Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When I click on the printer friendly nothing happens.

There are two things you can try. Open up your browser first, then open the program and click the printer friendly icon. If this doesn't work your browser may have javascript disabled. Re-enable active content and try it again. If this does not work your browser may not currently support javascript. In this case, you will need to update javascript or your browser.

Why can't I print out my Operator Basics 2005 certificate?

Certification agencies require that users complete all activities as well as use a predetermined amount of reading time in order to receive credit for coursework. You can check how much reading time is required in each section by "mousing over" sections of blue pipe on the left side of the screen. The mouse-over should show how much time you've spent reading in each section, as well as the time required.

Once you have completed the reading time and all activities, you will be able to print out your certificate. Click on the logbook tab at the top of the screen, then click the colored tab for the course you are taking. If the PRINT CERTIFICATE button is glowing yellow, click the button and your certificate should soon begin printing.

If PRINT CERTIFICATE is not glowing, it's an indication that some sections of reading or activities have not been completed. To find out which sections remain to be completed, click on the HELP tab at the top of the screen, choose Logbook, and follow the directions.

If all reading and activity sections have been completed, the PRINT CERTIFICATE button is glowing, and you're still unable to print, check to be sure that you are able to print other documents. If you are unable to print from other locations, check your printer and network settings and try again.

If none of these suggestions are helpful, you'll probably need to send us your scoring files by email. See "How do I find my saved files?" on this FAQ page.

How do I find my saved files?

Steps to finding the SOL files on a PC:

1. Open up "My Computer" and click "Tools" on the main menu bar. Click "Folder Options" and then click the "View" tab. Make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
   
2. Go into the "C:" drive. There should be a folder that is called "Documents and Settings" , click into this folder.
   
3. Now click on the folder that has your username. If you're not sure which one is the username, just click into one that sounds like it could be.
   
4. Now click into the "Application Data" folder. (If this folder does not exist, go back to step 3 and try a different folder). Click into the "Macromedia" folder and then click into the "Flash Player" folder. If the folders exist, click into the "#SharedObjects" folder and into the next folder.
   
5. If you are using the CD or downloadable version of Operator Basics click into the "localhost" folder.
   or
   If you are using the internet version of Operator Basics click into the "montana.edu" folder.
   or
   If you are using the internet version and there is not a "montana.edu" folder, try each folder until step 6 applies.
   
6. Inside this folder are the files we need. All the files whose names start with "OB2005" (for example, "OB2005_ALLUSERS.sol"). If these files do not exist, go back to step 3 and try a different folder.

My score is not logging correctly.

The records of the work done are not kept online, they are stored locally on the user's computer. Users should always work on the same computer and log in as the same user throughout their coursework. If multiple usernames or computers are used, the user will be unable to bring all scoring information together to qualify for a certificate.

If you have always logged in on the same computer with the same username, and haven't been properly credited, you will need to send your .sol files. See "How do I find my saved files?" on this FAQ page.

Can I earn credit for coursework in my state?

Please contact your state certification office. Contact information should be found in the resources area of Operator Basics 2005. From the main menu office, click on the rolodex icon, then click on your state. Finally, choose certification contacts. Call or email your state's certification agency to find out before you begin your coursework.

Do I need to install the latest version of Flash Player?

Users who choose to "run the program online" may encounter a "flash
Install" dialogue box. If so, you'll need to install the newest version of flash on your computer.

It's possible that your computer's permissions will require that an administrator install the latest version of flash for you. Following the installation, you may need to save and close all open programs and reboot your computer before the install will take effect.

If you still see the same Flash Install dialogue box after completing the install, try refreshing your web browser.

Why is my Safari web browser crashing?

Occasionally Macintosh users report specific problems running our programs using the Safari web browser. Try running the program in Internet Explorer. The problem usually turns out to be an issue with Safari. If this is not the problem, send an email to watercenter@montana.edu describing the problem and answering the following questions:

• Are you running on Tiger or another OS version?
• What's your computer's processor speed?
• Are you on dialup or broadband connection?
• Is it possible that your connection is dying on its own?