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AAD: Access to Archival Databases
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October 24, 2004
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AAD: Begin Your Search
AAD Tools
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Main Section AAD Main Page
Main Section What is AAD?
Main Section Getting Started
Main Section Understanding Archival Electronic Records
Main Section Understanding a Data File's Context
Main Section AAD Terminology
Main Section AAD Help
Current Page Frequently Asked Questions
Main Section What's New in AAD
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set my cookie and browser settings?


How do I download a file?

Why does AAD require "cookies" and JavaScript?

At the most simple level, AAD requires the use of "session cookies" to remember details about your search process during your session. JavaScript is a programming language that is used to enhance the interactivity of web pages. Together, cookies and JavaScript allow AAD to present a more dynamic experience.


What is a cookie?

A cookie is a method for maintaining information about users as they navigate through pages on a website. There are two types of cookies, persistent cookies and session cookies. Federal regulations restrict the use of persistent cookies on government websites. In accordance with Federal regulations, AAD does not use persistent cookies.

  • Persistent cookies are stored for a length of time set by the web site when it passes the cookie to the browser. Persistent cookies are used to store information in small data files on your hard drive between visits to a web site.
  • Session cookies are used to store information only within a session on the website. Session cookies are used only while a user is visiting the web site issuing the session cookie and are deleted when the user closes the session.

In compliance with federal web site regulations, AAD uses only session cookies which are deleted after the session is completed.

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Do I need to enable certain browser settings to use this site?

AAD requires the use of "session cookies" and JavaScript to maintain your session and provide you with a feature-rich site. To achieve the best possible user experience when visiting our site, we recommend that you enable these settings.

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How can I turn 'cookies' and JavaScript on?

Follow the instructions specific to your system to turn on 'cookies' and JavaScript. To enable cookies:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 for Windows
    • In the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options".
    • Click the "Privacy" tab.
    • Make sure the privacy setting is no higher than "Medium", which is the default setting.
    • Click "OK" to close the "Security Settings" window, and again to close the "Internet Options" window.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 for Macintosh
    • In the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences".
    • In the menu on the left, select "Receiving Files", then "Cookies".
    • Under the "When receiving cookies" menu in the right panel, select any option except "Never ask"; otherwise, the level of cookie security is your decision.
    • Click "OK" to close the Preferences window.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 for Windows
    • In the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options".
    • Click the "Security" tab, then select the "Internet" zone from the top panel.
    • Below it, click the "Custom Level" button.
    • In the "Security Settings" window that opens, select "Cookies".
    • Set "Allow cookies that are stored on your computer" and "Allow per-session cookies" to "Enable".
    • Click "OK" to close the "Security Settings" window, and again to close the "Internet Options" window.

  • Netscape 7 for Macintosh/Windows
    • Choose Edit and Preferences.
    • Click the Advanced menu option in the left column and select Scripts & Plugins.
    • Make sure that Navigator is checked to enable JavaScript for Web pages.
    • Click the Privacy & Security menu option in the left column and click Cookies.
    • Make sure that one of the three Enable options for cookies is checked.

  • Netscape 6 for Macintosh/Windows
    • Choose Edit and Preferences.
    • Click the Advanced menu option in the left column.
    • Make sure the Enable JavaScript for Navigator option is checked.
    • Click the Privacy & Security menu option in the left column.
    • Make sure that Enable all cookies is checked.

  • Netscape 4 for Macintosh/Windows
    • Choose Edit and Preferences to manage your Internet settings.
    • Click the Advanced menu option in the left column.
    • Make sure the Accept all cookies and Enable JavaScript options are checked.
To enable JavaScript:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 & 6 for Windows
    • In the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options".
    • Click the "Security" tab, then select the "Internet" zone from the top panel.
    • Below it, click the "Custom Level" button.
    • In the "Security Settings" window that opens, select "Scripting", then "Active Scripting". Make sure that the "Enable" button is marked.
    • Click "OK" to close the "Security Settings" window, and again to close the "Internet Options" window.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 for Macintosh
    • In the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences".
    • In the menu on the left, select "Web Browser", then "Web Content".
    • In the panel on the right, make sure that the "Enable scripting" box is checked.
    • Click "OK" to close the Preferences window.

  • Netscape 7 for Macintosh/Windows
    • In the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences".
    • In the menu on the left, select "Advanced", then "Scripts & Plug-ins"/"Scripts & Windows".
    • In the panel on the right, make sure that the "Enable JavaScript for Navigator" box is checked.
    • Under the "Allow web pages to" list, make sure that every box is checked. You may need to restart Netscape.
    • Click "OK" to close the Preferences window.

  • Netscape 6 for Macintosh/Windows
    • In the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences".
    • In the menu on the left, select "Advanced".
    • In the panel on the right, make sure that the "Enable JavaScript for Navigator" box is checked.
    • Click "OK" to close the Preferences window.

  • Netscape 4 for Macintosh/Windows
    • In the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences".
    • In the menu on the left, select "Advanced".
    • In the panel on the right, make sure that the "Enable JavaScript" box is checked.
    • Click "OK" to close the Preferences window.

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What is a Comma Delimited File (CSV)?

AAD allows you to retrieve your search results in a comma-separated format. Comma separated files are sometimes known as comma delimited, comma separated value, or CSV files. This simply means that a comma separates the individual pieces of data so other programs can import the database and correctly handle it. Nearly every application designed to handle data, such as most spreadsheet and database applications, can import and display comma-separated files.

The best way to demonstrate a CSV file is to see a short example:
"Name","Address","City","State","Zip"
"Amanda Huggens","2736 Teresita","Carlsbad","CA","92008"
"Ivana Tanksley","15 Freely Dr.","Beverly Hills","CA","90210"
"Seymour Buchanon","311 Moonlight Way","Bozeman","MT","59715"
"Oliver Twistane","P.O. Box 4775","San Diego","CA","92123"


How do I download and view my search results?

After receiving your search results and clicking on the link to begin the download, a file download dialog box will appear.
  • Internet Explorer Users
    Internet Explorer gives users the option either to "Open the file from its current location" or to "Save this file to disk". Because of differences in computer processing speeds and/or differences in installed applications, we recommend that you "Save this file to disk". Once you have saved the results file on your computer's hard drive, you can use it with any spreadsheet or database program that can open comma-delimited (e.g., csv or comma-separated variables) files.

  • Netscape Users
    Netscape users must save the results file to a specific location, like to the computer's hard drive. The "Saves As..." dialogue box allows users to direct the file to any location they designate. Once the file is saved, it can be used with any spreadsheet or database program that can open comma delimited (e.g., csv or comma-separated variables) files.

The frequently asked questions are dedicated to providing you with additional information and possible solutions if you are experiencing problems trying to access AAD. It is important to remember that some problems associated with trying to access the AAD database may have nothing to do with the website. The suggestions made in this section regarding troubleshooting are only possible solutions and does not imply or express a guarantee that these solutions will actually solve the problems you may be having. If after reviewing the FAQ's you are still having difficulties, please contact us at cer@nara.gov with a detailed description of the problem you are experiencing.

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Privacy and Use Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us NARA Home Page NARA Address: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20408, Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272