Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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SofTest System Requirements and Registration Process

  1. What are the minimum system requirements to run SofTest effectively?
  2. Can I use the System Restore feature of Windows after installing SofTest in order to repair problems with my computer?
  3. If I have Asian language settings, will I still be able to use SofTest?
  4. I am an Apple Macintosh user, can I install SofTest on my mac?
  5. How can I prevent/stop my antivirus from blocking SofTest?
  6. Can I take exams with SofTest on my virtual operating system/using virtualization software?

SofTest Download, Install & Uninstall Questions

  1. Microsoft Office 2000: Why am I unable to open Microsoft Word after installing SofTest?
  2. Windows Vista: Why do I get prompted with “Windows needs your permission to continue” when I try to run SofTest?
  3. Why am I told during SofTest installation that I do not have Administrative level rights?

SofTest Registration

  1. How do I register SofTest for use at two different schools or two bar exams?

Practice Exam

  1. Can I print or save answers that I type into the Practice Exam?
  2. The spellchecker is available on my Practice Exams. Will it be available on my actual exam?
  3. Does the format of the Practice Exam directly reflect the format of my actual exam?

During Exam Questions & Errors

  1. SofTest does not open or fails to open a secure exam. I have AOL Spyware Protection installed.
  2. Why does SofTest return to Windows every time I start an exam?
  3. I am experiencing lag time between when I type a character and when it appears on the screen.
  4. Windows Vista: Why do I see a message telling me to check my security settings as SofTest is rebooting into secure mode?
  5. My computer continually reboots into SofTest after I take a secure exam.

Exam Download/Upload - FlexSite Clients (Use Internet to Deliver Exams)

  1. How do I download exam files and upload answer files?
  2. What should I do if I have a firewall installed and I am I am unable to register and/or upload my answers?

General Exam Taker Questions

  1. Why am I told that I do not have an Internet connection in SofTest even though I am on a wireless or other high-speed connection?
  2. Does SofTest automatically save my answer data or do I need to manually save my work throughout my exam?
  3. What is a Service Pack?
  4. Windows Vista: SofTest did not automatically upload my exam after rebooting out of secure mode. What do I do?
  5. Gmail users: Why have I not received the exam upload confirmation?
  6. Can I install SofTest on two computers?

SofTest System Requirements and Registration Process

  1. What are the minimum system requirements to run SofTest effectively?

    2. SOFTEST REQUIREMENTS

    PC System Requirements:

    • CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
    • RAM = 1 GB
    • Drives = 50 MB of free space
    • Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. SofTest cannot be used in virtual operating systems.
    • Software = Internet Browser
    • Internet Access for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload
    • Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher

    It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels or VMware, VMware Fusion or any other virtual operating system environment. Although SofTest can be installed and registered on virtual platforms, it will only be enabled for non-secure Practice Exams.

    Apple Macintosh Users:

    Users with Apple's Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5) or Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6) laptops can run SofTest in Windows XP, Vista or 7 installed via Apple's Boot Camp.

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  2. Can I use the System Restore feature of Windows after installing SofTest in order to repair problems with my computer?

    3. No. System Restore rolls back your registry, removing important data required by SofTest. Running System Restore may invalidate your SofTest install, forcing you to re-register and redownload any exam files.
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  3. If I have Asian language settings, will I still be able to use SofTest?

    4. Yes. However, users of Windows OS using Asian languages for non-Unicode programs will not be able to auto upload answer files after taking exams using SofTest. They have two alternative solutions: 1) Manually upload answer files 2) Modify Windows language settings for non-Unicode programs before installing SofTest. Instructions
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  4. I am an Apple Macintosh user, can I install SofTest on my mac?

    5. Users with Apple's Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5) or Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6) laptops can run SofTest in Windows XP, Vista or 7 installed via Apple's Boot Camp. Not all institutions allow usage of Apple computers. Please check with your institution prior to attempting to install SofTest on an Apple laptop.

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  5. How can I prevent/stop my antivirus from blocking SofTest?

    6. In some cases, certain antivirus applications may block SofTest from starting properly or can affect SofTest's performance during an exam. If your computer is running any of the programs listed below disable them before installing SofTest and re-enable them after installation is complete. Before taking any secure exam, disable the antivirus software before taking the exam and re-enable it after exiting your exam. For instructions on how to disable your antivirus/antispyware application, click on the product's name below. If your antivirus software is not listed above, please see your software's help for instructions.
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  6. Can I take exams with SofTest on my virtual operating system/using virtualization software?

    7. No, SofTest does not support exams administered in secure mode through virtual operating systems.
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SofTest Download, Install & Uninstall Questions

  1. Microsoft Office 2000: Why am I unable to open Microsoft Word after installing SofTest?

    2. Although you are never required to have a copy of Microsoft Office installed to use SofTest, if you are running Microsoft Office 2000, you must have Microsoft's SR-1a Service Pack installed. You can download it through the following Microsoft link: Office 2000 Service Pack.

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  2. Windows Vista: Why do I get prompted with “Windows needs your permission to continue” when I try to run SofTest?

    3. When User Account Control(UAC) is enabled in Windows Vista, SofTest needs to ask your permission to run so that it can gain administrative privileges. This can be bypassed by disabling UAC. Instructions
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  3. Why am I told during SofTest installation that I do not have Administrative level rights?

    4. If you have administrator level rights but are told that you do not, it is possible that Webroot Spy Sweeper is preventing SofTest from properly identifying your actual level of rights. Therefore, if you receive this error message and have Webroot Spy Sweeper running on your PC, temporarily disable it, install & register SofTest, then re-enable Webroot Spy Sweeper.
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SofTest Registration

  1. How do I register SofTest for use at two different schools or two bar exams?

    2. Although SofTest can be registered under a law school and a bar jurisdiction simultaneously, it cannot be registered under two different schools or two bar jurisdictions simultaneously. Nevertheless, SofTest registration can be easily modified prior to each exam. The easiest way to describe this is to use a hypothetical of a Bar applicant who intends to take the Colorado Bar (COBar) Exam on a Tuesday and the Wyoming Bar (WYBar) on a Thursday. To do so they would:

    1. Log in to the WYBar Custom Home Page using your assigned WYBar ID & password and register SofTest under WYBar first.
    2. Log in to the COBar Custom Home Page using your assigned COBar ID & password and register SofTest under COBar second.
    3. Take the COBar exam.
    4. After the COBar exam, launch SofTest and press the CTRL + F7 keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
    5. Click YES then OK when prompted to unregister SofTest.
    6. Double click the SofTest icon on your Windows Desktop.
    7. Register SofTest using your WYBar ID and password.
    8. Take your WYBar exam.

    You can use the same steps even if you and a roommate share a computer but attend different schools that permit SofTest use. Just register under both schools and unregister then re-register using the ID and password associated with the student that needs to take the next exam.

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Practice Exam

  1. Can I print or save answers that I type into the Practice Exam?

    2. You can print answers while your Practice Exam is in progress however no answer data is saved once the Practice Exam is exited.

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  2. The spellchecker is available on my Practice Exams. Will it be available on my actual exam?

    3. Use of spell check is controlled by the Test Sponsor (institution/school administering the exam). Check with your institution to determine if it will be available.

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  3. Does the format of the Practice Exam directly reflect the format of my actual exam?

    4. The basic layout of the question and answers will be the same. Spell Check and Cut, Copy & Paste are controlled by the Test Sponsor (institution/school administering the exam). Check with your institution to determine if it will be available. All other word-processing features will be the same on both the Practice Exam and your actual exam. The number of questions on your actual exam will be customized by your institution.

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During Exam Questions & Errors

  1. SofTest does not open or fails to open a secure exam. I have AOL Spyware Protection installed.

    2. AOL Spyware Protection is misidentifying one of SofTest's components as the spyware known as 'UCmore'. Please follow these steps to restore the file and prevent AOL Spyware Protection from removing it in the future:

    1. Open the AOL Safety and Security Center.
    2. Click the blue arrow next to Spyware Protection on the left sidebar.
    3. Click Blocked Items.
    4. Find the Scan Date item that includes “UCmore”.
    5. Click on that Scan Date and click Restore.
    6. Click Continue.
    7. Click on Spyware Protection on the left sidebar.
    8. Click “Run Quick Scan”.
    9. After the scan completes, choose ‘Allow’ next to UCmore.
    10. Click Apply Options.
    11. Click Continue.
    12. Close the AOL Safety and Security Center.
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  2. Why does SofTest return to Windows every time I start an exam?

    3. The most likely cause is AntiSpyware software installed on your computer preventing SofTest rebooting into secure mode. You must disable any AntiSpyware software on your computer prior to beginning a secure exam. Common AntiSpyware software known to cause this problem includes Microsoft AntiSpyware and StopZilla. If you are unable to determine if you have such software on your computer, please contact ExamSoft Support.

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  3. I am experiencing lag time between when I type a character and when it appears on the screen.

    4. Intermittent reports of lag time between typing and text appearing on screen have been received from some users. This may be caused by an existing application on your PC using a large amount of processor time during an exam. ExamSoft support is capable of examining your computer and determining the application that is causing the lag time. Please contact ExamSoft Support at 866-429-8889.

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  4. Windows Vista: Why do I see a message telling me to check my security settings as SofTest is rebooting into secure mode?

    5. SofTest needs to temporarily disable User Account Control(UAC) in order to run a secure exam. This message shows up to alert you that it was disabled. UAC will be re-enabled prior to exiting secure mode.
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  5. My computer continually reboots into SofTest after I take a secure exam.

    6. If this happens, you are in what is called a Software Loop. Looping occurs in a small number of instances but is easily repaired. Just contact ExamSoft Support by phone at 866-429-8889 and they will walk you through the repair. If you are unable to contact ExamSoft support, you may attempt to repair the loop yourself by following these steps:

    1. Hit Ctrl-Alt-Delete on your keyboard to enter Task Manager.
    2. Click File->New Task (Run).
    3. Type "eswinsr.exe" and click OK.
    4. Click the "Restore Settings" button.
    5. Click "Yes".
    6. Click "OK" or "End Task" on any dialog boxes that pop up until the computer reboots.

    The reboot loop should now be resolved. However, if the issue that caused the loop was not a one-time occurrence, running SofTest again will cause the computer to enter another loop. For this reason we recommend contacting ExamSoft Support as soon as possible.

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Exam Download/Upload - FlexSite Clients (Use Internet to Deliver Exams)

  1. How do I download exam files and upload answer files?

    2. Many ExamSoft clients have Exam Takers use the Internet to download their exam files and upload their answer files. For instructions on how to download exam files and upload answer files via the Internet, please go to www.examsoft.com/examdownload.

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  2. What should I do if I have a firewall installed and I am I am unable to register and/or upload my answers?

    3. If your computer contains a personal firewall (e.g. Norton Personal Firewall, McAfee Personal Firewall, Zone Alarm, etc), you can instruct your personal firewall to treat www.examsoft.com as a trusted website. If unsure how to do so, please see your manufacturer's instructions. In most cases, you can also disable your firewall temporarily by right-clicking the firewall's icon in the System Tray beside the clock and selecting Disable.

    If you are using a computer which is part of an office network, ask your network administrator to contact ExamSoft Client Support for installation and use instructions.

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General Exam Taker Questions

  1. Why am I told that I do not have an Internet connection in SofTest even though I am on a wireless or other high-speed connection?

    2. If using a high speed Internet connection, consider enabling Internet Explorer's Auto Detect LAN Settings option. To do so:
    1. Exit SofTest
    2. Launch the Internet Explorer web browser
    3. Select Tools...Internet Options
    4. Select the Connections tab
    5. Click the LAN Settings button
    6. Place a check in front of 'Automatically Detect Settings'
    7. Click OK twice and close all web browsers
    8. Double-click the SofTest icon and register SofTest.
    9. Note: You will need to uncheck this item if this fails or when/if you use this computer on a dial-up connection.
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  2. Does SofTest automatically save my answer data or do I need to manually save my work throughout my exam?

    3. SofTest automatically saves your exam data throughout your exam every sixty seconds. There is a manual save button in SofTest if you prefer, but it is NOT necessary to manually save.

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  3. What is a Service Pack?

    4. Periodically, enhancements to SofTest are made. These enhancements are provided to existing SofTest users through the distribution of a Service Pack. Curently there is no Service Pack available.
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  4. Windows Vista: SofTest did not automatically upload my exam after rebooting out of secure mode. What do I do?

    5. Simply double click the SofTest icon on your desktop and SofTest should open and upload your exam. If this does not work, you will need to attempt a manual upload.
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  5. Gmail users: Why have I not received the exam upload confirmation?

    6. We are experiencing intermittent problems sending emails to Gmail accounts. Gmail seems to block/delay some of ExamSoft's emails. To change the email address on file, please follow these instructions: 1. Go to your institution's custom home page and click "Exam Takers" at the bottom of the page. 2. Login with your ID and Password. 3. Once logged in, click the "Change Account Information" link. 4. Enter your new email address. 5. Click the Submit Changes button. There are two options to confirm your exam file was successfully uploaded: Option 1 1. Go to your institution's custom home page and click "Exam Takers" at the bottom of the page. 2. Login with your ID and Password. 3. Once logged in, click the link that reads "Exam History". Option 2 1. Open SofTest and click on the Download History button. 2. Enter your ID and Password. 3. You will be taken to the Exam Download/Upload History web page.
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  6. Can I install SofTest on two computers?

    7. Schools usually allow Exam Takers to download a second copy of SofTest if the first laptop becomes unavailable; however, the exams are usually available for download only once. If you have already downloaded your first copy of SofTest and your exams, please contact your school for authorization to download a second copy of the exams.
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