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Logging in: Tips and FAQ

(Pro version only)

There are two ways to log in to a website, depending on the site.

Under HTTP authentication you browser will display a pop up window asking for your username and password.

With forms login, you enter your information on a 'form' on a web page.

PageNest can log in to both types of sites - you don't need to know which method the site uses.

Logging in options are given on the Logging in page of the Site Wizard. 

In most cases all you need do is give the page you want to log in at and the username and password. For an HTTP authentication website you can start the download on any page. For a forms style login you need to give the address of the page containing the form. In most cases you also give a different page at which to start the download proper.

Logging in FAQ

Q: Why do I see the message: 'No suitable form was found on which to log in' when I start a download.
A: This message means that PageNest could not find a suitable way to log in to the website. 

If the site uses HTTP authentication, then the start page given was not a page which requires authentication. Select a start page which does require authentication.

If the site uses forms login, then no suitable form could be found on the page. The Test login option on the Logging in page of the Site Wizard will show whether to correct login page is being downloaded. If the page shown is correct then it may be that the login form does not suite PageNests requirements for a login form.

For PageNest to be able to log in to a form it must have:
  • Exactly one text field for entering a username (A text field is a field for entering a single line of text).
  • Exactly one password field for entering a password. (A password field is a field where what you type is displayed as asterisks: *).
  • Exactly one submit button (or image on which to click to submit).
     
    PageNest can still log in if the form has other types of field (memos - multiline text boxes, check boxes, radiobuttons) but it cannot enter information into, or change teh settings of, these fields, which may cause the login to fail).

    PageNest cannot log into forms which display a 'captcha' image (letters and numbers displayed as a graphic, which you need to type into a verification box).

    PageNest cannot log into a form which requires an answer to a question displayed by the form ("What was you first pets name" etc.)

    If the form has a submit image (button) with different areas for different functions then the log in may also fail.

    Q: I've selected a different login page to the download page, but PageNest displays the page as though I haven't logged in.
  • Test that your log in information is correct using the Test login button on the Site Wizard: Logging in window.
  • Check that you have Store cookies selected on for the site under Site Wizard: Options.
  • Go to your browser and log in to the site. Look in the address bar. If there is a long string of random letters and numbers listed after the page name, eg "S=fhieru48vnvv93nfncv0" it may mean that the site needs a 'session id' (the long string of random letters) in the page address. If that is the case, you will not be able to start the download at a different page to the login page.

    • Most material on the internet is copyrighted.
    If you intend to use downloaded material for anything other than personal use you must obtain the copyright holders permission first.
    Solent Software is opposed to copyright theft.