Frequently Asked Questions About The Crossword

Where is the puzzle? I do not see anything
The crossword software uses the Java language, which is probably not present or working properly on your computer. For a free download of the latest version of Java, please see below. For Windows (except Windows 95), click here, and then click on “get it now.” For Windows 95, click here. Java is already installed on an Apple Macintosh with OS X. Puzzlers using a Mac with OS 8 or 9, can download the free plug-in (MRJ 2.2.5) here. Java for systems not mentioned above, can be found here.

I did all that. It still doesn’t work.
Are you using a Mac?

Why, yes, I am. Why do you ask?
Are you using Safari?

You mean the browser that came with my computer, for accessing the intrawebnets? It looks like a compass?
Yes. Do not ever use it again, except for this one time to go here and download the latest version of Firefox. From now on, only use Firefox.

Wait, no, I’m not using a Mac after all. I’m using a PC. I can tell by the giant hideous CPU underneath my desk with all the cords coming out of it. And you don’t have to get snippy.
OK, are you using internet explorer?

I don’t know.
Did you click on a big “e” to get on the internet? Or use America Online?

Yes. To both.
OK. You especially should never use that again, except for this one time to go here and download the latest version of Firefox. From now on, only use Firefox. You will not get viruses and your crossword puzzle will work.

I can see the crossword, but weird things happen.
The “crossword software has been thoroughly tested on PC’s [sic.] and Mac’s [sic.], old and new. If you are experiencing difficulties, it may be due to java-related bugs in your browser. This can be fixed by installing the latest version of java on your computer. Please see above.”

The puzzle does not print.
Print files are in PDF format, for which Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer in order to print. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free here. Another reason may be that you installed a pop-up killer: that will prevent the applet from opening the pdf-file in a new window.

I have Acrobat Reader, but the puzzle still does not print correctly (no lines).
You may have installed a pop-up killer: that will prevent the applet from opening the pdf-file in a new window. Or your computer does not know it should use Acrobat Reader or Adobe Reader for opening PDF files. Save the file to your desktop and then:

On PCs: click on the file with the right button of your mouse while pressing the shift-key. Then select “Open with…” Look up Acrobat Reader in the list and check the box telling your computer to always open PDF files with Acrobat Reader. Then click OK.

On Macs: click on the file while pressing the ctrl-key. Then select “Open with…”, select Acrobat Reader and check the box telling your computer to always open PDF files with Acrobat Reader.

Can I solve the puzzle offline?
Yes. Once the puzzle is on your screen, you can disconnect. But to save the puzzle, open a previously saved puzzle, or print the puzzle, you must be online.

How long will my puzzles be saved online?
Saved puzzles from the past fourteen days will be available to you. To keep a puzzle longer than that, save it as a PDF file on your own computer using the print icon at the top right.

Are you nakedly stealing the New York Times’ copyrighted content? The Times has its own applet and doesn’t give the puzzle away to anyone. Not to worry. Will Shortz reads the Rex Parker blog, so he’ll be able to pass your URL along to the Times’ legal department.
No, I’m not stealing, naked or fully clothed, the New York Times’ copyrighted content. I am publishing it here under license and with the direct consent of The New York Times.To explain to you how this is possible might strain your clearly limited intellectual capacities, so please, go ahead and spam all the authorities you can think of. Maybe someday they will shut me down and you will be able to laugh and laugh. Or, conversely, perhaps you will help me find more readers. Luvyameanit.

It’s still not working. I’m about to give up.
Please email me at anna at abdpbt dot com describing your problem, and I will go harass the puzzle makers for you.