Can Someone Explain how Cookies Should Work?

[Marvin Miller]

Hi folks;

 

I have a question - maybe it's a dumb one?

 

If cookies are working properly do you still have to log-in to the store if you close off and open a new browser?

 

The reason I ask is that on my site I have force cookies enabled. All works well, you can buy things, check your past order history etc.

 

But, if you close off the browser and then open it up and go back to the site it won't remember you. I checked and it is actually giving out a cookie.

 

This is the start of the cookies 'guts'

 

cookie_test

please_accept_for_session

frostysac.com/catalog/

 

after that there's a guid etc.

 

Shouldn't you be able to revist the store and not have to log-in when you have a cookie?

[♥peterpil19]

Hi,

 

I have the same problem. You can surf for hours within the same browser window, but as soon as you open up another browser window, you are logged out.

 

I don't find this a particular problem, but if your store offers many services, resources etc only available when logged in, the customer may understandably be irritated. Normally, customers only expect to log in, once they've got items in their cart and want to checkout.

 

Hopefully, someone with better knowledge about cookies can clarify your problem and present a solution?

 

Regards,

 

Peter

[Marvin Miller]

Hi Peter;

 

That's exactly the problem I'm seeing :)

[boxtel]

Hi Peter;

 

That's exactly the problem I'm seeing :)

 

the default cookie is only used to store the session id and it is only valid for the duration of the session.

So if the browser is closed, the cookie becomes invalid.

It was never intended for keeping customers logged in.

 

use an autologon contribution for that.

[Marvin Miller]

Hi Amanda;

 

Thanks for the tip! I'm quite surprised - you'd think that with cookie functionality built-in that it would carry over browser sessions :rolleyes:

[AlanR]

Hi Amanda;

 

Thanks for the tip! I'm quite surprised - you'd think that with cookie functionality built-in that it would carry over browser sessions :rolleyes:

That's not a desirable "functionality" for an online store. Computers, especially in offices, may be used by more than one person and you don't want the next person sitting down to have access to the first person's account. That's the reason why credit card companies ask you to close the browser window after you finish a session. To absolutely terminate the session.

[boxtel]

That's not a desirable "functionality" for an online store. Computers, especially in offices, may be used by more than one person and you don't want the next person sitting down to have access to the first person's account. That's the reason why credit card companies ask you to close the browser window after you finish a session. To absolutely terminate the session.

 

exactly and that is why these autologon contribs advice not to enable it on shared computers.

[Marvin Miller]

Interesting....well that saves me from spending more time looking for the problem - it was between the keyboard and the seat all along! :lol: