FAQ - Web Browsers and Browsing

The solutions here are only those common at UIC. For more complete troubleshooting on Firefox, Netscape, or Microsoft Internet Explorer, see the Firefox Support Page, the Netscape Home Page, or the MS Internet Explorer Home Page.

Question 1.1 Where can I download the latest version of these browsers?

• Firefox is available from the Firefox download page.
• Netscape alone is available from the Netscape SmartUpdate site.
• MS Internet Explorer downloads are available from the MS download site.

Question 1.2 Only the browser doesn't work.
Although my connection seems to work otherwise, whenever I use my Web browser it gives me a connection error.

• This is usually due to a configuration error. Right click on your dialin connection icon in the DIALUP NETWORKING folder. Select PROPERTIES. Then click on the SERVER TYPES tab and click on the TCPIP button. Check to see that both "Use IP header compression" and "Use default gateway on remote network" are checked.

Question 1.3 I can't access any pages other than UIC pages.

• Try to use Eudora or any other Internet application. If they do not work that means there is no connection. Check to see that the wires are attached securely and the configuration is correct. If both these seem to be fine, the router may down.
• If you think a router might be down, call the CSO (312)413-0003.
• The browser keeps a cache of all the pages visited. If a file has become corrupted, it may cause the browser to freeze. To clear out the cache, in Firefox go to Tools -> Clear Private Data -> Cache. Click Clear Private Data Now.
• If deleting the cache does not solve the problem, and the router is not down, it may be necessary to reinstall your browser.
• If you still have problems, contact the CSO (312)413-0003.

Question 1.4 My browser keeps freezing when I try to load a page.

• Your browser keeps a cache of all the pages visited. If a file has become corrupted, it may cause your browser to freeze. To clear out the cache, in Firefox go to Tools -> Clear Private Data -> click all the items. Then click Clear Private Data Now.
• If deleting the cache does not solve the problem, it may be necessary to reinstall your browser.

Question 1.5 When I try to load a page, I get an error saying, "The server does not have a DNS entry." What does this mean?

• This can be caused by several different problems:
  • You have entered the wrong URL/address for the site. Be sure to make sure the case and the spelling are correct.
  • The Web site you're trying to contact is down. Try to connect again at a later time.
  • The DNS server is down. Try to connect again at a later time
  • Your network is having a momentary problem. Try entering the same URL again; it might work this time. Also, try connecting during less busy hours of the day, such as in the early morning.

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