E-Resources Troubleshooting: E-Resources Troubleshooting

This page explains what Access Anywhere (formerly known as Passkey) is and how to install it on your browser.  Passkey: Clearing Up the Mystery explains how it works and what to do if it looks like it isn't working. The structure of Access Anywhere is identical to Passkey, so the page is still accurate.

We’re sorry to hear you’re seeing “bad request” errors while accessing Library electronic resources from off campus!  The problem you’re reporting is probably not with Access Anywhere itself; generally it affects most sites needing Cornell CUWebLogin authentication (Workday, Box, etc.).  Most reports seem to come from Chrome users, but occasionally we hear about it in Safari as well.  A way to test if the problem is really Access Anywhere is to click on a link from within the Library catalog – if that works but Access Anywhere doesn’t, please let us know so we can troubleshoot Access Anywhere further.

Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a one-size-fits-all solution for “bad request” errors.  Here are some things to try:

• Make sure your browser is up to date
• Clear your browser cache
• Clear any Cornell cookies
• Check your proxy settings
• Disable browser extensions (we know that HTTPS Everywhere is sometimes a problem)
• Run your browser in Incognito Mode
• Zotero has a setting that interferes with access.  Try going to "proxy settings" and unchecking the "enable proxy redirection" box.
• Use a different browser – but occasionally try your preferred browser again, since we’ve seen instances (in Chrome) where the problem eventually goes away on its own.

To get an Incognito window within Chrome, use Ctrl Shift N.  On a Mac, use Command Shift N within Chrome or Safari.

Please let me know if this is helpful for you or if you have further questions.  Thanks!