To any user having problems.


There is currently a widespread problem with signing in to the Memberzone by users who have recently updated to Internet Explorer 7. There have been no changes made to the website, and the vast majority of members have been able to access the Memberzone without any problems. However, in order to help those suffering under the curse of Microsoft, I can offer the following suggestions.

First, you may actually be in the memberzone but not realise it. The top of the page is very similar, but try to scroll down and check for further text.

It's usually the user's browser settings that cause the problems, Internet Explorer 6 works ok, as does Mozilla Firefox. I can't say if Netscape works. IE7 should be ok, but I am aware of many access problems using this browser. There is no one isolated issue, so it may be specific to your computer. Try this simple stuff first.

Try deleting internet history files, temporary content and cookies etc. Also delete docgb.org from your favourites list if it is in there. Then go to http://www.docgb.org.  Rather than cut and paste the address, try typing it in manually, as this will often work when cut and paste doesn't.
That should reset everything as it will look like you are a first time visitor to your computer. Then click the refresh button before you try to go into the memberzone. As long as the password is correct (check the contents page in the latest Desmo) this should get you through.

Further more radical options are as follows:

1) Ditch IE7 and use Firefox instead. It's a much better browser anyway, and no-one has reported any such problems. This is a dead-cert fix! Firefox can also be used even if you keep Internet Explorer, so involves no changes to your existing set-up, as it is just an additional browser. Firfox can be downloaded from this location - http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/

2) Pay close attention to the Information Bar at the top of the page. This can often disallow pop-up windows or javascript, even though it is safe to allow them. (The DOC does not run malicious scripts on its website.) Right-clicking on the bar gives access to the help file, which provides this information:

	What is active content and why does Internet Explorer restrict it?

	Active content is content that relies on either ActiveX controls or computer code called a script to work properly. Examples include stock tickers, video, and animated content on Web pages.

	These programs can, however, malfunction or give you content you don’t want. In some cases, these programs can be used to collect information from your computer in ways you might not approve of, possibly damage data on your computer, install software on your computer without your consent, or allow someone else to control your computer remotely. Given these risks, you should only install these programs if you completely trust the publisher. 

	If a Web page you visit tries to display active content, you will see the message below (click the message for more information).

	"To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted this file from showing active content that could access your computer. Click here for options..."

	This message appears when a Web page open on your computer tries to run a script or ActiveX control. Internet Explorer blocks the active content portion of the page but allows the rest of the Web page to open so you can see how it functions without the script or ActiveX control. Often, you will be able to view or use the Web page without using the active content. Because active content is a potential hazard to your computer, you should be certain that you trust the publisher of a script or ActiveX control before you decide to give it access to your computer.

	If you are certain that you want to allow the page to run scripts and ActiveX controls on your computer, follow the steps below:

	Click the Information Bar. 
	Click Allow blocked content. 
	Click Related Topics for information about how to decide if you should trust a Web site or publisher.

3) Make sure that Javascript is enabled - to check out how, go to this location: http://WWW.mistered.us/tips/javascript/browsers.shtml#firefox

4) Although this is not guaranteed to work (what is?) the problem may be got round by doing the following:

In Internet explorer (whilst on the http:\\www.docgb.org site) click on "Tools", then "Internet Options".
Next click on the "Security" tab, then click on the "Trusted Sites" "tick" icon, just below it the "Sites" button should come live, then click on the "Sites" button, another window then opens, when that comes up it should show http:\\www.docgb.org in the "Add this website to the zone:" box (if it's not in the box I suppose you could just type it in?).  Untick the Require Server Verification box, then click on the "Add" button and then OK it, it should then let you put the password in.

5) Possible IE7 Pop-up blocker solution

One more possible solution lies in "Custom" security level for internet zone.
Open up custom security level and scroll down to the bottom and change this setting:
"Allow pop up blocker to block script input" 
Set this to DISABLE

6) For a more radical approach, (and for which I take no responsibility if this doesn't work and your system crashes) uninstall IE7 and go back to the tried and tested IE6. The following information comes from a 3rd party and cannot (yet) be confirmed as a cast-iron remedy.

For those of you who have already downloaded and installed IE7, and are now  struggling with connection and email problems (not to mention a much more  awkward navigation task in Internet Explorer) do the following:
Click 'Start ...  Control Panel ... Add/Remove Programs', scroll down to Windows Internet  Explorer 7 and then click on 'Remove'.
The effect will be to roll  back Internet Explorer from version 7 to version 6 (or to whatever version you  had before your upgrade) after you've restarted your PC, and restoration of  normal operation;
I kept an open mind  on various negative forum comments regarding the IE7 upgrade, until I  applied it to my own PC yesterday and had to sort out the mess that it  made. My conclusion? 'the criticisms are fully justified - Microsoft appear  to have released untested software yet again, and created another unreasonable 'make-work'. IE7 may be OK one day, once MS's programmers  have combed the bugs out of it - but it's not OK yet, and  IMHO is continued justification for using cheap (or free) pirate  copies of Microsoft software, rather than the real thing.
Hope this helps
JCB in da north


7) Running IE6 & IE7 together (this one comes from an internet hosting company, so should be bulletproof)

If you haven't already installed IE7 use tech-recipes.com (http://www.tech-recipes.com/internet_explorer_ie7_tips1188.html)  instructions to stop the one from overwriting the other. 
Another option is to install a stand alone version of IE6. See (http://browsers.evolt.org/download.php?/ie/32bit/standalone/ie6eolas_nt.zip )
Note: Running a stand alone version of IE6 is not just that. Some functionality may be lost. For example some people note the inability to use cookies with the stand alone version. The method recommended by the MSDN is to run IE6 via a virtual environment and they are providing a free download package of this for developers. Here's the catch... for some reason Microsoft has decided to "time bomb" the virtual environment for April 1 which means that it will no longer work after that date. In addition people have reported that it is resource heavy and may slow down your machine. To make a decision on what to do and how to do it, try reading Running IE7 and IE6 at the same time: (http://ajaxian.com/archives/running-ie7-and-ie6-at-the-same-time-windows-and-mac) 
The comments at the bottom are informative as well. A general tip on getting used to the new browser visit the quick reference guide for keyboard shortcuts and other useful information on IE7. (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/quickref.mspx)


So there you have it, several ways to get going again. If not, it's beyond my knowledge, so something like one of the Microsoft help files, or an IE usergroup may be the best place to turn. 

I would be interested in feedback, both positive and negative, as to how any of these solutions work. Also, if there are any others, please let me know.  

Regards
Spaggy.