Support FAQs
Please use the backup feature of LawTrust to backup your data file every time you work in the program. It is not a question of "IF" your hard drive will fail, it is a question of "when". Use Dropbox as your backup solution. They will give you 2GB of free storage space. Go here to get signed up for 2 GB of free, cloud storage.
Phone support is available for purchase. If you would like phone support, go to the contact us page and submit a request. We will send you a PayPal invoice. $2 per minute with a 20 minute minimum.
Number One most asked question... We do not furnish program unlock keys without proof of purchase. You must be on a current subscription plan to obtain a replacement key. Click here for instructions on how to obtain your Unlock Key. Why?
If you have a question about the program, please Read the Manual.
New Version Details On April 6, 2011, we released the latest version of LawTrust. This new version installs the program on your C:/ drive. The update fixes bug issues related to updates to Windows operating systems. Before you download and install the new version, make a backup of your data file. Once you have confirmed that your backup file has been created, uninstall LawTrust completely from your computer. Make sure that the folders and links are all deleted and removed from your computer. Do NOT delete your backup data file! Before you remove LawTrust from your computer, look for your backup data file! Do not delete the progam if you cannot find your backup file.
Basic Issues
- 1. Explain the Price
- 2. Backup and Restore Data Method - Get Dropbox
- 3. Learn the easiest, superior and FREE method to save and protect your data file.
Unlock Issues
- 4. How do I get an unlock key?
- 5. I purchased the program; unlocked it; it has been working...now it is in evaluation mode or not working.
- 6. I purchased the program before, now I need a replacement unlock key.
- 7. Refund Requests
- 8. The program was working on my computer and now it is asking for an unlock key, please send me a key.
- 9. My computer crashed and I need the key. I previously purchased the program.
- 10. When will I receive the unlock key?
- 11. Why must I pay for a replacement key?
- 12. What is a subscriber?
- 13. How do I unlock the program?
- 14. The program was unlocked now it is asking for an unlock code.
- 15. The program keeps asking for an unlock code.
- 16. I entered an unlock code, restarted the program but it is still asking for the code.
General Issues
- 17.Phone support.
- 18. DropBox - cloud based and free.
- 19. The help file in the master ledger is missing.
- 20. Request a refund of the purchase price of the program.
- 21. Manual in pdf format.
- 22. How do I use the backup/restore data feature?
- 23. I click on the icon but the program does not start and run.
- 24. Easiest way to convert to using LawTrust
- 25. Why must I pay for a replacement key?
- 26. How do I add additional accounts?
- 27. The Backup and Restore Data feature is gray and I can't open it.
- 28. Recommended check form.
- 29. How to move the data to a new computer.
- 30. Printed results look goofy or are wrong.
- 31. When will I receive the software?
- 32. Can we put the program on a different computer?
- 33. Network Installations
- 34. The program limits me to five client files.
- 35. How many versions of LawTrust are there
- 36. My computer crashed, what do I do to restore the program and my data file?
- 37. The program crashed and the program will not run, what do I do?
- 38. Switched, bought or changed computers, do we need a new key?
- 39. No matter what settings I use, the check printing feature won't properly print a check.
- 40. How do I know where my backup data file is stored by the program?
- 41. How do I backup and restore data?
- 42. I lost my data file, what do I do now?
- 43. How do I sort the files by alphabetical order?
- 44. I cannot open the view account reconciliation report. When I try and open it, I receive a message that says the jet database cannot be found.
Why must I buy a replacement key?
The unlock system was designed to prevent the theft of our program. Much time and money was invested in developing LawTrust and in order to protect our property, we were compelled to design an unlock system to thwart Internet theft. It is unfortunate but the only way we have of combatting the theft of our work. It takes us time to prepare unlock codes and respond to requests for same. Like everybody in business, time has value. We hope you understand. The price of the program is more than reasonable and upgrades have been free since 2004.
Learn the how to protect and save your data file for free.
Dropbox is an on-line storage service. The first 2 gigs are free and that is more than enough to store your data file.
- Go to www.Dropbox.com
- Download and install the Dropbox software on all computers where LawTrust is installed.
- Once installed, you will see the Dropbox folder on your desktop.
- Start LawTrust
- Close the client information screen so you can perform a backup of your data file.
- Create a backup of your data file and save it in the Dropbox folder.
- LawTrust is not affiliated with Dropbox.com
How do we move our data file to a new computer?
You must install the latest version of LawTrust on the new computer. This will require a new unlock key. If you are not already on a subscription plan, you will need to purchase a subscription. Without being on a subscription, no unlock keys will be provided. Once you have the program downloaded, installed and unlocked on your new computer, go to the old computer and use the backup/restore feature to make a backup of your data file. Save that data file to a USB thumb drive. Take the thumb drive with the backup data file to the new computer and plug it in to a USB port there. Open LawTrust on the new computer and use the Restore feature to pull in the data file you saved on the thumb drive.
When a document is printed, the results or appearance looks messed up.
Did the program work fine previously? Did you change settings in the program? Go to File then Preferences. Look to see what the default printer is. Make sure it is set on Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
I click on the LawTrust icon but the program will not start and run.
If the program ran fine in the past and has now stopped running, something has changed in your computer. Try to right click on the LawTrust icon and select Run as Administrator.
If the above step did not work, restart your computer. Shut it down completely. Restart then wait for the computer to fully load. Now try to start the program.
If all else fails, hopefully you have been backing up your data file as instructed. If you have not, search your C:/ drive for the LawTrust.mdb file. That is your data file., Make a copy of it and save it on your desktop. You may need it to restore your data if you have not been backing up on a regular basis. You may need to download and install the latest version of LawTrust. Install it then restart your computer. If this does not resolve your issue, contact us. We will gather additional information to determine what may be necessary to get you working again.
How do I request a refund?
There are no refunds. LawTrust is available as a free download. It functions for 30 days and allows you to add five client files. This trial period allows you sufficient time to determine if the program is a good fit for you. If you buy it and we furnish an unlock key, the software is yours. It's like opening a software program purchased at Best Buy. Once you have the program unlock key, it is a done deal. If you write a Will and your client pays for it then stops payment on their check...
What is a subscriber?
A subscriber is a LawTrust user who is currently paying a monthly subscription fee of $5 through PayPal. If you purchased LawTrust prior to February, 2011, you are not a subscriber unless you have signed on to a subscription.
In February, 2011, the pricing structure of the software changed to a subscription plan. The reasons for this change are many. Suffice it to say that between free upgrades and the demands for support, we simply were unable to continue to support the program. Either the program comes to an end with no further upgrades and no support or we offer a cheap alternative.
If you need a replacement key, you will need to purchase a replacement key with a subscription. If your subscription terminates for any reason, you will not be able to obtain future keys without purchasing a new, full version of LawTrust with a new subscription plan.
Click on the link to purchase a replacement key to subscribe. We will furnish you a replacement key. So long as your subscription continues, future keys and support will be provided at no charge.
Program Price
In February, 2011, the pricing structure of LawTrust switched to a subscription plan. Suffice it to say that between free upgrades and support, we simply were unable to continue to support the program. Either the program ended with no further upgrades and support or we offer a cheap alternative.
If you need an unlock key and you previously purchased the program, you will need to purchase a subscription. No keys will be furnished absent a paid and current subscription plan. If your subscription terminates for any reason, you will not be able to obtain future keys without purchasing a new, full version of LawTrust with subscription.
No matter what settings I use to print a check, the check will not print properly.
Check to see what your default font size is for display. Look under the Personalization and Appearance tab in Windows. Default DPI is 96. If your size is something other than 96, change it to 96.
The program doesn't unlock for various reasons.
If the program was previously unlocked and now it is not, something in your computer has changed. LawTrust does not just lose the unlock code. If the program is now indicating it is in evaluation mode, someone has most likely removed a program or managed to damage a key program file resulting in this issue. If the key you were provided previously no longer works, then something in the computer has changed through no fault of the program. You will need to purchase a replacement key.
If you are installing the program for the first time, please follow these instructions step-by-step:
- Do not include any blank spaces when you insert the unlock key.
- Make sure you are inserting the unlock key we sent you. It is not the same computer key code you sent us. They may look alike but they are not.
- Once you insert the unlock key, without a blank space, restart the program by exiting out of it. If that does not unlock the program, restart your computer by shutting it off . Wait a few seconds then turn it back on.
- View this image.
Phone Support
Phone support is available for purchase. It is charged at the rate of $2 per minunte with a 20 minute minimum purchase required. If you need phone help, use the contact us link to ask for phone assistance.
Convert to LawTrust
There are two methods to switch from your present accounting system to LawTrust.
1. As new clients come in, put them into LawTrust. You will use both systems until you finally phase out the old system.
2. Print all your current records, and, depending on how many client files you have, spend a the time to enter each client into the program.
Help file missing
Some users have reported that their help file is missing. We are working on resolving this issue. For now, this is the help file.
LawTrust Master Ledger Help
1. To sort any of the columns, click the column title. For instance, if you wish to sort the dates oldest at the top, click "Date" until the list is sorted to your liking.
2. Examine you bank statement against the master ledger. If an item in the master ledger has cleared, as shown on the bank statement, click the "C/NC" field for that item. "NC" is displayed. By clicking on the "NC" field, this will convert the item to cleared status.
3. Once you have cleared the items as shown on your bank statement, check your cleared balance to make sure it matches your bank statement. If it does not, exit the master ledger and examine your record from the previous month to determine what entries took place that would result in the balance not matching.
How to manage multiple bank trust accounts.
Please read and follow the instructions in the manual. Complete details are provided there and you must follow those instructions. You will need to download the file below as a part of the process. Save this file to your "LawTrust" folder as found on your computer. Manual (pdf) Manual (doc)
Click Here to download the yourbank.mdb file.
The program crashed and now it won't run.
Restart your computer. If the program does not run after restart, hopefully you have created a backup of your data. If not, see if you can find and copy the LawTrust.mdb file from the LawTrust folder on your hard drive and save it on your desktop. That is a critical data file. Always, always use the backup feature as recommended above.Uninstall the old program before installing the latest version. See the image below on locating the file you need to copy and save before you reinstall the program. Once the new program is installed, restore your backup file. If you do not have a backup file, copy the LawTrust.mdb file to the LawTrust folder as found on your C: drive.
You may be required to purchase a replacement unlock key. The program does not cause files to become corrupt. It is caused by faults in your computer or changes to the operating system.
The latest version of LawTrust is installed to your C: drive. In the past, it would install to your Program Files folder.
Click on My Computer -> C: -> Program Files -> Lawtrust
View how to find your file.
I purchased the program, how do I get the unlock key?
Follow these instructions to request your unlock key. No key will be sent to you unless we can confirm your purchase of the program and that you are on a current subscription plan. Absent PayPal payment verification of your purchase and payment of your subscription is current, no key will be provided.
I purchased the program in the past, now I need another key or a replacement key.
LawTrust was changed to a "subscription" based program in February, 2011. If you purchased the program prior to February 1, 2011, you will need to purchase a subscription to receive future support and unlock keys. This change was necessary as we continue to develop the program and provide updates free of charge. Support has also become a burden as sales increase. Once you subscribe, all updates, support and unlock keys will be provided at no additional charge. If, however, you cancel your subscription, you will not be able to obtain future unlock keys without purchasing the full version of the program and a new subscription.Click on the "Buy Replacement Key" link under "Pricing" to purchase a subscription. Once you have purchased the program, you must follow the unlock instructions on how to obtain your key. If you are already a subscriber (this means you are paying the $5 per month subscription fee), you will receive the replacement key at no charge.
If you must purchase a replacement key, you should know that LawTrust was changed to a "subscription" based program in February, 2011. If you purchased the program prior to February 1, 2011, you will need to purchase a subscription to receive future support and unlock keys. This change was necessary as we continue to develop the program and provide the updates free of charge. Support has also become a burden as sales increase. The plus to subscription service is that once you subscribe, all updates, support and unlock keys will be provided at no additional charge. If, however, you cancel your subscription, you will not be able to obtain future unlock keys without purchasing the full version of the program and a new subscription.
Click on the "Buy Replacement Key" link under "Pricing" to purchase a subscription. Once you have purchased the program, you must follow the unlock instructions on how to obtain your key. If you are already a subscriber (this means you are paying the $5 per month subscription fee), you will receive the replacement key at no charge.
When will I receive the sofware?
We do not mail out the software unless you purchase it on a USB drive. If not, you must download it from the Internet. If you wish to purchase a backup on a USB drive, contact us.
Can we put LawTrust on a different computer?
You can put the program on any computer you own, however, each computer requires a special unlock key. So long as you purchased the program and you are current in your subscription payments, we will provide you with additional unlock keys. If you are not on a subscription plan, you must purchase a subscription before keys will be provided. Go here to obtain your user key. Go here to sign up for a subscription to obtain keys.
When will we receive our unlock key?
We usually provide them within 24 hours of your purchase. If you have not received a response within 48 hours, please contact us. If you have not purchased the program, no key will be provided. Make sure you have followed these instructions.
How do we install the program on a network?
LawTrust is a stand-alone application. We do not support network installations. We understand that some users use the program on their networks. You must purchase a key for all computers that will access the program. We recommend you use Dropbox. See the instructions on this Support page.
The program limits me to only five files.
If you are using the trial version of the program, you must purchase the full version to add unlimited client files.If you purchased the program, there are a number of reasons why this may be happening.
- You are using an evaluation version of the program. You must buy the program and obtain an unlock key to lift the five client file limit.
- If you have bought the program, make sure you have followed the unlock instructions.
- Restart your computer and re-check the program to see if it is unlocked.
- If the program has previously worked and now it does not, then something has changed in your computer. Somebody has moved files or attempted to circumvent the unlocking mechanisms of the program. Make a backup of your data file and re-install the program.
How many versions of the program are there?
One. The most current version is always available for download here.
My computer crashed, how do I restore the program and my data files?
Hopefully you made a backup of your data file. If not, your data may well be lost. You would need to request the assistance of experts on restoring data from crashed hard drives. If you have a backup of your data file, Download LawTrust and install it. You may need to purchase a replacement key. Make sure you follow the unlock instructions.
New Computer Installation - New Hard Drive - Need the Program Unlocked Again
Download LawTrust and install it. You will need a new unlock key. You must be on a subscription plan and current ($5 per month through PayPal) to obtain an unlock key. You do not need to pay for the full version of the program so long as you previously purchased LawTrust. You must, however, be on a a subscription plan. To obtain a new unlock key and purchase a subscription ($5 per month), Go here and purchase a subscription. Then simply follow the unlock instructions. If you are already current in paying the subscription fee of $5 per month, go to the Unlock link to obtain your key.
I lost my data file, what do I do?
First, do a search of your computer for the LawTrust files. The data file has the extension of .mdb - if you backed up your data file using the backup/restore feature in the program, it will have the extension .bak Do a search for these files. If your hard drive crashed and you have no backup CD or thumb drive, you would need to send your hard drive to a data recovery company for assistance. Otherwise, your data is simply lost.