Publication Date: March 25, 2005
Author: G. Kay Jacks, General Manager, FSA Application, School Eligibility and Delivery Services
Summary: Availability of EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006, Release 2.0
Posted on 03-25-2005
The U.S. Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006, Release 2.0, on the Department's Federal Student Aid Download (FSAdownload) Web site, located at http://fsadownload.ed.gov. This release adds Pell and Direct Loan processing functionality for the 2005-2006 cycle.
In addition, the following EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006 documents are available on the FSAdownload Web site:
* The EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006, Release 2.0 Cover Letter
* The EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006, Release 2.0 Desk Reference (covers Pell and Direct Loan processing functionality)
These documents, along with the EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006 Installation Guide (also available on the FSAdownload Web site) contain important information regarding EDExpress functionality and enhancements that you should review.
Release 2.0 is available on the FSAdownload Web site in two formats. You can download the entire software in one file, called Express56r2.exe, or you can download the software in separate, smaller "disk" installment files. Please review the download and installation instructions in the Installation Guide for further information.
**Important Installation Note** If you use Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you must be an Administrator on your workstation to install EDExpress. If you are not an Administrator, you will receive a warning when you try to install EDExpress. After an Administrator has installed EDExpress, you can run EDExpress for Windows 2005-2006 as a member of the Power Users group. If your database is on a network server, you must be a Power User or higher on the network (or "domain") as well as on your workstation. There are no workarounds for these Windows rights issues. Consult with your school's technical department if you receive a warning that an Administrator must install the EDExpress software.
You are required to have Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP as your PC workstation operating system to run Release 2.0. You must also meet the minimum hardware and software configuration requirements outlined in the September 2004 Federal Register Notice, available on the IFAP Web site at http://ifap.ed.gov/fregisters/FR09142004.html. Additional details and frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the new requirements are also available on IFAP at ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0408.html. Other system and network requirements are also outlined in the Installation Guide.
Release 2.0 can be installed as an upgrade to Release 1.0. You must have Release 1.0 installed in order to run an upgrade (or "Custom") installation of Release 2.0. Release 1.0 is also available for download from the FSAdownload Web site.
Before you upgrade from Release 1.0 to Release 2.0, it is crucial that you ensure you have a valid, reliable backup of your current production 2005-2006 EDExpress database (expres56.mdb). You should also run a database repair and compact via the Tools | Utilities menu before installing Release 2.0.
To upgrade from Release 1.0 to Release 2.0, select either the Stand Alone Custom or Workstation Custom option during installation, depending on your EDExpress operating environment. Do NOT mark the "Database" checkbox unless you are performing a first-time installation or want to overwrite your Release 1.0 database. If you choose to overwrite your database, all data previously entered is lost.
After you upgrade from Release 1.0 to Release 2.0, reboot your PC, then log on to EDExpress to allow the software to perform a one-time only database update. This update loads important changes and fixes to your database structure.
If you are running EDExpress in a network environment, you should first complete ALL of your workstation installations on ALL relevant production PCs, rebooting each PC as you finish the install. When installation is complete, access the software from ONE designated workstation to allow the database update to perform successfully.
If you receive any prompts during the installation indicating an existing file was found and asking if you want to overwrite, click "Yes."
NOTE: If you have not installed Release 1.0 on your system, you can proceed directly to a StandAlone Full or Network Server/Workstation Full installation of Release 2.0. Please be aware, however, that a Standalone Full or Network Server/Workstation Full installation will load a completely new, blank 2005-2006 EDExpress database to your system. If a database already exists for 2005-2006 on your system, a Full installation of Release 2.0 will overwrite it and all data previously entered will be lost.
If you need assistance connecting to the FSAdownload site, downloading EDExpress in single or multiple file format, or with the installation or use of EDExpress, please contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support at 800/330-5947 or by e-mail at CPSSAIG@ed.gov.
If you have technical questions about our FSA systems and software, you may want to subscribe to our e-mail listserv, FSATECH. For more information about FSATECH, including how to subscribe, visit the FSA Technical Support Web site at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/services/fsatechsubscribe.html.