Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For quick answers to your questions about the new LexisNexis® research services, click the appropriate FAQ link below.

Access FAQs

Sign In FAQs

Search FAQs

Delivery FAQs

Auto-Cite® FAQs

Shepard's® Citations Service FAQs

General FAQs

Access FAQs

To access the LexisNexis research services, you need to have an Internet connection. Below is basic information on accessing the Internet and LexisNexis research services.

What are the connection requirements to access the LexisNexis® research services?

You want the fastest performance possible when you're using the LexisNexis research services. Following are some recommendations for optimum performance:

• Hardware Processor: Pentium/100 Mhz (or above)
• RAM: 32 MB (64 MB recommended)
• Modem speed: 56K or above (ISDN, DSL or cable modem)
• LAN (Local Area Network) Connection/TCPIP connection: (also known as a Telnet connection) at least a T1 connect speed
• Browser Version: Netscape® 4.x or above, Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.0 recommended
• Screen resolution: For optimal viewing of our latest and most effective features, please set your computer screen resolution to 800 by 600dpi (dots per inch). You can change these settings in your computer's display control panel. (640 by 480dpi resolution is still supported.)

Note:  If your ISP does not provide 56K modem speed or higher, you can connect using the LexisNexis Internet Dialer, provided to LexisNexis customers free of charge.

See also Connection Requirements for more information.

How do I get a copy of the LexisNexis Internet Dialer?

You can contact LexisNexis Customer Support to request a CD with the LexisNexis Internet Dialer on it.

How do I install the LexisNexis Internet Dialer?

Before you begin the installation process, close all programs and:

1. Insert the LexisNexis Internet Dialer CD into the CD reader. The LexisNexis Internet Dialer Setup shield appears.

Note:  Go to step 3 if the installation starts automatically.
2. Click Start/Run and type X:\START.EXE (where X is the drive letter for your CD reader). For Windows NT® type X:\STARTNT.EXE.
3. Click Next on the "What Is on this CD?" window.
4. Click "Install the LexisNexis Internet Dialer on my PC." The Select Components dialog box appears.

Note:  Remove the checkmark next to Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 if you already have a higher version of this browser.
5. Click Next. Another Select Components window appears.
6. Select Yes to install the LexisNexis Internet Dialer to your start menu, then click Next. The Setup Complete window appears.
7. Click Finish.

Can I access other web sites using the LexisNexis Internet Dialer?

No. You can only access LexisNexis web products with LexisNexis Internet Dialer.

How do I configure an access number for the LexisNexis Internet Dialer?

To configure an access number for the LexisNexis Internet Dialer:

1. Open the LexisNexis Internet Dialer. The LexisNexis Internet Dialer Sign In dialog box appears.
2. Click Settings. The Connection Settings dialog box appears.
3. Click the top Phone Book button.
4. Click the State or Region field.
5. Select a state from the drop-down list.
6. Select the city or location closest to you from the list then click OK.

Note:  The number you selected will appear in the Phone number field in the Connection Settings dialog box.

To configure your secondary access number, see How do I configure a backup access number for the LexisNexis Internet Dialer? below.

If you require further assistance, contact LexisNexis Customer Support.

How do I configure a backup access number for the LexisNexis research services?

To configure a backup access number for the LexisNexis Internet Dialer:

1. Open the LexisNexis Internet Dialer. The LexisNexis Internet Dialer Sign In dialog box appears.
2. Click Settings. The Connection Settings dialog box appears.
3. Click the bottom Phone Book button.
4. Click the State or Region field.
5. Select a state from the drop-down list.
6. Select the city or location closest to you from the list then click OK.

Note:  The number you selected will appear in the Phone number field in the Connection Settings dialog box.

To configure your primary access number, see How do I configure an access number for the LexisNexis Internet Dialer? above.

If you require further assistance, contact LexisNexis Customer Support.

How do I use a secure connection (SSL) during my online LexisNexis research services session?

When you initially access the LexisNexis research services, click the check box next to "Use a Secure Connection" to add a check mark to secure your entire session. If you choose not to use a secure connection (SSL), only the transmission of your LexisNexis ID and Password is secure.

Note:  Using a secure connection for the entire session may result in slightly slower response time.

How do I turn off the secure connection (SSL)?

To turn this option off:

1. Exit your browser, reconnect to the Internet, and access the LexisNexis site.
2. Enter your LexisNexis ID and Password in the Sign In dialog box.
3. Click the check box next to "Use a Secure Connection" to remove the check mark.
4. Click the Sign In button.

What do I do when I cannot access the LexisNexis research services?

If you cannot access the LexisNexis research services:

• Verify that you are entering the correct URL (www.lexis.com) to access the site.
  Note:  You must use all lower case letters. Click the Sign In button.
• Verify that you can access other Internet sites, such as www.microsoft.com.
• Clear your Internet cache memory.
• Exit your browser, reconnect and access the LexisNexis research services at www.lexis.com. Click the Sign In button.
• Exit your browser, reconnect and access the LexisNexis research services directly at www.lexis.com/research. If you perform these steps and still cannot access the site, exit out of all programs. Then restart your computer and reconnect to the site.

How do I uninstall the LexisNexis Internet Dialer?

Before you begin the uninstall process, close all programs and:

1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel.
2. Click the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel.
3. Select LexisNexis Internet Dialer from the drop-down list in Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box.
4. Click Add/Remove.
   Note:  This will remove only the first part of the LexisNexis Internet Dialer from your PC. You must complete all steps to remove the program.
5. Click OK. The Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box reappears.
6. Select Connection Manager from the drop-down list in the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box.
7. Click Add/Remove.
8. Click OK. The Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box reappears.
9. Click Start/File Manager or Start/Windows Explorer.
10. Locate the folder that contains the LexisNexis Internet Dialer.
11. Delete C:\ProgramFiles\Lexis to complete uninstalling the LexisNexis Internet Dialer.

What do I do when I receive the "Certificate Authority is Expired" - Netscape® expiration message?

When you receive this expiration message:

• Upgrade your Netscape® browser. You can obtain a free upgrade from the Netscape web site.
• Click Continue to access the site.
  Note:  Until you upgrade your browser, you will get this message each time you access a different URL.
• Contact your Systems Administrator.

What do I do when my modem cannot connect using Microsoft® Windows® TAPI?

Your Windows® 95 operating system may not be getting the correct modem settings from your modem. To address this issue:

• Verify that your Dialing Properties settings are correct.
• Verify that your modem appears in the Windows® 95/98/Windows NT® Control Panel.

If your modem cannot connect, contact LexisNexis Customer Support.

Sign In FAQs

Once you have connected to the Internet, the following will assist you in signing in to and out of the LexisNexis research services:

How do I sign in to the LexisNexis research services?

To sign in to the LexisNexis research services:

1. Go to www.lexis.com.
2. Enter your LexisNexis ID and Password in the appropriate fields.
3. Click the Sign In button.

How do I sign in using the LexisNexis Internet Dialer?

To sign in using LexisNexis Internet Dialer:

1. Open the LexisNexis Internet Dialer software.
2. Click in the User Name field and enter your LexisNexis Web ID.
   Note:  To use the LexisNexis Internet Dialer, you must use both your LexisNexis Web ID and password.
3. Click in the Password field and enter your LexisNexis Password.
   Note:  To prevent your ID and Password from reappearing, you must remove the checkmark from the Remember Password box in the Sign In dialog box.
4. Click Connect.

What do I do if I get an error message when entering my LexisNexis ID and Password for the LexisNexis research services?

If you are receiving error messages when entering your LexisNexis ID:

• Confirm that you entered your current LexisNexis ID and Password in the correct fields.
• Verify that you typed the numbers zero (0) and one (1), not the letters O or L, if your LexisNexis ID contains either of these characters.
  Note:  LexisNexis ID numbers never contain the letters O or L.
• Confirm that your entries in the LexisNexis ID and Password fields use the proper case, combination of upper and lower case letters. Some systems may require it.
• Verify that the Caps Lock key on your keyboard is not in use.
• Exit your browser, reconnect to the Internet and access the LexisNexis site at www.lexis.com. Click the Sign In button.
• Exit your browser, reconnect to the Internet and access the LexisNexis research services directly at www.lexis.com/research.

How do I sign out from the LexisNexis research services?

Click Sign Out on the upper right side of the page. A page with the Sign In dialog box appears. At this point, sign out from the LexisNexis research services:

• Exit your Internet browser
• Enter a new URL
• Select a URL from your list of Favorites / Bookmarks

Note:  After you sign out, clicking Back on some Internet browsers may display the page you were viewing when you signed out. While this page does appear, you are not signed in. All hypertext links on this page are disabled and return you to the Sign In dialog box page.

Search FAQs

For questions about using the search function on the LexisNexis research services, read the following questions and answers.

How do I know which search option I should use for the Enter Search Terms box?

Use terms and connectors if you are familiar with Boolean searching. Use natural language if you want to use plain English.

Terms and connectors

The traditional method for searching the LexisNexis research services is using words and connectors to create phrases and concepts based on specific rules of search logic.

Use terms and connectors when:

• You want comprehensive information about an issue, topic, person, or company.
• You want every word or its alternative to appear in each document.
• You want to establish a specific relationship between your search words.
• You want to restrict your search to a specific segment.

For example, to find documents about employee drug tests:

drug w/5 test or screen! w/10 employ!

Go to Terms and Connectors in LexisNexis Help for more detailed usage guidelines.

Natural Language

Natural language (FREESTYLE™ feature) searching uses associative retrieval technology to let you enter a search description in plain English. You can search without having to understand Boolean search logic.

Use the Natural Language option when:

• You want to research conceptual issues rather than highly specific topics.
• You are starting to research a complex issue and you don't know its terminology.
• You are unsure how to formulate a search using connectors.
• You want to supplement a words and connectors search.

For example, to find documents about biological parents regaining custody:

Under what circumstances can biological parents regain custody of their adopted children after an adoption?

Go to Natural Language in the LexisNexis Help for more detailed usage guidelines.

Can LexisNexis research services help me find words and phrases related to my research topic?

Yes. On the search form, use the "Suggest Words and Concepts for Entered Terms" feature when you want the LexisNexis research services to suggest words and phrases related to your research topic. This feature lists words and phrases related to the terms you enter in the "Enter Search Terms" field.

To use this feature:

1. Enter your terms in the "Enter Search Terms" box.
2. Click the next to "Suggest Words and Concepts for Entered Terms."
3. Click any term in the list of suggested words and concepts to add it to the Search Terms field.
   Note:  Use Terms and Connectors to join the word or phrase to the other terms in your search.
4. Click Search.

How do I locate a term within a specific document?

Your search terms are highlighted in your results documents. You can scroll down to see each one, or you can use the Term box on the lower navigation bar to move to specific search terms in your document. To use the term box, click the Option button on the top right navigation bar, then:

1. Be sure the "Show Lower Navigation Frame" check box is selected on the Preferences page under Results View.
2. When viewing a document in the Full, KWIC™, or Custom format.
• Click the right arrow next to Term in the lower navigation frame to go to the first search term in the document.
• Enter the number of a search term in the box next to Term and click Go to go to a particular search term. (The number of search terms in the document is displayed next to the Go button.
• Use the right or left arrows to go to the previous or next search term in your results.

Can I restrict my search to a certain document segment on the LexisNexis research services?

Yes. While on the search form, there are two ways you can restrict your search to a segment.

• When you know the name of the segment, enter the segment in the "Enter Search Terms" field.
• When you do not know the name of the segment, click the next to "Restrict Search Using Document Segments." Select one of the segments from the Document Segments drop-down list and specify a term. Click Add, then click Search.

Refer to Restricting a Search Using Documents Segments for additional instructions.

How do I determine coverage dates for a specific source?

Determining when coverage begins and how frequently a source is updated varies according to where you are in the LexisNexis research services. While on the search form:

1. Click the folders displayed in the "Option 2: Explore Sources" section until the source you want appears.
2. Click the to the right of your source's link and a new browser window appears with the source information.
3. Use your scroll bar to view the Coverage information.
4. Close the browser window to return to your search form.

If you are in the "Get a Document" by Party Name or by Docket Number forms:

1. Click the Coverage Dates link at the top of the Jurisdiction field. The LexisNexis research services Coverage Dates window opens with links to:
   • Federal Courts
   • State Courts
   • State Codes
   • Secondary Sources
2. Click the link for the source you want and use your scroll bar to view the coverage information.
3. Close the window to return to your search form.

How do I find legal documents when I know the reporter citation, party names or docket number?

1. Use the "Get a Document" tab when you know specific details about a legal document.
2. Click the Citation, Party Name, or Docket Number tab and complete the appropriate form.

For more information, go to any of the following links:

• Citation
• Party Name
• Docket Number

How do I include all sections of a specific statute title and chapter in my LexisNexis research services results set?

Use the HEADING segment to include adjacent statutory sections in your results set. This will retrieve all statutory sections within a specific title and chapter.

Example: To retrieve all sections in Title 18, Chapter 96, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations:

1. Click "Federal Legal - U.S."
2. Click "United States Code Service (U.S.C.S.) Materials."
3. Click "United States Statutes at Large.".
4. Click the next to "Restrict Search Using Document Segments."
5. Select the HEADING segment from the "Select a Segment" drop-down list and enter "18 and 96 and racketeer" as your search terms.
   Note:  The HEADING segment contains the title, chapter, and part numbers and names. To ensure that you retrieve all sections in a specific chapter, use the AND connector to join the title and chapter numbers, and a term from the chapter title.

While federal statutes are organized by title and chapter numbers, there are variations in the organization for state statutes. Some are organized into sections such as divisions, parts, and sub-chapters. The HEADING segment includes all hierarchical information for a statute.

How do I move to adjacent statutory sections when viewing a section?

Use the Book Browse feature when reading a document in results that can be browsed sequentially, such as statutes. Book Browse lets you navigate to the previous or next sections of a document by clicking the "previous" or "next" link at the top of the page.

Note:  Book Browse is available only in the Full view.

• To use Book Browse, click the Book Browse link at the top left of your results.
• To return to normal browsing, click the Return to... link at the top left of the screen.
• While using Book Browse, you can use most of the same browse features as in the Full Text view of normal browse.

Delivery FAQs

Why didn't I receive my large Email request?

When you select Email as the delivery option for very large results and choose "Attachment" under the "Send as" option, it's possible your document won't be delivered. This is because your email server may not deliver documents that are very large (more than 2 mb - limits vary according to your email application). You won't receive a warning from your email application; you just won't receive your document. To avoid this, you can either break your Email as an Attachment delivery into multiple smaller emails, send it as Inline Text, or print or download it.

Auto-Cite® FAQs

For information on how to use Auto-Cite, read the following.

Where can I find Auto-Cite® history phrases and their definitions?

A list of history phrases and their definitions is available in the Auto-Cite Product Guide. To access this list:

1. Click the Auto-Cite tab under "Shepard's® - Check a Citation."
2. Click the Citation Formats link.
3. Click the "Reporter Names and Abbreviations" link.
4. Click the link entitled, "View the listing of History Phrases and Definitions" link.
5. Use your scroll bar to view these definitions.
6. Close the secondary browser window to return to the Auto-Cite form.

Where can I find Auto-Cite® reporter abbreviations?

An alphabetical list of reporters and their abbreviations is available in the Auto-Cite Product Guide. To access this list:

1. Click the Auto-Cite tab under "Shepard's® - Check a Citation."
2. Click the Citation Formats link.
3. Click the "Reporter Names and Abbreviations" link.
4. Click the link entitled, "View the listing of Reporters and Access Abbreviations."
5. Use your scroll bar to view this list.
6. Close the secondary browser window to return to the Auto-Cite form.

Shepard's® Citations Service FAQs

Where can I find case law and law review citation formats for the Shepard's® Citations Service?

To find a specific case law and law review citation format, sign in to the LexisNexis research services and:

1. Click the Shepard's tab under "Shepard's® - Check a Citation."
2. Click the Citation Formats link.
3. Under "Option 2: Explore Publications Alphabetically," click the first letter of the publication you are trying to find.
4. If available, click the alphabetical range in which your publication fits. The current range selection is displayed in bold.
5. Scroll down to find the full publication name that you want, then click the link to the right of the name to enter your citation.

Where can I find Shepard's® Citations Service analysis definitions?

To see a list of analysis definitions, sign in to the LexisNexis research services and:

1. Click the Shepard's tab under "Shepard's® - Check a Citation."
2. Click the Tips link on the Shepard's® - Check a Citation form.
3. Click the " Shepard's Product Guide" link.
4. Click the "View an Alphabetic List Of All Shepard's Analysis Definitions" link.
5. Scroll down to find the analysis definition you want.

Where can I find statutory citation formats for the Shepard's® Citations Service?

To find a specific statutory citation format, sign in to the LexisNexis research services and:

1. Click the Shepard's tab under "Shepard's® - Check a Citation."
2. Click the Citation Formats link.
3. Under "Option 2: Explore Publications Alphabetically," click the first letter of the publication you are trying to find.
4. If available, click the alphabetical range in which your publication fits. The current range selection is displayed in bold.
5. Scroll down to find the full publication name that you want, then click the link to the right of the name to enter your citation.

How do I use Custom Restrictions on a Shepard's® Citations Service report?

When you are viewing a Shepard's report, to choose which Citing References appear in your report:

1. Click either the KWIC or Full link to select the display format for your Shepard's report.
   Note:  Display the Shepard's report in the Full format when you want to apply restrictions to all Citing References available on the Shepard's report. Refer to KWIC™ and Full formats for additional information.
2. Click the Custom Restrictions link.
3. Click the checkmarks for the restrictions you want to apply.
   Note:  You can restrict reports by date:
   • Select from the drop-down list of date options in the Dates field.
   • Specify a date range by entering a four-digit year in the From and/or To fields.
4. Click Show Restrictions to display your results.
5. To remove your restrictions, click the Unrestricted link on the top of the page.
6. To return to the Custom Restrictions form, click the Custom Restrictions link on the top of the page.

Refer to Shepard's Citations Service Browse in the LexisNexis research services Help for additional information.

Note:  Headnote references are not automatically displayed in either the KWIC™ or Full formats. To display the headnote references, use Custom Restrictions to customize your Shepard's report.

How do I use the FOCUS™ feature when a Shepard's® Citations Service report is displayed?

Using the FOCUS feature by itself

To find citing references that contain your search terms, use the FOCUS feature. When your Shepard's report appears:

1. Click the FOCUS™ Search link.
2. Enter the words you want to search in the FOCUS Terms field.
3. Click FOCUS.

Your Shepard's report now displays only the citing references that contain your FOCUS search terms. To view the text of these citing references, click the link that appears on the case name(s) under the Cited by heading. To return to your original Shepard's Citations Service report, click the "Return to Shepard's" link.

Using the FOCUS feature on a restricted Shepard's report

To use the FOCUS feature when you are viewing a Shepard's Citations Service report:

1. Click the KWIC or Full link.
2. Click one of the following links:
   • Custom Restrictions link — Use this when you want the FOCUS™ feature to search only citations from a Shepard's report with restrictions.
   • Unrestricted link — Use this when you want the FOCUS™ feature to search all citations available in the Full format in your Shepard's report.
3. Click the FOCUS™ Search link. The "FOCUS Search in Shepard's" search form page appears.
4. Enter the words you want to search in the FOCUS Terms field.
5. Click FOCUS.

When your results appear, click the link that appears on the case name(s) under the Cited by heading. To return to your original Shepard's Citations Service report, click the "Return to Shepard's" link.

General FAQs

How do I print the text of a document to my attached printer without printing the graphics?

To print the text of a document without the LexisNexis research services function bar, graphics and links of your displayed document:

1. Click the view printable version button ( ) located at the top right hand side of the page.
2. Click the Printer Icon on your browser's toolbar.
3. Click the Back button on your browser's toolbar to return to the page with the function bar, graphics and links.

Note:  When using the View Printable Version display, printing and saving results are functions of your Internet browser. Refer to your browser's help information if you have additional questions about printing.

Refer to Delivering Your Documents for information on other ways to deliver your documents.

What do I do when LexisNexis research service response time is slow?

If the response time of the LexisNexis research services is slow:

1. Close other programs that may slow your Internet browser's response time.
2. Clear your Internet cache memory.
3. Exit your browser, reconnect, and access the LexisNexis site at www.lexis.com. Click the Sign In button.
4. Exit all programs, then restart your computer and access the LexisNexis site at www.lexis.com/research.

If you perform these steps and continue to experience slow response time, contact LexisNexis Customer Support.

Note:  You may experience slow response when using the Secure Connection (SSL) option. Refer to How do I use a secure connection (SSL) during my LexisNexis research service session? to test if slow response is related to using this option. Please be aware that there may be security issues if you decide to continue research without using SSL.

What do I do when the LexisNexis research services act frozen or stalled when changing to another document?

If the LexisNexis research services are frozen or stalled:

• Click the Stop button on your browser's toolbar to interrupt transfer, then click the Reload or Refresh button.
• Exit your browser, then reconnect to the Internet and access the LexisNexis site at www.lexis.com. Click the Sign In button.

What do I do when the font size in the LexisNexis research services is too small?

Steps for adjusting font size vary according to the specific browser you are using. If you are using a different browser or a version not listed here, refer to Help for that browser.

Microsoft® Internet Explorer Software
• Versions 4.0 and 5.0
• Version 3.02

Netscape Navigator® Software
• Version 4.08
• Version 3.02

To adjust font size using Microsoft® Internet Explorer software versions 4.0 and 5.0:

1. Select "View/Internet Options."
   Note: Use the Tools menu in Internet Explorer 5.0 to select Internet Options.
2. Click the Fonts button.
3. Select Courier New from the list of Fixed-Width Fonts.
4. Select Largest from the list of font sizes.
5. Click OK.

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To adjust font size using Microsoft® Internet Explorer software version 3.02:

1. Select View/Fonts.
2. Select a larger font from the list of font options.

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To adjust font size using Netscape® Navigator software version 4.08:

1. Select Edit/ Preferences.
2. Select Fonts from the Appearance list on the left side of the screen.
3. Select Courier New from the Font option and 10 from the Size option at the Choose Base Font dialog box.
4. Click the OK button to return to the Preferences dialog box.
5. Click the OK button to close the Preferences dialog box.

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To adjust font size using Netscape® Navigator software version 3.02:

1. Select "Options/General Preferences."
2. Click the Fonts tab to display the Font options.
3. Click the Choose Font button next to the Fixed Width font option.
4. Select Courier New from the "Fixed Width Font" option and 10 from the Size option.
5. Click OK to save these options and close the Preferences dialog box.

What do I do when the font size in my delivered documents is too small?

You can sometimes specify the font size for delivering documents in Word, WordPerfect, or RTF.

Note:   This option will not have any effect on documents that use a pre-specified format.