Help For Microsoft Excel Users

Browser Configured to View Excel Files

Browser NOT Configured to View Excel Files

1. Go to the Options pull-down menu and select General Preferences...
2. The Preferences dialog box contains a pull-down menu at the top. Click in this menu and highlight the Helper Applications choice.
3. The dialog box now displays a list of the helper applications you've already assigned, as well as boxes for making changes or adding a new helper. Scroll through the list to see if you've already assigned a spreadsheet Helper Application. Now you'll take one of two steps:
   • If you have already set the MIME type for Excel or another Windows/Mac-based spreadsheet application, highlight this line. Check the following boxes, making changes where necessary:
     • The "Mime type" should be set to application.
     • "Subtype" should equal x-excel.
     • "Extensions" should include xls,wks,wk1,wk3.
     • "File type" should be xls if you are using Excel. If another file type appears, click on the pull-down menu and highlight xls.
     • If you want your spreadsheet application to automatically start up after you've downloaded one of the survey spreadsheets, choose Launch application under "Action". If you prefer to download and save the spreadsheet for viewing at a later time, choose Save.
     • Go to Step #4.
     or
   • To create a Mime type for Excel or another Windows/Mac-based spreadsheet application, click the Create New... button.
     • For "Mime type", enter application. At "MIME subtype", enter x-excel. Hit OK.
     • When you return to the Preferences dialog box, you will notice that the Mime type and subtype you entered now appear on the screen. Complete the "Extensions" by typing xls,wks,wk1,wk3.
     • Next choose your spreadsheet program by clicking the Browse... button. Go to the directory or folder that contains your Excel executable. Highlight Excel and click the OK button.
     • "File type" should be xls if you are using Excel. Change the file type by clicking in the pull-down menu and highlighting xls.
     • If you want your spreadsheet application to automatically start up after you've downloaded one of the survey spreadsheets, choose the radio button Launch application under "Action". If you prefer to download and save the spreadsheet for viewing at a later time, choose Save.
     • Go to Step #4.
4. Finally, click the OK button in the Preferences dialog box. Your browser is now configured to accept downloaded spreadsheet files from this site.

Saving Excel Files

• Simply right click on the link or button, and select Save Link As...
  Choose a directory and click Save
• Macintosh Users hold down the mouse button on the link or button, and select Save Link As...
  Choose a folder and click Save