Technical Help

Cookies are small files that are saved to your computer's hard drive by a Web site. These files are used to store user preferences and other identifying information, so that when you visit the Web site that created the cookie, your experience is personalized. Cookies allow some sites to greet you my name each time you visit, while others use cookies to allow users to customize what information is displayed.

There are two types of cookies that you should be aware of - first and third-party cookies. First-party cookies are accessible only to the web site (or domain) that created the file, while third-party cookies are used to track user activity across multiple sites.

Cookies are optional features for many internet browsers, and some browsers will even let you decline third-party cookies while still accepting first-party cookies. Please be aware that if you choose not to accept first-party cookies, you may not be able to access your ShareBuilder account or use all of the available features.

• Internet Explorer
• Firefox
• Other

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If you are using Internet Explorer 6, you can allow cookies to be set by the ShareBuilder Web site by following the instructions below:

1. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
2. Click the Privacy tab.
3. Click the Sites button to open the Per Site Privacy Actions window.
4. Enter sharebuilder.com in the Address bar.
5. Click the Allow button to add ShareBuilder to your list of managed websites.
6. Click the OK button to close this window, then click OK again to close the Internet Options window.

Note: Please be aware that if you choose not to accept cookies (especially first-party cookies), you may not be able to access your ShareBuilder account or use all of the available features.

If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer, please visit Microsoft for additional assistance with your browser settings.

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For customers that use Microsoft's Internet Explorer to browse the internet, adding ShareBuilder to your list of Trusted Sites will ensure that your browser will work correctly with the ShareBuilder web site. The Trusted Sites list allows you to bypass your browser's general security settings for specific web sites. During your visits to trusted sites, cookies will be accepted and JavaScript will be enabled, both of which are needed to access all of ShareBuilder's features.

Note: If you are using Firefox, you will need to accept ShareBuilder cookies and enable JavaScript separately

1. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options…
2. Click the Security tab.
3. In the Web content zones box, click Trusted Sites.
4. Click the Sites... button to open the Trusted Sites window.
5. Uncheck the box for Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.
6. Type "*://*.sharebuilder.com" in the field provided, and click Add.
7. Click the OK button to close this window, then click OK again to close the Internet Options window.

If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer or if you would prefer not to add ShareBuilder as a trusted site, we recommend that you contact Microsoft for assistance with any difficulties that you may experience in using ShareBuilder.

Disclaimer: By adding ShareBuilder to your Internet browser's "Trusted Sites" list, you will be able to bypass the common default security settings while visiting the ShareBuilder web site. If you choose to make other changes to your Internet browser's individual "Security Settings", please be aware that these other changes will apply not only to the ShareBuilder web site, but to all web sites you visit with your browser. Any changes to your browser's security settings can potentially make your computer more vulnerable to third-party intrusion, theft, damage or unwanted viewing of confidential information and damage to important software programs. ShareBuilder is not liable for any damages you may experience as a result of any changes you make to your Internet browser settings, including but not limited to, special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

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If you refuse first-party cookies, you may not be able to access your ShareBuilder account or use all of the available features. If you refuse third-party cookies, you should be able to access your account and use most of the available features without noticeable problems.

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Speaking generally, you can tell that you are on a secure page if a small lock icon appears in the bottom-right corner of your browser window and/or if the address of the page you are viewing begins in "https".

If you're viewing our content through a partner site (any associated site other than www.sharebuilder.com), you may be within a frameset which prevents your browser from displaying the secure symbol, even though the ShareBuilder content is secure.

To verify you're on a secure page, please follow the instructions for the browser you are using:

1. Right-click on the ShareBuilder content you're viewing and select Properties.
2. Verify that the entry for Protocol reads HyperText Transfer Protocol with Privacy.
3. Optional: Click the Certificates button to to examine ShareBuilder's Verisign certificate, used for encrypting information across the Internet.

1. Right-click on the ShareBuilder content you're viewing and select View Page Info.
2. Click the Security tab.
3. Verify that the entry for Connection Encrypted reads High-grade Encryption.
4. Optional: Click the View button to examine ShareBuilder's Verisign certificate, used for encrypting information across the Internet.

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ShareBuilder is designed to run on the latest versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox. It will run on many of the other browsers that are currently in use, but the functionality of certain features and general appearance may be impacted.

• Internet Explorer versions older than 5.5
• Netscape versions older than 6
• AOL versions older than 4

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ShareBuilder Securities Corporation understands concerns regarding security, and welcomes all feedback on security issues. Our site is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. The encryption level varies depending on your browser. If your browser supports 128-bit encryption, then your information will be protected at this level. This tool enables our web server to create an encrypted "tunnel" between your system and our site.

For more information about computer security, please visit our Security and Protection center.

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JavaScript is a scripting language originally developed Netscape. It enables a web site to offer dynamic functionality, such as automatically changing page layout and options based on user input, creating pop-up windows and providing dynamic charts.

If you choose not to enable JavaScripting, you may not be able to access your ShareBuilder account or use all of the available features.. For example, if JavaScripting is not enabled on your browser, you will not be able to view your monthly statements, or use PortfolioBuilder.

• Internet Explorer
• Firefox
• Other

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"Phishing" is one of the most prevalent forms of Internet fraud. It is a process where deceptive emails and webpages are used to collect personal information.

Phishing attempts commonly originate through an unsolicited email that appears to be from a company that the recipient trusts and one that has their personal information. These emails may ask you to help the impersonated business by verifying your personal and/or account log in information and then provide a seemingly legitimate link to the business. These links may send you to a falsified website that has been created to mirror the impersonated business, but with the sole purpose of capturing your personal information.

• Request that you send us your Username or personal information (SSN, credit card, etc.) in an email
• Send email attachments, except upon your direct request to a specific ShareBuilder staff member
• Request or provide account passwords, either via email or phone
• Send "identity verification" email requests — such requests will only be made through the ShareBuilder website

If you are still concerned about an email you have received — especially if it is asking for information that we have stated that we will never ask for — please do not comply with the email's request. Instead, forward the suspect email to spoof@sharebuilder.com or contact our Customer Service team to review the email and verify its authenticity.

For more information about information security, please visit our Security and Protection center.

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When dealing with identity theft and information security, it's hard to know where to begin. We've put together a list of tips to help you protect your information. Some of the most important points to keep in mind are:

• Don't share confidential information (like your Social Security number or mother's maiden name) with others.
• Change your passwords (both for ShareBuilder and for other web sites) on a regular basis.
• Review ShareBuilder's Email Communication Security statement to help you identify legitimate emails coming from ShareBuilder
• Never send your username, password, credit card number or other personal information via email – it isn't a secure way to communicate private information

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If you are using Firefox, you can allow cookies to be set by the ShareBuilder Web site by following the instructions below:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options…
2. Click the Privacy icon and then select the Cookies tab.
3. Click the Exceptions button to open the Exceptions - Cookies window.
4. Enter sharebuilder.com in the Address of Web site field.
5. Click the Allow button to add ShareBuilder to your list of sites that can set cookies on your system.
6. Click the Close button to close this window, then click OK to close the Options window.

Note: Please be aware that if you choose not to accept cookies (especially first-party cookies), you will experience difficulties accessing areas of the ShareBuilder site and using some of the features.

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If you are using Firefox, you can enable JavaScript by following the instructions below:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options…
2. Click the Content icon.
3. Check the Enable JavaScript box.
4. Optional: Click the Advanced… button to control specific JavaScript features.
5. Click OK to close the Options window.

Disclaimer: By enabling JavaScript, please be aware that this change will apply not only to the ShareBuilder web site, but to all web sites you visit with your browser. Any changes to your browser's security settings can potentially make your computer more vulnerable to third-party intrusion, theft, damage or unwanted viewing of confidential information and damage to important software programs. ShareBuilder is not liable for any damages you may experience as a result of any changes you make to your Internet browser settings, including but not limited to, special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

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If you are using a browser other than Internet Explorer or Firefox, please contact the manufacturer for support enabling cookies or JavaScript. Links to some of the more common browsers are listed below:

• AOL
• Netscape
• Safari
• Opera

Disclaimer: By enabling JavaScript, please be aware that this change will apply not only to the ShareBuilder web site, but to all web sites you visit with your browser. Any changes to your browser's security settings can potentially make your computer more vulnerable to third-party intrusion, theft, damage or unwanted viewing of confidential information and damage to important software programs. ShareBuilder is not liable for any damages you may experience as a result of any changes you make to your Internet browser settings, including but not limited to, special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

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To ensure the best possible experience on the ShareBuilder Web site, we require that you accept all cookies sent by the ShareBuilder web site, and that you enable JavaScript on your browser. If you reject cookies and/or disable JavaScript, you may not be able to access your ShareBuilder account or use all of the available features.

Note: ShareBuilder does not currently support browsers on mobile devices.

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While developing the new ShareBuilder website, we made every effort to ensure that the site was technically sound and fully functional. With every major effort, however, there are issues that are not found until after the site is released to the public. The ShareBuilder development team is currently working to resolve these issues, and we have compiled a list of some of the issues that you may encounter as you interact with the ShareBuilder site.

Current site issues include:

• Internet Explorer 8 Issues

If you encounter a problem with the new ShareBuilder site, please check to see if it is already on the list of known issues above. If it is not, or if you have other questions about using the ShareBuilder site, please contact our Customer Service team.

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