"Can't access the forms?"

January 3, 2011

You can download the PDF version of the forms from this page (note: the PDF form cannot be filled out electronically)

Please begin by reading the following information on server access to see if your situation is covered. If you are still experiencing difficulty, please communicate with the CFI at help.aide@innovation.ca.

Server Access

The CFI form is linked to a database through a server. Basically this means that data inputted into the form is then electronically submitted through the server into the database. A server is a kind of 'gateway' into the database. During previous competitions, during times of heavy usage, some users were unable to access the server or when they did, it was slow. This understandably created user frustration and exasperation! This problem has been remedied to the best extent possible. We have upgraded the server capacity to allow for a higher volume of users. In this sense, current technology is limited in terms of speed and access - we can only upgrade to existing levels of speed and capacity. A couple of tips on access:

• If you can't connect right away, or get an 'error' message, please try again several times until you connect. It is unlikely that you will not be able to connect to the server unless it is being serviced (see below) or there is a problem with your PCs internet connection. A good way to test this is to try and access a random site on the internet.
• The configuration of your own PC can greatly affect connection rates. A slow modem or an older PC with limited memory and a small processor can affect working speed. We also recommend using a relatively current version of your internet browser. If you find your computer is consistently slow or has trouble saving your form, etc., please contact your institution's technical support.
• If you are connected and working on your form and find that the server is unusually slow, consider saving your work into a word processor. The next time you log on, if you find access is faster, you can then cut and paste your text into the form and save then.
• Servers need to be maintained from time to time. This regular technical maintenance requires the server to be shut down, during which time access will be denied to users. We will inform you of maintenance times so that you can avoid working at this time. Regular maintenance hours are usually scheduled in the early morning.