Manage Answer Files

To work with answer files, you can either use Answer File Manager, or you can use Windows Explorer. (See Introduction: Use Answer Management.) Answer File Manager uses an answer library (.HAL) file to create, store, and select answer files. Windows Explorer allows you to work with answer files using the common File > Open or File > Save dialog boxes.

Which option you choose depends on your preference. For example, Answer File Manager works well if you are the only user and you like the functionality available with a library. However, Windows Explorer makes more sense for managing answer files in a multi-user setting. Windows Explorer also lets you see more clearly where the actual answer files are saved.

To change how HotDocs locates and manages answer files

  1. At the HotDocs library, click the Options button.
  2. Click the File Management folder.
  3. Click the Manage answer files using drop-down button and select an option:
    • HotDocs Answer File Manager uses an answer library to create, store, and select answer files.

The first user to open an answer library is the only one who has write access to it. That means only one person can modify items in the library at any given time. If multiple users must access the answer files, use Windows Explorer to manage the files.

    • Windows Explorer uses Windows Explorer to create, save, and select answer files.