AOL TROUBLESHOOTING
The following information is for subscribers using AOL to access the Civil War Research Database.
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AOL 3.0 for Win95 and AOL 3.0 for Windows 3.1 include the Microsoft Internet Explorer as the web browser. You need to have version 3.0 or greater of Internet Explorer. If you are not sure which version of IE you have with your AOL software call AOL technical support at the following toll-free numbers between 8 AM - 2 AM Eastern time 7 days per week. WIN95 support 888-265-8006 MacIntosh support 888-265-8007 DOS support 888-265-8310. AOL will provide you with the upgrades at NO cost.
The Civil War Research Database includes Java scripts and programs. Internet Explorer must be set to enable these functions. The following is a simple test to see if your AOL software is set for Java.
After you enter your user ID and password go to the 'PRODUCTS' page. (This is the page following 'News and Commentary about the Database').
At the top left corner of the 'PRODUCTS' page, above the HDS flag logo and 'Home' tag, you should see the Union and Confederate flag button. It should look like the image to the left. If you do not see the Union and Confederate flag icon then your software is not set up correctly to access the Database. Please follow the steps below to enable Java.
How to enable Java
You may wish to print this page for your use while completing the process.
To enable Java click on the 'MY AOL' button on the top of the AOL toolbar(between the shopping cart and the clock symbols). The image on the left is a portion of what your screen will look like after you click on this button. Next, click on the word 'PREFERENCES'.
After you click on the 'PREFERENCES' button your screen should look like the image below. The next step is to click on the button next to 'Web Preferences'
Your screen should now look like the image on the left. Click on the box on the bottom right of the screen called 'Set Up Now'. This will bring you into the section of the AOL software where we will enable the Java features.
After you click on 'Set Up Now' from the previous step your screen will look like the image on the left. This screen allows you to customize how you 'surf' the Web.
The Civil War Research Database includes pictures and therefore the switch 'Show Pictures' in the 'Multimedia' section should be ON. The Database does not include sound or video although you may wish to activate these features for other Web sites you visit.
Now click on the'Security' tab on the top to proceed to the next step.
Your screen should now look like the image on the left.
Check to make sure the settings in the bottom section of this page called 'ACTIVE CONTENT' are all turned ON. The top two sections on this page should not impact how AOL will function with the Civil War Research Database.
Now click on the 'Advanced' tab on the top to proceed to the next step.
The 'Advanced' page should look like the image on the left.
Click on the 'Web Graphics' tab on the top to proceed to the final step.
The 'Web Graphics' page should look like the image on the left.
Turning this switch on will speed up the downloading of images from AOL.
The final step is to click on the'OK' button on the bottom of the page. Close out and restart AOL and then proceed to the Civil War Research Database at www.civilwardata.com.
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