Troubleshooting Tips

Software and System Requirements needed to fully access the website.

Adobe Flash Player 8 or above.
Go to http://www.adobe.com/ for a FREE download.

Adobe Reader 7.0 or above. Go to http://www.adobe.com/ for a FREE download.

Operating Systems and Hardware:

PC: Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP (recommended) Pentium Processor 233 MHz of higher, 128MB RAM (minimum)

Mac: OS X G3 500 MHz (minimum)

I can't seem to hear the video clips? Can you make the volume louder somehow?
  1. Check to make sure that your speakers are plugged in to your computer and powered if necessary. Adjust the volume on the external speaker.
  2. Check that your volume level in your operating system (Windows) is at an appropriate level and that it is not muted.
Can I make the videos larger?

The videos cannot be made larger. You can change the resolution of your monitor so they appear larger on your screen. See previous statement on changing your resolution.

Can you make the pages bigger? They are very small on my computer screen.
  1. First check that you have MAXIMIZED the viewing of the web ….top RIGHT of your computer screen.
  2. The pages are a fixed size; however, you may be able to adjust the resolution of your monitor so that the pages appear larger.

In Windows, right click on your desktop and select properties from the menu that appears. Under the "settings" tab, there is a section called "screen area." Adjusting the slider to the left to options such as "800 x 600" or "640 x 480", will make the screens of the website appear larger on your monitor.

The videos seem to be not in sync or jerky....or they seem to take a long time to start. Why is that? Are they not working correctly?
  1. The performance of the videos will depend on the speed of your computer, and if they are given time to load before being watched. Allowing the video to play once from beginning to end should allow for smoother playback upon subsequent viewings.
  2. If you have too many programs opened on your computer, this could also be a problem.
  3. If you continue to have problems watching the videos, your computer may not meet the minimum system requirements for the CD or the media players. Consult the CD documentation for system requirements.
I have a newer computer that uses Windows XP. I can't seem to get anything. The message says: "Your security settings do not allow Web sites to use ActiveX controls installed on your computer. This page may not display correctly". NOW WHAT?
  1. Click on the information bar that appears at the top of your web browser. This should open the "help" index for Internet Explorer.
  2. The help topic should be "Understanding the Internet Explorer Information Bar." There is an option under this topic called "To Stop Blocking File and Software Downloads with the Information Bar." Click on that option to expand it.
  3. Follow the instructions, then refresh your browser or logon again. The ActiveX warning should no longer appear.

ActiveX, a Microsoft technology, downloads web content to your browser allowing for more interactivity in a web page. This website uses ActiveX to play video clips, and for other interactive elements, and will not harm your computer.

If you are using the AOL Explorer Browser, select the "tools" menu, then "settings". Uncheck the box next to "Disable ActiveX controls and JavaScript from local web pages."

If you continue to have Technical problems with this website contact:
Chris Pawelski, (212) 678-3903, cep24@columbia.edu