Databases for Chemists and Chemical Engineers

Chemical Abstracts

SciFinder Scholar | CAS Online | Standard Abbreviations | Index Guide | Guide to CASREACT | Structure Searching with STN Express

SciFinder Scholar at Stanford University

Installation Instructions for the PC Version

1. After accepting usage agreement and authenticating with your SUNet ID, you will download one folder from a server. This folder contains: SFS.exe, Site.prf, and ViewerLite.exe.
   • SFS.exe is the software program that contains the search interface for searching SciFinder Scholar.
   • Site.prf file contains login information such as user name and password.
   • ViewerLite is a software program that enables you to view structures in 3D.
2. Decompress and install SFS.exe. Accept default install location of the C Drive on your computer.
3. Find SFSCHLR Folder on C Drive. Drag and copy Site.prf file into this top folder for the SFS program.
4. Create shortcut on desktop for SFS (icon is purple and diamond shaped).
5. Next, decompress and install ViewerLite.exe. Accept default install location in Program Files.
6. Go to Program Files, and then find and launch ViewerLite program. Next, go to File menu bar and choose Open. Select and view any of the saved structures. Now close structure file.

   Viewing a structure is necessary in order to have the Windows Operating System recognize that ViewerLite was installed on the computer.

7. Test the SFS connection. Note that we have a limited number of simultaneous users so you may not be able to use SciFinder Scholar during peak times of the day.

   If successful in connecting, do a chemical substance search to see if 3D viewing is working properly. On the SciFinder Scholar top page,

   • choose Locate Substance and enter a substance name (e.g. taxol).
   • Search results will include icons on top of box for substance. The icon that looks like an upside down Mickey Mouse icon is the one for 3D.
   • View structure in 3D. Use Display menu in viewer to change view (e.g. Stick to Ball & Stick).

Trouble-shooting

1. Unable to connect. The four most common reason this occurs is:
   1. Site.prf file is not in the top level directory of the SFSCHLR folder.

      Solution: see Step 3 above.

   2. Too many users are trying to access SFS at one time.

      Solution: try again later.

   3. A personal firewall or security setting on your computer is set too high and is blocking SFS from working properly.

      Solution: turn off firewall or lower security settings while using SFS.

   4. You are trying to use SFS from off-campus.

      Solution: go to http://cdserver.stanford.edu/
      Sign in as Explicit user, using SUNet ID and password. SFS is loaded on a server and can be searched on campus or remotely via CDServer.

2. Unable to view structures in 3D.

   Solution: install patch files for ViewerLite. They are located on Swain page about SciFinder Scholar. Note that 3D viewer is only available for PCs, not Macs.

   Decompress and save Patch files for ViewerLite. Download Patch files and installation instructions (SUNet authentication required):