Getting Started

Hardware and Software Requirements
Last Updated: May 26, 2005

A personal computer. Minimum system requirements:

Pentium Processor
16 MB of RAM (24MB for Windows NT; 32MB if scanning documents)
40 MB of available hard disk space
Windows 3.1 or above

-OR-

A Macintosh. Minimum system requirements:

68020 processor or Power Macintosh
16 MB of RAM
40 MB of available hard disk space
Apple System Software version 7.1.2 or later
Internet access. If it is by modem, it operates at 56 kps or faster. High speed Internet access is recommended, but NOT required (i.e., cable, DSL, etc.).
An Internet Service Provider using point to point protocol (PPP). America On Line is not endorsed for use with ECF. It is recommended that the provider is capable of a minimum connection speed of 56 kps.
Netscape Navigator version 4.6x or 4.7x (Netscape 6 is not yet authorized).

-OR-

Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher
Software to convert documents from a word processor format to portable document format (PDF). Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer/Distiller, as well as certain word processing programs can perform this function. For viewing documents, not authoring them, only Adobe Acrobat Reader [1] is needed. Click on the link for a free download.
A PDF-compatible word-processing program, such as WordPerfect or Word.
A scanner to transmit documents that are not in your word processing system. (the Court recommends a scanner with a document feeder as opposed to a flat-bed or single-sheet scanner)

How to Register

Please visit the ECF Registration and Training Information [2] page.

How to Use this Manual

How to Use this Manual
Last Updated: May 26, 2005

This manual is a resource and reference tool for electronic case filers and the clerk's office. It includes filing requirements and step-by-step instructions for filing documents electronically.

Important Note: Although filing requirements and references to the Bankruptcy Code and/or Rules may be provided for some topics, this manual should not be relied upon exclusively by the user. The actual Bankruptcy Code and/or Rules should still be consulted.

Looking up topics in the Online Manual

You can look up topics in this manual using these methods:

Contents: Provides you with a hierarchical overview of the content and organization of the manual.

Search: Allows you to search every topic in this manual for a particular word or phrase. For example, users can search for “Amendment” and every topic that contains the word “Amendment” will be listed at the Search tab. Search tips [3]

Printing in the Online Manual

Click the print button on your browser's toolbar to print topic page. Select the printing options you want.