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FAQs about the relaunched OED Online

We're very excited about the launch of the refreshed OED Online, and we hope you will all take some time to explore the new features and functionality we've made available. We understand, though, that there will be some questions about how the new site differs from the old, and what you need to do to ensure a seamless transition from one to the other.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, try:

I am used to working with the current website. Will it still be available?

Until the end of March 2011 we will continue to run the older OED site at dictionary.oed.com (the old subscriber homepage) to enable users to update bookmarks and other links. We are unable to offer this service for all access methods; please see below for further details. Visitors to dictionary.oed.com will be presented with a page giving options to visit the old or new sites.

After March 2011 we will put a redirect in place for all access methods directly from dictionary.oed.com to www.oed.com. Although we are retaining the old site for a few months we would like to encourage users to visit the new site as soon as possible so that they can reap the benefits of the improved functionality, interface, and content.

I log in using my library card users. Will that be possible on the new site?

If you login via http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/lclogin you will need to change the link to http://www.oed.com/loginpage, but it should be straightforward from there.

Will my bookmarks need to be updated?

Any bookmarks to dictionary.oed.com should be updated to www.oed.com for you to be able to view the new site. Bookmarks further into the site, e.g. to an entry, advanced search, or to any public page, deliver an interim page prompting users to visit the new site via the homepage.  We are unable to provide a direct mapping of old pages to new pages within the site, so the user will need to update bookmarks manually by visiting the new site and locating the new pages.  We advise that you  update your bookmarks as soon as you can.

Public Pages: most public pages on the old site have been transferred to the new site; thereafter users will not be able to access public pages on the old site.

Have OED contact details changed on the new site?

As of 30 November 2010 the email addresses on the old site have been disabled. Users with queries will be directed to a page enabling them to email the relevant contact.

What browsers does the new site support?

All current standard web browsers are supported. These include Internet Explorer for Windows (version 7 and higher), Firefox Mac and Windows (versions 3 and higher), Safari Mac and Windows (versions 3 and higher), Opera Mac and Windows (versions 9 and higher), and Google Chrome Mac and Windows. If you are currently running Internet Explorer 6 we advise you to upgrade for a better experience.

How is the relaunched OED related to Oxford Dictionaries Online?

A full differentiation is available here.

I have an individual subscription to the OED. Does my username and password remain unchanged?

Yes, you are still able to use your existing username and password, and login through www.oed.com

Is the new site accessible through mobile devices?

The site is accessible on mobile devices but is not specifically optimized for those platforms.