

4. I'm able to access the resources, but pop-up windows are blocked. What should I do?

Please disable pop-up blockers while you are using our licensed databases and journals. You can always go back and enable this again later.

In Firefox, does a yellow bar appear at the top of the page? If you click on the yellow bar and follow the instructions it will allow the pop-up window. Once you have done this for the site, it should not ask again and will automatically allow the pop-up windows to open. You may also use the Firefox menu options "Tools," then "Options," then "Web Features," and then uncheck "Block Popup Windows."
In Internet Explorer on a Windows XP (Service Pack 2) computer, turn off the pop-up blocker by choosing Internet Explorer's menu options "Tools," then "Pop-up Blocker," then "Turn Off Pop-up Blocker."
In Safari, choose Safari and then choose Block Pop-Up Windows to uncheck it.

5. I get past the EZproxy login page, but when I click on links, nothing seems to happen.

More than likely, this is due to pop-up blockers set up on the computer you are using; see the answer for #4 above to disable them. Some resources also require Javascript enabled in your browser to work properly. Check to make sure Javascript is enabled in your browser:

In Internet Explorer 6 go on Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom Level.
In Netscape 7 or Mozilla go on Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Scripts & Plugins and select Enable JavaScript for Navigator.
In Netscape 4 go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Enable JavaScript.

6. I'm seeing an "EZProxy administrator" or "hostname" error message.

If you receive this type of message, this means that the Library must change one of its EZproxy settings for the connection to work. We try to minimize the chances that you'll see this message, but if you do, please use the Error Report form to send us details, preferably copying the text of the error message. We apologize for the inconvenience.

7. I'm getting a "forbidden" or "user not authorized" message.

If you are not a current Portland State student, faculty, or staff member, then you are not eligible to access the Portland State Library's licensed databases and journals from off-campus. You are welcome to use these resources within our Library, however.

If you are a current Portland State student, faculty, or staff member, you must obtain a valid Odin account to access the Library's licensed resources from off-campus.

If you believe that you have a valid Odin account and still aren't being recognized by the EZproxy system, there may be a problem with your Odin account, your password may be incorrect, or there may be systems experiencing trouble at Portland State. Please contact the OIT Help Desk for assistance.

8. I live in one of the Portland State residential buildings and I used to be able to access the Library's resources automatically, but now, I am having trouble.

In November 2006, changes were made to the networks in the Portland State residential buildings. The changes now mean that residents must use our proxy system to access the Library's resources. Please review general information about how to access the Library's resources from off-campus or a remote location.

If none of these common resolutions help, please submit an Error Report or Ask Us!

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