Problems with FatWallet Cash Back? Read the Cash Back FAQ? Still nothing works? We sometimes hear from users who are following directions but not having success. Either links don’t work, or merchants don’t recognize FatWallet as the affiliate… or SOMETHING!

Norton software has done a recent update that now causes Fatwallet stores links to give you a blank page and also blocks the pop-up that says you are on track. Quick fix is to turn off "Ad Blocking" in Norton.

Usually the problem lurks in your computer! (Sorry, but it’s true.)
You also may be innocently taking action that confounds the process.

Here are some hints and fixes! If these don’t work, please fill out a Support Request!

Solutions Related to your Computer
Thanks to DragonsLore for this summary!

1) HOSTS file on your system
2) Pop-up Blockers
3) SpyWare tools
4) Firewalls
5) Cookies
6) Other Problems
7) Specific Software Configurations

1) - HOSTS files
In Windows 9x and Millennium, you can usually find the HOSTS file in C:WINDOWS
In Windows 2000 & XP, you can find it in C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32DRIVERSETC

The HOSTS File should have NO extension on it and should be kept as "Read Only"
Using a good Text Editor such as Textpad for editing your HOSTS File, you want to make sure that there are no entries containing any of these addresses.
linksynergy.com
bfast.com
qksrv.net <------NOTE: this entry redirects to Commission Junction
tkqlhce.com
kqzyfj.com
jdoqocy.com
dpbolvw.net
anrdoezrs.net
cc-dt.com
clickserve.cc-dt.com
cj.com
commission-junction.com
ad.doubleclick.net

If you do not feel comfortable editing your host file, you can just delete it.


Special note for Vista users: Windows Vista has beefed up its security, thus editing the Host file is a little more difficult (if you don't know how) than it was in previous Microsoft operating systems. To edit the Host file in Vista simply follow these steps.
1) Click Start search Notepad
2) Right click the Notepad program and choose Run as administrator
3) Click Continue on the UAC prompt
4) Click File and then Open
5) Now browse to C:WindowsSystem32Driversetc
6) Change the file filter drop down box to All Files (*.*)
7) Select hosts and click Open
8) Now you can edit the host file in Vista.


2) - Pop-up Blockers
With such tools as Google Toolbar, you need to configure to allow pop-ups from FatWallet if you want to see the tracking pop-up. Without this pop-up, Cash Back will track properly but you’ll lose the ability to note anything in your Cash Back account. We recommend you allow pop-ups from FatWallet, and leave yourself notes about transactions including order number, total, etc.

Check the options for whatever pop-up blocker you may be using to see if it will allow you to add sites to an "Allow List" or something similar.

AdsGone
Anyone using this tool needs to set it to allow any LinkSynergy ads.
This tool can also wreak havoc with your HOSTS files if you're not careful.

3) - SpyWare Tools
There are many different spyware tools out there which are used to protect your system and your privacy. These tools can and will interfere with FatWallet Links and with CashBack, so they need to be configured correctly to prevent any problems.

SpyBot - Search & Destroy
When using this tool, you need to go into the settings and select the "Exclusions button." Here you will find a tab labeled "Cookies." Scroll down the list and uncheck each of these entries which you will find:
BFast
Commission Junction
LinkSynergy
Qksrv
After this, you can use the Immunize Function if you want, but not before setting the exclusions.
Please DO NOT use the "Add SpyBot S&D Hosts List" feature found under the Tools Button.

If you change the SDHelper residentIE option (found by right clicking on the Spybot-SD Resident icon in the system tray) to "Block all bad pages silently" it will only display a blank page along with the Fatwallet tracking pop up. If the option is changed to "Display dialog when blocking" it will work as normal again. NOTE: some versions may require you to select "Ask for Blocking Confirmation" in order to select 'accept.' That is, if "Display dialog when blocking" does not allow you to 'accept' then try "Ask for Blocking Confirmation" and select 'accept.'

Exiting Spybot's resident program by right clicking the systray icon and choosing "Exit Spybot-S&D Resident" did not help fix the problem. Turning off the Resident SDHelper by unchecking the box under Tools/Resident in the Spybot program allowed the referral page from Staples to load but with a session expired error. Only changing the "Block all bad pages silently" option will get links working. Thanks to WingsOverVirginia

Spybot TeaTimer: If Spybot was installed with the TeaTimer add-on, links might be blocked. Re-installing the software without the TeaTimer option solved the problem - Thanks FWOB!

SpyWareBlaster -
While the 2.x version was easier to configure and use, the 3.x versions are currently out now.
When using this tool, you need to set it accordingly. Enable all protection, then once you have done this, click on the Internet Explorer button and scroll down the list looking for these items:
BFast
Commission-Junction
LinkSynergy
Qksrv
Uncheck each of these items, and then click on the button for "Remove protection for unchecked items"
If you use a Mozilla based browser, then you need to follow the same instructions using the Mozilla/FireFox button.

NOTE: Each time SpyWareBlaster updates are available, you need to repeat the above steps.

Webroot Spysweeper: The new version of Webroot Spysweepers "Common Ad Sites Shield" found under:

--> Sheilds
-----> Hosts File

blocks what is needed for the links to work. You will need to change the settings to make the link bounce properly.

4) - Firewalls
If you use any firewalls such as Zone Alarm, Norton Internet Security or some other such Firewall, then you need to keep the "Ad Blocking" turned off.


5) – Cookies
Cookies allow FatWallet to remember who you are to record your Cash Back earnings. Cookies can be enabled by going on-line, then finding your internet options/settings. They are related to your privacy settings. You may change your overall setting to medium, or override cookie-handling for FatWallet only. Bottom line: Your computer has to allow cookies/tracking systems in order for us to pay you Cash Back.

Sometimes your cookies can become corrupt and this can cause a problem. When this happens, you need to delete your cookies. To do this in explorer, go into your Internet Options > Settings tab, in the middle there will be three buttons. The first button will be "Delete Cookies". To do this in Firefox, click Tools, then Options. Click the 'Privacy' icon. Click the 'Cookies' tab. Click the 'Clear Cookies Now' button.

Click this button and you should be all set.
You will need to remember to log in to FatWallet again before making any Cash Back purchases. You will not be credited for any transactions made while you are logged out.


6) - Other Problems
It is bad to have commissions redirected to another affiliate, because your Cash Back is based on FatWallet commission. If you have any of these on your computer, you are at risk for re-directed commissions: Weatherbug, Kazaa, Ebates, Livewire, Mypoints, plus any program that comes with a shopping toolbar. If you are a member of another CashBack site, they may have a shopping or “reminder” toolbar that you’ve downloaded. Examples of these are Moe Money, Savenow, and Remind u. To uninstall these, click on START, then CONTROL PANEL, then ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS, then highlight the offending program and click REMOVE. Re-start your computer. If that doesn’t work, refer to HOSTS section above.

7) - Software Specific Configurations:

In FatWallet’s Help section is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about CashBack. This should answer any other questions you have concerning CashBack.

Solutions Related to your Actions
As indicated above, a review of our Cash Back FAQ will answer many questions. Here are some other actions to be aware of.

Clicking a pop-up (or slider) while you’re shopping. You’ll only see one pop-up from FatWallet while you’re shopping. It’s the “You’re on track for getting Cash Back” window that you can click on to leave yourself a note about your transaction. DO NOT click on anything else that pops up or slides out. Examples are “Save Now” from Kazaa, or “Free Shipping, Click Here.” Do not click on these offers as they are not from the merchant or FatWallet. Only click on the FatWallet site, FatWallet tracking pop-up, or the merchant site. Other clicks on pop-ups or sliders will likely redirect FatWallet’s commission (and your Cash Back).

Making your purchase in a window or browser session not linked from FatWallet. To earn Cash Back, you need to reach your merchant through FatWallet. In your shopping and research, you may open another window for that merchant, but buying through that window will not earn Cash Back. Only the window opened through FatWallet can do that! Also, if you end your browser session and return straight to the merchant, you will not earn Cash Back. If you are placing multiple orders, be aware that once you check out (complete your transaction) you have ended the browser session initiated by FatWallet. To buy more and still earn Cash Back, you’ll need to return to FatWallet and link to the merchant again. Finally, be sure to place items in your cart after linking from FatWallet, not before. Items in before the link may not earn Cash Back.

WHEN IN DOUBT, RE-START AT FATWALLET, LINK TO THE MERCHANT, ADD ITEMS TO YOUR CART AND MAKE YOUR PURCHASE.

Communicating with the merchant after your transaction. A common action that interferes with FatWallet Cash Back is, after making the eligible Cash Back purchase, you and the merchant communicate to change the order. This may be due to a backordered item or just a change you thought of after the initial order. It is important in these situations to cancel your order (which you can do directly) and then re-enter FatWallet’s Cash Back Mall, find the merchant you want to order from and click on “shop.” In short, cancel any way you want then re-order through FatWallet’s Cash Back Mall. Direct contacts with merchants will often-times “erase” any commission paid to FatWallet. And… if we don’t get paid, then you don’t get paid.