The "How do I enter a code" answer!

BobO'Link · 09-05-08, 10:06 PM

There is a seemingly constant question since the CH website redesign:

"How do I enter a code?"

Here is the "official" answer compiled from the numerous posters who have taken the time to repeatedly supply this information.

----------

For starters:
THE CODES POSTED IN THE CODES THREAD DO *NOT* WORK IN THE "Enter Promotion Code" BOX IN THE CART!

Here is the correct way to enter a code:

Look for your current offer near the top of almost *any* page including your cart, it should look similar to:

Click anywhere on this image to open a "window" with the details of the offer.

Look in the upper right of the "details" window and click on the Looking for the Offer in Your Mailing? link.
If the link is missing it means that CH has disabled the ability to enter/change the code. This has been reported during special site-wide promotions/offers.
Don't be alarmed, the link *should* return when the site-wide promotion/offer expires.

The window will change and have a box in which to enter your code. Put the code in the box and click on the "submit" button. If you cut/paste a code from the codes thread make sure there are no leading/trailing spaces. These will cause the code to be rejected.

If you used a valid code the window will go away and you'll see the main offer details in the banner.

SOME CODES DO NOT DISPLAY A BANNER! - Do not be alarmed by this but be aware that if you wish to experiment with a different offer you'll have to log out and back in to change the offer as without the "banner image" there is no link. Codes that do not have a banner can also be a bit "flaky".

If the code you entered is not valid you'll see "The Online Code you entered is not valid" in the upper left of the window. Try another code.

If you can't get a reported good code to work *or* using a code causes problems accessing your account or the cart, log out (if not already logged out because of problems), clear your cookies (depending on your browser you can just delete cookies with columbiahouse leaving the rest alone), log in and try again.

Sweet Baby James · 09-05-08, 10:45 PM

Good job! This should be stickied.

dadaluholla · 09-05-08, 11:01 PM

Sadly, you know people are still going to ask.

cardsfan111 · 09-05-08, 11:41 PM

Great work, BobO'Link! The detailed explanation will be very helpful to folks.

awil1026 · 09-06-08, 12:00 AM

While it's a shame this thread has become necessary, you did a good job!

BobO'Link · 09-10-08, 11:16 PM

Thanks to all for your kind words!

Cheato, it was your diatribe on the double-post that prompted me to do this. I was in the middle of a supportive reply when it hit me that this would really serve better.

Bad Hat Harry · 09-11-08, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobO'Link

...The window will change to proved a box...

Helpful post BobO'Link... thanks for your efforts. However, you may wish to correct the above line from your original post.

As others here have posted:
"While it's a shame this [is] necessary..." and "people are still going to ask..."

There's a large dissimilarity between the words "proved" and "provide." And some of these more "limited" folks may not be capable enough to discern your true meaning.

Also, --just a suggestion--, you might consider substituting "present" or simply "show."
.

BobO'Link · 09-11-08, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Hat Harry

Helpful post BobO'Link...
There's a large dissimilarity between the words "proved" and "provide." And some of these more "limited" folks may not be capable enough to discern your true meaning.

That's what happens when you *think* you've proofed a post!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Hat Harry

Also, --just a suggestion--, you might consider substituting "present" or simply "show."
.

You're correct. Wording updated to be less obtuse.

movieguru · 09-13-08, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobO'Link

Lots of us have gotten tired of the seemingly constant question since the CH website redesign:

"How do I enter a code?"

Here is the "official" answer compiled from the numerous posters who have taken the time to repeatedly supply this information.

----------

For starters:
THE CODES POSTED IN THE CODES THREAD DO *NOT* WORK IN THE "Enter Promotion Code" BOX IN THE CART!

Here is the correct way to enter a code:

Look for your current offer near the top of almost *any* page including your cart, it should look similar to:

Click anywhere on this image to open a "window" with the details of the offer.

Look in the upper right of the "details" window and click on the Looking for the Offer in Your Mailing? link.

The window will change and have a box in which to enter your code. Put the code in the box and click on the "submit" button.

If you used a valid code the window will go away and you'll see the main offer details in the banner.

SOME CODES DO NOT DISPLAY A BANNER! - Do not be alarmed by this but be aware that if you wish to experiment with a different offer you'll have to log out and back in to change the offer as without the "banner image" there is no link. Codes that do not have a banner can also be a bit "flaky".

If the code you entered is not valid you'll see "The Online Code you entered is not valid" in the upper left of the window. Try another code.

If you can't get a reported good code to work *or* using a code causes problems accessing your account or the cart, log out (if not already logged out because of problems), clear your cookies (depending on your browser you can just delete cookies with columbiahouse leaving the rest alone), log in and try again.

i am not new here and have used code for several years now but...

when I click on "details" the same page either reloads or changes slightly if I am on the main page; but no window pops up or anything that says "looking for the offer in your mailing?". I've tried it with both of my accounts and on different computers. Popup aren't blocked or restricted; but nothing seems to work since the website changed. What am I missing?

riotinmyskull · 09-13-08, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by movieguru

i am not new here and have used code for several years now but...

when I click on "details" the same page either reloads or changes slightly if I am on the main page; but no window pops up or anything that says "looking for the offer in your mailing?". I've tried it with both of my accounts and on different computers. Popup aren't blocked or restricted; but nothing seems to work since the website changed. What am I missing?

the current b1g1 default deal isn't allowing us to enter any codes.

Sweet Baby James · 09-13-08, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by movieguru

i am not new here and have used code for several years now but...

when I click on "details" the same page either reloads or changes slightly if I am on the main page; but no window pops up or anything that says "looking for the offer in your mailing?". I've tried it with both of my accounts and on different computers. Popup aren't blocked or restricted; but nothing seems to work since the website changed. What am I missing?

They did away with the box just a couple of days ago.

Hopefully it'll reappear soon.

BobO'Link · 09-22-08, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dadaluholla

Sadly, you know people are still going to ask.

Yep... this was asked today... in spite of this still being on the first page of threads.

jager98 · 11-12-08, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobO'Link

^I just used the "report post" on my original post to do this. I could not locate just how to do this in the FAQs so I hope it's the correct procedure. If not I'm sure someone will let me know.

cheers for the help bob. i thought i was the only one who couldnt figure this out. much appreciated

PumaPride · 12-05-08, 11:08 PM

I get an error code for ANY code (not valid) I put in on my computer at home. I've tried clearing my cache, deleting cookies, and have tried several browsers - to no avail.

Yet when I do the EXACT same thing at the computer at work - it works fine.

Only problem is I don't have any access to the work computer on the weekends - so my question is this -

Does anyone else have this problem and if so, what did you do to solve it?

Thanks,
Alfred

thejester · 12-05-08, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McButton

Clear cookies, cache, history, and autocomplete. Close window. Retry. Presto.

Either that will work. Or, you may have to get a little more drastic. On serveral of the tabs in IEs' Tools->Internet Options, there are RESET configuration buttons. In IE7, there is one main one on the ADVANCED tab at the bottom.

If McButtons' suggestion doesn't work, you might try the reset. Of course, that will reset your IE back to the beginning - before any changes you may have made (add-ons, trusted sites, security levels, etc).

PumaPride · 12-05-08, 11:26 PM

Yeah McButtons doesn't seem to be working for me, and I use firefox, but I guess I could do the IE thing since I don't really use it anyway.

I'll try that.

Thanks again for your help, it is greatly appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejester

Either that will work. Or, you may have to get a little more drastic. On serveral of the tabs in IEs' Tools->Internet Options, there are RESET configuration buttons. In IE7, there is one main one on the ADVANCED tab at the bottom.

If McButtons' suggestion doesn't work, you might try the reset. Of course, that will reset your IE back to the beginning - before any changes you may have made (add-ons, trusted sites, security levels, etc).

BobO'Link · 12-06-08, 08:54 AM

^What I'm about to suggest is kind of drastic but it could work. I've had occasions where my FF profile became corrupted causing functionality issues on some sites. The only way I was able to restore functionality for these sites was to delete the profile preferences file and start over. Everything I'm about to tell you has been tested with FF 2.x. I've not done this with FF 3.x and don't know if the files/folders are the same as I've not yet poked around the structure for FF 3.x.

The file is here:
C:\Documents and Settings\(your local username)\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\(letters-numbers).default\prefs.js

Close FireFox, make a backup of that file and then delete it (or just move it somewhere else). Restart FF. You'll have to reset all your preferences (a royal pain if, like me, you do a *lot* of customization/tweaking) but it might work for you. If this doesn't work you can put the backed up prefs.js file back.

Another, more drastic, way might be to simply copy your local user files (*all* files/folders at the location above) from the "numbered" folder on your work machine to the "numbered" folder at home. This will duplicate any/all settings. Be sure to copy the folder contents and not just replace the folder. FF gives this user folder a different name on every machine/user account. Also make a backup of this folder just in case. Lots of plugins store data in sub-folders here (AdBlock Plus is one) and extension data is also stored in a folder here.

An easier way to test this would be to create a new user on your local machine and see if that works. If so, it's a profile problem and you could use one of the methods I've outlined to help get it corrected.

Good luck!

thejester · 12-06-08, 02:11 PM

PumaPride, are you running the same version of FF @ work as you are at home? And, do you have multiple copies of FF installed? Beta & released versions? I had trouble with FF a while back & most of my problems were because I didn't uninstall a beta version of FF3 before installing the released version. Even tho' I was only using the released version.

I guess in the FF world, BobO'Links' method is the "drastic" way. More manual, but just as effective.

zach25278 · 02-16-09, 12:50 PM

I am unable to use any code. I have tried using Safari and Firefox and I still get the same problems. I have deleted my cache, cookies, history, etc. Are there any suggestions?

BobO'Link · 02-16-09, 07:25 PM

^Based on your post in the other thread it sounds like you're puting the code in the correct location... but make sure you don't have *any* extra spaces in the code. If you're doing a copy/paste operation be sure there are no leading/trailing spaces. This will "break" the code. Sometimes I've found typing it by hand to be the most foolproof method. For your cookies, make sure you log out of CH *before* you clear them. You can do just the CH cookies in FF by putting columbia in the search field and deleting any cookie that comes up. Once deleted, close the "Cookies" and "Options" dialogs, reopen and search again to be absolutely sure the cookies are gone. I've had them "re appear" if I did not close the dialogs correctly by using the "Close" buttons. Then log back in and try again. You might also check the version of Java you have installed. Since this is a Java app that does the codes it might be sensitive or problematic if you have an older version on your machine.

zach25278 · 02-16-09, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the info, it is still not working. I have the most up to date Java too. I just want to confirm, are the codes on this group for columbiahouse.ca or are they for the usa. That could be my problem.

basaro · 02-16-09, 08:14 PM

^All the codes posted in these threads work in the USA. It's possible the codes don't work for Canada, yeah.

lizard · 02-17-09, 11:20 AM

^^Last I heard, there is no overlap between the USA and Canadian Columbia House clubs. Everything from enrollment to sales offers is different. There used to be some Canadians who kept a thread or two going here about the unique details of CH Canada. Don't know if they still monitor this forum, but you might start a "CH Canada" thread and ask.

09-05-08, 10:06 PM	#1
BobO'Link DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,134	The "How do I enter a code" answer! There is a seemingly constant question since the CH website redesign: "How do I enter a code?" Here is the "official" answer compiled from the numerous posters who have taken the time to repeatedly supply this information. ---------- For starters: *THE CODES POSTED IN THE CODES THREAD DO NOT* WORK IN THE "Enter Promotion Code" BOX IN THE CART!** Here is the correct way to enter a code: Look for your current offer near the top of almost any page including your cart, it should look similar to: Click anywhere on this image to open a "window" with the details of the offer. Look in the upper right of the "details" window and click on the Looking for the Offer in Your Mailing? link. If the link is missing it means that CH has disabled the ability to enter/change the code. This has been reported during special site-wide promotions/offers. Don't be alarmed, the link should return when the site-wide promotion/offer expires. The window will change and have a box in which to enter your code. Put the code in the box and click on the "submit" button. If you cut/paste a code from the codes thread make sure there are no leading/trailing spaces. These will cause the code to be rejected. If you used a valid code the window will go away and you'll see the main offer details in the banner. SOME CODES DO NOT DISPLAY A BANNER! - Do not be alarmed by this but be aware that if you wish to experiment with a different offer you'll have to log out and back in to change the offer as without the "banner image" there is no link. Codes that do not have a banner can also be a bit "flaky". If the code you entered is not valid you'll see "The Online Code you entered is not valid" in the upper left of the window. Try another code. If you can't get a reported good code to work or using a code causes problems accessing your account or the cart, log out (if not already logged out because of problems), clear your cookies (depending on your browser you can just delete cookies with columbiahouse leaving the rest alone), log in and try again. Last edited by BobO'Link; 06-27-09 at 09:54 AM.

09-06-08, 12:00 AM	#5
awil1026 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,698	While it's a shame this thread has become necessary, you did a good job! __________________ Playstation®Network: awil1026 Blu-rays

02-16-09, 12:50 PM	#19
zach25278 New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3	Re: The "How do I enter a code" answer! I am unable to use any code. I have tried using Safari and Firefox and I still get the same problems. I have deleted my cache, cookies, history, etc. Are there any suggestions?

02-16-09, 07:25 PM	#20
BobO'Link DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,134	Re: The "How do I enter a code" answer! ^Based on your post in the other thread it sounds like you're puting the code in the correct location... but make sure you don't have any extra spaces in the code. If you're doing a copy/paste operation be sure there are no leading/trailing spaces. This will "break" the code. Sometimes I've found typing it by hand to be the most foolproof method. For your cookies, make sure you log out of CH before you clear them. You can do just the CH cookies in FF by putting columbia in the search field and deleting any cookie that comes up. Once deleted, close the "Cookies" and "Options" dialogs, reopen and search again to be absolutely sure the cookies are gone. I've had them "re appear" if I did not close the dialogs correctly by using the "Close" buttons. Then log back in and try again. You might also check the version of Java you have installed. Since this is a Java app that does the codes it might be sensitive or problematic if you have an older version on your machine.

02-16-09, 08:07 PM	#21
zach25278 New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3	Re: The "How do I enter a code" answer! Thanks for the info, it is still not working. I have the most up to date Java too. I just want to confirm, are the codes on this group for columbiahouse.ca or are they for the usa. That could be my problem.

09-05-08, 10:45 PM	#2
Sweet Baby James DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Connecticut Posts: 8,251	Good job! This should be stickied.

09-05-08, 11:01 PM	#3
dadaluholla DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wilmington, OH Posts: 5,274	Sadly, you know people are still going to ask.

09-05-08, 11:41 PM	#4
cardsfan111 DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,378	Great work, BobO'Link! The detailed explanation will be very helpful to folks.

09-10-08, 11:16 PM	#6
BobO'Link DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,134	Thanks to all for your kind words! Cheato, it was your diatribe on the double-post that prompted me to do this. I was in the middle of a supportive reply when it hit me that this would really serve better.

12-05-08, 11:08 PM	#14
PumaPride Cool New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 26	I get an error code for ANY code (not valid) I put in on my computer at home. I've tried clearing my cache, deleting cookies, and have tried several browsers - to no avail. Yet when I do the EXACT same thing at the computer at work - it works fine. Only problem is I don't have any access to the work computer on the weekends - so my question is this - Does anyone else have this problem and if so, what did you do to solve it? Thanks, Alfred

12-06-08, 08:54 AM	#17
BobO'Link DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,134	^What I'm about to suggest is kind of drastic but it could work. I've had occasions where my FF profile became corrupted causing functionality issues on some sites. The only way I was able to restore functionality for these sites was to delete the profile preferences file and start over. Everything I'm about to tell you has been tested with FF 2.x. I've not done this with FF 3.x and don't know if the files/folders are the same as I've not yet poked around the structure for FF 3.x. The file is here: C:\Documents and Settings\(your local username)\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\(letters-numbers).default\prefs.js Close FireFox, make a backup of that file and then delete it (or just move it somewhere else). Restart FF. You'll have to reset all your preferences (a royal pain if, like me, you do a lot of customization/tweaking) but it might work for you. If this doesn't work you can put the backed up prefs.js file back. Another, more drastic, way might be to simply copy your local user files (all files/folders at the location above) from the "numbered" folder on your work machine to the "numbered" folder at home. This will duplicate any/all settings. Be sure to copy the folder contents and not just replace the folder. FF gives this user folder a different name on every machine/user account. Also make a backup of this folder just in case. Lots of plugins store data in sub-folders here (AdBlock Plus is one) and extension data is also stored in a folder here. An easier way to test this would be to create a new user on your local machine and see if that works. If so, it's a profile problem and you could use one of the methods I've outlined to help get it corrected. Good luck!

12-06-08, 02:11 PM	#18
thejester DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,687	PumaPride, are you running the same version of FF @ work as you are at home? And, do you have multiple copies of FF installed? Beta & released versions? I had trouble with FF a while back & most of my problems were because I didn't uninstall a beta version of FF3 before installing the released version. Even tho' I was only using the released version. I guess in the FF world, BobO'Links' method is the "drastic" way. More manual, but just as effective.

02-16-09, 08:14 PM	#22
basaro DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 2,932	Re: The "How do I enter a code" answer! ^All the codes posted in these threads work in the USA. It's possible the codes don't work for Canada, yeah.

02-17-09, 11:20 AM	#23
lizard DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: May 2000 Location: the Western Slope, Colorado Posts: 5,840	^^Last I heard, there is no overlap between the USA and Canadian Columbia House clubs. Everything from enrollment to sales offers is different. There used to be some Canadians who kept a thread or two going here about the unique details of CH Canada. Don't know if they still monitor this forum, but you might start a "CH Canada" thread and ask.