I get a message "Error: cannot open database files" when I try to search.

This problem may appear if you:

1. Are trying to search on a past year's CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or flash drive, and
2. Are using Internet Explorer for Windows.

The issue comes from switching between older and newer search engine files. You can temporarily get search access back by running this batch file which will allow the search engine on the older product to work. You may need to be the administrator of your PC in order to run the batch file. Your IT department can assist you with this. Restart Internet Explorer for the change to take effect.

If you wish to frequently switch between old and new products, you will have to run this batch file each time before switching to the old product.

An alternate workaround is to use a different web browser such as Firefox or Opera. These web browsers do not have this compatibility issue.

Why does it take so long to search?

The time it takes to display your search results depends on several factors:

• Your computer platform
  If you are on a Macintosh, you may have to wait up to 30 seconds for your search results to display. This is due to the slow speed of Apple's Java on the Macintosh.
• Number of search results returned
  The more specific your search terms, the fewer documents will need to be displayed.

I see the "Retrieving Search Results" screen, but I never get any search results.

For the search engine to work, there are several requirements:

• JavaScript enabled
  How do I enable JavaScript?
• The latest version of Java installed and enabled for browsers other than Internet Explorer
  How do I install and enable Java?
• A compatible web browser
  • Windows: Internet Explorer 6 or newer, Opera 8 or newer or Mozilla-based (Mozilla/Netscape/Firefox) browser
  • Macintosh: Safari 1.3.1 or newer, Firefox 2.0 or newer*
  • UNIX/Linux: Opera 8 or newer, or a Mozilla-based browser
  * Firefox compatibility on Mac may require the latest Mac OS and Java updates.

If you meet all these requirements and still do not get search results, the cause might be one or more of the following:

• For Internet Explorer on Windows, this is most likely because you are not the administrator of your PC. See "I can't get the search to work in Windows" below.
• For browsers other than Internet Explorer, the most frequent reason for this problem is not having an updated version of Java installed. Download and installation instructions are available here.
• If you have an older computer or a Macintosh, it may take up to 30 seconds to display search results. Try waiting for at least a minute.
• You may have Java installed but not enabled.

I can't get the search to work in Windows.

Your IT department may have implemented security measures that can interfere with the search engine when running under a non-administrator account. Have someone who is the administrator for your PC try the following:

Windows Vista

1. Quit out of all open Internet Explorer windows.
2. From the Windows menu, select All Programs.
3. Right-click "Internet Explorer" in the program list and select Run as administrator. Enter your administrator name and password.
4. Type ctrl-o to bring up the Open dialog box, and click Browse.... Find the "Start.htm" file on the product and open it in the current Internet Explorer window.
5. Try to perform a search on the product. If prompted, install the ActiveX control. Your search should return results as expected.
6. You may now quit out of Internet Explorer and re-launch the product normally. The ActiveX control should now be installed and search should function for the non-admin user.

Windows 2000/XP (or if the above procedure doesn't work in Vista)

1. Restart the PC and log in as an administrator.
2. Run this product normally and perform a search. If prompted, install the ActiveX control. It may get installed automatically.
3. Log back in as the non-admin user.