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Self Help (FAQs)

Q: How do I get my customer number for Payroll Made E-Z, Accounting Made E-Z or Accounting For Contractors?

A: You must register the product with The Business Centers (the author of this software) to get your customer number.

  1. Call 877.837.4068.
  2. Inform your service representative that you have purchased a Socrates Product. Please ask your service representative to supply you with a customer number and the most current contact information and a one-time free tax table update.
  3. Enter the customer number in the start-up screen. You will no longer see that screen and you will have unlimited use of your product.

You can also register on The Business Centers' Web site at www.thebusinesscenters.com. If you do this, you will not receive your customer number immediately. You will receive a phone call or an e-mail with your customer number.

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Q: How do I update my tax tables for Payroll Made E-Z, Accounting Made E-Z or Accounting For Contractors?

A: Please follow the steps above to register the product. When you register you should receive a one-time free tax table update to bring your tax tables up to date as of the date you purchased the software. You can also buy additional tax table subscriptions from The Business Centers at 877.837.4068.

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Q: How do I get technical support for Payroll Made E-Z, Accounting Made E-Z or Accounting For Contractors?

A: The technical support for these products is provided by the author of the software, The Business Centers.

  1. Call 877.837.4068.
  2. Or visit www.thebusinesscenters.com.

Have your customer number ready when contacting The Business Centers. (To retrieve your customer number, move your cursor to the top of the screen and put it on top of the word "help." Click "help" and then drop down to click on the word "About." A pop-up screen will tell you about your program. Look at the bottom-left-hand corner. You will see your customer number and the version number of your program.)

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Q: How do I register or get support for the Accounting, Payroll, and Forms Manager 3 disc set?

A: This software is partially written by another company, Simply Accounting. The “Accounting, Payroll Forms Users Guide” disk and the “Accounting, Payroll & Forms Manager Software” disk are supported by Simply Accounting. Additionally, registration of the whole package is handled by Simply Accounting. For either of these issues, please contact Simply Accounting (www.simplyaccounting.com) or by phone at 888.522.2722. For support of the Business Forms & Accounting & Finance Dictionary disk, please contact Socrates customer service.

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Q: How do I download my form?

  1. Log in to "Your Account" using the link in the upper right corner of any page at Socrates.com
  2. Click on "Order History."
  3. Click on the order you are trying to download and then click on the name of the Product. The following applies to Internet Explorer users only: The download process should begin after you click on the name of the product.. Internet Explorer will prompt you to open or save the file. Click on save.
  4. The next window will let you choose where on your computer the downloaded file will be saved. Under "save in" be sure to select a location where the file can be easily located.
  5. The download will commence and a window will alert you when the download is complete. Click "close."
  6. Go to the location you selected for the download in step 5 and double-click on the icon.
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Q: Where did my download get saved on my computer?

A: Where the file downloaded on your computer depends where your browser was set to put it. If you cannot find your download you can download it again. For directions to do this please return to the top of this FAQ page and click "How do I download my order." Step 5 in this process will instruct you on how to designate where the file will be downloaded and saved on your computer. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I unzip my download?

  1. Double-click on the zip file.
  2. A screen will appear titled "WinZip Self-Extractor."
  3. Click on "Browse" and you can select where you would like the files to go when unzipped. Do this by clicking on a location in this window. We recommend selecting "Desktop." After you have selected a location, click "OK" and then click "Unzip."
  4. If the unzip is successful, you will see a screen that says, "X file(s) unzipped successfully." Click "OK" and then go to the location you chose for unzipping the files in step 4. Your product will be there in the form of several .pdf, .doc. or .xls files.
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Q: Why won't the form open?

A: If when you double-click on an Adobe form (.pdf file) nothing happens, you most likely do not have Adobe Reader installed. Some of our forms require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. You can download a free version of this software at www.adobe.com. If you know that you have Adobe Reader 6.0 or later installed and that it is working correctly, it may not be set to open .pdf files. Uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe should resolve this. Or you can contact our Customer Service department to reset this connection manually.

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Q: Why is the form opening as "gibberish"?

A: One of two things is wrong. First, you must determine the file type of the file you are opening. Go to the location of the file and right click on the file. On the grey menu that appears select "Properties." Under the "General" tab, check what it says under "type of file." If it says "Adobe Acrobat Document" or "Microsoft Word Document," then it is opening as gibberish because it is opening in the wrong program. Adobe files must be opened with Adobe Reader or Acrobat. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy at www.adobe.com. Microsoft Word documents must be opened in Microsoft Word. To open the file in the appropriate program, first open that program. From the "file" menu select "open" and then browse to find the file you are trying to open.

If the "type of file" says "Application," then it is gibberish because you are trying to open this file through another program. Applications must be run by double clicking on the file itself. You can also go to the file, right click on it and select "Run As" in the grey menu that appears.

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Q: How do I download my order?

  1. Log in to "Your Account" using the link in the upper right corner of any page at Socrates.com
  2. Click on "Order History."
  3. Click on the order you are trying to download and then click on the name of the product.
  4. The following applies to Internet Explorer users only: The download process will begin. Internet Explorer will prompt you to open or save the file. Click on save.
  5. The next window will let you choose where on your computer the downloaded file will be saved. Be sure to select a location where the file can be easily located.
  6. The download will commence and a window will alert you when the download is complete. Click "close."
  7. Go to the location you selected for the download in step 5 and double-click on the icon.
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Q: Where did my download get saved on my computer?

A: Where the file downloaded on your computer depends where your browser saved it. If you cannot find your download you can download it again. For directions to do this please return to the top of this FAQ page and click "How do I download my order." Step 5 in this process will instruct you on how to designate where the file will be downloaded and saved on your computer. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find.

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Q: How do I install the program?

A: You should have a file starting with HR, SS or SW. To install the software, double-click on this file. The Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation process.

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Q: Where is my program installed?

A: If you did not change the installation destination during the installation process, there will be an icon on your desktop called "Socrates Product Browser." You can also open your program by clicking on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen and going to "(All) Programs." There will be a program called "Socrates Product Browser" listed in the "Socrates Media" program group here.

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Q: What is the Socrates Media Product Browser?

A: This is the program that allows you to access the forms, documents and other files that are part of the product you bought.

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Q: What is the .NET Framework?

A: This is a Microsoft application that is required for our software to run. It comes already installed with Windows XP. If you have an earlier version of Windows, you can download this for free here. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find. Microsoft has released a Service Pack to repair known security issues with the .NET Framework. It can be downloaded for free here. The Service Pack must be installed after installing the .NET Framework. The latest version of the Socrates Media Product Browser requires the .NET Framework Service Pack.

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Q: How do I get Adobe Reader?

A: Many of our forms are .pdf files that require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. If you do not have this installed on your computer, you can download it for free at www.adobe.com. On the Adobe site, please click on the button on the left side of the page called, "Get Adobe Reader."

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Q: Why does my product not show up under registered products in the Product Browser?

A: You must install the software content for each software title you purchase. If the product does not appear under registered products in the Socrates Media Product Browser, it probably has not yet been installed.

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Q: How do I uninstall the program?

A: You can uninstall your program by using the "Add or Remove Programs" utility in the "Control Panel". The "Control Panel" can be found by clicking on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen. Next open "Add or Remove Programs", select your Socrates product from the list and click the "Remove" button. To insure your program has been uninstalled completely, please browse to the installation location of your program on your computer's hard drive using "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer". The default installation location of your product is "C:\Program Files\SocratesMedia". If this folder exists after uninstalling the product using "Add or Remove Programs", please delete it by right-clicking on it and selecting "Delete" from the menu that appears.

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Q: Where is my program installed?

A: If you did not change the installation destination during the installation process, there will be an icon on your desktop called "Socrates Product Browser." You can also open your program by clicking on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen and going to "(All) Programs." There will be a program called "Socrates Product Browser" listed in the "Socrates Media" program group here.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: What is the Socrates Media Product Browser?

A: This is the program that allows you to access the forms, documents and other files that are part of the product you bought.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: What is the .NET Framework?

A: This is a Microsoft application that is required for our software to run. It comes already installed with Windows XP. If you have an earlier version of Windows, you can download this for free here. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find. Microsoft has released a Service Pack to repair known security issues with the .NET Framework. It can be downloaded for free here. The Service Pack must be installed after installing the .NET Framework. The latest version of the Socrates Media Product Browser requires the .NET Framework Service Pack.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I get Adobe Reader?

A: Many of our forms are .pdf files that require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. If you do not have this installed on your computer, you can download it for free at www.adobe.com. On the Adobe site, please click on the button on the left side of the page called, "Get Adobe Reader."

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Q: Why does my product not show up under registered products in the Product Browser?

A: You must enter either a temporary registration key or a permanent registration key in the Socrates Media Product Browser in order for your product to appear under registered products. Entering a temporary registration key only allows you to view your product a limited number of times. In order to fully activate your product, you must enter a permanent registration key for that product in the Socrates Media Product Browser. For directions on obtaining a permanent registration key, please return to the FAQ main page and click "How do I get my permanent registration key?"

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Q: How do I register this product?

  1. Click on "Your Account" in the upper-right corner of any page on Socrates.com.
  2. New Members should click "Create Free Account" and follow the instructions to create an account.
  3. Existing members please log in with your e-mail address and password.
  4. Once you are logged in, go to "Your Account" and click "Register Your Purchased Products."
  5. Please follow the directions provided on the registration page.
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Q: What is a temporary registration key?

A: A temporary registration key is an 8 or 35-digit code that can be entered in the Socrates Media Product Browser to activate the installed software. Your temporary registration key is located on a paper insert that should have been in the case with your CD. This code will only allow you to view your product a limited number of times. To fully activate your product, you must enter a permanent registration key for that product in the Socrates Media Product Browser. For directions on obtaining a permanent registration key, please return to the FAQ main page and click "How do I get my permanent registration key?"

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Q: How do I get my permanent registration key?

A: First, please register your product on Socrates.com using the temporary registration key that came with your product. Your permanent registration key will be generated during this process. For directions on registering your product, please return to the FAQ main page and click "How do I register this product?" Once registered, you can also look up your permanent registration key by going to "Your Account" and clicking on "View Your Registered Products." You should see a list of all of your registered products and their associated permanent registration keys.

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Q: How do I uninstall the program?

A: You can uninstall your program by using the "Add or Remove Programs" utility in the "Control Panel". The "Control Panel" can be found by clicking on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen. Next open "Add or Remove Programs", select your Socrates product from the list and click the "Remove" button. To insure your program has been uninstalled completely, please browse to the installation location of your program on your computer's hard drive using "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer". The default installation location of your product is "C:\Program Files\SocratesMedia". If this folder exists after uninstalling the product using "Add or Remove Programs", please delete it by right-clicking on it and selecting "Delete" from the menu that appears.

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Q: How do I register this product?

  1. Click on "Your Account" the upper-right corner of any page on Socrates.com.
  2. New Members should click "Create Free Account" and follow the instructions to create an account.
  3. Existing members please log in with your e-mail address and password.
  4. Once you are logged in, go to "Your Account" and click "Register Your Purchased Products."
  5. Please follow the directions provided on the registration page.
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Q: How do I get my bonus download?

  1. First, you must create an account if you have not already done so. Create an account by clicking on the "Your Account" link in the upper right corner of any page on Socrates.com. If you already have an account simply log in with your e-mail address and password under "Existing Members."
  2. New members click "Create Free Account" and enter an e-mail address and create a password.
  3. Next click on the "Bonus Download" link on the left side of the page.
  4. Enter your six digit code in the window on the left and hit "Go," or enter the six digit code in the bonus code window in the middle of the page and hit "Get Your Download."
  5. A window will appear at the bottom of the page with a yellow bar and the name of the form. Click on "Download."
  6. This should begin the download process. Internet Explorer will prompt you to open or save the file. We suggest saving it.
  7. The next window will let you choose where on your computer the downloaded file will be saved. Do this under "save in" at the top of the window. Be sure to select a location where the file can be easily located.
  8. The download will commence and a window will alert you when the download is complete. Click "close."
  9. Go to the location you selected for the download in step 5 and double-click on the icon.
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Q: Do I have to create an account to get the bonus download?

A: Yes. As it says in the packaging, your code is valid for 60 days from registration. If you are concerned about giving out your personal information, you may opt out of receiving any future correspondence from us. You can also see our privacy policy for more detailed information.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Where did my download get saved on my computer?

A: Where the file downloaded on your computer depends where your browser was set to put it. If you cannot find your download, you can download it again. For directions to do this please return to the top of this FAQ page and click "How do I get my bonus download?" Step 5 in this process will allow you to designate where the file will be downloaded and saved on your computer. We suggest choosing the Desktop as this will be the easiest to find.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I unzip my download?

  1. Double-click on the zip file.
  2. A screen will appear titled "WinZip Self-Extractor."
  3. Click on "Browse" and you can select where you would like the files to go when unzipped. Do this by clicking on a location in this window. We recommend selecting "Desktop." After you have selected a location, click "OK" and then click "Unzip."
  4. If the unzip is successful, you will see a screen that says, "X file(s) unzipped successfully." Click "OK" and then go to the location you chose for unzipping the files in step 4. Your product will be there in the form of several .pdf, .doc. or .xls files.
Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Why won't the form open?

A: If when you double-click on an Adobe form (.pdf file) nothing happens, you most likely do not have Adobe Reader installed. Some of our forms require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. You can download a free version of this software at www.adobe.com. If you know that you have Adobe Reader 6.0 or later installed and that it is working correctly, it may not be set to open .pdf files. Uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe should resolve this. Or you can contact our Customer Service department to reset this connection manually.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Why is the form opening as "gibberish"?

A: One of two things is wrong. First, you must determine the file type of the file you are opening. Go to the location of the file and right click on the file. On the grey menu that appears select "Properties." Under the "General" tab, check what it says under "type of file." If it says "Adobe Acrobat Document" or "Microsoft Word Document," then it is opening as gibberish because it is opening in the wrong program. Adobe files must be opened with Adobe Reader or Acrobat. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy at www.adobe.com. Microsoft Word documents must be opened in Microsoft Word. To open the file in the appropriate program, first open that program. From the "file" menu select "open" and then browse to find the file you are trying to open.

If the "type of file" says "Application," then it is gibberish because you are trying to open this file through another program. Applications must be run by double clicking on the file itself. You can also go to the file, right click on it and select "Run As" in the grey menu that appears.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I get my bonus download?

  1. First, you must create an account if you have not already done so. Create an account by clicking on the "Your Account" link in the upper right corner of any page on Socrates.com. If you already have an account simply log in with your e-mail address and password under "Existing Members."
  2. New members click "Create Free Account" and enter an e-mail address and create a password.
  3. Next click on the "Bonus Download" link on the left side of the page.
  4. Enter your six digit code in the window on the left and hit "Go," or enter the six digit code in the bonus code window in the middle of the page and hit "Get Your Download."
  5. A window will appear at the bottom of the page with a yellow bar and the name of the form. Click on "Download."
  6. This should begin the download process. Internet Explorer will prompt you to open or save the file. We suggest saving it.
  7. The next window will let you choose where on your computer the downloaded file will be saved. Do this under "save in" at the top of the window. Be sure to select a location where the file can be easily located.
  8. The download will commence and a window will alert you when the download is complete. Click "close."
  9. Go to the location you selected for the download in step 5 and double-click on the icon.
Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I register this product?

  1. Click on "Your Account" the upper-right corner of any page on Socrates.com.
  2. New Members should click "Create Free Account" and follow the instructions to create an account.
  3. Existing members please log in with your e-mail address and password.
  4. Once you are logged in, go to "Your Account" and click "Register Your Purchased Products."
  5. Please follow the directions provided on the registration page.
Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Do I have to create an account to get the bonus download?

A: Yes. As it says in the packaging, your code is valid for 60 days from registration. If you are concerned about giving out your personal information, you may opt out of receiving any future correspondence from us. You can also see our privacy policy for more detailed information.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Where did my download get saved on my computer?

A: Where the file downloaded on your computer depends where your browser was set to put it. If you cannot find your download you can download it again. For directions to do this please return to the top of this FAQ page and click "How do I download my order." Step 5 in this process will instruct you on how to designate where the file will be downloaded and saved on your computer. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I unzip my download?

  1. Double-click on the zip file.
  2. A screen will appear titled "WinZip Self-Extractor."
  3. Click on "Browse" and you can select where you would like the files to go when unzipped. Do this by clicking on a location in this window. We recommend selecting "Desktop." After you have selected a location, click "OK" and then click "Unzip."
  4. Once you are logged in, go to "Your Account" and click "Register Your Purchased Products."
  5. If the unzip is successful, you will see a screen that says, "X file(s) unzipped successfully." Click "OK" and then go to the location you chose for unzipping the files in step 4. Your product will be there in the form of several .pdf, .doc. or .xls files.
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Q: My kit has a CD, how do I install it?

A: This CD does not have to be installed. You can access the information from the CD at anytime by following these instructions:

  1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.
  2. Click on "My Computer."
  3. Click on the drive in which the CD is inserted (usually D:/ or E:/).
  4. Once you open this drive, you should see a list of the files on the CD.
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Q: Where do I put this bonus code on your Web site?

A: On the right side of the Socrates.com homepage please click on the link called "Bonus Downloads". You will be prompted to log in. If you have an account please log in. If you do not have an account please click on "Create Free Account" under the New Members section. Once logged in you will be able to enter your code for access to your bonus download.

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Q: Where do I find the bonus code?

A: If you have a form the code will be at the bottom on the back of the instruction sheet. If you have a kit the code will be on the bottom of the front cover of the user manual.

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Q: What is the zero with a slash through it?

A: This is just a regular zero.The slash is intended to distinguish it from the letter O.

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Q: Do I have to create an account to get the bonus download?

A: Yes. As it says in the packaging, your code is valid for 60 days from registration. If you are concerned about giving out your personal information, you may opt out of receiving any future correspondence from us. You can also see our privacy policy for more detailed information.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Where did my download get saved on my computer?

A: Where the file downloaded on your computer depends where your browser was set to put it. If you cannot find your download you can download it again. For directions to do this please return to the top of this FAQ page and click "How do I download my order." Step 5 in this process will instruct you on how to designate where the file will be downloaded and saved on your computer. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: How do I unzip my download?

  1. Double-click on the zip file.
  2. A screen will appear titled "WinZip Self-Extractor."
  3. Click on "Browse" and you can select where you would like the files to go when unzipped. Do this by clicking on a location in this window. We recommend selecting "Desktop." After you have selected a location, click "OK" and then click "Unzip."
  4. Once you are logged in, go to "Your Account" and click "Register Your Purchased Products."
  5. If the unzip is successful, you will see a screen that says, "X file(s) unzipped successfully." Click "OK" and then go to the location you chose for unzipping the files in step 4. Your product will be there in the form of several .pdf, .doc. or .xls files.
Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Why won't the form open?

A: If when you double-click on an Adobe form (.pdf file) nothing happens, you most likely do not have Adobe Reader installed. Some of our forms require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. You can download a free version of this software at www.adobe.com. If you know that you have Adobe Reader 6.0 or later installed and that it is working correctly, it may not be set to open .pdf files. Uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe should resolve this. Or you can contact our Customer Service department to reset this connection manually.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Why is the form opening as "gibberish"?

A: One of two things is wrong. First, you must determine the file type of the file you are opening. Go to the location of the file and right click on the file. On the grey menu that appears select "Properties." Under the "General" tab, check what it says under "type of file." If it says "Adobe Acrobat Document" or "Microsoft Word Document," then it is opening as gibberish because it is opening in the wrong program. Adobe files must be opened with Adobe Reader or Acrobat. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy at www.adobe.com. Microsoft Word documents must be opened in Microsoft Word. To open the file in the appropriate program, first open that program. From the "file" menu select "open" and then browse to find the file you are trying to open.

If the "type of file" says "Application," then it is gibberish because you are trying to open this file through another program. Applications must be run by double clicking on the file itself. You can also go to the file, right click on it and select "Run As" in the grey menu that appears.

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Q: How do I register a Made E-Z product?

A: You can register your product by emailing us with the following information and we can complete the registration process for you:

  • First and Last Name
  • Organization (if applicable)
  • Type of Business (if applicable)
  • Address
  • Phone
  • Fax
  • E-mail Address
  • Product Name
  • Product Reorder Number (SKU number)
  • Date of Purchase
  • Place of Purchase
  • Would you like to be notified about new products, updates, and events?
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Q: Why does it say that I am not connected to the Internet?

A: The software contains an automatic link that is trying to connect you to the Internet. The address in this link is incorrect; however it is hard coded into the software and thus cannot be removed. To complete the installation, please click "register later." You do not need to register in order to use the software.

At this point the installation window will close. To access the program or form, please click on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen. Then click "Programs" (or "All programs" in some versions of Windows XP). On your program menu you should find a folder called "Made E-Z Products" or "Legal Software." Your program or form will be in this folder.

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Q: How do I register a Made E-Z product?

A: You can register your product by emailing us with the following information and we can complete the registration process for you:

  • First and Last Name
  • Organization (if applicable)
  • Type of Business (if applicable)
  • Address
  • Phone
  • Fax
  • E-mail Address
  • Product Name
  • Product Reorder Number (SKU number)
  • Date of Purchase
  • Place of Purchase
  • Would you like to be notified about new products, updates, and events?
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Q: Where is my program?

A: After you download and install our software you will be able to access the program from the Microsoft "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen. Once you have clicked the "Start" button, please select "(All) Programs", and then select "Made E-Z Products". At this location you will find the software title. Double click on the title to launch the software. There is also a "ReadMe" file which you should read first. If you do not see your software in this location, please be aware you may have installed it to a different location or may not have completed the installation to your computer.

To create a shortcut icon on your desktop, right click on the software title and then select "Send to". From the "Send to" menu please select "Desktop (Create Shortcut)".

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Q: Why won't the forms open when I click on them?

A: If when you double-click on your Adobe form (.pdf file) nothing happens, you most likely do not have Adobe Reader installed. Some of our forms require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. You can download a free version of this software at www.adobe.com. If you know that you have Adobe Reader 6.0 or later installed and that it is working correctly, it may not be set to open .pdf files. Uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe should resolve this. Or you can contact our Customer Service department to reset this connection manually.

Return to FAQ Main Page

Q: Why is the form opening as "gibberish"?

A: One of two things is wrong. First, you must determine the file type of the file you are opening. Go to the location of the file and right click on the file. On the grey menu that appears select "Properties." Under the "General" tab, check what is says under "type of file." If it says "Adobe Acrobat Document" or "Microsoft Word Document," then it is opening as gibberish because it is opening in the wrong program. Adobe files must be opened with Adobe Reader or Acrobat. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy at www.adobe.com. Microsoft Word documents must be opened in Microsoft Word. To open the file in the appropriate program, first open that program. From the "file" menu select "open" and then browse to find the file you are trying to open.

If the "type of file" says "Application," then it is gibberish because you are trying to open this file through another program. Applications must be run by double clicking on the file itself. You can also go to the file, right click on it and select "Run As" in the grey menu that appears.

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Q: Does Socrates still support Made E-Z products?

A: Yes. The name is different, but Socrates still supports all Made E-Z products.

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Q: Does Socrates offer legal advice?

A: This Web site is an on-line legal information service. We are not a law firm and we cannot provide you with legal advice. The legal information and legal documents contained in the Web site are general legal information and should not be read as legal advice to be applied to a specific situation. Because the law differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may be interpreted or applied differently depending on your location or situation, the information on this Web site is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

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Q: Does Socrates publish state-specific forms?

A: Socrates does publish many state-specific forms. However, state and local regulations govern issues, and form requirements vary considerably. Where applicable, Socrates products provide addresses and phone numbers for obtaining these forms from state or regional offices. The following are forms that you must obtain from state and local agencies:

Articles of Incorporation. Each state uses its own specific forms, available from the Department of Incorporation or Secretary of State. Addresses and phone numbers are listed in the Socrates Incorporation Kit.

Bankruptcy local district forms. The Socrates Bankruptcy Kit includes federal forms. Bankruptcy district courts requiring locally specific forms generally will tell petitioners where to obtain those forms or will supply the forms themselves.

Changing a C corporation to an S Corporation. The S corporation election is a post-incorporation issue. Forms are available from any local IRS office.

Child support modification.

Eviction forms. The court issues eviction orders. Prior to obtaining such an order, the landlord generally must give the tenant the opportunity to pay arrears or face legal proceedings. Socrates publishes a Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, the form necessary to start the eviction proceedings.

Homestead exemption. Forms are specific to the county in which the homestead is located. Contact your local county appraisers office.

Legal name change.

Legal separation. This is a completely separate action from obtaining a divorce and requires use of an attorney.

Premarital agreements.

Real estate forms. While each of the more than 20,000 counties in the United States uses its own set of forms, Socrates forms are generally accepted by most real estate boards and courts.

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Q: Which legal issues are NOT recommended for do-it-yourselfers?

A: Blank contracts. Socrates publishes a General Agreement, which both parties can customize to fit their needs. However, contracts are complicated; unless you are completely comfortable drafting your own contract, seek an attorney.

Contested divorce. If your spouse is missing or unwilling to sign divorce papers, you will need to obtain a lawyer. You may be able to serve a spouse by publication; check with the clerk of the divorce court first.

Irrevocable trusts, charitable remainder trusts, insurance trusts and Q-tip trusts. These involve customization requiring an attorney.

Litigation. The applicable forms vary considerably. This is a complicated process that should not be attempted without an attorney.

Nonprofit incorporation. Forms are available from the Secretary of State or Department of Incorporation. Socrates Incorporation products do not cover nonprofit organizations.

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Q: What are the system requirements for Socrates software?

A: The system requirements for Socrates software are as follows:

  • CD-ROM Drive
  • Windows 2000 or XP
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or higher
  • Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher
  • Microsoft Word 2000 or higher
  • Microsoft Excel 2000 or higher
  • Microsoft .NET Framework (preinstalled in XP, otherwise via free download)
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Q: What is Socrates' return policy?

A: Please click here for our return policy.

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   Socrates products are carried at Office Depot, OfficeMax and Staples.
All Socrates products and services are reviewed and approved by attorneys, accountants or industry experts. If you have any questions, call us at 1.312.762.5680 or email us at customerservice@socrates.com. Please note: These products are not intended to provide legal or financial advice or substitute for the advice of an attorney or advisor.
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