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• Youth Football
• 8 Man Football

Click here to see the 'most asked' questions

Installation Questions:

Activation Questions:

License & Users:

Error Messages:

Program Updates:

Drawing Plays

Playbook Pages:

Backup / Export E-Playbook data:

Email Plays & Playbok Pages:

Most Asked Questions:

Question: Should I order E-Playbook on CD or download?
Answer: If you don't have a 'high speed' internet connection then you need to order the CD, otherwise we suggest that you order the downoad version.

Question: How much does it cost to update E-Playbook to the latest version?
Answer: Program Updates are FREE - and when an update is available we send you an email.

Question: If an activation code is only valid for 4 days am I going to have to keep requesting and entering new codes?
Answer: No - once E-Playbook is installed and activated on a computer you never need to re-enter a code (or enter a new code). The '4 day time limit' only applies if you don't use your code within 4 days of when we email it to you.

Question: The list of example formations and example fronts didn't include a couple of the formations and fronts that we use - what do I do?
Answer: The example formations and fronts are provided to be a 'jumping off point', you should pick the one that is the most similar to what you 'run' and then modify it by; moving players, change player names, and then save the formation / front using your teams terminology.

Question: Sometimes when I am drawing a play a message says something about a 'Run-time error' message and then E-Playbook (and my play) is gone. What did I do wrong?
Answer: You didn't do anything wrong - it's an E-Playbook bug. For more information we have a E-Playbook Notice that describes the two different types of E-Playbook errors. Call us at (760) 331-3626 or email us at support@footballtechnologies.com and describe the conditions that preceded the error so we can get to work on fixing the bug.

Question: Can I add player instructions to a playbook page?
Answer: Yes - 2 of the 6 available playbook page formats provide you with a 1/2 page 'Note Space' area where you can enter detailed player instructions. You can even 'paste in' player instructions from Word, Excel, Word Perfect, PowerPoint, etc....

Question: Can I email a play or plays to another coach on my staff?
Answer: Yes, as long as he also has E-Playbook installed and activated. E-Playbook plays, formation, and fronts are saved as simple 'text' files, the name of the file is the 'play name' (with the characters '.txt' added to the end of it). You can attach an E-Playbook play, formation, or front file to an email just like you would any other file. The other coach can then copy the play file/files into the 'Play Folder' on his computer.

Question: A coach from my school / team ordered E-Playbook - can I use his activation code?
Answer: No, you should request your own activation code and we will email your own code to you.

Question: Can I edit (modify) a line, arc, or block?
Answer: No - if you want to change a line, arc, or block you first must delete it and then add a new one.

Question: Can I use E-Playbook for Special Team plays?
Answer: You can, but because the 'field (drawing area) is currently limited to 30 yards you don't have enough room to draw kickoff / kickoff return and punt/punt return plays.

Question: Does E-Playbook support 8 Man Football?
Answer: Yes - click here to go to the 8 Man Football Page.

Question: Does E-Playbook support Canadian Football?
Answer: No

Installation Questions:

Question: Which operating systems are supported?
Answer:

Question: Does E-Playbook work on Apple computers?
Answer: The simple answer is NO. We have heard that there is a coach 'out there' that has used Parallels to run E-Playbook on a MAC, but we do not have detailed instructions on the required steps.

Question: Is there a limit to the number of computers that we can install E-Playbook into?
Answer:- E-Playbook Standard is limited to a total of 25 users, Each of the 25 users can install E-Playbook on an unlimited number of his computers (home, work, laptop, etc...).

Question: Do I have to install E-Playbook into the default location (C:\Program Files\E Playbook)?
Answer: Yes, there are certain 'special non-windows things' that E-Playbook does which means that we need to know exactly where the software and folders are located.

Question: What is this WinZip thing? When I double click on the file that I just downloaded, something called WinZip Self-Extractor pops open.
Answer: Zip is a computer term for files that have been compressed and packaged together. If files were not 'zipped' then it would be a 'real pain in the ass' to download stuff from the internet. A typical E-Playbook download include 5 to 6 files, and if they were not 'zipped' you would have to download each file one individually (wouldn't that be fun and a good use of your time?).

Question: When I try to install E-Playbook football software a window titled "Install Program As Other User" is displayed and I can't continue - Why?
Answer: To install most computer software you need to be logged on as a user with administrative privileges. When this message is displayed you do not have privileges to install / un-install programs. For additional information please contact us via email or call us at (760) 331-3626.

Question: During E-Playbook installation I get messages about older files & newer files - What should I do?
Answer: If the message says that the file on your computer is newer than what is being installed / copied - just 'click' Yes (to keep the newer file). Windows is supposed to know to keep the newer file, but it doesn't always do it correctly. For any other messages please go to the Known Issues page to find your message and the proper course of action.

Question: I tried your demo, I just bought the program on-line - what do I do now?
Answer: To upgrade from the demo:
1) You don't need to un-install demo, E-Playbook will install 'right over the top' of the demo
2) From the Downloads page select download E-Playbook link
3) Select a location on you computer to save the downloaded file
4) Follow the on-screen instructions
5) When the download has been completed, 'double left click' the downloaded file: ex:E_Playbook_ xxx.exe
6) Select OK to begin the installation - follow the on-screen instructions
7) Go to the Active page and request your Activation Code - complete the Activation Code 'form', we'll email your code back within 24 hours.
8) Start E-Playbook, enter your activation code - you should be 'good to go'

Activating E-Playbook:

Question: What is an activation code?
Answer: We use the activation code to limit software piracy. Each time that you install E-Playbook on a new comuter you need to enter a valid activation code. For additional info on activation codes click here.

Question: One of the coaches on our staff purchased E-Playbook football software. I downloaded and installed the software - now what?
Answer: First you need to request an activation code, once you receive the email with you activation code email start E-Playbook and then enter:

E-Playbook will start and you can get to work.

Question: Do I need a new Activation Code each time I (or one of our other coaches) install E-Playbook on a different computer?
Answer: Yes

Question: I can't get my Activation code to work, I keep getting a message that my activation code has failed - what do I do?
Answer: Call us at (760) 331-3626

License & User's:

Question: I originally bought E-Playbook Standard for my school, I just got a job at a different school - can I keep using it?
Answer: Yes, E-Playbook Standard is licensed to both the original buyer and his school / team / organization. Not only can you keep using
E-Playbook Standard but so can the coaches at your old school / team.

Question: If I was the original buyer and I change schools - can the other coaches at my new school also use E-Playbook?
Answer: No - as the original buyer you can use E-Playbook until the end of time, but your new school / team (and the other coaches on the staff) is not licensed - someone from your new that school / team will need to buy E-Playbook.

Question: What is the difference between E-Playbook Standard and E-Playbook Single User?
Answer: The number of coaches that are authorized to install and use E-Playbook:

Question: Can I upgrade from E-Playbook Single User to E-Playbook Standard (so other coaches on my staff can use the software)?
Answer: Yes - the cost is $75, click here to order the Single User Upgrade.

Error Messages:

Question: When I start E-Playbook I get an error message that says: "An error has been detected while testing for a 'Microsoft Word' installation"
Answer: E-Playbook allows you to use Word to add 'formatted' play notes to a playbook page. In order for E-Playbook to
support this capability, on 'start up' we have to test Word to make sure that it can be successfully started by another windows program). If this error message is displayed it means that E-Playbook was not able to properly start Word. Please note that this message has nothing to do with whether or not you can use Word on this computer. In addition, this error is also not the fault of E-Playbook - you would get the same error from any other windows program that tried to open a Word window. In many cases you can fix the problem by:

1) Removing (un-install) Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office
2) Restarting your computer
3) Re-installing Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office

If that does not fix the problem you may need to have your computer serviced by a certified Windows Expert. You should tell him that:

The problem is most likely either a bad registry key or the Microsoft Windows Script package:

If it is a bad registry key:
A) "A registry subkey is probably trying to load a non-existant .dll"
B) The problem most likely was caused by the removal of an Anti-virus program
C) He should check the 'default string value of the InproServer32 subkey'

If the problem is in the Microsoft Windows Scripting package (the message may reference an "Automation Error":
Click here to download and install the Windows Scripting package:

For additional information please refer to the E-Playbook Notice - Microsoft Word Problems and E-Playbook

Question: Error message says "error code 429", or "error code -2147024770", or Automation Error - what's up?
Answer: These error messages indicate that your computer has either:

'Bad' Windows system files
Corrupted (or missing) dll's (dynamically linked libraries)
'Broken' or registry keys

The suggested steps to repair any of these problems are:

1) Download and Install Microsoft Windows Scripting package: click here to download the Windows Scripting package

2) Fix the "InprocServer32" registry key (this error is generally caused by un-installing anti-virus programs). WARNING: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Modify the registry at your own risk. If you are not a Windows Power User who is 'comfortable' using RegEdit then we would strongly suggest that you take your computer to a Certified Windows Expert.

A) Click the Start button, click Run, and type REGEDIT. Click OK.
B) Highlight the topmost folder in the registry editor then press CTRL+F
C) In the Look at options, check Keys, Values, Data
D) In the Find what textbox, type 'Word.Application'
E) Click the Find Next button
F) Look for the subkey InprocServer32 and check the Default String value. If the string value is referencing a dll file, verify that the dll exists on the system. Otherwise, delete the string value. Retry auto fill of the form.

Question: After starting E-Playbook a message says "Run-time error '13' Type mis-match"
Answer: This error indicates that there is a problem with Microsoft Word. In most cases Word probably works fine when
you use it, but when it is 'launched' by other Windows programs (like E-Playbook) an error is detected. To fix the problem:

1) Restart your computer
2) Start Microsoft Word
3) From the Help menu select "Detect and Repair"
4) Follow the on-screen instructions
5) Restart your computer
6) Start E-Playbook - if the error occurs call or email Football Technologies

Question: Sometimes I get a 'Run-time error' message and then E-Playbook (and my play) is gone. What did I do wrong?
Answer: You didn't do anything wrong - its an E-Playbook bug. For more information we have a E-Playbook Notice titled E-Playbook Errors.doc that describes the two different types of E-Playbook errors. Call us at (760) 331-3626 or email us at support@footballtechnologies.com and describe the conditions that preceded the error so we can get to work on fixing the bug.

Program Updates

Question : Is there a charge for upgrading to a newer version of Football Technologiesa (E-Playbook and/or ScoutCard Xpress)?
Answer :- NO - program updates are free!

Question : How do I update to the latest version of E-Playbook?
Answer: Go to our Downloads page. For step-by-step instruction go to the Download Demo page.

Question: Do I need to un-install the older version of E-Playbook before I update?
Answer: No

Question: When I update to a newer version of E-Playbook are my files (formations, fronts, plays, playbook pages) safe.
Answer: Yes, updating E-Playbook football software will not harm your saved files. With that said, we suggest that before upgrading that you should backup all of your files using the Backup / Export Wizard (from the file menu) - 'better safe than sorry'.

Drawing Plays:

Question: Can I re-save a play without having to re-type the play name?
Answer: Yes, with the play on the field:

1) Select the 'Save Play' button
2) The 'Save Play As File' window will be displayed
3) In the lower window of the 'Play Tools' (where your plays are listed)' - left click once on the name of a play
4) The selected play name will now appear in the 'Save this play as' box of the 'Save Play As File' window
5) Select the 'OK' button

Question: Can I create a mirror image of a play (so I don't have to draw it twice)?
Answer: Yes, in the lower right corner of the screen left click the 'Mirror' button to flip a play right to left - left to right

Question: Can I show a 'tilted nose' (or any other player not facing the Line Of Scrimmage)?
Answer : Not currently

Question: Does E-Playbook support Special Teams plays
Answer: Currently the E-Playbook field is only 30 yards long - so practically it does not support Kickoff, Kickoff Return
Punt, or Punt Return (although you can show the Punt and Kickoff formations)

Question: Does E-Playbook support Canadian football (12 man)?
Answer : No

Question: How do I make game or practice scripts
Answer: It has been our experience that every coach has a different idea of what a 'script' page should look like. So our we think that the best solution is to:
1) Use Microsoft Word or Excel to create a script page that fits your needs
2) Once you have drawn your plays, use E-Playbooks 'Create Picture' feature (from the File menu) to copy the play
3) In your Word / Excel script - select 'Insert' and 'Picture' to put your play into your script
4) Right click the mouse on the picture of the play, select 'Format Picture' and the 'Size' tab to set the size of the play (to match the format of your script)

Question; I dont see my fronts and/or formations in the list of provided examples - can I create my own?
Answer: Yes, here is how to do it:

1) Select the example front / formation that is the most similar so what you 'run'
2) Select the Add Front / Add Formation button
3) Move players as necessary
4) Change player names as necessary
5) Select the Save button, you will be able to name the front / formation using your teams terminology

Question: Can I create a mirror image of a formation or a front (so I don't have to draw it twice)?
Answer: Yes, both the Formation Builder and the Front Builder tools include a 'Mirror' button

Question: How do I show a man in motion whose direction is not horizontal?
Answer: E-Playbook supports 4 different options for drawing a 'Man in Motion':

Zig-Zag lines (for horizontal motion only)
Thin 'black' dashed line or arc
Medium 'black' dashed line or arc
Thick 'black' dashed line or arc

To select the 'motion type', from the Setup menu select; Program Settings - Play Diagrams

To draw a 'Man in Motion', from the Drawing Tools select the Draw Man in Motion checkbox, then draw your line or arc

Question: How do I draw pass plays against air?
Answer: You can hide the entire defense by:

1) Draw your pass play
2) Left click the Fronts button (bottom of the screen)
3) In the 'Front Tool' select the 'Hide Defense' button

Question: How do I show '7 on 7' (pass plays) or '9 on 7' (run plays)?
Answer: Both the Front Builder and the Formation Builder allow you to hide individual offensive and defensive players. To hide a player:

1) Select the 'Hide player' checkbox
2) Left click the button of the player to be hidden
3) The player will disappear, and his 'button' will turn green

Question: Can I use the 'Ball Carrier' tool to identify primary & secondary pass receivers?
Answer : Yes

Question: How can I identify 'secondary' ball carriers (option run plays) or pass receivers?
Answer: From the Ball Carrier tool you can select both primary (white lettering with a black background) and secondary ball carriers (black lettering with a grey background).

Question: Option Run Plays - How can I identify the 'option reads'?
Answer : From the Drawing Tool you can add shapes (circle or square) to the field. We would suggest that you add a circle with a 'grey fill'.

Question: How can I show zone coverage areas?
Answer: BFrom the Drawing Tool you can add shapes (circle or square) to the field. We would suggest that you draw rectangles with different 'fill pattersn' (horizontal lines, vertical lines, etc ...).

Playbook Pages:

Question: Can I print a playbook page with just my formations (no defense displayed)
Answer : Yes, instead of using the Playbook Wizard to select plays, select formations from your Formation folder

Question: How do I print a playbook page with only a formation and a front?
Answer: Select your formation and your front. Open the 'Play Tools' by left clicking the "Save / Open Play Diagram" button. Select the "Save Play" button. Type in a name for the play and then select "Save". Left click the "Playbook Tools" button and use the wizard to select your play (formations & fronts) and build you playbook page.

Question: Can I 'paste in' player instructions written in Word, Excel, etc ... into the Playbook Page 'Note Box'?
Answer : Yes, you can 'paste in' text that was created with any 'standard' Windows word processor or spreadsheet. You can also 'paste in' multiple cells from a spreadsheet (like Excel) and the column widths will be retained. This is a great way to control the formatting of your Playbook Page Note Box formatting.

Question: When I load / print a playbook page the name of the formation is shown twice - what is wrong?
Answer : If in the Playbook Page Wizard (or in the Playbook Tools - Playbook Page Format Settings) the 'Show / Print Formation Name' option is selected AND the name of the play includes the formation name (ex: Pro Right 22 Blast), then the formation name will appear twice. To fix the problem - de-select the 'Show / Print Formation Name' option.

Question: When I load / print a playbook page the name of the front is shown twice - what is wrong?
Answer : If in the Playbook Page Wizard (or in the Playbook Tools - Playbook Page Format Settings) the 'Show / Print Front Name' option is selected AND the name of the play includes the front name (ex: 4-3 Left Banjo), then the front name will appear twice. To fix the problem - de-select the 'Show / Print Front Name' option.

Question: Can I change the 'lines and arcs' in a saved Playbook Page from 'Black and White' to 'Print in color'?
Answer : If the the play was originally drawn with lines and arcs in color the answer is YES (otherwise you will have to edit the play). To change the line/arc color settings an a playbook page:

1) Select the 'Print Plays' button
2) Select 'Open and Print or Edit an existing playbook page' and then the 'OK' button
3) Select the Playbook Page that you want to edit, left click the 'OK' button
4) Select the 'Edit' button
5) Select / de-select the 'Print in color' checkbox
6) Select the 'Save Changes' button
7) Select the 'Open Page' button

Email Plays & Playbook Pages:

Question: What does the Backup / Export Wizard do?
Answer : The Backup / Export Wizard is designed to help less experienced computer user's make backup copies of the E-Playbook files. It can also make it easier to move your files 'back and forth' between multiple computers (for example: moving files between your computer at work and your computer at home).

Question: Can I manually copy / backup my files to a CD or USB Flash drive?
Answer : Yes, you can copy your E-Playbook files just like you would any other grouping of Windows folders and files. Below you will find a 'basic' description of manually backing up your files to a CD/DVD. For a detailed description of copying/backing-up your files please refer to the September 2007 E-Playbook Newsletter.

Step 1) From "My Computer" 'browse' to your E-Playbook Top Level Folder - for example: C:\Program Files\E Playbook\Dallas Cowboys - Landry
Step 2) Put a writeable CD into you CD drive
Step 3) Left click & 'drag' your E-Playbook Top Level Folder into the CD drive icon on your desktop
Step 4) Double click the CD Drive icon on your desktop
Step 5) In the CD Drive Explorer window left click "Write these files to CD"

Question: Do I need to use the Backup / Export Wizard and the Load / Import Wizard to copy my files between computers?
Answer: No - if you are comfortable using the Windows Explorer to copy folders and files you don't need to use our Wizards. You can easily copy your files to another computer by manually copying your Top Level Folder. For a description of how to manually copy/backup your files please refer to the September 2007 E-Playbook Newsletter. The only thing that you will lose out on by manually copying your files (versus using the Backup & Load wizards) is that if at some later date you want to use the Wizards to Backup all of your files, any files that were manually copied will not be included in the backup.

Email Plays & Playbook Pages

Question : Can I email plays to other coaches on my staff
Answer : Yes, for details please refer to the June 2007 Newsletter that details the available email options

Question: Can I email 'individual' playbook pages to other coaches on my staff?
Answer: The June 2007 Newsletter addresses all of the available options for emailing plays and playbook pages

Inexperienced computer users - the simple answer is no. Playbook Pages contain additional 'path' information that would only be included when you use the Backup / Export Wizard or manually copy your 'Top Level Folder' to a CD or Flash drive.

Experienced computer users - if you have Adobe Acrobat of PrimoPDF installed, from the Windows Control Panel select the 'Acrobat Distiller' or 'PrimoPDF' as your default printer. Open the Playbook Page to be PDF'd& emailed. With the Playbook Page displayed, select "Print" and then enter a file name for the new PDF file. Note - PrimoPDF is a really slick free PDF converter which is available for download at www.primopdf.com.