Fixing email and browser issues

Here are some fixes for the occasional email or browser issues that are reported.


Email
Please note that out of thousands of members, only a few report problems with emails not being received, typically for thread updates. When we check the server logs, those emails are seen to have been sent. The problem unfortunately is at your end. Here are some suggestions:

1. Occasionally there are problems with individual ISPs, who for one reason or another block all emails from ECF (as happens with any mega forum due to the very large number of emails sent out, thousands a day). Currently we know that att.net and sbcglobal.net have a problem here. You need to get in touch with your ISP and ask for ECF emails to be delivered.

2. Alternatively, get an email address at a service that works correctly. Gmail and Hotmail are fine. Best of all is a real domain email address, where you buy a domain such as your-name.com, and get your email through it.

3. Some emails bounce, that is, they are not delivered and are returned. You need to contact your ISP.

4. Some emails cannot be delivered as some members have a bot-proof email account, that is, one that can only receive emails from a real person as there is a bot test to get through before the email can be delivered. Obviously, no ECF email will get through. Please check to make sure you do not have one of the anti-spam services that use this method.

5. Check your spam folder and spam settings. Try to whitelist ECF, that is, put ECF [ @e-cigarette-forum.com ] in the list of domains that will not be treated as spam.


Browser problems
Sometimes people report problems with accessing or using the site. Again these are local issues because there are few reports out of millions of visits.

1. We don't recommend using any Windows version prior to Windows 2000 now (eg Win95, Win98, WinME) due to various issues.

2. Update the Java install on your computer. Full web use requires Java to be installed, enabled, and updated. If you don't do this then ECF may not work correctly. Go to:
Java Downloads for All Operating Systems - Sun Microsystems

3. Check that Java is enabled in your browser.

4. Check that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.

5. Flush your cookies, cache, and history (all from within the browser). Restart the browser.

6. After all the previous steps are completed, reboot the PC.

7. Check that you are not using Firefox, with a blocking plugin enabled (there are plugins to block various things and some may prevent the site working correctly).

8. Or, try another browser:
K-meleon [fast, skinny]
K-Meleon
choose: Download: ==> * Full packages with installer ==> English

Firefox [the best plugin toolset]
Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable

Opera [noticeably different, also includes an email client]
Opera Web Browser | Faster & safer | Download the new Internet browsers free

9. And last but not least, the simple thing we all forget from time to time... me included

==> When you login, check the box that says Remember Me? <==
There is a 'session time' on server software, for security, and it's not long. No activity within a certain time (like posting) and you are logged out. Check the box and you stay logged in. If, then, you are still logged out repeatedly, it points to a local PC issue. Please try the Java update or a new browser, and see if you can fix it.

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The thing is, with most of these problems, if you went to another PC - maybe on a different router, maybe on another ISP - the problem would disappear. It's just a question of tracking it down.

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