Can not load subscription websites because I don't "allow referring URLs"
I can't load ejournals (eg, JSTOR) and other sites my public library subscribes to. When I go to the resource, I get the message "Sorry, we were not able to authenticate you for access to this resource. Please adjust your Internet Security software to allow referring URLs." My default is to block third-party cookies; I tried allowing all cookies, and blocking cookies from hclib.org. The last option got me to a page where I enter a barcode, but then to the same message. I tried allowing pop-ups, but that didn't change anything. I've asked a librarian, who told me that I have to allow cookies and possibly pop-up windows, and said security software such as Norton, a firewall, or pop-up blockers could be the problem.
This is the same problem as http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/880202 , but with Firefox 3.6 on a Mac (I have the same problem with my other browser, Safari), and without Norton or any other security software that could be problematic as far as I know.
Modified by vargh
All Replies (10)
Make sure that you do not block the referrer.
Check the Integer pref network.http.sendRefererHeader on the about:config page.
network.http.sendRefererHeader is set to the default value, 2, which is what I assume you suggested I check.
Do you see a HTTP_REFERER in this list?
No, I don't.
That means that some program on your computer or a Firefox extension is blocking the referrer.
Start Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).
- Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode
Thanks, but again, nothing changed, when I tried Safe Mode. Any ideas?
Did you check other security software on your computer to see if there is some privacy setting active that suppresses the referrer?
I don't think we have any other security software.
There should still be something on your computer that is blocking the referrer if it isn't Firefox.
Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems.
See "Basic Troubleshooting: Make a new profile":
There may be extensions and plugins installed by default in a new profile, so check that in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions & Plugins" in case there are still problems.
If that new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile, but be careful not to copy corrupted files.
See:
This didn't work, even when I disabled all the plugins (there weren't any addons, etc).