Frequently Asked Questions About POWERPREP® II, Version 2.0 Software for the computer-based GRE® revised General Test

General

What operating systems does POWERPREP® II software support?

POWERPREP II software supports PC-compatible desktop and laptop computers running under 32-bit and 64-bit versions of:

• Windows® XP
• Windows Vista®
• Windows® 7

Note: MAC® systems are not supported.

What are the system requirements?

The minimum hardware and software to run the application seamlessly requires:

• Pentium IV 1.8 GHz
• 1GB installed memory
• 150 MB free disk space
• Video Card with 1024x768 32-bit color depth resolution
• CRT 17-inch or LCD 15-inch display monitor
• Connection to the Internet (cable modem, DSL or better)
• Windows user account with local administrative privileges
• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher; no other browsers are supported

What special accommodations are offered?

The following special accommodations are offered in this software:

• Additional Break (30 or 60 minutes)
• Extended Time (1.5x or 2x)
• Color filtering and screen magnification are available with installation of the POWERPREP II software customized ZoomText® version 9.20.0.13

How do I contact Technical Support?

Send a description of your problem to GRETechSupport@ets.org or call
1-914-747-9075, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m., & Sunday 11:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Emails sent to the download support hotline will be answered within one business day of receipt.

To help us respond quickly and accurately to your inquiry, include the following information with your email:

• Description of problem
• Date(s) and time(s) of day(s) download was attempted
• Browser type and version (e.g., Internet Explorer 6.0)
• Computer make and model
• Amount of memory (RAM)
• Type of Internet access (Dial-up or broadband)
• Windows version
• Type of monitor
• Printer make and model

Downloading/Installation

I already have POWERPREP II downloaded on my computer. Do I need to un-install prior versions before installing version 2.0?

Yes, any existing installations of PowerPrep II should first be un-installed prior to installing Powerprep II Version 2.0.

I downloaded the file successfully, but now I can't find it. What should I do?

If you followed the instructions provided, the file should be located on your Desktop.

If not, perform a search for the file on your computer. Click Start then Search for Files and Folders. Type in PowerprepIIV2_0.exe in the search box to search for the file. In most cases, it would have saved to your C: drive. When the file is found, click its icon to start installing the software.

If the computer does not find the file, download the software again. This time, make sure that you save the file to your Desktop and follow the POWERPREP II Installation Instructions provided.

What is the download file (PowerprepIIV2_0.exe) size?

The file size is approximately 57 Megabytes.

What should I do if the download does not work the first time I try it?

Try again at a later time the same day. It could be that there were many other users downloading the software at the same time as you, which affected the download process. If your download took much longer than the estimated download times given on the POWERPREP II, Version 2.0 software system requirements page, it could be a sign that there were many other users downloading at the same time.

Also, make sure that your system meets the following minimum requirements specified to download, install and operate the software:

• Windows user account with local administrative privileges
• Pentium IV 1.8 GHz
• 1GB installed memory
• 150 MB free disk space
• Video Card with 1024x768 32-bit color depth resolution
• CRT 17-inch or LCD 15-inch display monitor
• Connection to the Internet (cable modem, DSL, or better)
• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher; no other browsers are supported

What if the installation setup quits with the following error message:

"The following error was encountered during setup: 103- Failed to modify using.html file."

Since admin rights are required for the PPII installation, make sure that you are logged into Windows with an account that includes local administrative privileges.

What if the POWERPREP II installation program freezes?

Make sure that all other applications are closed before running the POWERPREP II installation program. If the problem persists, run the POWERPREP installation program after starting Windows in Safe Mode. To start Windows in Safe Mode, reboot the computer and tap the "F8 key" continuously until the "Windows Advance Options Menu" appears with the Safe Mode as one of the options.

Using the Software

How do I start the POWERPREP II program?

Go to the Start menu to select the POWERPREP II program group and then click Launch POWERPREP II to start application.

Is POWERPREP II software compatible with Macintosh?

No. POWERPREP II software is compatible with Microsoft Windows only.

Is POWERPREP II compatible with all web browsers?

No. POWERPREP II is only compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher; no other browsers are supported.

Is the POWERPREP II, Version 2.0 software compatible with 64-bit operating systems?

Yes. The program is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

When trying to start the test preview tool or a practice test, the following message is displayed, "The application is already running". What should I do?

This problem occurs with some users who have Windows 7 or Windows Vista. If you encounter this problem, exit the POWERPREP II software. Then, from the desktop, right click on the GRE POWERPREP II shortcut and select “Run as Administrator” from the pop-up menu; the program should launch correctly.

After launching the program, nothing happens when I click on the Continue button. What should I do?

To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted the webpage from running scripts or ActiveX controls. You must click on that message and Allow Blocked Content.

If I minimize my test window, how do I get back to my test?

Click on the iBT Client icon on the taskbar to maximize the test window.

Can I quit the test and resume later?

Use Quit w/Save button available in "Timed and Untimed Practice" tests to save your responses to resume your test later.

What if my test is displayed upside down on the screen?

Certain video adapters provide the capability to rotate the entire display. This feature is not compatible with the POWERPREP II software. Disable the "rotation" feature of your video adapter.

Are scores displayed for both the timed and untimed practice tests?

No. Scores are displayed prior to the End of Test screen for the timed practice tests only.