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Troubleshooting

View common problems & suggested solutions, including database access issues.

Trouble opening PDFs?

Some users (particularly those using Georgian issued computers) are encountering issues opening PDFs with EBSCO databases. The problem seems to be related to the default app assigned to PDFs. If you are able to search in library databases, but cannot open PDFs, please try checking/updating the default app.

Change the default PDF reader on Georgian College computers:

  1. Type “settings” in the search box of your task bar (bottom center of your screen, right beside the windows logo/menu)
  2. Select “Apps” from the left-hand menu.
  3. Choose “Default apps” once the options appear on the right-hand side.
  4. Find Google Chrome and look for the file type “pdf”.
  5. Ensure that the app associated for the file type is Adobe Acrobat.
  6. Verify that the other web browsers also list Adobe Acrobat as the default app for pdf files.

A quick video tutorial for Windows 11 or Mac OS is available - select the appropriate tab above.

The following video shows some other steps you can take to ensure your computer is opening PDFs with the right app.

Video source: Nowtrin. (2022, May 26). How to set Adobe Acrobat Reader as default PDF viewer. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYG6oqt_wtw

The following short video demonstrates how to change the default app for opening files on MacOS.

Video source: The AI Digest. (2022, November 8). Mac | Change default application for pdf files in seconds | Mac tips and tricks | How to tutorial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrFq9If-wOk

Resource not loading?

Loading - Please waitTrying to access the library but the website won't load?

Most library databases and resources are now accessible using your standard Georgian login (the one you use for Outlook, Blackboard, Banner, etc). If you've already logged in on your computer (or are on campus), you should be connected automatically.

You may need to clear your cache!

Use the tabs on this box for in-depth descriptions of how to clear your browser cache in different web browsers.

Did that help?

Review the content below if the problem did not resolve or

Contact the library for more help

Image source: "Loading please wait" by , CC BY-SA 2.0.

Video source: Tindall, L. (2024, January 11). How to clear cache in Firefox | Delete browser cache [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBag4G8WMR4

Video source: App Tutor. (2024, February 24). How to Clear Cache in Google Chrome | Delete Browser Cache (2024) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t5TyzXYanc

Video source: Guiding Tech. (2024, January 22). How to clear cache and cookies in Safari for Mac |  Safari browser slowing down? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpc5WQFznoQ

Video source: Tech Easy. (2024, April 26). How to clear cache in Edge browser [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPodtxwJCHA

Database troubleshooting basics

Try these quick fixes to get you searching in no time!

  1. What internet browser are you using? Internet Explorer? Firefox? Chrome?
    Check the database description to see if there is a preferred browser. Some databases simply don't play nicely with particular browsers. We tryto keep this information updated, and located right next to the database name/description on our research guides and database list.
    Check to see if there is an alternate browser installed on your computer, and try accessing the library website/databases again from the new browser.
    If you've tested in multiple browsers but still get the same error message, there may be a problem on the library's end - let us know!!
     
  2. Have you cleared your cache/cookies and checked your internet settings?  Check the instructions above.
     
  3. MAC users - if you encounter problems using Firefox, please try a different browser - you should be able to authenticate quickly, get search results and access to PDF's with no issues.

Other frequently asked questions