This question may be related to a resolved thread.

In the past few weeks, I have experienced periods during which I can’t login to the CP.  I have noted that the problem seems to go away in a few hours.  But it is quite a problem when I have urgent posts to the weblog to get out.  I use both Safari and Firefox on a MacBookPro.  The problem seems to manifest itself on both browsers whenever it happens.  I use EngineHosting for both of my two EE sites.  This only happens on one of those sites.  I have discovered that it seems to be machine independent, in that if I can’t get in on my MacBook Pro, I can’t get in on my MacPro desktop either.  I’d appreciate help in understanding how to troubleshoot this.  Thanks,Craig

Greetings Craig.

Couple of questions for you first.

a.)  Is this an MSM (Multiple Site Manager) Run Site?
b.)  What version and build are you running?  Both values can be found in the footer of your control panel

-greg

Thanks for responding, Greg.

(a)  The CP login problem about which I have complained is an MSM  
installation on which I have three domains currently.  The CP login  
with which I have not experienced a problem (yet) is a second EE  
installation (albeit a brand new one) just set up in the past ten days.

(b)(for the problem site)   20081114 v1.66

What are the exact symptoms that you experience when you can’t login?  Any errors?

I see the browser flicker as it goes to a url and then returns to the login screen.  So, unless I pay close attention, it’s almost like I click on login and nothing happens, but I actually see it trying to login and then returning to the login screen.

To make sure we’re on the same page, this is occurring on the *new* site that’s a single install, NOT the MSM install with 3 domains on it, right?

So we can get you in, can you please add the following line to your config.php file?  Then verify it’s permissions are correctly set.

now try to log in, and let us know that you can.

-greg

Greg,
Thanks for your persistence in helping me.

1.  You have it backwards.  My “new” site has no problems. My “MSM” install has the problem.
2. Now, with respect to getting me in, I want to clarify that this seems to be a sporadic or random problem.  I am usually able to login after this happens if I wait a few hours.  I have no idea why the time delay seems to resolve things, but I note that it does.  Until the next time….
3. I think I did what you asked me to do.  I downloaded the config.php from my system folder, edited it by adding the code you gave me, uploaded it, and set the permissions.  You did not tell me what to set them at, so I guessed that you meant to put them at 777, and did so.
4.  Can you please explain to me what these parameters do that you had me add?

Thanks,
Craig

Craig:

Okay cool.  We’re straight now.  Sorry for the confusion

This config command will override what is set in your control panel for the Control Panel session Type.  Above will set it to “session only”.

now what we’re on the same page, go ahead and remove that config setting so we’re back to base and please check out this KB Entry.  Even though your problems are sporadic, much of this will still apply.

-greg