ExamSoft  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Table of Contents

SofTest System Requirements

  1. What are the minimum system requirements to run SofTest effectively on a Windows laptop?
  2. I am an Apple Macintosh user, can I install SofTest on my Mac using Windows?
  3. I am an Apple Macintosh user, can I install SofTest on my Mac natively?
  4. Can I take exams with SofTest on my virtual operating system/using virtualization software?
  5. If I have Asian language settings, will I still be able to use SofTest?
  6. Can I use a netbook or tablet?

SofTest Download, Installation and Registration

  1. How do I download and register SofTest?
  2. Where do I find my username, password or custom home page (CHP) website address?
  3. How do I register SofTest for use at two different schools or two bar exams?
  4. What should I do after I install and register SofTest?
  5. Windows Vista: Why do I get prompted with “Windows needs your permission to continue” when I try to run SofTest?
  6. Why am I told during SofTest installation that I do not have Administrative level rights?
  7. How can I prevent/stop my antivirus from blocking SofTest?
  8. Can I use the System Restore feature of Windows after installing SofTest?
  9. Can I install SofTest on two computers?

Exam Download, Upload and Confirmation

  1. How do I download exam files and upload answer files?
  2. How do I know if I have successfully downloaded or uploaded (ie returned) my exams? To the right location?
  3. Gmail users: Why have I not received the exam upload confirmation?
  4. SofTest did not automatically upload my exam after rebooting out of secure mode. What do I do?
  5. 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?
  6. What should I do if I have a firewall installed and I am I am unable to register and/or upload my answers?

Practice Exam

  1. What am I practicing or testing when I take the practice exam?
  2. Does the format of the Practice Exam directly reflect the format of my actual exam?
  3. The spellchecker is available on my Practice Exams. Will it be available on my actual exam?
  4. I am experiencing lag time between when I type a character and when it appears on the screen.
  5. Can I print or save answers that I type into the Practice Exam?

Mid-Exam

  1. Does SofTest automatically save my answer data or do I need to manually save my work throughout my exam?
  2. What happens if I have to restart/reboot my computer during the exam?
  3. SofTest does not open or fails to open a secure exam. I have AOL Spyware Protection installed.
  4. Why does SofTest return to Windows when I start an exam?
  5. Windows Vista: Why do I see a message telling me to check my security settings as SofTest is rebooting into secure mode?
  6. My computer reboots into SofTest after I take a secure exam.

General Exam Taker Questions

  1. Why am I using SofTest for my exam(s)?
  2. Will SofTest permanently control or lock down my laptop?
  3. How much experience does ExamSoft have with supporting laptop based testing for critical exams?

Technical Self-Service Help

  1. Where can I find Technical Self-Service Help?

SofTest System Requirements

  1. What are the minimum system requirements to run SofTest effectively on a Windows laptop?

    2. SofTest can be used on virtually any modern computer (i.e. purchased within the last 3-4 years). Specific system requirements are noted below:

    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 may not 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.

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  2. I am an Apple Macintosh user, can I install SofTest on my Mac using Windows?

    3. Current Requirements

    In order to use SofTest on your Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro, you must have:

    • Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6) or Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5) AND
    • A valid copy of Windows XP, Vista or 7 installed using Apple's Bootcamp Assistant. Use of virtualization software like VMWare, Fusion, Parallels, etc is not allowed.

    Important:

    • Bootcamp Assistant is available in the Utilities folder on your Macintosh HD
    • Microsoft Windows is not included with the Mac OS or SofTest, it needs to be purchased separately
    • Older versions of Mac OS X will require an OS upgrade in order to use Bootcamp and SofTest. To check the version of your Mac OS, click the Apple icon on the top left of the screen and then About this Mac
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  3. I am an Apple Macintosh user, can I install SofTest on my Mac natively?

    4. SofTest Requirements

    In order to use SofTest on your Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro natively, you must have:

    • CPU = Intel processor
    • RAM = 512 MB
    • Drives = 50 MB or higher free disk space
    • Operating System = Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher (Leopard or Snow Leopard)
    • Software = Internet connection for downloading/uploading exams

    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.

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  4. Can I take exams with SofTest on my virtual operating system/using virtualization software?

    5. No, SofTest does not support exams administered in secure mode through virtual operating systems.
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  5. If I have Asian language settings, will I still be able to use SofTest?

    6. 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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  6. Can I use a netbook or tablet?

    7. You may use a netbook with lower screen resolution settings than noted above, however, you may need to scroll to see all the information on your screen. Tablets are not yet supported for exam-taking purposes.
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SofTest Download, Installation and Registration

  1. How do I download and register SofTest?

    2. Once you receive your username and password, you may log into the custom home page (CHP) created for your school or exam. Once there, you will have the opportunity to download a copy of SofTest and a simple wizard will walk you through the steps to download and then register SofTest. It is important to do both, and it only takes a few moments.
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  2. Where do I find my username, password or custom home page (CHP) website address?

    3. The easiest way is to visit www.examsoft.com and click on the search box and/or button in the upper right hand corner. The custom home page search box will bring you to your CHP once you begin to type in the name of your affiliated institution (ie school or exam sponsor). The Need ID/Password button will allow you to have the requisite information sent to your email.
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  3. How do I register SofTest for use at two different schools or two bar exams?

    4. 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 (and after you've returned your answer file), 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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  4. What should I do after I install and register SofTest?

    5. Downloading and registering SofTest makes it possible for you to use the software for exam purposes. Depending on your situation, you may still need to download one or more specific exam files. In general, school students have to download specific exam files created for their individual courses, in addition to the SofTest application. Moreover in general, certification/licensure exam-takers, including bar applicants, receive their exam file imbedded with their SofTest download. After you download and register SofTest, you can click on the SofTest desktop icon, which will give you the opportunity to download exam files, if any, as well as to take a mock exam. It is strongly advised, and in some cases required, that you take the mock exam before your actual exam, to familiarize yourself with the software and ensure there are no challenges.
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  5. Windows Vista: Why do I get prompted with “Windows needs your permission to continue” when I try to run SofTest?

    6. 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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  6. Why am I told during SofTest installation that I do not have Administrative level rights?

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

    8. 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. When 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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  8. Can I use the System Restore feature of Windows after installing SofTest?

    9. It is best not to do so. 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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  9. Can I install SofTest on two computers?

    10. Administrators sometimes 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 administrator for authorization to download a second copy.
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Exam Download, Upload and Confirmation

  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. How do I know if I have successfully downloaded or uploaded (ie returned) my exams? To the right location?

    3. You can check the status of all of your exams (download, upload, etc.) in real time, when you log into your custom home page with your username and password (see FAQ above regarding obtaining CHP address, username, and password, if you need them). You can also access this information by launching SofTest and selecting the "Exam History" option. Moreover, you will be notified automatically via email when you upload your exam. Because of how ExamSoft stamps each exam file with specific identifying information, the file is automatically returned to the proper place in the database.
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  3. Gmail users: Why have I not received the exam upload confirmation?

    4. Gmail seems to occassionally block/delay some programmatic emails. To change the email address on file, please follow these instructions: 1. Go to your institution's custom home page and click in the "Exam Takers" section. 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. You can always double check your exam upload history by going to the "Exam History" section of your custom home page. See additional detail in the preceding FAQ response.
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  4. 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. Please click the following link and log in to be walked through the manual upload process: manual upload.
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  5. 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?

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

    7. 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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Practice Exam

  1. What am I practicing or testing when I take the practice exam?

    2. First and foremost, the goal is to play with the software to become familiar with the layout and features before the day of the exam. You should practice typing in the answer fields (where applicable), scrolling between questions, and selecting different menu options. You should also practice saving/uploading the answer file. This is an opportunity to gain comfort and ensure any potential issues or questions are addressed before the exam. If you have any questions or technical challenges, please feel free to contact ExamSoft directly (phone and email info is available at www.examsoft.com).
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  2. Does the format of the Practice Exam directly reflect the format of my actual exam?

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

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

    5. This may be caused by an existing application on your PC using a large amount of processor time during an exam. This is typically the antivirus program, which can be temporarily disabled prior to the 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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  5. Can I print or save answers that I type into the Practice Exam?

    6. 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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Mid-Exam

  1. Does SofTest automatically save my answer data or do I need to manually save my work throughout my exam?

    2. 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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  2. What happens if I have to restart/reboot my computer during the exam?

    3. SofTest is capable of handling a mid-exam reboot. In the event you must restart your computer for any reason, once the computer restarts, you will be given the option to re-enter the exam approximately where you left off (answers are saved at least every 60 seconds). If you opt not to continue the exam at that time, for security reasons, you will not be allowed to access your computer and then restart the exam at a later time (ie your exam will be concluded). Please note, your exam administrator may opt to impose time limits on how soon you must restart an exam from the time you last exited the exam. Your institution will provide you with more specific details.
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  3. SofTest does not open or fails to open a secure exam. I have AOL Spyware Protection installed.

    4. 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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  4. Why does SofTest return to Windows when I start an exam?

    5. The most likely cause is antiSpyware software installed on your computer preventing SofTest rebooting into secure mode. This can be addressed by disabling any antiSpyware software on your computer prior to beginning a secure exam. Common antiSpyware software known to cause this 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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  5. Windows Vista: Why do I see a message telling me to check my security settings as SofTest is rebooting into secure mode?

    6. 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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  6. My computer reboots into SofTest after I take a secure exam.

    7. If this happens, you are in what is called a software loop. Looping occurs in a very small number of instances and it is easily repaired. Just contact ExamSoft Support by phone at 866-429-8889 and they will walk you through the repair. 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.

    If these steps do not immediately resolve the loop, please call ExamSoft's customer help line and we will resolve it for you.

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General Exam Taker Questions

  1. Why am I using SofTest for my exam(s)?

    2. SofTest is used for exam administration for several reasons. SofTest is designed to protect the integrity of the examination and the integrity of the data, as well as to enable a number of exam management solutions. SofTest offers elaborate back-up systems (including frequent and redundant answer snapshots, saved files, and tracking information) to safeguard exam taker work against potential computer problems (such as lost power, lost connectivity, computer malfunction, etc.). Moreover, the software has extensive security features to help promote a fair examination process. The ExamSoft system also provides an elaborate suite of administrator tools to track/manage key exam activities from pre-exam preparation to post-exam scoring and analysis.
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  2. Will SofTest permanently control or lock down my laptop?

    3. No. SofTest only locks down your laptop during the exam(s) you are taking. Following the exam, the computer will return to normal function. You do not need to uninstall SofTest after the exam, but you may do so, as with any software program.
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  3. How much experience does ExamSoft have with supporting laptop based testing for critical exams?

    4. ExamSoft was founded in 1998, and since that time it has helped administer millions of high stakes exams on many different kinds of computers.
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Technical Self-Service Help

  1. Where can I find Technical Self-Service Help?

    2. Please visit our Troubleshooting.

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