Cloudflare Troubleshooting

This article outlines troubleshooting steps for users who are blocked by Cloudflare when accessing Oakland University resources.

Cloudflare is a solution utilized by OU to improve website performance and provide DNS, content-delivery, and security services. On rare occasions, a legitimate University user may be blocked by Cloudflare when trying to access certain University resources.

Who is Eligible?

Active Faculty or Staff

Troubleshooting Steps

Upon receiving a block message from Cloudflare (see below), perform the following troubleshooting steps:

• 1) Take note of the Cloudflare Ray ID at the bottom of the page.

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  • In this example, the Ray ID is 74a15dcebdc486a5.

  • Provide the Ray ID to University Technology Services as this is needed to investigate your specific incident.
  • Proceed to step 2.
• 2) Attempt to access the same website from a private/incognito window using the same Internet browser. Deleting your browser's cookies and cache may have the same effect.
  • Take note of the results and send the information to your technology support professional/team.
  • Proceed to step 3 if the behavior persists.
• 3) Attempt to access the same website from a different Internet browser.
  • Take note of the results and send the information to your technology support professional/team.
  • Proceed to step 4 if the behavior persists.
• 4) Attempt to access the same website from a different device.
  • For example, use your mobile phone to access the same website, both from your home network and your phone provider's cellular network.
  • Take note of the results and send the information to your technology support professional/team.
  • Proceed to step 4 if the behavior persists.
• 5) Either VPN into the OU network or come to campus in order to access the network.
  • Refer to the information from your technology support professional/team for specific instructions.