SciFinder @ Caltech: System Requirements / Troubleshooting

1. Accept all "untrusted certificate" warnings that pop up. This is due to a problem with the proxy and https addresses. We assure you, SciFinder is safe (for now).


2. Follow all steps below. When entering the "https://scifinder.cas.org" url in the various places mentioned, ALSO add the following url:
   https://scifinder.cas.org.caltech.idm.oclc.org/scifinder/view/scifinder/scifinderExplore.jsf
   This will allow Java to run while logged into the proxy.

Please Note: Oracle has disabled the functionality of older versions of Java. As such, only the most recent version of Java will be tested and listed here. In addition, your computer security settings may be set to block any older or outdated versions of Java. If you receive an error of that nature, contact your system administrator about changing the security settings. More information can be found here.

You should get prompted to allow the Java Structure Editor to run. This popup may be hidden behind other windows on your desktop. If your SciFinder window greys out, check behind it for the window allowing the applet to run.

The most recent tested configurations for the structure drawing Java plugin:

• Windows 7 Professional SP1, Java Version 7 update 67 build 1.7.0_71-b14 (32-bit)
  Go to Control Panel -> Java -> Security tab -> Edit Site List... -> add "https://scifinder.cas.org" without quotes -> OK -> OK (to exit the Java Control Panel). When in a browser, Java conveniently pops up the last permissions window behind the browser window, so pay attention.
  • Internet Explorer 11 (Version 11.0.9600.17358, Update Version 11.0.11 (KB2987107) - WORKS if you do the following: Under Tools -> Internet options -> Security -> UNCHECK "Enable Protected Mode", make sure to click ALLOW on any Java-related popups that appear.
  • Firefox 33.0 - WORKS
  • Chrome 38.0.2125.104 m - WORKS
  • Opera 25.0.1614.50 - WORKS

Note about 64-bit Java and Browsers:

• Chrome & Opera: As far as can be determined, Chrome is currently only 32-bit on Windows, and will prompt for installation of 32-bit Java in order to function. IE & Firefox will also prompt for this, and the applets will run as expected.

Note About Mac Browsers: Java 7 is ONLY 64-bit on the Mac OS X platform. Therefore it is currently not supported in Chrome for Macintosh (Chrome is 32-bit only) or Opera 16+ for Macintosh (since it is built on Chrome's architecture). Therefore, the structure editor in SciFinder will not work in these browsers under any circumstances.

Please Note: Oracle has disabled the functionality of older versions of Java. As such, only the most recent version of Java will be tested and listed here. In addition your computer security settings may be set to block any older or outdated versions of Java. If you receive an error of that nature, contact your system administrator about changing the security settings. More information can be found here.

You should get prompted to allow the Java Structure Editor to run. This popup may be hidden behind other windows on your desktop. If your SciFinder window greys out, check behind it for the window allowing the applet to run.

• Mac OS X 10.11.1, Java Version 8 update 66 build 1.8.0_66-b17 (64-bit):
  • Safari 9.0.1 - WORKS - Safari needs to be allowed to run this applet in "Unsafe" mode (Safari -> Preferences -> Security -> Internet plug-ins: check "Allow Plug-ins" and then in "Plug-in Settings..." select "Run in Unsafe Mode" from drop-down menu)
  • Firefox 42.0 - WORKS - make sure to click to allow all actions. You may need to allow popups for this site.
    
• Mac OS X 10.10.5, Java Version 8 update 66 build 1.8.0_66-b17 (64-bit) [last update will be 11/23/2015]:
  • Safari 9.0.1 - WORKS - Safari needs to be allowed to run this applet in "Unsafe" mode (Safari -> Preferences -> Security -> Internet plug-ins: check "Allow Plug-ins" and then in "Plug-in Settings..." select "Run in Unsafe Mode" from drop-down menu)
  • Firefox 42.0 - WORKS - make sure to click to allow all actions. You may need to allow popups for this site.
    
• Mac OS X 10.9.5, Java Version 8 update 31 build 1.8.0_31-b15 (64-bit) [last update will be 03/30/15 as our Library has moved to 10.10]:
  • Safari 7.1.4 - WORKS - Safari needs to be allowed to run this applet in "Unsafe" mode (Safari -> Preferences -> Security -> Manage Website Settings... -> Java -> scifinder.cas.org, select "Run in Unsafe Mode" from drop-down menu)
  • Firefox 36.0.4 - WORKS - In Firefox, click Preferences -> Content -> either uncheck "Block Popup Windows" altogether, or under "Exceptions" add the following URL:
    https://scifinder.cas.org/scifinder/view/scifinder/scifinderExplore.jsf

Be sure to click on any popup or option that asks you to allow the Java applet to run. In Firefox, this may appear as an inconspicuous bar along the top of the browser window and not a separate popup. It also may take literally 2-3 minutes to load, so please be patient.

Please let us know about any problems you encounter on library computers, either directly to me (dtwrub AT caltech DOT edu) or to library AT caltech DOT edu.

If you are having problems launching the Structure Editor, follow these steps:

1. Go to https://www.javatester.org
2. Click on "Test the version of Java your browser is using", and click to allow any Java applets to run.
3. Click on "Inactive plug in" in the blue box under "The version and vendor from the JRE".
4. If it hangs (i.e. the Java logo 'spinning wheel' appears but doesn't move), reload the browser page.
5. Your Java version should now display in the pink box. You should use the latest version available.
6. Launch the SciFinder Structure Editor. If it doesn't work, follow the Steps listed below to clear out the Java cache and re-install certificates.

Try launching the Structure Editor. If it still doesn't work, try the following steps, then repeat the applet activation steps above:

1. Open the Java Control Panel.
   • Mac: System Preferences (under the Apple menu) -> Java icon (near the bottom)
   • Windows: Control Panel -> Java
2. In the Java Control Panel, on the "General" tab, click "Settings".
3. In the "Temporary File Settings" window, click "Delete Files".
4. In the "Delete Files and Applications" window, leave the first two options checked. Click OK.
5. Close the "Temporary Files Settings" window.
6. On the Java Control Panel window, click "Security".
7. Click "Manage Certificates".
8. Highlight any certificates from "American Chemical Society" and click "Remove". Click OK.
9. Close the Certificates window and the Java Control Panel.
10. Repeat Steps 1-6 above (accessing javatester.org) to activate the applet.

After performing all these steps, the SciFinder structure editor should now work - if you get a permissions box popup, allow it to run.

Last updated 10/21/2013, after a conversation with a CAS Support representative. If you are having any problems or find these instructions didn't work, please contact CAS at 800-753-4227. Any corrections or additions to this information would also be greatly appreciated.