Frequently Asked Questions

This section presents answers to some of the questions we hear most frequently from users like you. We hope you find them helpful and informative.

• Caution: The information provided on this page is intended as a helpful resource for web-based AASHTOWare Project users. For best results, however, do not download plug-ins (such as a spell checker) for your browser or change your established web settings (such as the pop up blocker) without first consulting the system administrator for your agency.

You can find answers to additional questions on the AASHTOWare Project web site. After you log on, click the Support menu and select FAQs.

Can I use my browser's search functionality?

Yes. All supported browsers include a built-in search function to find a string of data on a single webpage. You can use this browser feature in addition to the built-in features within the system web application. If you have a large list and want to immediately find a row without filtering the page, you can use your browser's search feature to jump right to the desired value.

Can I use my browser's Back button?

A better alternative to your browser's Back button is the system's Previous menu with links to recently visited pages.

Beware of the Back button! Yes, you can use the Back button, but be aware that it simply returns you to a snapshot of the page you were previously visiting. This could also result in changes to the current page not being saved. Clicking the Back button may or may not retrieve the actual page from the server, therefore the data that you see on the page might be out of date and cause confusion. For that reason, you should avoid using the browser Back button if possible. If you are unable to navigate using the provided links within the system web application for any reason, the Back button can be used, but only as a last resort.

The back function is available in a number of ways through the browser; the most common is the Back button on the Address bar. It can also be accessed by selecting Back from the right mouse button menu anywhere on a webpage, through a keyboard shortcut (Alt+Left), and from the History menu. Any of these will return you to a snapshot of the page you were previously visiting.

Can I use my browser's Refresh button?

Yes, you can use the Refresh button, however, as with the Back button, you may lose information you have recently changed on the page. When you click the Refresh button, the browser retrieves the data last saved for that page on the server.

The refresh function is available in a number of ways; the most common is the Refresh button in the browser's Address bar. It can also be accessed by pressing a keyboard shortcut (F5) or by choosing Refresh from the View menu.

Can I use the Tab and arrow keys on my keyboard?

Keyboard keys can be used as an alternative to using a mouse for various functions. You can use the Tab key to move from one field to the next, the Enter key to open a drop-down list of values in a field and select a value, and the arrow keys to scroll through lists of rows.

Does web-based AASHTOWare Project provide a spell checking feature?

Spell checking is a feature that is either already available within your web browser or can be easily added to your browser. You can use your browser's spell checking feature on all system text fields.

Why won't my browser allow me to download files?

The ability to download files is often controlled by your browser settings. If you have selected high security options for downloading files or enabled a pop-up blocker, this may interfere with your ability to import and export information to and from other AASHTOWare Project applications. However, because browser settings may affect many other agency functions, consult your systems administrator before making any changes.

Why do some number fields not sort properly?

If a field containing numbers (for example, a line number field) is not sorting properly, it is because it is defined as a character field, even though numbers are valid values. If you want a character field to sort numerically, you must place the numeric sort base validation rule on that field in the metadata (see Data Validation (IsNumber) for more information). Creating zero-fill character fields can also improve sorting on character fields (see Creating Zero Fill Character Fields).