Product Name: LLC Maker
Platform: Windows
Current Version: 1.6
Revision Date: 5/07/07
Availability: In print; technical support available for registered users
System Requirements:
- Windows 2000 / XP (32-bit versions) / Vista (32-bit versions)
(Note: Does not work on 64-bit editions of Windows XP or Vista)
- Pentium 133 minimum; II 300 recommended
- 32 MB RAM minimum; 64 MB recommended
- Word Processor: Microsoft Word 97 or higher to view, edit and print documents; or Microsoft Word Viewer (included with program) to view and print documents
- Hard Disk Space: 15 MB
- CD-ROM Drive (for installation)
- Video: VGA or higher (640 x 480 minimum, 800 x 600 recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for technical support for LLC Maker?
What should I do if I have a problem with my Nolo software program?
How can I tell which version number I have?
Why should I register my software?
I have legal questions. Can Nolo help?
Will LLC Maker work on 32-bit editions of Microsoft Vista?
Will LLC Maker work on 64-bit editions of Windows Vista?
Will LLC Maker work on 64-bit editions of Windows XP?
Is there a Macintosh version of LLC Maker?
Why doesn't anything happen when I put the LLC Maker CD into my CD-ROM drive?
After I install the program, I can't run it -- I get an error message saying that LLC Maker can't open its data file "myllc.llc" What can I do?
How do I backup the LLC data I’ve entered and documents I’ve created?
Why am I seeing strange error messages that are preventing me from using or installing the program?
How can I make sure that the program is current and up to date?
I am currently running an earlier version of LLC Maker. What's different in version 1.6?
Do I need to upgrade to the most recent version of the program?
Can I print a blank document before entering my data?
I want to arrange things in my documents in ways that are not allowed by the program. Why can't I do exactly what I want to do?
How do I uninstall LLC Maker?
Am I eligible for technical support for LLC Maker?
Yes, registered users of LLC Maker are eligible for technical support. For details, see the section on "Policy for Current Versions" in Nolo's Technical Support Policy.
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What should I do if I have a problem with my Nolo software program?
Here are three steps you should take if you have a problem with the software:
Step 1. Review the documentation that came with the program
If you have a problem, first consult the following resources:
- Users' Manual
- Program Help from the "Help" menu
- "Read Me First" file from the "Start" menu
Step 2. Read the software FAQs
Read the rest of these frequently asked questions to see whether your problem is addressed.
Step 3. Contact Nolo's Technical Support Staff
If your problem persists, you should contact our Technical Support staff directly. The quickest way to contact us is by email at support@nolo.com.
If you contact Technical Support, please provide as much information as you can about your problem, including
- the name of the program
- the program version (to access this information, select "About" from the "Help" menu)
- any error messages
- details about what you were doing when the error occurred.
The following information about your computer may also be helpful:
- operating system (for example, Windows 98)
- processor type (for example, Pentium III, 500 MHz)
- RAM (for example, 128 MB)
- video card information
- printer model
You may also phone us at 510-549-4660 (9 - 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday - Friday). However, we urge you to email us first whenever possible.
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How can I tell which version number I have?
Select "About LLC Maker" from the "Help" menu to see the version number. If you can’t run the program, open the Read Me file -- it also contains version information.
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Why should I register my software?
Registering your software entitles you to receive technical support. To register online, start the program and choose Help > Register Online.
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I have legal questions. Can Nolo help?
Unfortunately, Nolo's Technical Support staff cannot answer legal questions. If you have legal questions, please consult the Help file that came with your software.
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Will LLC Maker work on 32-bit editions of Microsoft Vista?
Yes. The most recent version of LLC Maker (1.6) will run on 32-bit editions Microsoft’s Windows Vista.
If you want information about updating to the most current version of the program, contact our technical support department by sending an email to support@nolo.com or by calling 510-549-4660. Nolo offers a special upgrade discount to previous purchasers of LLC Maker.
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Will LLC Maker work on 64-bit editions of Windows Vista?
No. The current version of LLC Maker (1.6) will not install properly on 64-bit editions of Windows Vista. We are working to correct this problem for the next edition of LLC Maker. If you are running a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista and are unable to install a recently-purchased version of LLC Maker, you can get a refund by contacting our customer support department at cs@nolo.com or by calling 800-728-3555.
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Will LLC Maker work on 64-bit editions of Windows XP?
No. The current version of LLC Maker (1.6) will not install properly on 64-bit editions of Windows XP. We are working to correct this problem for the next edition of LLC Maker. If you are running a 64-bit edition of Windows XP and are unable to install a recently-purchased version of LLC Maker, you can get a refund by contacting our customer support department at cs@nolo.com or by calling 800-728-3555.
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Is there a Macintosh version of LLC Maker?
No. We do not have plans to provide LLC Maker for the Macintosh. If you have either Virtual PC or SoftWindows on your Macintosh, you can install and use LLC Maker. Be aware, though, that this configuration is not supported by Nolo Technical Support.
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Why doesn't anything happen when I put the LLC Maker CD into my CD-ROM drive?
If you can't see the "Welcome to LLC Maker" screen when you insert the CD-ROM, double click on My Computer with the CD in the drive. Then double click on your CD-ROM drive icon. If you still can't see the "Welcome to LLC Maker" screen, then go to your Windows "Start" menu, select "Run," and enter "D:\welcome".
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After I install the program, I can't run it -- I get an error message saying that LLC Maker can't open its data file "myllc.llc" What can I do?
This problem occurs in Windows XP or 2000 when users who are not administrators install the program. You can get around this problem by downloading the required program files and extracting them to the correct locations in the LLC Maker program folder.
For instructions on how to download and extract the files you need, contact Nolo Technical Support at support@nolo.com.
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How do I backup the LLC data I’ve entered and documents I’ve created?
Before you create an additional LLC -- or just to play it safe -- you should back up:
- your LLC data file and
- all your completed LLC document files.
LLC Maker's data file (named "My llc.llc"), which holds the background and document information that you entered, holds information for only one LLC at a time. Therefore, you must be sure all the documents you created for your first LLC are final before you create the next LLC.
To back up your LLC data file:
- Search for your "My LLC.llc" file, located in the "llcdata" folder (the location of this file and folder varies, depending on which version of the Windows operating system you are using).
- Select the "My LLC.llc" file by clicking it with your mouse.
- Choose Copy from the Edit menu.
- In your "My Documents" folder, create a new subfolder called "LLC Forms Backups" and open this new folder.
- Choose Paste from the Edit menu.
To back up LLC documents:
- Open your "My Documents" folder and find the "My LLC Forms" folder.
- Open the "My LLC Forms" folder and select all the files listed.
- Choose Copy from the Edit menu.
- If you haven’t already done so, create a new subfolder called "LLC Forms Backups" within your "My Documents" folder.
- Open your "LLC Forms Backups" folder.
- Choose Paste from the Edit menu.
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Why am I seeing strange error messages that are preventing me from using or installing the program?
Occasionally, third party software can interfere with LLC Maker’s installation. If you are experiencing problems during or immediately after installation, please do the following:
- If you were able to finish installation, uninstall LLC Maker
- Restart your computer
- Quit all other applications running, including anti-virus software
- Install LLC Maker again
If you continue to receive error messages, please contact our technical support department by sending an email to support@nolo.comor by calling 510-549-4660.
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How can I make sure that the program is current and up to date?
We keep this program as up to date as possible. Nevertheless, laws and official forms can -- and do -- change. Generally, the information and forms in LLC Maker stay current between versions of the software, but the Articles of Organization form, a document that is filed with the state, does change from time to time. Most changes made by the states to their official Articles form are minor and reflect formatting or incidental information changes rather than legal changes, and many states allow you to file a previous Articles of Organization form.
However, to be safe, it's always best to use the latest Articles form -- doing so ensures that your Articles are filed immediately by the state office when the document is received by the state. If the Articles form has changed and the state requires you to use the very latest form, your Articles will be returned to you unfiled, together with your check for the filing fees and the latest Articles form provided by the state. Having to resubmit your Articles for filing means you will have to delay the filing of your Articles and the start date of your corporation, usually by a week or two. For most filers, this delay, if it happens, is not critical, but it is an inconvenience that they would prefer to avoid.
A state's Articles of Organization form can change at any time during the year, so the best way to make sure you prepare and use the most current form is to go online to the state filing office website just after you prepare and print the LLC Maker Articles document. LLC Maker helps you do this by providing a “State Web Site” button on the LLC Maker State Info window. To compare the LLC Maker Articles for your state to your state's latest official form, do the following:
- Prepare and print your LLC Maker Articles.
- Click the “State Web Site” button on the LLC Maker State Info window to launch your browser and go to your state's filing office website. You may need to navigate a bit to find the area dealing with LLCs.
- Go to their LLC forms download page and view or print the latest official state Articles form. Note: if your state does not provide a form, go ahead and use the LLC Maker form -- it should work fine since it will not have been superseded by a newer state Articles form.
- Compare it to LLC Maker articles form you previously printed. The easiest way is to compare form revision dates, which typically appear in the headers of footers of the form or in the heading at the beginning of the text on the first page. If revision dates are not provided on the form, just glance through the form to see whether the state form is arranged differently from the LLC Maker form or has different Articles from the LLC Maker form.
- If the state website form is more recent or contains different information from the LLC Maker form, use the state website form instead of the LLC Maker form. The basic legal content should be very similar, so simply copy the information inserted in the LLC Maker form over to the state website form, and add any new information that may be required. Normally, changes to the state form will reflect only formatting changes, and will not require you to provide new information. If new information must be supplied, it normally consists of basic name, address and contact information, not legal information.
Comparing state vs. LLC Maker Articles forms in this manner usually takes a minute or two, and will help you make sure that your Articles will be filed by the state without delay.
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I am currently running an earlier version of LLC Maker. What's different in version 1.6?
Version 1.6 updates the Articles of Organization for the following states:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont.
In addition, instructional screen text and web links have been updated. All users who have not yet filed their LLC documents or who plan on making additional filings in the future should update to version 1.6.
Be aware that if you update, you will need to re-create all your LLC documents from scratch -- LLC Maker 1.6 will not be able to open data files created with previous versions of the program.
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Do I need to upgrade to the most recent version of the program?
LLC Maker is upgraded for any new Articles forms each year. Again, please realize that any new Articles forms in new versions are a moving target, and you always will want to check the LLC Maker Articles against the latest state forms before mailing your Articles to the state for filing.
New versions of LLC Maker also may have new legal and tax information that can be helpful to you in deciding whether to incorporate your business, and to make sure you follow the right procedure in your state.
If you purchased LLC Maker more than one year from the date you use it, look at the “Current Version” and “ Revision Date” information at the top of this FAQ page to see if a newer version of the product is available for purchase. If you want information about updating to the most current LLC version 1.6, contact our technical support department by sending an email to support@nolo.com or by calling 510-549-4660. Nolo offers a special upgrade discount to previous purchasers of LLC Maker.
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Can I print a blank document before entering my data?
Some LLC Maker documents can be printed before you enter all the data necessary for completion. You can tell whether you can print a document that has not been completed – that is, with some of the Document items listed as “EMPTY” – by looking at the “View Document” button. If the “View Document” button is not grayed out, you can print that document by clicking the button and following the directions that appear on screen.
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I want to arrange things in my documents in ways that are not allowed by the program. Why can't I do exactly what I want to do?
LLC Maker enables most users to create legal documents that satisfy their needs without consulting a lawyer. There are complex situations, however, that are not handled by LLC Maker. The manual and program help include explanations of LLC laws and point out when your situation may require an expert's help. If you want to alter your documents in ways that are not allowed by LLC Maker, take your unsigned document to a lawyer for fine-tuning. The cost of the visit should be less than if the lawyer had created your document from scratch.
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How do I uninstall LLC Maker?
First, make sure you have back-ups and/or printouts of your documents. Then, choose Start from the taskbar, select Settings, and open the Control Panel. Select Add/Remove Programs, and then double-click the LLC Maker item to uninstall the program.
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