Web Filing problems from Mac

Web Filing problems from Mac

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I use a MacBook Pro under OS 10.6.8.  Recently I have had problems with Annual Returns.  Where the Companies House Web Site has failed in mid-submission and I have gone back in and clicked the button to resume the part-completed return, I have been sent back to the Sign In page with a stern admonishment (false) that I have used the Back button or clicked a button twice.  The Companies House call centre seemed to think this was a problem with Safari and Firefox ... and helpfully suggested that I used Internet Explorer [Note to non-Mac users - there is no version of Internet Explorer for current Macs].  After I had quietened down from the predictable explosion, I was put through to the Online Tecchies, very helpful, who did the Returns for me.  I was told along the way that the problem was on the list for resolution.
 
My question is twofold - (1) has anyone else had this problem; and (2) does my possible solution actually work, so that I can give some feedback to Companies House?
 
My solution was to use Opera - the "other" free Mac browser [www.opera.com].  I tested it on the only Annual Return that I have "current" at the moment.  That is to say, I started under Safari, then crashed myself out, then went back in and got thrown out in the usual way.  So I went back in using Opera and it worked fine ... but it is only a single instance and not statistically significant.  We need some more evidence that it works!

Replies (8)

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By carnmores
10th Sep 2011 17:16

the back button nonsense is ridiculous

why they built this in is beyond me - i can only assume that its becuase of the way the software is written - the other thing that really bugs we is all the different accounts and codes you need for web filing and the subscription service - why isnt there one for all services 

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By Alan Griffin
15th Sep 2011 11:38

Macs and annual returns

Same problem here - I now make sure I complete AR's in one go because the save function is broken for Mac users (I've tried Safari and Firefox, all latest versions).  And yes - it's annoying to be admonished for something you haven't done - plus losing all the data you have already entered.

No other issues with Companies House website but it really is time we got away from the "it only works in IE syndrome"!

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David Ross
By davidross
15th Sep 2011 12:14

I'm a Mac user as well (since 1984)

Happily I have not had your problem. Have you not been able to re-enter the Filing Online system and choose the option to abandon the Return that you have already started filing, then re-start the process?

Also did you know that you can get Safari to pretend that it is another version of itself or another browser? Here is how

 

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By KH
15th Sep 2011 13:24

Same problem, didn't realise it was Mac specific

yes, I get the same problem, didn't realise it was Mac specific, but it doesn't cause me any problems ... having had the signal come up once, that was enough to alter the way I work. And I don't know of any workaround, rather than to do your CoHs online filing in one go, or else curse, go back to sign in screen, curse again, realise it's time for a large snifter of a ripe old single malt, praise the lord, take another even larger snifter, and then beam from ear to ear. This workaround, though not specific to just this problem, seems to work for just about everything.

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By Alan Griffin
15th Sep 2011 14:17

Universal work-around

KH - must try your universal workaround next time I have an IT issue (fortunately doesn't happen very often on a Mac......)

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By pauljohnston
16th Sep 2011 08:39

Back button

I dont use Mac and still receive this stupid message from Companies HOuse and Barclays Bank using IE and firefox.  In fact with Barclays I have received it so many times I could do real damage (in my dreams) to the idiot that put this in the system.  It would seem to be a problem with receipt of data.

We all know that the internet is not perfect but this is not the way forward.  Although I know nothing about programming, is it not possible to write code to prevent back key use appropriate websites.

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By carnmores
16th Sep 2011 14:27

why cant you use windows emulation

and IE as your browser

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By KH
16th Sep 2011 14:49

Emulation, and using IE as your browser

Any Mac user can use emulation, but the problem is, you end up with a wonderful fantastic brilliant Mac acting and looking like its poor relative. Give me a large snifter of a 30-year old single malt anytime. And yes, if anybody wants to spend a few hundred quid, the Post Office stores in Constantine, near Falmouth in Cornwall, are worth a large detour ... never seen so many whiskies anywhere in the world, and not only that, loads of 30 and 50 year-olds. I'm now seriously starting to save ... for the first time ever. Constantine, here I come!

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