How-to: Fix Browser Problems

Troubleshooting Tips: Browser problems disguised as access problems

Browsers add a layer of complexity when troubleshooting resource access problems. Remember that the browser can accumulate old URLs, cookies and other detritus, all of which may contribute to resource access problems.

Here are a few access symptoms to OhioLINK resources which often indicate browser problems:

A resource can be accessed in one browser but not in another browser.
Similarly, a resource can be accessed from one device (say, desktop) but not from another device (say, phone).
Any of the following error messages appear when attempting to access a resource:
- openSaml::BindingException – An old proxied link is either bookmarked or is cached within browser history.
- This operation has been blocked by our security system as being potentially malicious – Old cookies.

This list isn’t comprehensive! Try the tips below to resolve many problems.

Tip #1: Try a different browser

Not all resources work with all browsers. In some cases, using a different browser removes the effect of accumulated “cruft” in the original browser which is actually responsible for an access problem.

Summary: If a resource can be accessed in one browser but not another, the original browser needs to be “cleaned”. See Tip #4 Clean your browser.

Tip #2: Run your browser in private or incognito mode

In private or incognito mode, browser cache and/or cookies are generally ignored. This is a fast, easy way to test the browser.

Summary: If a resource can be accessed in private or incognito mode only, the browser needs to be “cleaned”. See Tip #4 Clean your browser.

Tip #3: Update your browser

Some resources may not support older versions of a browser. Check and update your browser with this tool:
https://updatemybrowser.org/

Tip #4: Clean your browser by deleting history, cookies, and cache

Clearing a web browser’s search history, cookies, and cache can resolve some problems.

There are 2 cleaning levels:

Site-specific: If you’re having a problem with a specific site, you might first try removing cookies for just that site.

All sites: This cleaning level is more thorough since it applies to all sites, and can be set to a specific time period or “all time”.

Site-specific cleaning

Google Chrome

Click the right hand menu button (3 vertical dots)
From the left hand side, click Privacy and security Third-party cookies
Scroll down. Under the “Advanced” heading, click See all site data and permissions.
At the top right, search for the website’s name, for example, “springer.com”.
To the right of the site, click Delete to remove the cookie(s).
Finally, click Delete to confirm your actions.

Mozilla Firefox

Click the padlock icon at the left of the address bar
Click Clear cookies and site data

All sites cleaning

Final Tip – Contact OhioLINK Support

Source link