Troubleshooting MCtime’s “Failed to Validate Certificate” Error Message

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Are you an officer on a county computer and seeing a failed to validate certificate error message like the one below?

MCtime Failed Certificate Error Message

Try this fix:

  • Close your web browser (Internet Explorer or Edge).
  • Find the Windows flag at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  • Type Java and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
  • Click Configure Java from the search results and the Java Control Panel options box will appear.
  • Change to the Advanced tab at the top of the window.
    Java Advanced Options Dialog Box
  • Scroll down until you see Perform signed code certificate revocation checks on in the list. It is halfway down the list, perhaps more.
  • Click to select Do not check (not recommended) and click the OK button at the bottom of the screen.
  • Open a folder on your Windows desktop (File Explorer or other folder) and click the View tab.Windows View Ribbon
  • Ensure that the Hidden Items checkbox is checked. If it is not, check it.
  • Navigate to the following location:
    C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment
  • Find the file called deployment.properties.
  • Right-click it and choose Open (or Open With, if that is the option) from the list. You will likely be prompted as to which program should open the file. Choose Notepad and click the OK button. (If you do not see Notepad listed, click the MoreApps link to find Notepad.)
  • Find the line that reads deployment.security.mixcode=HIDE_RUN and place your cursor after the word RUN.
  • Press the Enter key to create a blank line.
  • type the following into the blank line:
    deployment.security.revocation.check=NO_CHECK
  • Do not make any other changes to the file!
  • Access the File menu and choose Save.
  • Close the deployment.properties file.
  • Start your browser and try to access MCtime.

If you are still stuck at that point, please fill out a Technology Service Request and FRS Technology will help you as quickly as we can.

 

 

 

Forwarding Your County Desk Phone Number to Your Cell Phone

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Do you have a dedicated phone line at work, and would you like to be able to forward it to your cell phone?

To have this set up for you, please fill out a TSR.

  • Nature of Problem: Telecomm Services & Hardware
  • Comments: Please cite your name and Avaya desk phone number

The FRS telecom manager will need to have this capability enabled on the server. Thereafter, return to this TechTip and see below for forwarding instructions.

To turn on auto-forwarding, once it is available to you:

  • Dial *2, 9 and then the phone number to which you would like to send the calls. (Notes: If the area code is not 202, 240 or 301, you must include the number 1 before the area code.)
  • Examples:
    • For the number 240-555-1212, you would enter: *292405551212.
    • For the number 614-555-1212, you would enter: *2916145551212.

To turn off auto-forwarding:

  • Dial #2.

Final thoughts:

  • Turning the auto-forward on and off must be done from your desk phone.
  • The caller ID (on your second device) should show the number of the caller, not the phone number of your desk phone.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please submit a TSR with the category Telecomm Services & Hardware.

Using Your Computer Instead of your County Avaya Phone While Teleworking

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Are you a teleworking county employee and you would like to use your computer for your phone? Using a technology called Voice over IP (VoIP), we can set up your county computer with a program which you’ll run and use. You’ll only need a headset with microphone.

To have this set up for you, please fill out a TSR.

  • Nature of Problem: Telecomm Services & Hardware
  • Comments: Please cite your name, computer DCM number and Avaya desk phone number

Note: Someone from FRS Technology will coordinate a date/time with you for setup. You may need to bring your computer to meet that individual for the initial setup. You will simply log into the program whenever you are telecommuting. When you are logged out of the program, your desk phone will be active. If you do not have a headset with microphone, please include in the TSR that you would like one.

Installing the MFA App on a New iPhone

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Did you use the county’s app for multi-factor authentication (MFA) and then found it didn’t work when you migrated to a new phone? Here are the directions to get it working again for you.

Note: County Apple redeem codes are tied to your Apple ID, so please do not attempt to install the AccessMCG MFA app on a device with a different Apple ID.

Launch the App Store on your new phone.

Tap the account profile, either a silhouette or your picture in a small circle at the top-right corner of the screen.

Tap Purchased to access a list of apps you have purchased/downloaded.

Scroll to the AccessMCG MFA app in the list and tap the download button to the right of the app name.

Wait for the device to finish downloading and installing the app.

Launch the AccessMCG MFA app on your device.

Going to ePortal (via Quicklinks) and click the My Account button. Log in thereafter and complete the activation.

Choosing Where (and Where Not) to Send Your MFA Code for Office and ePortal

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

When you go to log into ePortal or Office, are you getting a code for multi-factor authentication (MFA) in too many places? Do you prefer to change where it’s going now?

Go to ePortal (either by direct link or via Quicklinks).

Click the My Account button and log in as directed. (Key in the MFA code you receive.)

My Account Button

 

 

Find and click Select Multi-Factor Authentication Options link in the list.

Select MFA Options Link

 

 

 

Key in the MFA code that the system sends you.

Check or uncheck boxes to set your preferences as to where you would like to receive MFA codes from the county and click the Save MFA Options button.

Save MFA Options button

 

 

Log out of ePortal when you are finished.

Changing Your Insurance Setup during Open Enrollment

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Need to change your insurance setup? This is done each fall during Open Season. Here is the basic approach:

Log into ePortal (either directly here or via Quicklinks) and then click the link for Employee Self Service.

Click the picture of the hand with a mouse next to the Employee Self Service label.
ESS

 

 

 

 

Note the blue links on the left side of the page.  Click the link for MCG HR Employee Self Service in order to expand the list of links.

Click to choose Self-Service Benefits.

Note that the cover page for Dependents will likely load, showing any dependents you may have on file. Click the Next button to continue, located at the top-right corner of the screen.

OE Program Options

 

 

 

 

Ensure that the option for Active Employee Benefit Program is selected and click the Next button to continue.

Review the insurance options (showing your current selections with the new rates). Note that your current options will carry over to the new enrollment automatically, unless you change them. The only exceptions are FSA and HSA, which both reset to $0 each year. If you would like to change any insurance options and/or add money to either the FSA or HSA accounts, click the Update Benefits button, located at the top-right corner to continue.

Choose whatever options you prefer. (Again, current selections are already filled in with the assumption that you want to continue your coverage as it now stands.)

Add coverage for Health Care FSA and/or Child Care FSA as you see fit. If you are going to do so, enter amount for the entire calendar year in the appropriate Coverage input box. The amount will be evenly divided by 26 (the number of pay periods in the calendar year), and that much money will be taken from your paycheck to pay for the service. For example, the screen shot below shows FSA coverage of $520, which will cost the employee $20 per pay period.

FSA Example

Click the Next button, located at the top and bottom right corners.

Review the dependent coverage and make changes as needed. Click the Next button when ready.

Attach any new enrollment or certification documentation, and then click the Next button to continue.

Review the complete coverage and cost information. Click the Printable Page button to print a receipt of the changes you have made.

Click the Finish button, located at the bottom-right corner of the screen, when you have completed the process.

Click the ePortal logout button, located at the top-right corner of the screen (as shown below).

ePortal Logout

 

Using a Token or Fob for Multi-Factor Authentication

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Have you opted to use a token or fob for multi-factor authentication? Assuming you already have filled out the tech service request (TSR) and have been notified by your battalion chief that it is ready for you, here are the instructions for use.

Background: A key fob is a small device that is about two inches in length and an inch wide. The device generates a password, which you will use in place of a text to your cell phone or message to your e-mail account for multi-factor authentication in Montgomery County systems. Remember, this key fob is assigned to you and will not work for anyone else’s account. Likewise, secure it and do not lose it, which would defeat the purpose of needing a second login code to keep others out of your accounts.

MFA Key Fob

 

 

 

 

Use:

  • Log into ePortal or Office 365. You will be promoted for a code.
  • Press the white button on the left side of the key fob and note the six-digit code that appears.
  • Enter the code into your MFA screen to be granted access.

    (Note: The code will be good for about 30 seconds before a new code is generated and displayed on the screen.)

Setting up your MCGOV E-Mail Account on Your iPhone

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

iPhone

  • Go to Settings and choose Mail.
  • Click Accounts.
  • Click Add Account.
  • Choose Microsoft Exchange and input your e-mail address where indicated.
  • Add MCGOV as the description and click the Next link (at the top-right corner).
  • Note that a pop-up will appear, asking if you want to configure manually or sign in directly. Choose Sign In.
  • Wait for the screen to verify your account and then you will see the MCG login screen.
  • Change the top line to your username from your email address. Your MCGOV username is your Windows username followed by @montgomerycountymd.gov. (For example, Michael Johnson’s username might be johnsm2@montgomerycountymd.gov.)
  • Input the MFA security code where prompted, which would have just been sent to you and ensure that the box is checked.
  • Click the Verify Code button.
  • Select which facets of Outlook you would like to include (Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders and/or Notes).
  • Click the Save link at the top-right corner.

 

Troubleshooting MCtime Java/Manager Version

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Note: These directions were updated on 03/29/2022.

As Java changes often present MCtime troubleshooting opportunities for managers, here is a guideline for you. Please remember that FRS Technology is always available and happy to help, though. If you would like assistance, please fill out a Tech Service Request (per FCGO 21-02) and select Applications/Software – Web Based for the Nature of Problem (category) field.

The list below is a progressive set of directions and you may need to check MCtime as you go along — what may resolve the issue for one computer may require more steps for another. Also, please remember to use Microsoft Edge. Again, to stress the point, let FRS Technology know if you would like assistance at any time.

Software Center (if there are Java-related items)

  • Locate and run MCG Software Center on your Windows desktop.
  • Install the latest version of Java (JRE) and User Check.

Software Center (if there are not Java-related items)

  • Follow these directions to update Software Center, to show Java-related items. (The directions should open in a new tab. return here when finished.)
  • Wait five minutes.
  • Locate and run MCG Software Center on your Windows desktop.
  • Install the latest version of Java (JRE) and User Check.

Attempt #1: Test MCtime

  • Try to access MCtime and log in. See if you can pull up a timecard to edit successfully. if you cannot, continue down this troubleshooting list.
    Note: If you are telecommuting, ensure that you are connected to the VPN before continuing to troubleshoot with the Software Center.

Deployment Text File

  • Open a Windows folder (either through File Explorer or any folder you have in Windows).
  • Navigate to C:\Users\[your_username]\App Data\Local Low\Sun\JAVA\Deployment\ and delete the deployment text file.

Attempt #2: Test MCtime

  • Try to access MCtime and log in. See if you can pull up a timecard to edit successfully. if you cannot, continue down this troubleshooting list.
    Note: If you are telecommuting, ensure that you are connected to the VPN before continuing to troubleshoot with the Software Center.

Creating a SeamlessDocs Account to Save Forms You Are Completing

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

If you are filling out forms for the department (and not creating them; that’s different), you may want to create an account in SeamlessDocs so that you may save your place in a form and return to it later. Here are the steps you need to take. We recommend you follow this procedure before starting to fill out a form:

  • Open a form you would like to fill out and submit.
  • Find and click the Save button (located in different places in different browsers, but most often in the lower-left corner of the screen).
    SeamlessDocs Save Button
  • Note the alert that pops up, telling you to save your work.
    Save Your Work Dialog Box
  • Click the Save Your Work button.
  • Find the Register Now button and click it to proceed.
    Register Now Button
  • Fill in the form with the information requested. Neither Montgomery County Government nor MCFRS will have access to this password.
    SeamlessDocs registration Form 1
  • Click the Register Now button.
  • Open your e-mail and click the yellow button to access your SeamlessDocs account.
  • Log in with the e-mail address as username and the password you just created. Click the Login button.
  • Return to your e-mail account (if prompted, which usually only happens the first time) to verify your SD account. Click the Verify E-Mail button in the e-mail message you receive.
  • Note that SeamlessDocs loads and takes you to a general area, instead of going directly back to the form you were filling out earlier. Find the My Submissions listing on the left side of the screen.
    My Submissions
  • Click the Incomplete link to see which form(s) you have begun but not yet submitted.
  • Double-click the name of the form and fill out your form. Save your work as often as you wish.
  • Remember to log out of SeamlessDocs when you are finished. The Log Out link is found by clicking the File menu at the top-left of the screen.