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What is SERCH? |
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The System for Enterprise Records and Correspondence Handling (SERCH)
is a web-based system developed for ES to electronically route controlled
correspondence to all ICs and OD offices, and for the managers in those
offices to digitally sign response documents and return them electronically
to ES. SERCH was implemented on August 15, 2005. Some advantages are:
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SERCH works on either a PC or a Mac
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SERCH allows secure web access through standard web browsers,
including Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari
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Each NIH office can maintain an electronic reading file
on a secure system rather than storing sensitive
documents on an insecure shared drive
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NIH Executives can digitally sign documents when they
are on travel or working from another location
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How do I log in? |
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Using your web browser, go to https://serch.nih.gov/
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At the login screen (shown below), enter “nih” as the domain.
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Enter your network ID and password — the one that you use to log into the network each day.
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I forgot my password—how do I get it reset? |
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Verify that you are using the correct NIH Login username and password —
it is the same password that you use to login to e-mail.
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Check to ensure that your CAPS LOCK key is not on.
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If you need to have your NIH Login password reset,
call the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-4357.
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I forgot the password I use when I digitally sign
documents — how do I get it reset? |
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The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) password is the only password used
at NIH that cannot be reset. If you cannot recall the password, you will
need to register for a new PKI certificate.
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Since SERCH will not lock you out for trying several PKI passwords,
you may want to try that first.
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To register for a new PKI certificate, call the NIH Help Desk at
301-496-4357.
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Who do I contact to add a new user to SERCH? |
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Contact the NIH Executive Secretariat (ES).
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If the new user is a Correspondence Contact, complete the
Correspondence Contact Change Form.
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If the new user will have authority to digitally sign documents on behalf
of the IC or OD Office Director, complete the SERCH Signature form
and return the signed form to ES.
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What software do I need to install to use SERCH? |
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Since SERCH is a web site, there is no special software for you to install.
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SERCH requires the free Adobe Reader (version 7.0.8 or later) to view
documents. If you have Adobe Professional installed, you may want to
set the preferences so that it points to Reader to view documents.
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SERCH uses pop-up windows to display some information, so your web
browser should be set up to trust the SERCH web site.
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If you are a digital signature user, install your PKI certificate and
graphical signature files on your computer and test to ensure that
they work.
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How do I make SERCH a trusted web site? |
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- Click on the “Security” tab, select the “Trusted
sites” icon, and click the “Sites...” button.
- Type “https://serch.nih.gov/” into the textbox and click the
“Add” button. Then click the “OK” button.
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Where can I get a copy of the SERCH User Manual? |
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- To print the manual, save a copy of that PDF file to your computer.
Then you can print a copy.
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I have more questions about how to use SERCH — where
can I get additional help? |
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There is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available in SERCH.
In the Tasks window in the lower left section of the SERCH screen, click
on “Additional Links” to see a link to the FAQs.
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