If you are using Internet Explorer and Microsoft Windows Vista as your operating system, you may need to update your Common-use Signing Interface software in order to access our online services (Business Portal, Tax Agent Portal and the Australian Business Register).This is because Windows Vista contains new security features which may affect your ability to access our websites.

No problems have been identified with the use of Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems 98 NT, 2000 and XP. The ABR has not been tested on the Linux or other operating systems.

Browsers

Browser requirements

To run the online transactions available on the Australian Business Register (ABR) site, we recommend you use Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater. Earlier versions of these browsers may encounter JavaScript and other errors.

JavaScript is used to enhance the functionality of this site. However, old browsers may not support this feature. If your browser does not support JavaScript, this can be resolved by updating to the latest version of your browser.

To enter the ABR site, you will need 128-bit encryption (strong encryption). This provides the highest level of protection possible for your internet communications with the ABR. To get 128-bit encryption, we suggest you update your browser version. If you are using Internet Explorer, you can download 128-bit encryption from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx. Additionally, most browsers come with a digital certificate that allows them to connect to secure sites. However, these certificates are designed to have a limited lifetime. If you receive warning messages when connecting to secure sites, these could be due to an expired certificate. This can be resolved by updating to the latest version of your browser.

How to check your browser version

To check the brand and version of your browser:

under Windows, select <Help/About>
under Macintosh (with the browser running), select <Chooser Menu/About [browser]>

How to update your browser version

To download the latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows, follow this link to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm.

To download the latest version of Internet Explorer for Macintosh, follow this link to http://www.microsoft.com/mac/download/.

Browser settings

To use the online transactions available on the ABR site, we recommend that your browser has both Cookies and Scripts enabled. If Cookies and Scripts are disabled, the ABR may not function correctly.

How to check your browser settings

For Internet Explorer 5.5 and earlier, select:

Internet options
Security tab.
Cookie and Scripting settings appear under this tab.

For Internet Explorer 6, these settings appear under the <Privacy tab>. You may also wish to add the ABR to your list of trusted sites.

Visually impaired users

The ABR site has been tested on various tools used by visually impaired users to access websites. Magnification tools appear to work effectively on the ABR. Currently, some problems have been identified with transaction processing using screen readers. While the ABR team is working to rectify these problems, it is recommended that you contact the ABR by phone and we will offer you a specialised service for your business needs. See Contact Us for details.

Adjusting your screen display settings

This site has been designed for an 800 x 600 pixel display setting. If you find the page does not fit on your monitor screen properly, please follow this procedure to improve the display of this site:

Select the <Start> button at the bottom left of the screen.
Go to <Settings> and select <Control Panel> in the menu.
Select the <Display> icon.
Select the <Settings> tab.
Adjust the display area bar until the pointer shows 800 x 600 pixels.
Select <OK> twice. The display settings will adjust and you can choose to either accept or reject the changed settings.

Technical troubleshooting

If you are experiencing technical problems while using the ABR site, the table below is designed to assist in resolving them.

Problem

Possible reason

Solution

Error: Page not found

You need 128-bit encryption to enter the ABR site.

We recommend you update your browser version. Refer to How to update your browser version.

‘Java Error’ message displayed or you are taken unexpectedly out of a page.

Your personal computer has an old browser installed which does not support JavaScript.

Upgrade to the latest version of your browser. Refer to How to update your browser version.

JavaScript is disabled on your browser. This error may only occur on specific pages within the ABR site that use JavaScripting.

Enable JavaScript on your browser. This will usually be an option under ‘User Preferences’.
Instructions on enabling JavaScript should be found in your browser's help facility.

‘404 –is displayed Not found’ error message

Your company's internet firewall does not allow Java scripts. This error may only occur on specific pages within the ABR site that use JavaScript.

This is not usually a problem if you connect to the internet via an internet service provider (ISP). However, if you are accessing the internet using your corporate internet connection, talk to your information technology area.

JavaScript is disabled on your browser. This error may only occur on specific pages within the ABR site that use JavaScript.

Enable JavaScript on your browser. This will usually be an option under ‘User Preferences’.
Instructions on enabling JavaScript should be found in your browser's help facility.

Missing pages or system overload. This error usually occurs immediately when you try to open a page.

Record the URL of the page you are trying to open. Then contact the Registrar via the general infoline or by email. Refer to Contact Us for details.

Your internet service provider (ISP) either does not have the https port enabled or has altered it via a proxy server; therefore, your internet connection failed after selecting a menu option and you have not been able to progress to the next screen.

You will need to call your ISP and check with them if they have https enabled, and get advice from them on the solution to this problem (your service provider may instruct you to change your default port number to allow https to work).

‘500’ error message is displayed

Internet congestion. This error usually occurs after your browser has timed-out after several seconds.

Try again later.

You receive a dialogue box warning that your digital certificate is out of date

A digital certificate allows you to establish secure communications between your browser and a server. However all digital certificates have an expiry date. After this date, browsers with expired certificates will display this additional dialogue box. However, you should still be able to establish a secure connection.

Upgrade to the latest version of your browser. Refer to How to update your browser version.

Internet Explorer Version 4.51 or below for Macintosh has a known ‘bug’ which causes this problem.

We recommend you upgrade to the latest version of your browser. Refer to How to update your browser version.

Page fails to load completely and appears to freeze on screen

Internet Explorer Version 4.51 or below for Macintosh has a number of known ‘bugs’ which cause problems.

We recommend you upgrade to the latest version of your browser. Refer to How to update your browser version.

FTU 'Feature Temporarily Unavailable'

A general error.

Needs to be reported for investigation. Ring the general infoline to report.

For further assistance with technical difficulties, please contact the Registrar via the general infoline. Please provide the following information about your business:

business name
contact details including phone and email address
the type of problems occurring
at what stage of the application they are occurring
the browser you are using
what troubleshooting has been undertaken
FTU number if available (8 digit number in brackets at bottom of screen).

Refer to Contact Us for details.

Security on the ABR

You can find details of the technical security features of the ABR site in the Security Policy.