Library Updates

Westlaw is a wonderful resource, but printing and opening PDFs on it are a real pain. Now it turns out that opening PDFs on Westlaw using Internet Explorer 7 (we’ll go with IE7 from here on) is often defeated by a default setting in the browser.

Here is how to fix that problem once and for all, followed by the standard settings that allow you to print from Westlaw.

1. Fixing PDF Problem in IE7

The Problem: When clicking a “View Westlaw Reporter Image (pdf)” link in a document – which should give you a digital image of the original document – the screen flashes but nothing happens.

The Solution:

• Click Internet Options
• Choose Security Tab
• Choose Custom Level
• Under the heading Downloads (about halfway down list), click Enable below the subheading Automatic prompting for file downloads
• Click OK. At next screen, click OK again.

2. Settings to Allow Westlaw Printing & Downloading

These have been required for a couple of years now for using Westlaw’s print and download buttons. If you haven’t set them before or you are having problems getting print or download to work, give these a try:

1. Pop-Up Blocker (in browser)
   Add westlaw.com to your browser’s pop-up blocker exemption list. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari all have such lists. Check at the computer lab helpdesk if you need any assistance finding it.
2. Google or Yahoo Pop-Up Blocker (in browser toolbar)
   Lots of people use the Google or Yahoo toolbars. Not only handy for searching, but they also provide additional (probably unnecessary) pop-up blocking. You’ll also need to have that turned off. Generally, browse to lawschool.westlaw.com, then click on on the ‘pop-up blocked’ icon in the toolbar to allow Westlaw. You can also just turn off that pop-up blocker entirely.
3. Trusted Sites (IE Only)
   Just for Internet Explorer users! You have to make westlaw.com a “trusted site.” To do so:
   - Go to Tools
   - Internet Option
   - Security
   - Trusted Sites
   - Sites
   - uncheck the “Require server verification (https://) box
   - Type in *.westlaw.com. Then click Add.