This article explains how to access Oracle Discoverer (also called DISCO) through the Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE).

Overview of the current issue with Discoverer

At present, you cannot access Discoverer from all browsers. This issue appears to be due to how the Transport Layer Security (TLS) settings are configured. The stricter setting on the new laptops is limiting access to websites without the appropriate certificates.
This issue affects:

• staff trying to access Discoverer across all browsers
• staff using new laptops 
• staff using laptops that do not have a shortcut icon to Discoverer on their desktop

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How to access Discoverer

If you are using a computer dispatched before 2020, you might see the Discoverer shortcut icon on your desktop. Double-click that icon to open Discoverer.

If you are using a computer dispatched after 2020, follow the instructions below to access Discoverer through the Southampton Virtual Environment:

1. Access SVE from your computer by using Microsoft Remote Desktop or through a web browser

2. Once connected, you can access DISCO in two ways:

1. By using the Oracle Discoverer shortcut icon present on the desktop linked to Microsoft Edge. 
   
   Please do not use the shortcut linked to the out-of-date Internet Explorer.
   
   
2. By clicking on the Start menu icon (windows icon at the bottom left of the screen):
   1. Search for the Discoverer app
   2. Launch the Oracle Discoverer application linked to Microsoft Edge
      

Accessing Discoverer for the first time

If it is your first time accessing DISCO, please make sure you are signed in to Edge using the profile icon at the top-right side of this browser. Then the next step would be to completely close Edge and re-open Discoverer using one of the above methods.

Once you get DISCO up, you will then need to create a new connection, which involves entering the following information:

1. Your university Username
2. Your university Password
3. The Database Name (in this case is "banner-live").

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Common Issues

The Oracle Discoverer shortcut icon is not present on your SVE desktop

It might happen that you cannot see the Oracle Discoverer shortcut icon linked to Microsoft Edge. This is due to settings related to your account.

To fix this issue please follow the steps below:

1. While still on SVE, in the start menu search for Microsoft App-V 5.0 Client UI and open it
   
   
2. Select the update button and let that run. 
   
   All applications available there will automatically update.
   
   
3. Select the Virtual Apps tab.
   
   You should now see Discoverer_Edge_JR1.45 listed 
   
   
   You will also see its related download progress bar.

If you cannot see the Discoverer_Edge_JR1.45:

1. Repeat the process
2. Log off
3. Log in again.

The shortcuts should now be showing.

If you are still experiencing any issues and you cannot see the Edge DISCO shortcut even after completing the above steps, please raise a ticket with ServiceLine.

 

Getting errors when exporting to Excel

When exporting the results to Excel, you may encounter one of the following error messages:

• "The file couldn’t open in Protected View"
  or
• "The operating system is not presently configured to run this application".

This scenario can arise due to a technical issue. Nevertheless, the export process works fine even in the presence of the error message.

In these situations, usually the result set will still be saved in the specified location as an Excel file despite the error / warning messages.

 

Edge shortcut is present but not working

To ensure the Edge shortcut functions properly, you must confirm that Internet Explorer mode is enabled in your Edge browser settings.

To enable this feature in Edge, please see the Microsoft Support article "Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge".

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Related content

How to access Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE) and Common Learning Spaces (CLS) workrooms from remote

eLearning support and resources for the University of Southampton