Proxy Troubleshooting Tips
The NYU Proxy server allows members of the NYU community to connect to licensed resources. Our licensed resources check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to determine if you are a member of the NYU community. If you do not use NYU's services to access the Internet, licensed resources may not recognize you as a valid user. The proxy server prevents this problem. It masks your chosen ISP, making it appear that you are using NYU's services instead.
You need to use the proxy server if…
- You are being prompted for a username and password to access a database like Lexis-Nexis
- You want to use resources from your home or office, and not from an on-campus computer
I have followed the instructions to configure my browser to use the Library's proxy server, but it still doesn't work.
Possible Symptoms
- You can't get full access to a resource licensed by the Library that you know should be available through the proxy server;
- You don't get prompted by the proxy server to enter your username and password;
- You get prompted by the resource to enter a username and password, and your NYUHome information is rejected.
Make sure that…
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You have followed the configuration instructions fully.
It is very easy to misconfigure the proxy server on your browser! Please check to make sure you have entered the correct configuration URL in the box your browser provides.
NYU uses a few different configuration schemes, based on what operating system and browser you are using (e.g., Windows 98 with Netscape, Mac OS9 with Safari, etc.). The settings are available at: http://www.nyu.edu/its/faq/connecting/proxy.htm
If you successfully configured the proxy, you should see screens similar to these:
Windows Operating System (XP shown)
Mac OSX proxy server service
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You are using a supported browser.
You must use a browser that supports Automatic Proxy Configuration. The link above tells you what browsers are supported. In particular, AOL users need to download Netscape or Internet Explorer to use the proxy service. N.B.: If you're using Netscape and are having problems, try using Internet Explorer, version 5 and above.
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You are not behind a firewall or caching server. This generally occurs when you try to connect to databases from an office or networked computer.
Are you behind a firewall or a caching server? Many companies have firewalls for security reasons, including protecting a network from outsiders. Caching servers keep temporary copies of large files (like graphics) to minimize server load. If your connection comes from behind a firewall or caching server, your browser may not be able to connect to NYU's proxy server. You may wish to contact your system administrator regarding this problem.
The proxy server rejects my username and password.
Possible Symptoms
- You get prompted over and over again to enter your username and password.
- Your username and password are accepted, but you get a "Proxy authorization failed" or similar message.
Make sure that…
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You have used your NYUHome username and password.
Many departments host their own e-mail servers for professors and students (example: psychology, mathematics, computer science). If you are getting prompted over and over again to enter your username and password, make sure you're using the right username and password! The correct name and password is a series of letters (your initials) and numbers, and is part of the e-mail account that ends in "@nyu.edu." Example: abc123@nyu.edu
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"Caps Lock" is turned off.
The NYU proxy server is case-sensitive; ABC123@NYU.EDU and abc123@nyu.edu are two different accounts! If you are using the proxy server and can't seem to authenticate, make sure that the "Caps Lock" key on your keyboard is not in effect.
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You are a current member of the NYU community, and your NYUHome account is still valid.
If your username and password were accepted but you see a message such as "Proxy authorization failed", your privileges may have expired or your affiliation with New York University may not warrant access to the proxy server.
Reporting Other Problems
If you encounter other problems, please consult our Troubleshooting Tips page. If your situation is not addressed there, please contact Bobst Library's web administrator, who will consult with the Information Technology Department at NYU. To help us analyze your problem, please include the type of computer and Internet browser you are using, and the time the problem occured. This will help us troubleshoot more accurately.
