If you've clicked on a resource from the TexShare menu page, and then been prompted for a login and password -- or if you've received an "authentication error" before even getting to the menu page -- the problem may be that your computer is running a "personal firewall."

Firewall software that blocks transmission of your web browser's "Referring URL" will prevent you from being properly authenticated * into many of the Databases. Non-authenticated users will either see an ERROR page or they will be prompted for a password. Since TexShare does NOT provide passwords for the individual databases, the user will be blocked from accessing the resource. (Note: the login and password used to access the TexShare Menu page will not work.)

Here's a quick test: Point your browser to: this link. If your Referring URL shows up as blank, you may be behind a firewall.

The Solution? Disable the firewall or, if possible, adjust its configuration to permit transmission of your web browser's "Referring URL." Some firewall software requires that you specify which web sites should be allowed this information. See below for a complete list of web domains in use by TexShare Database vendors.