Today’s topic: Technical Difficulties
We get all kinds of questions regarding a wide range of technical difficulties. Here is an extensive list of things you can try if you are having trouble accessing anything on TrueCouponing.com or other websites.
Things to try:
There can be several different reasons you might be experiencing trouble accessing websites. Here is a list of things for you to try to correct the problems:
1. I get an “error” message that I already printed the coupon…but I didn’t!!
You need to install more than one browser on your computer:
Web sites, browsers, coupon printing sites…pretty much everything on the internet gets “updated” regularly. When one thing is updated, it may affect how something else performs.
For example, recently there was an update to Firefox. Since I updated my Firefox browser, I can no longer print some SmartSource.com coupons. However, I can print them fine using Internet Explorer or Safari. I am sure sometime soon SmartSource.com will have an update and Firefox will work fine to print those coupons again. Until then, I will just use another browser.
For this reason, I recommend having more than one browser installed on your computer (all are FREE!).
Here are a few of the most popular browsers you can install:
It is good to have more than one way to access the information you need.
2. Check to make sure your Javascript is “enabled”
You can find instructions for doing that here:
- Internet Explorer: http://www.mistered.us/tips/javascript/browsers.shtml
- FireFox: http://www.mistered.us/tips/javascript/firefox.shtml
- Safari: http://www.mistered.us/tips/javascript/safari.shtml
- Chrome: http://www.mistered.us/tips/javascript/chrome.shtml
3. Clear your browser cache and delete cookies
AOL seems to be the most common culprit of this problem. Users can find instructions to do this HERE. Other Internet Service Providers (ISP) will have a similar procedure and we have instructions to walk you through them HERE.
4. Check for firewall conflicts
Some software applications require an internet connection to run properly. If your firewall is set to block the files that require an internet connection, you may not be able to use certain software features. Follow the steps below to determine if your firewall is blocking any software files.
- Open the firewall security setting area and look through the applications listed.
- Check to see if any of the applications you are trying to use are being blocked.
- Using the firewall application feature, grant each application access to the Internet.
Note: If you are unsure of how to do this, please refer to the documentation that came with your firewall software or hardware. - Select a security level.
Note: A firewall will offer different levels of security to associate with each known Internet application (for example, Low, Medium, and High). If an application is having trouble connecting customer to the service, set all the applications to Low. The Low setting may also be described as Allow Full Access or Permit All. - Test the changes by trying to open and use the software application again.
You may have to contact your firewall’s customer service for more specific instructions.
5. Scan your computer for spyware and viruses
If you already have antivirus software or spyware removal software on your computer, use those applications to scan your computer for viruses and spyware.
If you do not have antivirus or spyware removal software installed on your computer, you NEED them! You can get spyware and viruses on your computer from visiting websites or even just checking your email.
Some antivirus and spyware programs we recommend are Norton, Malware Bytes, McAfee, Spyware Doctor with Antivirus, StopZilla with Antivirus, AVG Antivirus and Antispyware, and Webroot Antivirus with Spysweeper. There are many more. Each computer you own should have antivirus and spyware installed. When purchasing these types of software, pay attention to how many “users” are included. If it states “1 User” that means you can only install the software on one computer. It might be more cost effective to purchase one software with multiple users if you have multiple computers needing the software. If you are going to use it on one computer only, don’t spend the extra money on a multi-user software.
6. Make sure you are running the latest version from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) software
AOL users can find the latest version HERE. If you use another ISP, search for the latest version of your ISP. Simply search “latest version” and your ISP.
7. Check for add-ons to your toolbar
There may have been an add-on installed on your browser that you are not aware of that is blocking access to websites. You can disable all add-ons to see if this might be your problem. Then you could add them back one by one to see which one is causing the problem.
8. Reinstall your Internet Service Provider (ISP) software
Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling your ISP software will correct the problem.
~I hope this will help many of you!
Do you have more questions?
- Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
- Browse through our previously posted FAQs.
- Questions about Workshops can be sent to Workshops(at)TrueCouponing.com or visit our Workshop Information page.
- Leave a comment on the post you have a question about (especially if it is a current store list). Sometimes another reader will even respond before we can!
- View the schedule of upcoming classes and register for a class HERE.
If you still can’t find your answer, email us at Save(at)TrueCouponing.com and we will do our best to help you!
