Standards Source DVD /

Why am I receiving "Wrong Authorization Code" or "Active Content" errors when I know I've entered the correct code?

If your PC has been updated with current Windows security patches, your browser may have had its Active Content functionality disabled. For full functionality of the ASTM Standards Source DVD software, it is very important that your browser be able to view active content.

To set active content:

Internet Explorer: From Tools - Internet Options - Advanced, choose "Security"; Toggle "Allow Active Content Files" ON

Netscape: From Edit - Preferences - Advanced - Scripts & Plugins; Toggle "Enable JavaScript for Navigator" ON

Also, make sure that pop-up blocking software is disabled during usage of the Standards Source software sessions.


From the standard's Summary page, I do not have a link to view the PDF file of the standard itself.

  1. You may have an out-dated browser

    Even though many older browsers (Netscape and MS Internet Explorer versions 3.x and earlier) allow access to the Search and Summary pages of the software, the Java code that operates the acquisition of the standards' PDF files requires a newer browser.

    The Standards Source DVD software requires a current version of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Older browser versions will allow viewing of the software up to the Summary pages, but will not recognize the Java software running behind the HTML page.

  2. If you have had a prior release of the ASTM DVD software, you may not have done a complete uninstall prior to installing the new version.

    Since ASTM not only updates its 10,000+ standards during quarterly DVD releases, but also the search software that operates it, new versions of the software differ significantly from prior releases. It is important that prior to installing a new update of the DVD software, a complete uninstall is completed.

    To uninstall:

    1. Run the Uninstall program from the Start - ASTM Standards Source menu.
    2. When the Uninstall is complete, drag the C:\ASTM (or whatever you named it during install) folder into your Recycle Bin to complete the uninstallation. This step is very important as the C:\ASTM\PAGES directory must get removed along with the other software prior to reinstallation of the next update.

From the standard's Summary page, I receive the error message "Contact ASTM to purchase access to [standard designation]".

An incorrect Authorization Code was entered at the time of installation


When I click the button to view a standard's PDF file, I get unreadable pages of code instead of the standard.

You do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader properly installed on your system. Acrobat Reader is the software tool that allows viewing of standards in the PDF format.

We have included version 7.08 of Acrobat Reader on the Standards Source Index (installation instructions are in the printed Installation documentation that accompanies the DVD product), or you can always download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader.


What do I need to install ASTM Standards Source on DVD ROM?

ASTM Standards Source DVD software requires Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP or Vista with one DVD-ROM drive; Java-Compatible Web browser (a current version of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox); Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0. or newer.


What do I need to view ASTM Standards Source?

Using ASTM Standards Source DVD software requires having both an up-to-date Internet browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) and Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your PC. The software will automatically open using Internet Explorer or Firefox, usually whichever you have set as your default browser. For your convenience, the Index disk has both Netscape Communicator 8.12 and Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.08 included. If your system does not have either or both of the programs (or a comparable program) installed, please follow the Installation Instructions from the Installation and Usage Instruction insert.


Why do I need a web browser to use the ASTM software? Does the software operate over the Internet?

ASTM Standards Source DVD software uses a web browser interface to view and operate the software. It is absolutely neccessary to have an up-to-date version of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to properly use the software. However, at no time in the search or viewing process of the software will it be neccessary to have an Internet connection.


When I click the "Click here to view Active Standard" button, I get the error: "You have reached this page in an illegal manner." What is the problem?

The document you are attempting to view is not a part of your subset collection. If you have accidentally reached a page that is not in your subset collection, you will be denied access to the full document text.


I can run the software and view scope pages, but I can't see the full text (PDF) documents. What is the problem?

There are two possible problems. Either you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed as a plug-in to your web browser or you have certain image-reading functionality turned off on the browser.


How do I navigate back to the search page from the standard image?

Use your browser's Back button at any point to return to previous search pages. Where the Back button does not function, use the Close [X] button. For example, using Netscape or Internet Explorer:

... to move from the Full-text Image to the Document Summary, use Back Space;

... to move from the Document Summary to the Search Results, use Close [X]; and

... to move from the Results page to the Search Statement Page, click "Return to Search Page".


I can get to the Scope page, but there are no directions for viewing the standard itself. What happened?

There are several possible reasons for not having directions to view a standard's PDF file:

  1. You may have entered an incorrect Authorization Code during installation.
  2. You do not have a version of Adobe Acrobat installed.

I receive the message "Please contact ASTM to access [standard number]" at the summary page. What is the problem?

You have entered an incorrect Authorization Code during installation.

If the problem persists, Submit a Support Request to our support center, at http://www.astm.org/SUPPORT/index.html.


From the Scope page, why does it take so long after clicking the "Click here to view Active Standard" button to view the standard's PDF file?

From the time you click the "click here" button, it should take approximately 5 seconds for Acrobat Reader to load and the standard's PDF file to appear. Users viewing the software with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 have reported extremely long load times running the Java applet and launching Acrobat. If you are experiencing this, upgrade your browser to a current version of Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.


If I have subscribed to the Standards Source service, will I have to reinstall the software with each quarterly update?

Yes. With each quarterly update the latest version of the software will need to be uninstalled and the new version reinstalled. A complete reinstallation is necessary so that not only are the latest versions of all ASTM standards available, but that new software enhancements will be added to your system.


There is a standard that I know has been updated, but even the most recent DVD has an outdated edition. How can I make sure to get up-to-the-minute standards information?

ASTM makes every effort to have the very latest standards on each DVD update. Unfortunately, due to the time it takes to edit, print, publish and convert to DVD, occasional standards will miss the deadline for DVD distribution but will still be available through other ASTM document delivery systems. In these cases the updated standard will be on the next DVD edition.

If you have questions regarding the currancy of a particular standard, consult ASTM Customer Service at (610) 832-9585, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Eastern US Standard Time or service@astm.org.


How can I set up the ASTM Standards Source software to run on a Local Area Network?

You must contact ASTM to purchase the networked version of the software. At that time you will receive support on configuring the network version.


Where can I obtain information about copying or distributing copies of ASTM standards?

For information regarding copyright and permissions, go to http://www.astm.org/COPYRIGHT. To arrange a special annual license agreement tailored to your organization, contact Kathe Hooper at (610) 832-9634 or e-mail khooper@astm.org.