How to Create, Configure and/or Convert an eForms Data File

After installing eForms you'll see “NO OPEN DATA FILE” on the toolbar and at the center of the "Start Page", indicating that you will need to create a current year data file, open a current year data file or convert a previous year data file in order to use eForms to process your data.

Here's how to do that:

Create a Current Year eForms Data File

1. Use the FILE > NEW DATA FILE menu to open the "Create Data File" window
2. Type the name you want to give your data file in the "File Name" field of the window
3. Click the "Save" button at the lower right to create and open the new data file

Open a Current Year eForms Data File

1. Use the FILE > NEW DATA FILE menu to open the "Create Data File" window
2. Browse to the location where this year's eForms data file is stored
3. Select the data file to open
4. Click the "Open" button at the lower right to open the data file

Convert a Previous Year's eForms Data File

1. Use the FILE > CONVERT A DATA FILE menu to open the "Convert Data File" window
2. Browse to the location where last year’s eForms data file is stored; if you don’t know this location (after all, you only do this once a year), you can:
   1. Use the FILE > NEW DATA FILE menu to open the "Create Data File" window where you can specify the location(s) to search and the type of data file to locate; or
   2. Use the HELP > DIAGNOSTICS AND FILE LOCATIONS menu in last year’s eForms to open the "Help & Diagnostics" window where last year’s data file will appear on Line 1
3. Select the data file to convert
4. Select the folder where the new converted data file will be saved
5. Select the appropriate "Conversion Options" to remove or retain existing data as required
6. Click the "Convert" button at the lower right to convert the data file

And you're finished!

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