HTTP Error 403

When attempting to log into your WebCT account via the WebCT Login page, a new page displays with the text "HTTP Error 403: You are not authorized to view this page." when you click the "Login" button. Use the following steps to help correct your problem.

1. Checking for Spyware and Adware
2. Uncheck friendly HTTP error messages
3. Extra toolbars and internet optimizers
4. Try a different web browser

1. Checking for Spyware or Adware

Spyware and Adware are typical hassles within the Internet world. They cause pop ups, bog down system resources, and prevent some websites from being viewed and so forth. Pop-ups are the most commonly recognized spyware and can be prevented with the use of Pop-up blockers. However, pop-up blockers may also prevent access to the WebCT login page.

There is software available that will allow you to remove Spyware and Adware. Two recommended programs for this are Spysweeper and Ad-Aware. Please be advised that Rhode Island College neither endorses nor supports these products. The links below bring you to a free trial/free download for each.

• Spysweeper (30 day free trial)
• Ad-Aware (free download for education)

You can run these programs, starting with the Spysweeper, to remove all suspected Spyware and Adware files.

Proceed to WebCT, and attempt to Log In.

Did This Work? If not, please go onto Step 2

2. How to show friendly HTTP error messages

With Internet Explorer open, Click on Tools > Internet Options > Advanced tab.

• Under the Browser heading, look for "Show friendly HTTP error messages"
• This box should not be checked. If it is, please uncheck the box so it appears like the image above.
• Click Apply and then OK to enable the new settings.
• Proceed to WebCT, and attempt to Log In.

Did this work? If not, go on to Step 3.

3. Extra Toolbars and Internet Optimizers

Some well known sites such as Google and Yahoo! have released toolbars and such. They were created to assist people when surfing the internet. These "helpers" can actually hinder your browser and the way it loads the WebCT login page. Internet Optimizers can produce similar results on your browser. Optimizers connect to servers which, in return, will pop up advertisements after it downloads them to your PC. Removing the Google toolbar


This is a Google toolbar and it is another popular desktop toolbar used to aid in surfing the net. If you have the Google toolbar and are still experiencing difficulties with logging onto WebCT, then it may need to be uninstalled. The image below shows you where to locate the uninstall options for the toolbar. You can access the drop down menu by clicking the Google icon.


Removing the Yahoo! Toolbar


This is an example of the Yahoo! toolbar. Many people use it on their home desktops so it may look familiar. Sometimes it can cause problems, other times it may not. If you are still experiencing troubles logging in, then try to uninstall the Yahoo! toolbar. The image below shows you where to locate the uninstall options for the toolbar. You can access the drop down menu by clicking the Pencil icon.


*Note: Sometimes while removing toolbars and Adware, Java(a program essential to WebCT) gets uninstalled. If you try to login and it returns a blank screen, you may redownload and install Java here.

Removing Internet Optimizers

You may remove an Internet Optimizer by visiting Adware.NetOptimizer

After removing these things, proceed to WebCT, and attempt to Log In.

Did this work? If not, go on to Step 4 .

4. Try a different web browser

Sometimes, when trying to log on to WebCT, the Internet Explorer browser can cause problems and prevent you from logging in. Netscape Navigator hasn't be known to cause such problems with the WebCT login page. Use the links below to acquire the newest Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer browser software. If you are using dial up, be aware of a download time that could take up to 2 hours.

• Netscape Navigator 7.0
• Internet Explorer 6.0 Explorer Pack

Proceed to WebCT, and attempt to Log In.