Login Problems with LON-CAPA

Which browsers can I use with LON-CAPA?

LON-CAPA is designed to work with the following browsers

Mozilla version 1.0 and higher
Netscape version 4.7 and higher
Safari
Galeon version 1.2 and higher
Internet Explorer version 5.1 and higher

on the following operating systems

Linux
UNIX
MacOS
Windows 98, NT, 2000, ME, and XP

If you have problems logging in with any browser or any operating system not listed above, please use another browser or computer.

I have accessibility needs

Please use the alternative text-based login mode. Please let the system administrator know if you have any problems.

I would like to use my Pocket Computer or PDA to access LON-CAPA

While we can make no guarantees that LON-CAPA will work with your particular Pocket Computer or PDA, you might want to try the alternative text-based login mode. We have had success with a Sharp Zaurus and Thunderhawk on PocketPCs (e.g., Dell Axim).

I get "Username and/or password could not be authenticated"

The most common problem here is that the Caps-Lock button is pressed. Usernames and passwords are case sensitive, so it does matter if something is typed with lowercase or with uppercase letters.
The second most common problems is that users accidentally go to the wrong server. LON-CAPA is running at many universities, colleges, and schools. Especially if you hit upon this page by looking for "LON-CAPA" in Google or some other search engine, you might have hit a server at another place. Please make sure to use the URL provided to you.

I get a list of computers ...

This means that the server you attempted to login to is currently not available. For example, it might be undergoing maintenance. Please click on any of the other server, giving preference to the ones that say "preferred."

I get "Information needed to verify your login information is missing, inaccessible or expired"

LON-CAPA does internal encryption of password information submitted from the login screen, but only keeps the decryption information for a day. Simply pull up the login screen again. If that does not solve the problem, please wait for 20 minutes, reload the login page, and try again. If after 20 minutes LON-CAPA still gives you the same message, please email the Server Administrator listed on the login page. The Server Administrator can verify your situation and re-enable logins.

I hit "Log In," but nothing happens, or I get error messages and warnings

The most common problem is that your browser is not one of the browsers listed above.
You might have modified the preferences in your browser. In particular, the following preferences can be a problem:
- Scripting languages, in particular JavaScript, is disabled. Test: as you click here, a small window should appear. If no window appears, scripting is disabled.
- The security settings are cranked up to a higher level. In particular, this might prevent unencrypted submission of passwords (LON-CAPA actually does its own encryption), or cross-server submission of forms.
If all else fails, please try from another computer.

After logging in, I get the message "Welcome," but then nothing happens

Actually, something will happen if you wait around a little bit: after trying to launch its Remote Control for a while, LON-CAPA will default into its text-based interface mode. That mode is just fine for most operations, but has certain limits.

The most common problem is that your browser is not one of the browsers listed above.
If you have a supported browser, it might be hung. Please completely quit your browser, and start it again.
You might have installed a filter against so-called "pop-up ads" (those obnoxious windows that come up into your face trying to sell you something while you are surfing). We recommend to disable the filter for your school's domain, for example "xyzu.edu." Test: as you click here, a small window should appear. If no window appears there, but this window does come up, pop-up filters are active.
You might be getting your internet access from a free service provider which adds banner ads to your pages. These ads conflict with LON-CAPA, you will need to use another provider.
If you do not want to re-adjust the preferences of your browser, you might want to use the text-based login mode.
If all else fails, please try from another computer.