Library:

Troubleshooting Database Access

CAN'T GET INTO THE DATABASE while off-campus?

Here is a list of fixes to the most common causes of Library database access problems. You need to go through the list of fixes in the order presented. That is, try the first thing on the list, if that doesn't work, go to the next.


Make sure you have the current username and password for the Library Databases

You will be prompted for the username and password when you click the "databases" link on the Library's website. To find out the current username and password:

  • Login to peirceonline.net
  • Click your "course" tab
  • Scroll down past your course so that you can see the username and password
  • Go to the Library website (library.peirce.edu) and click on the "databases" link
  • Put in the username and password

Do NOT use the AOL, Compuserv, or other proprietary browser

If you are an AOL or Compuserv customer, follow these instructions:

  • Connect the Internet as you normally do
  • Minimize the AOL or other proprietary browser window
  • Open Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, and use either one of these to view the library databases

Do NOT sit behind a firewall

It can prevent you from getting into the Library databases. If you are running a firewall on your home computer, you may have to bring it down while you use the databases. Remember to bring it back up when you finish. If you use the Windows XP operating system, the default setting for the firewall is "on." To disable the firewall in XP:

  • In "Control Panel", double-click "Networking and Internet Connections"
  • Then click "Network Connections"
  • Right-click the connection on which you would like to disable the firewall, and then click "Properties"
  • On the "Advanced" tab, uncheck the box labeled, "Protect my computer or network"
  • Restart your computer
  • Try getting into the Library Databases

Delete History/Cache/Cookies (For Internet Explorer)

  • Go to Tools > Internet Options
  • Click "Delete Files." It may take a few minutes if there is a lot to delete
  • Click "Delete Cookies"
  • Click "OK"
  • Restart your computer
  • Try getting into the Library Databases

Delete History/Cache/Cookies (For Netscape 7.x)

  • Go to Tools > Cookie Manager > Manage Stored Cookies
  • Click "Remove all cookies" button
  • Go to EDIT > PREFERENCES > ADVANCED > CACHE
  • Click "Clear Memory Cache" and/or "Clear Disk Cache" and/or "Clear Cache"
  • Click "Close"
  • Quit Netscape and then open it again
  • Try getting into the Library Databases

Set your browser to accept all cookies (For Internet Explorer)

  • Go to Tools > Internet Options
  • On the "Privacy" tab, pull the slider bar down until it reads "Accept all cookies"
  • Click "OK"
  • Restart your computer
  • Try getting into the Library Databases

Set your browser to accept all cookies (For Netscape 7.x)

  • Go to Edit > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies
  • Select "Enable all cookies"
  • Click "OK"
  • Quit Netscape and then open it again

Adjust cookie and firewall settings in 3rd party security software

  • If you use security software such as Norton or McAfee, often you will need to adjust the firewall and cookie settings specific to the software. Consult your users manual for more information.

If, after you try each of the items on this list, you still can't get into the databases, please call (preferred) or email the Library. We want to make sure you can get into these resources. 888-GO-PEIRCE x9269 or library@peirce.edu