Product Name: LeaseWriter Plus
Platform: Windows
Current Version: 2.0.4
Revision Date: 2/14/07
Availability: In print; technical support available for registered users
System Requirements:
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for technical support for this product?
What should I do if I have a problem with my Nolo software program?
How do I keep my software program current and up to date?
How can I tell which version of LeaseWriter Plus I have?
Why should I register my software?
I have legal questions. Can Nolo help?
Why doesn't anything happen when I put the LeaseWriter Plus CD into my CD-ROM drive?
Will LeaseWriter Plus work on Microsoft Vista?
Is there a Macintosh version of this program?
I used LeaseWriter version 1. Why should I upgrade to LeaseWriter Plus?
Are there features from Nolo's LeaseWriter v. 1.x that are not included in LeaseWriter Plus?
I am a LeaseWriter v. 1.x user purchasing LeaseWriter Plus. Do I need to uninstall LeaseWriter v. 1.x before installing LeaseWriter Plus?
I am having trouble using Web Update. What can I do?
What can I do about problems linking to the Internet via links in LeaseWriter Plus?
Can I see an example of a document before completing a document interview?
Can I print a draft of a document that won't be mistaken for the final, signable version?
Can I print a copy of a document that won't be mistaken for the original version?
Can I open LeaseWriter Plus documents in a word processor?
Why won't the program allow me to arrange things exactly how I want in my documents?
How can I reset my print options to the default settings?
I want to change the font settings when I print the Landlord-Tenant Checklist, but the program won’t let me. Why?
When I try to print one of my documents, why do I get strange characters, part of a page or nothing at all?
When I try to print or display documents, I get GPFs or crashes/freezes. What can I do?
How do I uninstall LeaseWriter Plus?
Am I eligible for technical support for this product?
Yes, registered users of this product are eligible for technical support. If you have not yet registered your software, connect to the Internet and select "Online Registration" from the "Online" menu.
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 four 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. Run Web Update
Your problem may have already been detected and corrected in the latest version of the program. To make sure you have the latest version, run Web Update from the "Online" menu. If you don't have Internet access, contact Nolo's Technical Support Staff (see Step 4).
Step 3. Read the software FAQs
Read the rest of these frequently asked questions to see whether your problem is addressed.
Step 4. 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 nolotec@nolo.com.
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 do I keep my software program current and up to date?
To keep your software up to date, periodically select "Web Update" from its "Online" menu. You must be connected to the Internet to use Web Update.
We also recommend that you sign up for "NoloBriefs" so you can receive email notification of important updates to your software program. To sign up, click here.
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How can I tell which version of LeaseWriter Plus I have?
Open LeaseWriter Plus's "Help" menu and select "About LeaseWriter Plus" to see the version number. To see version info for specific program files, click the "Version..." button.
If you can't get the program running, use My Computer to go to the LeaseWriter Plus program folder and locate the file named LWP.EXE. Right click on the file and select Properties from the menu. When the file's Properties window appears, click on the "Version" tab; the version will be listed there.
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Why should I register my software?
Registering your software entitles you to receive technical support. To register online, connect to the Internet and select "Online Registration" from the "Online" menu. If you purchased this software directly from Nolo, you are already registered.
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I have legal questions. Can Nolo help?
Unfortunately, Nolo's Technical Support staff cannot answer legal questions. However, the program's help system, including the LeaseWriter Plus Legal Manual, addresses most common user questions.
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Why doesn't anything happen when I put the LeaseWriter Plus CD into my CD-ROM drive?
If you can't see the "Welcome to LeaseWriter Plus Installation" 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 LeaseWriter Plus Installation" screen, then go to your Windows "Start" menu, select "Run," and enter "D:\Welcome".
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Will LeaseWriter Plus work on Microsoft Vista?
Yes. The most recent version of LeaseWriter Plus will run on Microsoft’s Windows Vista. To update to the most recent version: start LeaseWriter Plus , select Online > Web Update, and follow the directions that appear on screen.
Note: If you are running Microsoft’s Windows Vista, you will need to run LeaseWriter Plus as an administrator in order to update the software -- even if you're already logged in as one. For details, see our online instructions at http://www.nolo.com/VistaAdmin-Leasewriter.pdf.
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Is there a Macintosh version of this program?
No. We do not have plans to provide this software for the Macintosh. If you have a PC emulator (such as either Virtual PC or Guest PC) on your Mac, you can install and use this program. Be aware, though, that this configuration is not supported by Nolo Technical Support.
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I used LeaseWriter version 1. Why should I upgrade to LeaseWriter Plus?
If you used Nolo's original LeaseWriter program, version 1.0 for Windows and Macintosh, here are some reasons you'll want to upgrade:
New and improved documents. All forms and documents have been revised and updated where appropriate. In addition, LeaseWriter Plus contains the following forms not included in the original LeaseWriter program:
New features. In LeaseWriter Plus you will now be able to:
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save your documents as text files that can be used with your word processor
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update your program by downloading files from the Web
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change how your final documents look -- font type, font size, borders, and so on
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store landlording-related contact information
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view document examples before you start entering your information
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password-protect your file.
Up-to-date legal information. A new legal manual, written specifically for LeaseWriter Plus users, is included. You can print out and copy text from this fully-searchable legal manual, which includes up-to-date information on landlord-tenant law for all 50 states.
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Are there features from Nolo's LeaseWriter v. 1.x that are not included in LeaseWriter Plus?
Yes:
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A separate Florida Lease Addendum form is not included in LeaseWriter Plus (however, this addendum form will print out if you create a lease for Florida property).
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You cannot set up properties in advance of creating documents.
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You cannot print out blank lease or rental agreement forms in LeaseWriter Plus.
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Any documents you created using the original LeaseWriter 1.0 cannot be opened by LeaseWriter Plus or converted to LeaseWriter Plus format.
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I am a LeaseWriter v. 1.x user purchasing LeaseWriter Plus. Do I need to uninstall LeaseWriter v. 1.x before installing LeaseWriter Plus?
No, you do not need to uninstall LeaseWriter v. 1.x to use LeaseWriter Plus. While LeaseWriter Plus is not compatible with LeaseWriter v. 1.x , LeaseWriter Plus will not interfere with LeaseWriter v. 1.x . You will not, however, be able to use LeaseWriter Plus to work with files or documents created using LeaseWriter v. 1.x .
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I am having trouble using Web Update. What can I do?
If you are running Microsoft’s Windows Vista, you will need to run LeaseWriter Plus as an administrator in order to update the software -- even if you're already logged in as one. For details, see our online instructions at http://www.nolo.com/VistaAdmin-Leasewriter.pdf.
If you use a firewall & security application and receive warnings, you'll need to "allow" or add "f1.nolo.com" to the "trusted site" list.
If you still are unable to complete the update after adding f1.nolo.com to the trusted site list, you may need to completely turn off your firewall program in order to retrieve the update. Once the update is downloaded and installed, you can turn back on your firewall.
If you are a Windows XP Service Pack 2 user, the built-in "Windows Firewall" feature could prevent you from using Web Update. If, when you run Web Update, you see a Windows Security Alert asking you whether you want to keep blocking or unblock your Quicken program's Internet connection, select "Unblock." Once you have unblocked the Quicken program, you should be able to download future Web Updates.
If you are trying to update behind a corporate proxy server and get various error messages, you won't be able to use Web Update. Web Update was designed for the home user with a basic firewall. Unfortunately, we cannot support Proxy Servers and other corporate VPN security configurations.
If the problem persists, contact Nolo Technical Support at support@nolo.com. Please include the following details, so they will be able to help you:
- How are you connected to the Internet (modem dial up, DSL, etc.)?
- What version of Windows are you running?
- Who is your Internet Service Provider?
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What can I do about problems linking to the Internet via links in LeaseWriter Plus?
LeaseWriter includes links to useful resources on the Internet. If you are having problems linking to the Internet using LeaseWriter's web links, here are some tips:
- Open your web browser before clicking on one of the LeaseWriter's web links. Keep the browser open throughout your LeaseWriter session.
- If you link from a LeaseWriter window that is maximized, your browser may be hidden by the maximized LeaseWriter window. If you can't see your browser after clicking LeaseWriter web link, look for its icon in your Windows Taskbar, or press the ALT+TAB keys.
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Can I see an example of a document before completing a document interview?
Yes. If you just want to see an example what a completed document looks like before you start creating your own, here's how:
- Use the "Document List" screen to select the document you want to create.
- At the bottom of the description, find the "View an example ..." link and click it.
This will open completed version of the document you want to create, using fictitious data. You should realize, however, that your actual customized document might look different, based on the interview answers you give.
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Can I print a draft of a document that won't be mistaken for the final, signable version?
Yes. To print a document with each page of your printed document clearly labeled as a draft:
- Follow the program's instructions on completing and printing a document.
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At the "Print Preview" screen, click the "Print" icon. You'll then see a standard Print dialog box.
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In the Watermark box in the lower left of the Print dialog, select "Draft."
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Click "OK" to send the displayed document to your printer.
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Can I print a copy of a document that won't be mistaken for the original version?
Yes. To print a document with each page of your printed document clearly labeled as a duplicate:
- Follow the program's instructions on completing and printing a document.
- At the "Print Preview" screen, click the "Print" icon. You'll then see a standard Print dialog box.
- In the Watermark box in the lower left of the Print dialog, select "Duplicate."
- Click "OK" to send the displayed document to your printer.
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Can I open LeaseWriter Plus documents in a word processor?
Yes. After you have completed your document, you can export it -- that is, save it as a text file that can be opened with a word processing program.This feature can be used if you:
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are having problems printing directly from LeaseWriter Plus, or
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want a portable version of your document which can be viewed on a computer where LeaseWriter Plus is not installed.
Exporting the document allows you to print it from your word processing program. We strongly discourage using your word processor to edit or change the wording of an exported document. If you alter a document, we cannot guarantee its legal validity.
To export your completed document:
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Click the "Export to Word Processor" at the "Congratulations" screen (or the "Export" icon at the "Print Preview" screen).
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Click "Continue" at the prompt explaining why you shouldn't revise the exported document. This opens the Export Document dialog box.
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Name the exported file.
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Select the file type for the exported document: either Rich Text Format (RTF) or ASCII Text (TXT). If your word processor can "read" RTF files -- and most do -- you should select that file type, as it contains more formatting.
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Click "Save."
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Click "Yes" to open the exported file with your word processor.
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Why won't the program allow me to arrange things exactly how I want in my documents?
LeaseWriter Plus 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 the program. The manual and program Help include thorough explanations of relevant laws; they also point out when your situation may require an expert's help. If you want to include provisions in your documents that are not allowed by your software, 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 can I reset my print options to the default settings?
In LeaseWriter, select "Print Options" from the "File" menu. Click on the "Use Defaults" button to reset your print options.
Make sure that the margins are set as follows: Top -- 0.75", Bottom -- 0.45", Left -- 1.25", Right -- 1.25". The Line Spacing should be set to "Standard Spacing." The "Footers in smaller type" and "Footer in bold type" checkboxes should be checked. Click on "Fonts" button and make sure the Font is "Times New Roman", the Font Style is "Regular" and the Size is "12."
NOTE: Due to the particular formatting requirements of the Landlord-Tenant Checklist, you cannot change the font for this document -- that is, any font changes you enter are ignored. Although you can change the font size for the Landlord-Tenant Checklist, we recommend that you use the default size setting: If you use a different font size, the printed document may not look as it is designed to.
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I want to change the font settings when I print the Landlord-Tenant Checklist, but the program won’t let me. Why?
Due to the particular formatting requirements of the Landlord-Tenant Checklist, you cannot change the font for this document -- that is, any font changes you enter are ignored. Although you can change the font size for the Landlord-Tenant Checklist, we recommend that you use the default size setting: If you use a different font size, the printed document may not look as it is designed to.
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When I try to print one of my documents, why do I get strange characters, part of a page or nothing at all?
There can be several reasons for this.
Printer driver. You may have the wrong printer driver selected. Check your printer setup and go to your printer manufacturer's Web site to make sure you have the latest printer driver.
Interference by other software. Some programs alter the printer setup with special format commands or fail to reset a printer to its default settings when finished. Try resetting your printer by turning it off and on again before printing from Nolo software.
Network printers. If your printer is part of a network, the network itself may have special commands. Your system administrator may need to alter some settings.
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When I try to print or display documents, I get GPFs or crashes/freezes. What can I do?
If you are having a printing problem, consult the "Read Me First" file from the "Start" menu. Here are some other tips:
- Make sure you have the current version of your software by running Web Update. (For more on using Web Update, see "How do I keep my software program current and up to date?," above).
- Get the latest printer driver. Make sure you have the current revision of your printer driver. Check your printer manufacturer's web site.
- The program's registry settings may be corrupt. Start the program while holding down the CTRL key. This will reset the program's registry settings to their default values.
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How do I uninstall LeaseWriter Plus?
First, make sure you have back-ups and/or printouts of your documents. Then go to Start/Programs/LeaseWriter Plus and click on "Uninstall LeaseWriter Plus".
If you cannot locate the uninstaller, try one of these methods:
- Go to Start/Control Panel/Add Remove Programs and follow the instructions on screen.
- Find the LeaseWriter Plus folder on your hard disk and delete it manually.
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