April 2000

Subject: EDExpress, Version 6.2

We are pleased to release EDExpress for Windows, Version 6.2. This software version expands
EDExpress to include the Pell module for the 2000-2001 award cycle as well as adding additional
changes to the software.
Included in this letter are the following:
• A list of Pell enhancements.
• A list of issues from Version 6.1 that were fixed.
• The results gathered from EDExpress benchmark testing.
• Instructions on how to obtain and install the software. Important: Please review the
section “Installing EDExpress, Version 6.2,” beginning on page 15, to ensure you install
the software update without damaging your database.
• A reminder to back up and optimize your EDExpress database.

What You Should Do

Just as you did for Version 6.1, you download the software from the Student Financial Aid (SFA)
Download Web site, http://www.SFAdownload.ed.gov along with the related user
documentation. Instructions for downloading EDExpress for Windows from the Web and
installing it on your computer begin on page 15 of this document, as well as in the “Downloading
Software/Paper Documentation” section of the 2000-2001 EDExpress for Windows Installation
Guide.

If You Need Further Information

The EDExpress Customer Service staff of the Central Processing System (CPS) can handle all of
your EDExpress for Windows questions regarding:
• Installation issues,
• Software problem resolution,
• Software functionality, and
• Technical assistance.

You can reach them Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (CT), at 800/330-5947. You can also
e-mail inquiries, comments, or suggestions 24 hours a day to [email protected] and a
representative will respond within 24 hours.
If you have access to the Internet and cannot open the SFAdownload Web site, call your technical
support staff to ensure you have full FTP download rights.
If you do not have access to the Internet, or you need assistance connecting to the SFAdownload
Web site or downloading EDExpress in single or multiple file format, call Title IV WAN
Customer Service at 800/615-1189 or e-mail them at [email protected] to request diskettes.

If you have technical questions about our SFA systems and software, you may want to subscribe
to our e-mail listserv, SFATECH. For more information about SFATECH, including how to
subscribe, look online at the http://www.ed.gov/sfatech/listserv.html Web site.

CPS Customer Service

1
Table of Contents

Pell Module in EDExpress.................................................................................... .............3

General and Setup Changes................................................................................... ........3
Entry......................................................................................................... .....................4
Export .................................................................................................... .......................4
Import .................................................................................................... .......................4
Query ......................................................................................................... ...................5
Reports .................................................................................................................. ........5
Items Removed from EDExpress for 2000-2001....................................... ........................5

Issues Fixed in EDExpress, Version 6.2................................................................. ............6

Global............................................................................................................ ................6
Application Processing.......................................................................... ........................7
Packaging................................................................................................... ...................8
Direct Loan ................................................................................................... ................9
EDExpress Supports These Printers......................................................................... ..........9

EDExpress Benchmarking.............................................................................. ...................9

Imports.................................................................................................................... .......9
Reports................................................................................................................. ........10
Packaging................................................................................................ ....................10
Direct Loan.................................................................................................. ................10
Promissory Notes................................................................................ .........................11
Pell................................................................................................................. ..............11
Upgrading EDExpress to Version 6.2......................................................................... ......12

Downloading EDExpress from the Web.......................................................................... .12

Downloading the Software as One File................................................................. .......13
Downloading the Software in Installments.......................................................... .........13
Downloading the Documentation ........................................................................... .....14
Installing EDExpress, Version 6.2.............................................................................. ......15
Installing to a Stand-alone Computer................................................... .......................16
Installing to a Network............................................................................................ .....16
Installing from Diskette...................................................................................... ..........16
Reminders.......................................................................................................... ..............17
Back Up Your Database Weekly................................................................. ..................17
Optimize Your Database by Using Software Utilities.................................... ...............17
Run the Repair Database Utility............................................................... ...................17
Improve Performance by Using the Compact Database Utility.................................... 18
Prevent Problems by Using the Verify Database Utility................................. ..............18

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Pell Module in EDExpress
EDExpress for Windows, Version 6.2, activates Pell program functionality.

General and Setup Changes

• A new Institution Disbursement option, “Cash Monitoring Level 2/Reimbursement,”
appears on the Setup screen. This option is used by Cash Monitoring Level 2 schools
and schools who are on reimbursement. (Note: Cash Monitoring Level 1 schools are
to use Option 1-Advance.)
• A new “Origination Source” field displays whenever the Origination Information tab
is selected. Valid values are:
E External Add Import
I ISIR Import
M Manual Import
P ISIR Import with Packaging data
• Users can query the Origination Source field and the system displays the source of
the record on the Pell Origination Tab.
• A new sub-menu was added to “View/Disbursements.” This menu allows users to
select and go directly to either Pell Grant or Direct Loan disbursement data. Both
Regular and Special disbursement records can be added under the Pell sub-menu
option.
• Users can use the Tools/File Format menu option to arrange Pell Grant records in
Custom File Formats.
• For every student whose verification flag is set to “W,” an edit is applied that limits
the Disbursement Amount to no more than one half of the Scheduled Award Amount.
• The Total Payment Ceiling is calculated and rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
• The low tuition and fees schedule has been removed from the help text and added to
Global browse.
• If the Low Tuition and Fees flag is selected, the software calculates the Total
Payment Ceiling, Scheduled Award, and Award Amount for the Entire School Year
using the Low Tuition range.
• The disbursement Option edits for Advanced and Just in Time have been modified.
Schools cannot submit disbursement records more than 30 days before the
disbursement date if Advance Payment and more than 5 days if Just in Time.
• The More Setup dialog button is now called Estimated Disbursements.

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Entry
• The system uses the Pell tables for regular and low tuition for 2000 – 2001.
• A new command button calculates and displays the Award Amount for the Entire
School Year and Total Payment Ceiling.
• The Alternate Federal Pell Grant Schedule can be used for those students whose Low
Tuition and Fees flag is set in the Packaging data. The system calculates and displays
the Total Payment Ceiling amount.
• Pennies can be entered on the Origination Record in the Award Amount for the Entire
School Year field. The cents are displayed in the Scheduled Award Amount on the
Origination Screen.
• Schools can use up to 90 Disbursement Reference Numbers on the Disbursement tab.

Export
• Users can submit a “Year-to-Date Request” for a student’s record on the Data
Request dialog box. For each record that is selected, the system displays the student’s
name with the Origination ID, Original Social Security Number, Name ID and Batch
Number in the dialog box.
• The system calculates the Total Payment Ceiling using pennies.
• The presence of Verification W has no effect on the Award Amount for the Entire
School Year. You can enter an Award Amount for the Entire School Year that is less
than or equal to the Total Payment Ceiling. However, the system does not allow you
to disburse more than 50% of the Scheduled Award Amount until the Verification W
is resolved.
• If during a payment period, you submit a special disbursement record for a student
after you have submitted a regular disbursement record, you can report the “Total
Funds Disbursed for the Payment Period Previously Reported on a Regular
Disbursement” in the special disbursement information grid.

Import
• The system receives a warning code from RFMS instead of a reject code whenever
the reporting institution DUNS does not match the number on the RFMS file.
Records that receive a warning code are saved to the database, while records that
receive reject codes are not.
• External Import: You have the option of skipping duplicate origination records when
importing files from an external system. An edit report will be printed at the end of
the import process. The report identifies all records that are duplicate originations,
special disbursements, or regular disbursements.
• ISIR Import: When importing from the ISIR database and when using the Include
Packaging Data Option, you have the option to include all records for submission if
all of the required fields are present. This process is similar to the External
Origination Add process.
• The system skips duplicate records with edit codes 302, 403, and 504 sent from
RFMS. These records print on the import edit report.

4
Query
• The EDFLAGS are separated into ten fields, each with a unique identifier that can be
used within the Pell Query. Descriptors for the four flags currently defined in the
RFMS record layout are:
Flag 1 = Shared SAR ID (will not be used)
Flag 2 = Verification W Status
Flag 3 = Concurrent Enrollment
Flag 4 = Potential Overaward Payment (POP)
• The following query fields are numeric instead of text, simplifying queries for all
numeric fields.
• COA
• EFC
• Secondary EFC
• Award Amount for Entire School Year
• Weeks Used to Calculate Payment
• Weeks in Program's Academic Year
• Credit/Clock Hours Expected to Complete School Year
• Credit/Clock Hours in Program's Academic Year

Reports
• Two new reports assist schools in reconciling and accounting for Pell Program funds:
• The Pell Processed Disbursements List-YTD report prints the accepted amounts
for processed disbursement records based upon criteria identified by the user. The
report includes RFMS records with a disbursement status of either Accepted (A)
or Corrected (C). You can also apply Selection Criteria to this report.
• The Transfer Student List report contains students who have transferred to your
institution from other schools. You can use this report to monitor possible
overaward situations. The report is sorted by the Reporting Campus and all
students with an MRR transfer record are listed.

Items Removed from EDExpress for 2000-2001

• The ability to manually create a transfer record from the Pell Record/Add Dialog box
was removed.
• The Batch Replacement Functionality was removed from the Export/Data Request
Dialog box.
• The Verification W record type was removed from the MRR Import record. The
department communicates Verification W status though ED flags, Origination and
Disbursement acknowledgement records, edit and comment codes, and the ASCII
text letters.

5
Issues Fixed in EDExpress, Version 6.2
EDExpress, Version 6.2 resolves the following issues in the software modules.

Global
2289 You no longer get Run-time Errors when accessing the Registry Viewer via
the System Information option under the Help Text.
2332 The Uninstall process displays the correct version of EDExpress you select
to remove from your PC.
2379 The EDExpress installation process reduces the number of
“componentmovedata” errors caused by conflicting DLL files. You must
continue to fully reboot workstations following any EDExpress installation.
2394 An icon for 2000-2001 Getting Started online help was added to the
EDESuite Program Group (via the Start button) so this information can be
accessed when EDExpress is not running.
2495 All references to ResetPW.exe have been removed from the Help Text to
provide greater security.
2522 The Federal School Code database table was updated to accurately reflect
certain codes beginning with an “E” as Direct Loan school codes.
2540 Federal School Codes available under Tools/Setup/Global/Institution are
also available as code choices under Tools/Setup/App Express/System and
on the ISIR and FAFSA tabs.
2547 The Global System Setup parameter for “Number of Days to Reprint
Document Tracking Letters?” correctly suppresses the printing of letters
within an appropriate date range for omission.
2567 The Hyphen is now valid field content for creating directories in file
management.
2577 Columns appearing on various grids (File/Open menu and Tools/Browse
options) can be resized.
2604 When using the Repair and Compact utility, the database will always open
without an exclusive lock. A message displays explaining that all users should
be out of the software before the utility is executed.
2610 When upgrading from EDExpress Version 6.1 to Version 6.2, any User-
Defined fields that were created are displayed on the User Data tab and will
be available for printing.
2626 The missing DLL file that is necessary for accessing System Information is
now part of the install process.

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Application Processing
2291 When running an EFC calculation, FAA adjustments to a student record are
included in the calculation.
2388 Application Processing External Export exports ISIR comment code
& information correctly. Also, record layouts for Application Processing File
2390 Format codes do not contain duplicate field listings.
2420 The TG# field on export screens doesn’t allow the entry of a number longer
than five digits. For example, for TG1234, the software allows you to enter
51234 only.
2432 Several ISIR Comment Codes (33, 53, 58, 120) were updated to reflect recent
changes.
2437 Displays an “*” next to the EFC on the SAR/ISIR tab only if the transaction is
selected for verification.
2448 An illegal operation error does not generate when users print multiple times
from the print preview window of the EFC Recalculation screen on the
FAFSA tab.
2479 ISIR Comment Code 245 prints the correct message: "Direct Loan Servicing
Center, Utica, NY, 1-800-848-0979 (00100).”
2488 Selection criteria on Application Processing export screens use Global
Queries instead of Application Processing Queries.
2491 Text for Comment Codes 142 and 144 were revised as follows:
No. 142 - The Immigration and Naturalization Service could not confirm your
statement that you are an eligible alien because there is a question about your
alien registration number. You must submit proof of your alien eligibility to
your school. If you fail to submit proof within 30 days, or longer if your
school allows, you may be found ineligible for federal student aid.
No. 144 - The Immigration and Naturalization Service did not confirm your
statement that you are an eligible alien. You must submit proof of your alien
eligibility to your school. If you fail to submit proof within 30 days, or longer
if your school allows, you may be found ineligible for federal student aid.
2498 FAFSA fields “Father’s Last Name” and “Mother’s Last Name” export from
EDExpress in left-justified format.
2521 ISIR Comment Code 53 no longer triggers the SAR-C flag. Also, the text of
Comment Code 53 was revised to read: “You left ‘Drug Conviction Elig?’
&
blank. IF YOU HAVE A DRUG CONVICTION, you MUST answer this
2656 question. Your failure to accurately answer this question could result in legal
action against you by the U.S. Government. Call 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-
433-3243) or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov on the web to determine your answer to
this item, to make corrections to this item, or if you need additional help. A
drug conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from receiving student
aid.
2534 EDExpress was updated to perform tax calculations using the 2000-2001
standard deduction amounts, exemption amounts, and taxable income ranges.

7
2540 Federal School Codes available under Tools/Setup/Global/Institution are also
available as code choices under Tools/Setup/App Express/System and on the
ISIR and FAFSA tabs.
2554 Application Processing Query allows querying on a value of “3” (Ineligible or
don’t know) for FAFSA Question # 28 (Drug Conviction).
2566 Help no longer references screen 4 for FAA Adjustment.
2575 Any ISIRs imported after the installation of Version 6.2 imports “Assumed
Student is Married” and “Assumed Student’s Marital Status” correctly into the
database. However, this does not resolve the problem for previously imported
ISIRs.
2582 Printed ISIRs display the appropriate Application Source Site data.
2585 Any ISIRs imported after the installation of Version 6.2 imports Application
Receipt Date and Transaction Receipt Date correctly into the database.
However, this does not resolve the problem for previously imported ISIRs.
2588 Users can combine the print screen criteria options of Batch ID and
Transaction Preference? when printing multiple ISIRs and the software
correctly applies the criteria.
2603 On a Duplicate Request, the Electronic Version Number is in the correct
position within the record layout.
2627 We removed the reference to “1998 Total Number of Exemptions” from the
online Help.
2659 ISIR Comment Code 69 reads “Bachelor’s Degree by 7-1-2000.”

Packaging
2409 When using 800 x 600 resolution, the vertical scroll bar no longer appears on
the right side of the screen.
2459 Packaging ISIR import verifies an existing Academic Year Profile code is
selected or typed on the import screen before allowing the import to
proceed.

8
Direct Loan
2522 If you select the Institution button in Direct Loan/Institution setup, the drop-
down menu displays all Direct Loan schools including schools with Direct
Loan School Codes that begin with “E.”
2571 If you update the Loan Period Code for a loan at “N” (Not Ready) status, the
anticipated disbursements are not calculated and remain at zero until the loan
is originated.
2572 You can successfully change a Loan Period Code on a loan record to “01”
when using the External Import Change process.
2573 Online Help includes descriptions on how to link a Stafford loan to a Master
Promissory Note when you are on the Loan tab.
2608 The Last Name sort option for the List Promissory Note report prints records
sorted by Last Name, then First Name and Middle Initial.
2629 When posting subsequent disbursements through the multiple entry process, if
an end of entry edit is prompted for an individual record, the edit lists on the
Edit report and EDExpress completes the updating process.

EDExpress Supports These Printers

We tested the following printers that are Windows NT 4.0, Windows 95, and Windows 98
compatible:
• HP LaserJet 4 • HP LaserJet 4 si • HP LaserJet 5 si MX
• HP LaserJet 4000N • HP LaserJet 5M • HP LaserJet 6 MP
• HP LaserJet 4M • HP LaserJet 5 si • HP LaserJet 8000N
• HP LaserJet 4M Plus

EDExpress Benchmarking
Benchmarking tests on the EDExpress for Windows 6.2 software were performed to
determine how the software operates in certain operating environments.

Imports
Following are the benchmarking results for EDExpress import files. The import process was
tested during normal working hours using different operating systems, PC platforms, and
import files (all files had approximately 400 records). For the network tests, the EDExpress
software was on the workstation and the database was on the server. The server used is a
production server with approximately 200 simultaneous users. From previous benchmarking
activities, we have not seen a performance difference between the NetWare 3.12 environment
and the NT server environment. Thus, only the NetWare network environment is listed below.
The Time Elapsed column indicates the measurement of time starting when the user clicks
OK in the Import dialog box and the import process begins.
OPERATING BENCHMARKING
COMPONENT SYSTEM VOLUME TIME ELAPSED PC PLATFORM
ISIR Import NT 4.0 1000 4 min 36 sec Pentium 200 128MB
ISIR Import Windows 95 1000 4 min 49 sec Pentium 200 64MB
ISIR Import Windows 98 1000 4 min 59 sec Pentium 200 64MB

9
Reports
Following are the benchmarking results for EDExpress reports and lists. These reports were
tested in Windows NT, Windows 95, and Windows 98 on HP LaserJet 4, 4000N, 4M, 4M
Plus, 4 si, 5M, 5 si, 5 si MX, 6 MP, and 8000N printers. These tests were all completed on a
Pentium 200 with 64 MB RAM. The Time Elapsed column indicates the measurement of
time starting when the user clicks OK in the EDExpress Print dialog box and when the
operating system (Windows NT/95/98) print dialog appears. The Benchmarking Volume is
the number of records and approximate number of pages that were printed in the test.
BENCHMARKING
REPORT OPERATING SYSTEM VOLUME TIME ELAPSED
Document Tracking Letter NT 4.0 5 records 5.5 seconds
Document Tracking Letter Windows 95 5 records 5 seconds
Document Tracking Letter Windows 98 5 records 5 seconds
Mailing Labels NT 4.0 65 records 2 seconds
Mailing Labels Windows 95 65 records 2 seconds
Mailing Labels Windows 98 65 records 3 seconds
ISIR NT 4.0 2 records 3 seconds
ISIR Windows 95 2 records 3.5 seconds
ISIR Windows 98 2 records 3 seconds
Processed ISIRs NT 4.0 27 records 1 second
Processed ISIRs Windows 95 27 records 1 second
Processed ISIRs Windows 98 27 records 1 second
Award Letters NT 4.0 3 records 4 seconds
Award Letters Windows 95 3 records 3.5 seconds
Award Letters Windows 98 3 records 3.3 seconds
Packaging Setup NT 4.0 22 pages 5 seconds
Packaging Setup Windows 95 22 pages 4.5 seconds
Packaging Setup Windows 98 22 pages 5 seconds

Packaging
Following are the benchmarking results of the EDExpress Packaging process. Packaging
was benchmarked on a stand-alone Pentium 200 with 64 MB of RAM.
BENCHMARKING
COMPONENT OPERATING SYSTEM VOLUME TIME ELAPSED
Packaging Windows 95 1000 records 31 min
Packaging Windows 98 1000 records 32 min

Direct Loan
Following are the benchmarking results of the EDExpress Direct Loan process. Direct
Loan was benchmarked on a stand-alone Pentium 200 with 64 MB of RAM.
OPERATING BENCHMARKING
COMPONENT SYSTEM VOLUME TIME ELAPSED
ISIR Import Windows 95 1000 records 9 minutes 33 seconds
ISIR Import Windows 98 1000 records 9 minutes 46 seconds
ISIR Import NT 1000 records 9 minutes 30 seconds
External Change Windows 95 1000 records 6 minutes 48 seconds
External Change Windows 98 1000 records 5 minutes 51 seconds
External Change NT 1000 records 6 minutes 3 seconds

10
Promissory Notes
Following are the benchmarking results of the EDExpress Prom Notes process. The tests
were run in Windows NT, Windows 95, and Windows 98 on HP LaserJet 4, 4000N, 4M,
4M Plus, 4 si, 5M, 5 si, 5 si MX, 6 MP, and 8000N printers. These tests were all
completed on a Pentium 200 with 64 MB RAM. The Time Elapsed column indicates the
measurement of time starting when the user clicks OK in the EDExpress Print dialog box
and when the operating system (Windows NT/95/98) print dialog appears. The
Benchmarking Volume is the number of records and approximate number of pages that
were printed in the test.
OPERATING TIME
COMPONENT SYSTEM BENCHMARKING VOLUME ELAPSED
Prom Notes - Staf Win98 2 notes/4 pages: 1 sub, 1 unsub 2 pages 3 seconds
Prom Notes - PLUS Win98 PLUS notes for 2 recs 3 seconds
Prom Notes - Staf Win95 2 notes/4 pages: 1 sub, 1 unsub 2 pages 3 seconds
Prom Notes - PLUS Win95 PLUS notes for 2 recs 2 seconds
Prom Notes - Staf NT 4.0 2 notes/4 pages: 1 sub, 1 unsub 2 pages 5 seconds
Prom Notes - PLUS NT 4.0 PLUS notes for 2 recs 5 seconds
Prom Notes - PLUS Win95 PLUS notes for 2 recs 2 seconds
Prom Notes - Staf Win95 2 notes/4 pages: 1 sub, 1 unsub 2 pages 2 seconds
Prom Notes - PLUS Win98 PLUS notes for 2 recs 3 seconds
Prom Notes - Staf Win98 2 notes/4 pages: 1 sub, 1 unsub 2 pages 3 seconds
Prom Notes - Staf NT 4.0 200 notes/200 pages: 100 sub loans 36 seconds

Pell
Following are the benchmarking results of the EDExpress Pell process. The tests were
run in Windows NT, Windows 95, and Windows 98 on HP LaserJet 3 si, 4, 4000N, 4M,
4M Plus, 4 si, 5M, 5 si, 5 si MX, and 6 MP printers. These tests were all completed on a
Pentium 200 with 64 MB RAM. The Time Elapsed column indicates the measurement of
time starting when the user clicks OK in the EDExpress Print dialog box and when the
operating system (Windows NT/95/98) print dialog appears. The Benchmarking Volume
is the number of records and approximate number of pages that were printed in the test.
OPERATING BENCHMARKING TIME
COMPONENT SYSTEM VOLUME ELAPSED
Pell Disbursement List NT 40 records 3 seconds
Pell Disbursement List Win 95 40 records 3 seconds
Pell Disbursement List Win 98 40 records 3 seconds

11
Upgrading EDExpress to Version 6.2
EDExpress Version 6.2 contains the Pell module for the 2000-2001 cycle. You must
continue to have Windows 95, NT, or 98 as your PC operating system to run this version.
You must also be in compliance with the system requirements outlined in Action Letter
#2 (October 1997).
Version 6.2 is an upgrade to Version 6.1. To use EDExpress Version 6.2, you must
perform the following procedures:
1. Back up your Version 6.1 database.
2. Download the software from the SFAdownload Web site.
3. Install Version 6.2.
4. Perform a database update.
Warning: Before installing EDExpress Version 6.2, make sure you have a reliable
backup of your current 2000-2001 EDExpress database (Expres01.mdb). This step is
extremely important.

Just as you did for EDExpress, Version 6.1, you download the software from the
SFAdownload Web site, http://www.SFAdownload.ed.gov as well as related user
documentation.
If you do not have access to the Internet, or you need assistance connecting to the
SFAdownload Web site or downloading EDExpress in single or multiple file format, call
Title IV WAN Customer Service at 800/615-1189 or e-mail them at
[email protected] to request diskettes.
Note: Some organizations restrict their users from downloading from FTP sites. If
you have trouble downloading, try again later. If you are still unable to download,
contact your technical support staff to ensure you have full FTP download rights.
For further information regarding the EDExpress installation process, see the section
“Reminders” or the EDExpress Installation Guide.

Downloading EDExpress from the Web

Beginning with EDExpress, Version 6.0, you download Department of Education
software and related user documentation from the SFAdownload Web site:
http://www.SFAdownload.ed.gov
EDExpress, Version 6.2, is available on the SFAdownload Web site in two formats. You
can download the software:
• In one file (EDExpress62.exe), or
• In installments that you then copy to a network drive or your hard drive.
If you do not have access to the Internet, or you need assistance connecting to the
SFAdownload Web site or downloading EDExpress in single or multiple file format, call
Title IV WAN Customer Service at 800/615-1189 or e-mail them at
[email protected] to request diskettes.
Note: Some organizations restrict their users from downloading from FTP sites. If
you have trouble downloading, try again later. If you are still unable to download,
contact your technical support staff to ensure you have full FTP download rights.

12
Downloading the Software as One File
1. Go to the URL field located at the top of your browser’s screen and enter the
SFAdownload Web site address:
http://www.SFAdownload.ed.gov
2. Follow the instructions provided and click the Continue button. You are taken to a
“Privacy on Our Web Sites” Web page.
3. Click on any of the links (or scroll down) to read information about Non-personal
Information, Information from E-mails, Information collected from interactive forms,
or Privacy of other records.
4. Click the Continue button to access the Web site containing the software you want to
download. A brief description of the software is provided.
5. Click EDExpress 2000-2001 to the left of this description. You are taken to the
downloading site.
6. Click the Full Download link to download the program in one file. A Save As…
dialog box appears.
7. Choose a location on your hard disk to save the file, then press the Save button. The
length of time it takes to download the software depends largely on the speed of your
Internet connection.

Downloading the Software in Installments

1. Go to the URL field located at the top of your browser’s screen and type the
SFAdownload Web site address:
http://www.SFAdownload.ed.gov
2. Follow the instructions provided and click the Continue button. You will be taken to
a “Privacy on Our Web Sites” Web page.
3. Click on any of the links (or scroll down) to read information about Non-personal
Information, Information from E-mails, Information collected from interactive forms,
or Privacy of other records.
4. Click the Continue button to access the Web site containing the software you want to
download. A brief description of the software is provided.
5. Click EDExpress 2000-2001 to the left of this description. You are taken to the
downloading site.
6. Click Disk 1 to download only disk 1’s data. A Save As… dialog box appears.
7. Choose the location on your hard drive to save the file. Click Save. The length of
time it takes to download the software depends largely on the speed of your Internet
connection.
8. Click Disk 2 to download only disk 2’s data. When the Save As… dialog box appears
again, make sure you are saving Disk 2’s data to the same directory as you saved
Disk 1’s data.

13
9. Click on each of the succeeding disks until all of them have been saved to the same
location on your hard disk. You create a directory structure like this:
\Install
\Install\DISK 1
\Install\DISK 2
\Install\DISK 3
\Install\DISK 4
\Install\DISK 5
\Install\DISK 6
\Install\DISK 7
\Install\DISK 8
\Install\DISK 9
10. Once the software disk files are downloaded to your hard drive, go to that location
and double-click on Disk 1. Double-click on the Setup.exe file to open and install the
software. Disk 1 and Disk 2 are self-extracting zip files. See the section “Installing
EDExpress, Version 6.2” beginning on page 18 for installation instructions.

Downloading the Documentation

You can download the paper documentation from the Internet in Adobe PDF and
Microsoft Word format. The following types of paper documentation are available to
download:
• Cover Letter
• Installation Guide
• Technical Reference
Each document has the date it was posted, file size, and approximate download time.
However, the length of time it takes to download a paper document depends on the speed
of your Internet connection.
To download paper documentation:
1. Go to the URL field located at the top of your browser’s screen and type the Student
Financial Assistance (SFA) download Web site address:
http://www.SFAdownload.ed.gov
2. Follow the instructions provided and click the Continue button. You are taken to a
“Privacy on Our Web Sites” Web page.
3. Click on any of the links (or scroll down) to read information about Non-personal
Information, Information from E-mails, Information collected from interactive forms,
or Privacy of other records.
4. Click the Continue button to access the Web site containing the document(s) you
want to download. A brief description of the documentation’s software is provided.
5. Click EDExpress 2000-2001 to the left of this description. You are taken to the
downloading site.
6. Click on the type of documentation you want to download.
7. If you select an Adobe PDF formatted file, click File, Save As from the menu bar,
select a location on your hard disk, and then click the Save button to save the file.
8. If you select a Microsoft Word formatted file, a dialog box will appear. Click on Save
it to disk, choose a location to save the file and press the Save button.

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9. For either type of file, the Web site is designed to give it a default name; however,
you may choose another name for the file if you prefer.
10. Once the paper document has been downloaded on your hard disk, go to that location
and double-click on the file to open and/or print it.

Installing EDExpress, Version 6.2

After downloading EDExpress, Version 6.2, you must install the software. To upgrade
from EDExpress, Version 6.1 to Version 6.2, you must perform the following procedures:
1. Back up your EDExpress, Version 6.1 database.
2. Install Version 6.2. You must perform your upgrades in version number order. If you
have not yet updated from Version 6.0 to Version 6.1, please do so prior to upgrading
to Version 6.2.
Warning: Your 1999-2000 EDExpress database (expres90.mdb) may become damaged if
the Version 6.2 updatedb.mdb file is installed into the directory containing your 1999-
2000 database. If the updatedb.mdb file and your 1999-2000 EDExpress database are in
the same directory, it is possible that the 1999-2000 EDExpress database will attempt to
use the updatedb.mdb file to modify itself upon start-up of the software, leading to data
loss or corruption.
To avoid this problem:
• Create reliable daily backups of your 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 EDExpress
databases;
• Do not store both your 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 EDExpress databases in the
same directory on your hard drive or server;
• CPS Customer Service recommends accepting the default installation directories
when performing a stand-alone installation. If you choose to change the default
installation path, verify you are selecting the correct directory location of your
Version 6.1 database and not the directory location of your 1999-2000
EDExpress database.
If you do have both 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 EDExpress databases in the same
directory and are unable to store them in separate locations:
• Keep all users out of both 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 EDExpress while you
upgrade to Version 6.2;
• Run the Version 6.2 upgrade install on ALL relevant PC workstations that access
2000-2001 EDExpress, rebooting each PC as the install completes;
• While continuing to keep all users out of 1999-2000 EDExpress, access 2000-
2001 EDExpress and log in so the Version 6.2 updatedb.mdb will run and
perform some necessary database updates;
• When the update process completes, you can allow users back into both versions
of EDExpress.
For further information regarding the EDExpress installation process, consult the 2000-
2001 EDExpress Installation Guide. If you have questions, call CPS Customer Service at
800/330-5947.

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Installing to a Stand-alone Computer
1. Back up your EDExpress, Version 6.1 database.
2. Close all running applications, including screensavers, e-mail notifiers, etc.
3. Go to Start, Run and type the program directory where you downloaded the
software. Verify the program directory displayed is correct. If it is not correct, please
change it to the program directory where your EDExpress file is installed. This action
will extract the necessary install files and automatically launch the install program.
• If you downloaded in one file, the name of the file should be EDExpress62.exe.
Choose this file.
• If you downloaded the software in separate diskettes, double-click Disk1.exe to
extract the files. Continue the same process with disk 2, etc. (Disk 1 and 2 are
self-extracting files.)
4. Select the Custom install option if you are upgrading from 6.1 to 6.2. Choose Full
install option 2000 -2001 if you are installing it for the first time.
5. Mark the checkbox for any modules you use (so module fixes can be installed) if you
are doing a custom install.
Warning: Do NOT mark the “Database” checkbox unless you are performing a first-
time installation or you wish to overwrite your Version 6.1 database. Remember, if
you choose to overwrite your database, all data previously entered will be lost.
6. Reboot your PC.
7. Log on to EDExpress to allow the software to perform a one-time-only database
update. This update loads important changes and fixes to your database structure.

Installing to a Network
If you have multiple workstations accessing a networked EDExpress database,
1. Copy the install file from PC to PC, running the install on each as you proceed. Or
run the installation program from the network drive it is saved to.
2. Reboot each PC after you have finished installing the software.
3. After completing all of your workstation installations, access the software from one
workstation only to allow the database update to perform successfully.

Installing from Diskette

The primary method for installing EDExpress on your computer is by downloading the
software from the SFAdownload page. If that method is unavailable, call Title IV WAN
Customer Service at 800/615-1189 or e-mail them at [email protected] and request
diskettes.

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Reminders

Back Up Your Database Weekly

Before you upgrade your EDExpress to Version 6.2, you must back up your Version 6.1
database so that you do not lose your data if an installation problem occurs.
You should back up your EDExpress database file, EXPRES01.MDB, regularly. We
recommend backing up your files at least weekly.
EDExpress for Windows does not include a backup utility. You must use your own
backup software. You should test your backup software to verify its reliability to
successfully restore your backups.

Optimize Your Database by Using Software Utilities

The EDExpress for Windows software contains utilities that allow you to optimize your
database if you encounter problems. We recommend that you repair, compact, and verify
your database once a week. Once all three functions are successful, back up the database
(see above).
Run the database utilities in the following order:
• Repair database
• Compact database
• Verify database

For specific information regarding repair, compact, and verify, see the appropriate section
below.

Run the Repair Database Utility

The repair database utility resolves inconsistencies (also called database corruption) in
record storage. Events such as a power outage or a LAN failure can corrupt your database
if it occurs while EDExpress for Windows updates your records.
EDExpress may not detect database corruption, so if your system behaves unpredictably
(for example, you start getting database error messages), use the Repair Database Utility.
Running this utility weekly helps to prevent database problems.
Warning: Before using this utility, be sure you have space on your hard drive that is
at least equal to the current size of the database.

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Improve Performance by Using the Compact Database Utility
The compact database utility improves the performance of EDExpress for Windows by
optimizing the database (EXPRES01.MDB) file and reclaiming space on your
computer’s hard drive. As you add, modify, or delete records in EDExpress for Windows,
the database file can become fragmented.
Running this utility weekly makes the database files smaller and improves system
performance.
Warning: Before using this utility, be sure you have hard drive space available at
least equal to the current size of the database.

Prevent Problems by Using the Verify Database Utility

The verify database function checks for data relationship integrity in your database. If
EDExpress for Windows crashes or abnormally halts processing, a record may be missing
one of its associated records. Verify Database recreates the missing record.
Running this function weekly helps to prevent problems.
Warning: Before using this utility, be sure you have hard drive space available at
least equal to the current size of the database.

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