Troubleshooting FAQ

I am getting the following error when I try to add information to the database: "Can't connect to MySQL server on 'localhost' (10061)"



First, you should try closing the program and restarting it to see if you continue to see the same error.

If you are still receiving the error, your next step is to reboot your computer in case you have multiple database processes running.

If you continue to see the error, it is possible that the database server was not properly installed from the cd: copy the 'mysql' database from the cd to your 'c:\program files\notarytracker' directory.

Why do I get a 'Page Not Found' error or blank page when I start Notary Tracker?


After a computer reboot, the web server needs to find an open port to run the program on. The first one it will try is port 81 (ie http://notarytracker:81). If you get a blank screen after starting Notary Tracker immediately after rebooting, just close the web browser window and start Notary Tracker again. The web server will try port 82 next, and should be able to find an open port after the first couple of times. Once an open port has been found, the program should display with no problem at least until the next time your reboot your computer (when the web server needs to find an open port again). In many cases, the web server will find an open port the first time, and you will not need to close the web browser and restart the program.

If you are still getting a blank page, it could mean that your computer doesn't have enough memory free to run the application. Make sure you close down any programs that are running. This will free up RAM to be able to run Notary Tracker.

Look at the bottom-right section of your desktop. Are there programs running there that you don't need? Close all unnecessary programs.

Also, once you start NotaryTracker, the process remains in the background. What that means is that each time you start NotaryTracker, an additional microweb.exe file runs. Multiple processes running in the background could be the problem. To end these processes, click the Control, Alt, Delete keys together to bring up the Task Manager. Click on the Processes tab. Click on the Image Name field (this will alphabetize the processes). Select each Microweb.exe process and then click the End Process button. You should also end other unnecessary background processes by sorting the processes by User Name, and ending all processes except for 'iexplore.exe' and 'TaskSwitch.exe'.

Alternatively, an easy way to end the multiple microweb.exe processes is to just simply reboot your computer.

Firewalls and Anti-Virus Software

Make sure your firewall permits access to NotaryTracker (NotaryTracker.exe, NotaryTrackerSAB.exe, NotaryTrackerSAP.exe, and microweb.exe), and allows access to ports 81, etc.
If you have anti-virus software running, turn it off to see if that is interfering. Anti-virus software is notorious for causing applications to function improperly, especially Norton System Works 2004, and Norton Anti-Virus 2004.

If you have ZoneAlarm, it will prevent you from running Notary Tracker unless you specifically give it access. Here is how to do that:



  1. Open the ZoneAlarm configuration screen by double-clicking on the ZoneAlarm task icon at the bottom-right of your desktop.
  2. At the configuration screen, on the left, click the 'Program Control' tab.
  3. On the top-right, click the 'Programs' tab (the one next to 'Main').
  4. You should now see a list of programs that are allowed access by ZoneAlarm.
  5. Click 'Add', and find the microweb.exe file located in C:\Program Files\NotaryTracker.
  6. After you click 'Open', you will see microweb.exe in the programs list.
  7. Give microweb.exe access by left-clicking on the red 'X', or the blue '?' and click 'allow'.
  8. Repeat steps 5-7 for notarytracker.exe, which is located in C:\Program Files\NotaryTracker\cgi-bin\
  9. The notarytracker.exe file will show up as 'Perl Command Line' in the ZoneAlarm programs list.
  10. Click the 'Firewall' tab on the left.
  11. Lower the Internet Zone Security setting from High to Medium.
  12. You should now be able to access Notary Tracker.

I start Notary Tracker and I get redirected to a completely different website. What's going on?


Spyware is today's web surfer's number one enemy, even moreso than popup ads.

It can be installed on your computer simply by navigating to a website.

Once it is installed on your computer, the spyware tracks where you browse and can even redirect your browser to another page!

The solution is to download a spyware blocker, such as Spybot - Search and Destroy (http://security.kolla.de/news.php?lang=en).

It is free to download and is a great tool for removing spyware from your computer.

If you have problems now with the spyware redirecting your browser you could have much worse problems with your computer down the road!

Here are some instructions for after you have installed Spybot Search & Destroy:

  • Start Spybot Search & Destroy.
  • Click 'Check for Problems'. Wait until it checks your computer.
  • Click 'Immunize'. There are several options there...
  • You should click 'Immunize' and it will block the bad spyware from appearing again.
  • Below that, there is also a feature that helps block bad spyware downloads, which you can install.

If you are still having problems, it could be that you have overlooked something relating to the instructions above... please go back and double-check...

Alternatively, you could always try installing the program on another computer, if there is one within easy access (preferably with Windows XP).