Requesting Additional Help

Use the Finance Help Request Form (http://computing.vt.edu/administrative_systems/banner/finance_accounts_receivable/financehelp.html) or the Accounts Receivable Help Request Form (http://computing.vt.edu/administrative_systems/banner/finance_accounts_receivable/arhelp.html) to request assistance with any Banner Finance or Accounts Receivable questions. Our representatives will respond to your request promptly, usually within one working day. To help us find a solution for you quickly, please be as specific as possible in the description of your question/problem.

Getting Started

Request Access

If you are a new user of the Banner system, you will need to request access to the Finance area or the Accounts Receivable area using the Online Banner Access Forms ("https://www.ban-vtweb.vt.edu/bprod/owa/vtirm.irm_forms_main.entry").

Change the Initial Password

If you are a new Banner user and have not signed on to the Banner instance before, your password has been set to the default. The default password is the first four letters of your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. The first time you log on to the Banner system, you will be prompted to change your password.

Troubleshoot Common Startup Errors

If you are having trouble logging on to Banner, check the error message that appears on your screen.

• If the message states that your "Username/password" is incorrect:
  1. Verify your username and password, then try again.
     Note: If this is your first time logging on to Banner, remember to use the default password - the first four digits of your last name followed by the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
  2. If you are still unable to log on with your Banner ID and the default password, you may need to have your password reset. Please call 4Help at (540) 231-4357 and ask the operator to reset your Banner password.
• If you receive a message that contains the words "TNS Names File":
  1. Make sure you are starting the correct version of Banner.
     • In Windows: Make sure you are clicking the Banner 5.0 icon.
     • In Mac OS: Make sure you are clicking the Banner icon.
  2. Make sure you are accessing the Banner instance through one of the following methods:
     • From the Instance pull-down menu, select the Banner option.
     • On the logon screen, in the Database text box, type: banner
  3. If you still get the "TNS Names" error message, exit the Banner software and start over.
  4. If the "TNS Names" error continues, restart your computer.

Any other problems logging on should be directed to 4Help by using the Help Request Form (http://4help.vt.edu) or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357). Please let everyone in your office know of the steps to resolve problems or who to turn to for help.