How do I set my cookie and browser settings?
- Why does AAD require "cookies" and JavaScript?
- What is a "cookie?"
- Do I need to enable certain browser settings to use this site?
How do I download a file?
- What is a Comma Delimited File (CSV)?
- How do I download and view my search results?
- How can I view, as a group, the full records retrieved in my search?
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 web site. There are two types of cookies, persistent cookies and session cookies. Federal regulations restrict the use of persistent cookies on government web sites. 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 web site. 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.
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.
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?
If the records returned in your search total no more than 1,000 you may download your search results. If the records returned are greater than 1,000 and you want to download the results you will have to narrow your search. See If Your Results Produced Too Many Records.
To download the results click on the "Download Results" link located near the top of the results page. A window will pop up offering three selections for downloading your results:
Download Data With Meanings - When you use this option, the records you download will contain all data fields from the data file with the meanings of the values, if it is available. The number of records will be equivalent to the number returned from your search, not the entire data file. The downloaded records will be a comma separated value (CSV) file.
Download Data Without Meanings - When you use this option, the records you download will contain all data fields from the data file with the actual values as preserved in the file. The number of records will be equivalent to the number returned from your search, not the entire data file. The downloaded records will be a comma separated value (CSV) file.
Download Codes - When you download codes from this page, you will be downloading the code, meaning, and comments for each coded value within a code list for all code lists associated with this data file. Each code list associated will be a comma separated value (CSV) file and all code lists files will be contained in a single zip file. If you download code lists from a specific Code List window, you will download only that code list, including its codes and their meanings, and any comments.
After selecting the link for your desired type of download, a file download dialog box will appear.
How can I view, as a group, the full records retrieved in my search?
Follow the instructions for Downloading and then view the full records in your downloaded file.
For additional help in AAD please see What help is available for me?
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 web site. The suggestions made in this section regarding troubleshooting are only possible solutions and do 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.