## Reset Your Password When the password is forgotten, expired, or suspected of being incorrect, use the portal’s built-in recovery process. On the login screen, select the “Forgot Password,” “Reset Password,” or equivalent link. Enter the required identifying information (typically username or registered email) and complete any verification steps such as a one-time code sent to your email or phone. Create a new password that satisfies the system’s complexity rules—usually a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. After confirmation, return to the login page and test the new credentials immediately. Avoid reusing old passwords. ## Check Network, VPN, and Security Software Unstable connections or interfering security tools frequently prevent successful logins. Confirm a stable internet connection by loading other secure sites. If connected through a VPN, university network, or proxy, disconnect temporarily and retry. Likewise, pause antivirus, firewall, or browser security extensions that might intercept login traffic, then re-enable them after testing. Switching from campus Wi-Fi to a mobile hotspot (or vice versa) can isolate network-related blocks. ## Review Error Messages and Account Status Note any exact error text displayed after a failed attempt. Messages about invalid credentials, locked accounts, expired sessions, or browser incompatibility provide useful clues for support staff. Some portals automatically lock accounts after several unsuccessful tries; waiting a short period or using the password-reset path often unlocks them. Ensure you are on the genuine One Source login page by typing the official address or using a trusted bookmark rather than search-engine results or emailed links that could lead to phishing sites. ## Contact Official Support If the preceding steps do not restore access, contact Ohio State University technical support through official channels. Locate the IT service desk or One Source help resources by visiting the main university website and searching for relevant support pages. When submitting a request, include your university ID (never the password), a description of the exact error, the browsers and devices already tried, and the troubleshooting actions completed. Support teams can verify account status, check for system-side holds, or guide advanced recovery. Alternative reliable sources include departmental IT liaisons or the university’s central help documentation if the primary portal page is unreachable.
## Prevent Recurring Problems Maintain current browser versions and enable automatic updates. Store credentials in a reputable password manager to eliminate typing errors. Always log out fully at the end of each session rather than simply closing the tab. Bookmark only the official login URL and avoid saving passwords on shared computers. Periodically review account recovery options (email and phone) so they remain current. These habits reduce the likelihood of future lockouts and keep access reliable across university systems.
