Frequently Asked Questions

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ADDING DATA INTO THE FORMS

  • You are having trouble finding the SF-171 A Continuation sheet.

  • You would like to add more job descriptions.

  • You would like to add more answers to the existing question.

  • You are having trouble finding the SF-171 A Continuation sheet.

  • You need to add more Colleges to Education sections.

  • You need to add more Graduate, Under Graduate, or Other Courses or Training.

  • How do I get to Job #2 of the OF-612?

  • How do I get to Job Experience B of the SF-171?

  • How do I add to my Education section?

When there is a question on your employment forms that asks you to enter all information specific to that question as they pertain to your individual history (for example: Job Histories or Education), the program allows you to enter information into the first position, leaving the additional areas “grayed out” or not present.

To “add” more answers:

  1. Click your cursor into the area where you typed in your first answer.

  2. Select the Add Answer icon located on your tool bar  .           (You can also activate this command from the Edit menu.) 

This will open the field boxes that were gray or not present, allowing you to enter your next answer.  You can repeat this to add as many answers as you need to.

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INSERTING, DELETING OR ARRANGING ANSWERS IN THE FORM

  • How do I update my file by entering in a new job description?

  • How do I insert a new job description into the correct order?

  • How do I rearrange my answers?

  • How do I insert an answer?

  • How do I delete an answer?

In multiple answer questions where you have entered information pertaining to your Work, Education or Training history, you may need to insert a new answer into a specific position, delete an answer, or need to rearrange your answers into their correct order. 

To “insert” an answer into your existing list of answers:

  1. While your data file is open, click your cursor into the position where you need to enter this new answer (for example: you need to enter your most current job description into your form to bring it up to date.  If so, click your cursor into Job #1 of the OF 612 form or Work Experience A in the SF 171 form that you currently have open).

  2. Select the Insert Answer icon located on your tool bar .          (You can also activate this command from the Edit menu.) 

This will insert a new blank answer in that position and re-letter or re-number the answers below appropriately. 

To “delete” an entire answer from the list of answers you have currently, and have the program automatically re-number the remaining answers:

  1. Click your cursor into the answer you wish to delete.

  2. Select the Delete Answer icon located on your tool bar .        (You can also activate this command from the Edit menu.) 

This will delete the current answer and re-letter or re-number the answers below appropriately.

To “arrange” answers and adjust the order in which they appear:

  1. Click your cursor into any of the answers that you have currently.

  2. Select the Arrange Answer icon located on your tool bar .      (You can also activate this command from the Edit menu.) 

This will show you the list of your answers in the current order, allowing you to select and move your answers to the desired positions on your list.

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CONVERTING AND EXPORTING DATA FILES

  • How do I convert my data from a SF-171 or an OF-612 form, into a resume?

  • How do I transfer my information from a SF-171 into an OF-612 or vice-versa?

  • Converting files

  • How do I export my data out of the Quick&Easy program?

  • How can I take my data and use it in another word processing program (such as Word or Word Perfect)?

To convert data between forms:

If you wish to transfer your data from one form to another (for example: information you typed into a SF-171 form to transfer into an OF-612), please do the following:

  1. Open the Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit program.  Select to Start a New Form or Open an Existing Form.  (The form that you select to open does not need to be anything specific.)

  2. Select File from the menu.  Select Import > Q&E File.

  3. Click Browse on the Import Wizard screen and select the saved data file you wish to use (the data file you want to convert).  Click OK.

  4. Click Next.  Choose the option Select a template and load the data into it.  Click Next.

  5. Click Select Template.  From the list, select the form you wish to transfer your data into.  Click OK.

  6. Select Next and assure that all field boxes are selected for the type of information you wish to convert (all options should be checked if you want the maximum amount of data to transfer).  Click Next.

  7. Click Finish.  The conversion will take a few moments. (*Make sure to save your new form with a different name to avoid over-writing your original data file.)

To convert data from a form to a resume:

If you wish to transfer data from your SF-171 or your OF-612 into a Federal Resume, please do the following:

  1. Open the Federal Resume program. (click Start/Programs/DataTech Software/Federal Jobs Kit and select the Fed Res 2000 icon.) 

  2. From the File menu select Send To >Transfer data.

  3. Select the option “Create a new resume from a Quick&Easy form" and "Select a Quick and Easy file”.  Click Browse.

  4. Select the data file you wish to use.  Click Open.

  5. Click OK.

  6. Select the style of resume you wish to create from the drop down list on the "Style Selection" window.   Click OK.

*If the Federal Jobs Kit program opens a blank form and does not show the Style Selection screen mentioned above, minimize the blank form.  The Style Selection screen should appear.

How to export your data out of Quick&Easy so you can access it in another word processing program:

This feature is available in v6.0 & v6.5 currently.  It is not available in v4.0.

In order to export your data from your Quick&Easy file, the data must be in the Federal Resume format.  If the data you wish to export is currently in a SF-171 or an OF-612 file, you will need to convert it to a resume first.  Please see instructions on how to convert your form to a resume above.

To “export” your data out of the Q&E program as an “RTF” file (this is a “Rich Text Format” file which can be read by most word processing programs):

  1. Open the Federal Resume program and open your resume file that has the information you wish to export.

  2. From the File menu select Export.

  3. Enter a name and select a location to save this Rich Text Format file.  Click Save.

  4. You have now created a RTF file that can be opened, viewed and edited in Word, Word Pad or most word processing programs.  (*This is helpful when needing to copy/paste your data to online applications.)

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PRINTING THE FORMS

  • How can I print one work experience per page

  • How can I print two work experiences per page

You have the option of selecting to print One or Two work experiences per page.  One work experience per page is desired when your job descriptions are lengthy and continue to a 2nd page.  Two work experiences per page is desired when your job descriptions are short and do not need a continuation page. To change these settings please see below:

  1. From the program menu, click Tools > Options.

  2. Select the tab that reflects the form you have open (SF171 or OF612).

  3. Under Print Work Experiences, select One Per Page or Two Per Page and click OK.

  • How can I have my entire answer print on a continuation page

When you have an answer that takes up more room than the form allows, the program will start to print that answer on the form in the allotted space, then continue printing the remaining text for that answer on a continuation page.  If you would like all of your text to print on the continuation page and insert "see attachment" on the form, see below:

  1. From the program menu, click Tools > Options.

  2. Select the tab that reflects the form you have open (SF171 or OF612)

  3. Under Print as Attachment Option, select the check box that reflects the question number for the answer you would like to print as an attachment. Click OK. (If you have more data then will fit in the allotted spot on the form, the program will automatically enter "see attachment" and print the entire answer on a continuation page.  This does not apply to Work Experience answers.)

  • How can I get my SF-171 or OF-612 to print in color

  • How can I get my SF-171 or OF-612 to print in black

You have the option to print the SF-171 or the OF-612 in the original color that was set forth by the OPM.  Although your data will always print in black, the form graphics can print in color if you have a color printer.  See below to select to print in color or to print using blank ink only:

  1. From the program menu, click Tools > Options.

  2. On the General Tab under Other, select "Forms in Color When Available" and click OK to print in color.

  3. On the General Tab under Other, deselect the option for "Forms in Color When Available" and click OK to print in black.

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INSTALLING

  • How do I Install my Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit program?

    If this is the first time you are installing your program, please see Installing your Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit for the first time.

    If this is not the first time you are installing your program, please see "Installing/Reinstalling Federal Jobs Kit on an additional, or a new computer".

  • Can I install my program to more than one computer?

    Yes, if you purchased a Personal, Family or Office pack, you can install the Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit to as many computers as you would like.  Due to the activation process when "unlocking" your program, you will need to make sure to follow the instructions for additional installs.  Please see "Installing/Reinstalling Federal Jobs Kit on an additional, or a new computer".  If you have purchased a Professional version, please follow the terms of your licensing agreement.  If you need further assistance please contact our Technical Support Department at 1(800)556-7526, 8:30am-5pm ET M-F, or send an email to tech@quickandeasy.com.

  • Can I add more names to my program?

    If you have purchased Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit Personal Version (one user), or the Family Version (two users), you can add additional names to your package for an additional fee.   If you would like to add more names please call contact our Technical Support Department at 1(800)556-7526, 8:30am-5pm ET M-F, or send an email to tech@quickandeasy.com.

  • How do I back up my name file?

    You can back up your name file "QEZ.100" to any source of media that your computer has access to (Example: Burn to a CD, copy to a Memory Stick/Flash Drive or any other external source).

    1. Right-click your Quick&Easy icon, select Properties.

    2. On the Shortcut tab select Find Target (Vista/Windows7: select Open File Location).

    3. Locate and highlight file QEZ.100.

    4. Right-click QEZ.100 and select Send To, then select the external drive you are saving to.  (For more information on how to save or copy a file, please refer to your Windows Help)

    5. Once you have a copy of your name file, please keep in a safe place for all future installs.

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Installing your Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit for the first time:

STEP 1: Installing Quick&Easy

For users that have purchased the Personal, Family or Office Pack, please see steps below.

For users that have purchased the Professional version, please refer to the Q&E Legal Manual.PDF file located on the Quick&Easy install CD, for install instructions.

  1. Insert the Quick&Easy CD into your CD-ROM drive. (If setup doesn't start automatically, browse the Quick&Easy CD in your CD-ROM drive and double click Setup.exe)

  2. Fed Net 2000 is a non-essential utility.  It is not needed to run the Quick&Easy program. Select Continue.

  3. On the Welcome screen click Next.

  4. You must agree to the terms of the license agreement in order to continue. Click Yes. Click Yes again.

  5. Choose the type of installation you want to perform:

    Full - This option is for all single installations (Personal, Family or Office packs) on stand alone computers. Select Full. Click Next.
    Server & Workstation - These options are for installing Quick&Easy to a server to be shared by other users. This option is best suited for users that have purchased the "Professional" version. If you intend to run Quick&Easy from a server on multiple workstations, please see detailed instructions located in "QE Legal Manual.PDF" file on the install CD.

  6. Click Next to install to the default location or select Browse to select a folder other than the default.

  7. Click Next.

  8. Setup will copy all files. Click Finish.

STEP 2: Registering your forms package(s)
The forms package(s) you purchased must be registered before using or unlocking Quick&Easy. You will need the License ID, Password and Serial number(s) located on the inside cover of the CD case. YOU WILL NEED THESE FOR FUTURE INSTALLS. DO NOT DISCARD.

To register your software:

  1. Enter the License ID, Password and Serial number. Click OK.

  2. The Form Manager will appear the first time you run the Quick&Easy Administrator. If this is not the first time, select Form Manager.

  3. Enter the License ID, Password and Serial number. Click OK.

  4. To register additional forms packages, repeat #2 & #3.

STEP 3: Unlock Quick&Easy
Before you can run Quick&Easy, you must unlock the program. You can do this if the computer has an internet connection or by calling DataTech Software. The feature to unlock your program via the internet is available for a one time use only.  If you previously installed the program and used this feature, please refer to instructions "Installing/Reinstalling your Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit to an additional or a new computer".

To unlock your Quick&Easy program with an active internet connection:

  1. Select Start/Programs/DataTech Software/Quick&Easy Administrator.

  2. Click the Automatic Unlock button.

  3. You will receive a message telling you the program has been authorized to run. Click OK. The Name Assistant will start automatically.

  4. Before you run Quick&Easy you will need to encode the name(s) and social security number(s) of valid user(s). This information will print in appropriate areas of all forms created with Quick&Easy. Click Next.

    • Although most regions/agencies require you to supply your complete social security number, some only want the last four digits.  You have the option, when entering your information as mentioned above, to enter zeros along with the last four digits of your social security number.  If you need to change this at a later date, contact our Technical Support Department at 1(800)556-7526, 8:30am-5pm ET M-F, or send an email to tech@quickandeasy.com.

  5. Click Next. You will type in name and social security number.

  6. Click Next. Enter the same information again. Click Next.

  7. You will be shown an example of how the name will appear and print on the form. Select Finish.

  8. You will be asked to save your “Name File” to a floppy disk. If you do not have a floppy drive, select NO. You can manually back up your name file at a later time to another source (CD, Flash Drive etc.) Please see instructions on "How do I backup my name file".

    YOU WILL NEED THIS FILE TO ACTIVATE ALL FUTURE INSTALLS

  9. Close the Quick&Easy Administrator and run the Quick&Easy program.

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Installing/Reinstalling your Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit to an additional, or a new computer (this is not the first time you are installing your program):

If you have purchased a Personal, Family or Office pack, and this is not the first time installing your Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit program, you will need to make sure you have access to your "Name File" (QEZ.100).  This is a file you were instructed to backup when you completed your initial install.  This file is needed to activate your program. 

If you have purchased a Professional version you will need to contact our Technical Support Department at 1(800)556-7526, 8:30am-5pm ET M-F, or send an email to tech@quickandeasy.com.

STEP 1: Installing Quick&Easy

  1. Insert the Quick&Easy CD into your CD-ROM drive. (If setup doesn't start automatically, browse the Quick&Easy CD in your CD-ROM drive and double click Setup.exe)

  2. Fed Net 2000 is a Non-Essential utility not needed to run the Quick&Easy program. Select Continue.

  3. On the Welcome screen click Next.

  4. You must agree to the terms of the license agreement in order to continue. Click Yes. Click Yes again.

  5. Choose the type of installation you want to perform:

    Full - This option is for all single installations (Personal, Family or Office packs) on stand alone computers. Select Full. Click Next.
    Server & Workstation - These options are for installing Quick&Easy to a server to be shared by other users. This option is best suited for users that have purchased the "Professional" version. If you intend to run Quick&Easy from a server on multiple workstations, please see detailed instructions located in "QE Legal Manual.PDF" file on the install CD.

  6. Click Next to install to the default location or select Browse to select a folder other than the default.

  7. Click Next.

  8. Setup will copy all files. Click Finish.

STEP 2: Registering your forms package(s)
The forms package(s) you purchased must be registered before using or unlocking Quick&Easy. You will need the License ID, Password and Serial number(s) located on the inside cover of the CD case.

 To register your software:

  1. Select Start/Programs/DataTech Software/Quick&Easy Administrator.

  2. The Form Manager will appear the first time you run the Quick&Easy Administrator. If this is not the first time, select Form Manager.

  3. Enter the License ID, Password and Serial number. Click OK.

  4. To register additional forms packages, repeat #2 & #3.

STEP 3: Activating your Quick&Easy forms package using your "Name File"
Before you can run Quick&Easy, you must activate the program using your "Name File". This is the file you were instructed to back up after your initial install (QEZ.100).  If you do not have your name file, see STEP 4.

Steps to unlock your Quick&Easy program using your name file:

  1. Insert the floppy disk, CD or memory stick/flash drive that contains your name file QEZ.100.

  2. From the Quick&Easy Administrator screen select Name File.

  3. You will receive a message asking if you would like to copy your name file in from another location.  Select Yes.

  4. In the Open dialog box, browse to the location where you have your name file saved.

  5. Highlight file QEZ.100 and select Open. This will copy your name file and activate your program.

  6. Close the Quick&Easy Administrator.  You are now ready to run your Quick&Easy Federal Jobs Kit program.

STEP 4: Activating your Quick&Easy forms package when you do not have your "Name File"

  • If you do not have a backup of your name file  but you still have access to the computer where you originally installed your Federal Jobs Kit program:

    1. From the computer where the Federal Jobs Kit program is installed, right-click the Quick&Easy Icon, then select Properties.

    2. On the Shortcut tab select Find Target. (Vista/Windows7: select Open File Location.)

    3. Locate and right-click on QEZ.100.

    4. Select Send To and choose the location you wish to back your name file to (Example CD-Rom drive, Flash Drive etc).

    5. Bring your name file to your new computer and follow instructions listed in Step 3.

  • If you did not make a backup of your name file and DO NOT have access to your previous install:  

You will need to contact our Technical Support Department at 1(800)556-7526, 8:30am-5pm ET M-F, or send an email to tech@quickandeasy.com for an additional activation code.  This will allow you to encode your name and social security number which will activate your new install.  You will then be able to back up your name file for all future installs.

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If you do not find a solution on this Support Page, please contact our Technical Support Department at 1(800)556-7526, 8:30am-5pm ET M-F, or send an email to tech@quickandeasy.com.

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