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Can't log in?

Login prompt never appears

You try to ssh/putty to a Maths computer, but nothing happens. No login or password prompt appears. If you are using a Linux/MacOSX machine you probably get the error message "no route to host".

This means that your computer has been switched off to save energy. Wake it up online, wait for a couple of minutes, and try to ssh in again. If you still can't connect, your computer may have been decommissioned. Try ssh.maths.cam.ac.uk which is always on.

If this fails too, there is most likely a networking problem such as a malfunctioning firewall. The Computer Officers will probably be aware of it already if it's on our end, and in any case emailing help@maths is unlikely to work until the problem is fixed. If you're curious you can use the "ping" and "traceroute" commands to locate the problem.

Password is rejected

If you are sitting at a Maths computer, make sure there isn't a spurious space before your username as this will prevent you logging in.

If you have left the CMS and your password has suddenly stopped working, we have probably disabled your account. Email help@maths explaining why you need it reinstated. To avoid this problem, let us know whether you want to keep your account before you leave, and if so, how long you will be needing it for.

Not authorised to login

Either you are trying to log into a machine which is neither public-access nor in your group, or if you are no longer at the CMS, your access may have been restricted to ssh.maths only. Email help@maths who can easily supply you with access to the machine on your desk.

Other login issues

Your password is accepted but there are still problems: your desktop looks odd, you can't access your files, your computer is very slow. If a reboot doesn't clear the problem up, try these links: