Can't Log In Problems

Error Message reads: "You are not authorized to view this page."

Error Message includes a reference to PerfectNav

1. Make sure their Internet browsers have been configured correctly for use with WebCT. To do that, they should follow the instructions at this website: http://www.webct.com/exchange/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup
2. Make sure they do not have any parasite software on their computers. For more information about this, they should visit the following website: http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite
3. Problem: you are unable to login to WebCT and receive a message that reads something like this:

You are not authorized to view this page. You might not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials you supplied. Please try the following: sites organized by subject."

Under the above message is a long list of search category links, you are being redirected to an external (SCCS) page by software installed on your computer.

Problem: You are sent to a different website when you click on the Log in to link from the UMass WebCT Entry Page.

http://www.perfectnav.com/.......

The PerfectNav problem is caused by your computer having the PerfectNav browser helper object that redirects your URL typing errors to PerfectNav's web page. Kazaa 2.6 has PerfectNav bundled with it. Check Kephyr.com PerfectNav Removal instructions.

These are not WebCT errors.This is a problem with the computer you are using to connect to WebCT. The computer has some 'adware' software installed on it which intercepts URLs entered by you, and redirects them through an adserver proxy host, which in turn tries to send them to WebCT. This periodically creates problems for people who use Internet Explorer. Sometimes you may be able to connect without a problem, and other times you won't be able to connect at all. Such software is often bundled with 'free' versions of 'ad-supported' software available for download from the internet, usually as an alternative to paying for a full-featured version with no ads. Depending upon your security settings in IE, such software may also be installed automatically when visiting certain web sites.There are many different types of adware, and some of them are necessary for the proper functionality of some software with which they may have been installed. For example, many 'free' software programs downloaded from the internet have managed to offer their software for free because they have signed distribution agreements with the adware companies to bundle the adware with their own product. In some cases, you are free not to install the accompanying software, but in others you are obligated to use it if you wish to use the 'free' software as well. Also, not all adware-related software programs are easy or visible to uninstall, nor have we been able to identify which programs come with such software.Known programs we have been able to identify include:

Kazaa Media Desktop v2.6 - comes with something called PerfectNav (and maybe others);
MySearchBar (and other 'hotbars') - various programs like IEFeatl!(?) and SubmitURL;
Internet Optimizer - not sure which software is installed but removing it apparently fixed the problem for one person.

Removing AdWareIf you want to try and remove these types of programs, the easiest way is if they are listed in the Add/Remove Programs applet of your Control Panel (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs). Look for programs which may be unfamiliar to you, or have something in their title about searching, internet, url, optimizer etc. If you are sure you wish to try and remove it, uninstall it and reboot the computer. Try to access WebCT and see if the problem has resolved itself, otherwise you can try to uninstall another one.Alternatively, you can try a program called Adaware from http://www.lavasoft.com which will attempt to identify and offer to remove adware which is known to its database (reference file). We do not have any first-hand experiece with this software but it has been recommended in other instances as being effective in removing ad/spyware from computers. However, some software you may have installed may cease to function properly if you remove any adware upon which it may depend. If you experience this problem and are able to resolve the problem, please contact webct@oit.umass.edu and let us know what your solution was (and if you were able to identify how the software was installed e.g. bundled with a particular application or installed upon visiting a website.) Alternative Solution It may be easier and faster to simply download and install a new browser. The latest version of the browsers distributed by Netscape and Internet Explorer are compatible with WebCT.