Why do I have trouble accessing files on the Indiana Spatial Data Portal?

While trying to access the Indiana Spatial Data Portal (ISDP) or its online web map services, you may experience one of the following problems:

• Inability to download files from the ISDP web site
• Inability to download files using the ISDP Multi-file Download tool
• Inability to view the ISDS from your web browser
• Inability to create a connection from ArcGIS software to the ISDS

If you are having trouble accessing these files or services, you may need to change your network firewall setting. Some firewalls are configured to automatically block all communication from nonstandard ports. Both the ISDP and ISDS use nonstandard ports for web communication. If you do not have administrative permission to make network updates on your computer, your organization's network administrator may need to make these updates. Note also that some security updates may need to be made at a higher network level than your personal computer. Again, consult your organization's IT staff or network administrator.

To access these services, set your network firewall to allow web communication from the following ports:

• 8290
• 8240
• 8306
• 8307

To manually open these ports using Internet Connection Firewall, follow the directions for your version of Windows:

Note: You will need administrator privileges to perform the following steps.

Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

Windows 7

1. From the Control Panel, click System and Security, and then open Windows Firewall.
   
   
2. On the left, click Advanced settings.
   
   
3. In the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window, on the left, click Inbound Rules.
   
   
4. On the right, click New Rule... .
   
   
5. Select Port, and then click Next.
   
   
6. Select TCP, and then select Specific local ports: . In the text field, enter the port numbers listed above (separated by commas), and then click Next.
   
   
7. Select Allow the connection, and then click Next.
   
   
8. Make sure Domain, Private, and Public are selected, and then click Next.
   
   
9. Type a name for the ports (e.g., ISDP Ports); enter a description if desired. Click Finish.

Windows Vista

1. From the Control Panel, select Windows Firewall.
   
   
2. In the Windows Firewall window, select Change Settings.
   
   
3. In the Windows Firewall Settings window, click the Exceptions tab.
   
   
4. Click Add Port.
   
   
5. In the Add a Port window, type a name for the new port (e.g., ISDP Port 8290), and then type the port number (see list above).
   
   
6. Click OK, and then add more ports if necessary.
   
   
7. When you are finished adding ports, click OK.

Windows XP

1. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel. Click Network Connections.
   
   
2. Right-click your active connection (e.g., Local Area Connection) and select Properties.
   
   
3. Click the Advanced tab.
   
   
4. Next to "Windows Firewall", click Settings.

   Note: If the Settings button is unavailable, then the Internet Connection Firewall is not enabled on this connection, and you do not have to open any ports because they are all already open.

5. Click the Exceptions tab.
   
   
6. Make sure the TCP option is selected, and then click Add Port.
   
   
7. In the Add a Port window, type a name for the new port (e.g., ISDP Port 8290), and then type the port number (see list above).
   
   
8. Click OK, and then click OK again.

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