              Readme for Exl-Plan - Freeware Release
              ======================================
             for Excel for Windows 3.1, 95/98/NT/2000/XP
             ===========================================

			Contents
			========
	1.	Introduction to Exl-Plan
	2.	Registering Exl-Plan Free
        3.      Shareware Versions of Exl-Plan
	4.	Introduction to Cashflow Plan
        5.      Introduction to Free-Plan
        6.      Getting Business Advice
        7.      Installing & Running Exl-Plan
        8.      Your Master Copy of Exl-Plan
        9.      Operational Hints & Tips
        10.     Uninstalling Exl-Plan
          10.1.    Using Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP
          10.2.    Using Windows 3.1
        11.     Revision History
	12.	Contact Details

##############################################################
			CONTENTS OF PACKAGE

Exl-Plan Free, a high-level, short-term business financial
Planner for use with Excel (5, 7, 8, 95, 97, 2000, XP or 
higher). Generates fully-integrated, 6-month financial 
projections (P&Ls, cashflows, balance sheets & ratios) with 
charts. (file: EXLPLAN.XLS)

On-line help for Exl-Plan containing 100+ topics. 
(file: EXL*.HLP)

80-page manual for Exl-Plan in Word format. (file: MANUAL.DOC)

10-page White Paper on 'Writing a Business Plan' in HTML 
format. (file: PLAN.HTM)

Free-Plan, a 65-page business plan guide & template for Word 
97, 2000, XP or higher. (file: FREEPLAN.DOC)

Once Exl-Plan has been installed, all the foregoing items can 
be accessed from the Exl-Plan option within the Programs menu
or directly from the folder specified during installation.

##############################################################
1. Introduction to Exl-Plan
===========================

Exl-Plan Free is very suitable for generating short-range, 
high-level financial projections for business and cashflow
planning. It is also an ideal introduction to financial 
modelling for first-time planners and to the other more 
extensive planners within the Exl-Plan range. 

Exl-Plan is a range of powerful, easy-to-use software packages
for preparing comprehensive financial projections, budgets,
business plans etc. for six months or for one, three, five or
seven years ahead for new & established businesses of all 
sizes and types. It can also be used as a tool for strategic 
and corporate planning, business restructuring, financial
appraisals and performance monitoring.

This shareware release of Exl-Plan is freely distributable but
refer to the file LICENSE.TXT for full details.

Exl-Plan is primarily a workbook file which runs on the best-
selling Excel spreadsheet from Microsoft. As Exl-Plan
incorporates extensive formulae and pre-programmed menus and
buttons only a very basic knowledge of Excel is required to
prepare highly professional and presentable projections.
Advanced Excel users can utilise their expertise to enhance
and expand Exl-Plan to meet their particular needs.

Exl-Plan requires Microsoft Excel releases 5, 7, 8, 95, 97,
2000, XP for Windows 3.1 or 95/98/NT/2000/XP.

Exl-Plan is available in eight versions (Free, Micro, Lite, 
Pro, Super, Super Plus, Ultra & Ultra Plus) and two editions 
using UK/International and US/Canadian accounting conventions 
- sixteen variants in all. These versions have the flexibility
to handle manufacturing, distribution and service businesses 
and are suitable for established businesses as well as for new
ventures and strategic business units within major 
corporations. Exl-Plan is also ideal for use by professional 
advisers, consultants, training organisations, financial 
institutions and enterprise support agencies.

Exl-Plan is pre-formatted to handle the very wide range of the
variables and functions normally encountered when preparing
financial projections. Based on the monthly and quarterly
assumptions entered by the user, it compiles detailed and
fully integrated financial projections for one/three years on
a monthly basis and, in less detail, for a further two years 
on a quarterly basis. It produces dozens of pro-forma financial 
and management reports together with numerous graphs for key 
variables.

Exl-Plan contains numerous facilities for accelerating the
process of preparing projections and for undertaking global
or specific "what-if" sensitivity analyses.

Exl-Plan is easy-to-use because all the formulae for financial
calculations are pre-written; reports are pre-formatted and
clearly laid out; menu structures follow logical sequences;
and online help is available to the user at all stages. For
experienced users of Excel, Exl-Plan offers a familiar
environment which can be tailored and expanded to meet
specialist needs and utilise existing spreadsheet-based data
without the need to get involved in any extensive import/
export procedures.

For latest information about Exl-Plan, visit our web site at 
<www.planware.org>.

##############################################################

2. Registering Exl-Plan Free
============================

A unique Registration Code Number is displayed at the upper 
right corner of the FRONT worksheet within Exl-Plan.

By E-mail: 
---------
Send the Registration Code Number by e-mail to 
<exlfree@planware.org> and await receipt of Unlock Code. Refer 
to Upgrade worksheet within Free for further info.

By Fax:
------
Send a fax with the Registration Code Number to 
+353-1-278 2391. Note: Replace + in this fax number by the 
appropriate international access code (e.g. 011 for the USA, 
00 for the UK and many other countries).

By WWW: 
------
Visit Invest-Tech's site at <www.planware.org> and enter the
Registration Code Number in the form at the <exlfree.htm> 
page.

##############################################################

3. Shareware Versions of Exl-Plan
=================================
Exl-Plan Free is the most basic version of Exl-Plan. The other 
more powerful and comprehensive versions are all available as 
shareware (see Section 1 above). Full details and access to 
downloads can be secured at <www.planware.org/exlplan.htm>.

The following table summarises the prices (inclusive of 
worldwide mail delivery) for upgrading a shareware version of 
Exl-Plan (either US/Canadian or UK/International editions):

        Exl-Plan Free                   Free *
	Exl-Plan Micro			US$ 49
	Exl-Plan Lite			US$ 89
	Exl-Plan Pro			US$ 129
        Exl-Plan Super                  US$ 169
	Exl-Plan Super Plus		US$ 209
        Exl-Plan Ultra                  US$ 249
	Exl-Plan Ultra Plus		US$ 289
	Copy of manual (optional)	US$ 20

A downloaded shareware copy of Micro, Lite, Pro, Super or 
Ultra can be upgraded to its equivalent fully-operational 
commercial version by arranging payment and swapping the 
Upgrade Code Number (on FRONT sheet) for an Unlock Code by 
e-mail, fax, post etc. The PlanWare page at 
<www.planware.org/exlupgr.htm> lists a series of on-line 
registration and upgrade methods.

Note: The Micro version of Exl-Plan is the nearest equivalent 
to Exl-Plan Free in terms of simplicity and level of detail. 
However, Micro covers a three-year time horizon vs. six months
for Free and includes many additional facilities and features. 
A user of Free would have no difficulty mastering any of the 
more powerful versions of Exl-Plan as the same general approach
is used throughout the range.

##############################################################

5. Introduction to Cashflow Plan
================================
All versions of Exl-Plan automatically generate cashflow 
forecasts for time horizons ranging from six months (for Free)
to seven years (for Ultra and Ultra Plus) as part of the process
of creating their fully-integrated projections.

Cashflow Plan is a separate product offering which complements
Exl-Plan. As its name implies, Cashflow Plan main focus is on 
cashflow forecasting. Five versions are available - Micro, Lite,
Plus, Super & Ultra - to suit different sizes and types of 
businesses. All five versions will generate projections for 
twelve months ahead with weekly breakdowns for the initial 
three months. The main differences between the versions relate 
to the level of detail and supplementary tools provided. Unlike 
Exl-Plan where separate US/C and UK/I editions are provided, 
Cashflow Plan can be configured by a user to auytomatically 
handle either format. 

A unique feature of Cashflow Plan is its capability to generate
rolling 12-month projections - this greatly simplifies the 
preparation of regularly-updated cashflow projections which 
continually look twelve months ahead. 

Cashflow Plan will be especially useful to businesses operating 
with tight profit margins; or having limited financial resources; 
or planning for growth or radical change; or raising short-term 
finance; or compiling cash budgets; or preparing business 
improvement plans and so on. For these businesses, Cashflow Plan 
will help management to forecast cash requirements; improve 
control over cashflows; and conserve their cash resources.

The following table indicates the prices (inclusive of 
worldwide mail delivery) for Cashflow Plan:

	Cashflow Plan Micro		US$ 39
	Cashflow Plan Lite		US$ 79
	Cashflow Plan Plus		US$ 119
        Cashflow Plan Super             US$ 159
        Cashflow Plan Ultra             US$ 199
	Copy of manual (optional)	US$ 20

More about Cashflow Plan is available from:

 - Full details at www.planware.org/cashdesc.htm
 - Shareware downloads at www.planware.org/cashdown.htm
 - Upgrade/purchase options at www.planware.org/cashupgr.htm

Note: The Micro version of Cashflow Plan is the nearest 
equivalent to Exl-Plan Free. However, it covers a 12-month 
horizon and includes many additional facilities and features.
A user of Exl-Plan would have no difficulty mastering any 
version of Cashflow Plan as the same general approach
is used throughout both ranges.

When to choose Cashflow Plan or Exl-Plan? 
If you need projections beyond twelve months, choose Exl-Plan 
otherwise go for Cashflow Plan to avail of its roll-forward 
facility.

##############################################################

5. Introduction to Free-Plan
============================
Included with this copy of Exl-Plan is a copy of Free-Plan, a 
65-page freeware business planning guide and template for Word 
97, 2000, XP or higher. It is located in the same folder as 
was specified during the initial installation of Exl-Plan and 
can be accessed by an option within the Exl-Plan Programs menu.

To utilise Free-Plan, you will need to register and secure a 
password to unlock Free-Plan. Refer to the yellow table on 
the first page of Free-Plan. Registration is completely free 
($0.0) and can be done by e-mail or an online form at 
<www.planware.org/busplan.htm>. Note: Registration of Free-Plan 
is an entirely separate task from registering Exl-Plan Free.

The extensive information contained within the body of 
Free-Plan can be viewed without registering.

If you need a version of Free-Plan suitable for Word 6/95, 
download a copy from the PlanWare site at 
<www.planware.org/busplan.htm>.

##############################################################

6. Getting Business Advice
==========================
If you need business-related advice about preparing a business 
plan, developing a business strategy, raising finance etc., 
be sure to visit the PlanWare web site at <www.planware.org> 
which contains substantial guidance and advice in the form of 
white papers and other facilities and resources.

##############################################################

7. Installing & Running Exl-Plan
================================
IMPORTANT: Exl-Plan must always be installed from supplied
installation disk(s) or via a downloaded installation file. It
will not operate correctly if it is installed by simply
transferring an Exl-Plan workbook file from one PC to another.

Install Exl-Plan from supplied 3.5" disks or from a
distribution file downloaded from the Internet. You will need
5mb of hard disk space for installation and a further 6mb to
set up Exl-Plan.

To install Exl-Plan, run the EXL*.EXE file via Run within the
Program Manager or Start menu. You will be guided by extensive
on-screen instructions.

To run Exl-Plan, proceed as follows:

a) Select Exl-Plan from the Exl-Plan Program Group (W3.1) or
from the Programs menu (W95/98/NT/2000/XP).

    or

b) Load Excel and open the EXLPLAN.XLS file within Exl-Plan's 
EXL* subdirectory or folder at the location specified by the 
user during the initial installation of Exl-Plan. 
 
Loading Exl-Plan for the first time takes a few minutes while
it goes through its setup routines - resetting its toolbar,
making backups etc. On subsequent occasions, it loads much
more quickly.

Note: If loading Exl-Plan with Excel 95 or higher, Excel may
display a dialog about viruses. If Exl-Plan was secured from
a reliable source or directly from Invest-Tech, press the
Enable Macros button (Exl-Plan will not load properly if the
Disable Macros button is pressed). As loading progresses, a
further dialog may appear about the location of macros. This
can be disabled or ignored.

If, when using Excel 2000, XP or higher, Exl-Plan does not 
fully load and its start-up macros fail to run, try changing 
the setting for macro security to medium (Tools | Macro | 
Security). Only select this option if you have secured 
Exl-Plan from a trustworthy source.

In certain exceptional circumstances, Exl-Plan may display 
the message "Exl-Plan could not find its customized toolbar. 
Refer to accompanying README file for further info." or may 
hang when displayed the message "Exl-Plan is resetting 
toolbars, please wait" in the status bar (at the bottom of 
Excel's Window). 

We supply a simple fix to reattach the Exl-Plan toolbar to 
Excel and overcome these hanging problems which are due to 
changes in file formats for Excel 5/95 and 97/2000/XP. The 
supplied Excel file (ADDTOOL.XLS) contains this fix. This 
file will be automatically installed into the same folder 
as for EXLPLAN.XLS. 

In the event of hanging, proceed as follows:

1. Load ADDTOOL.XLS within Excel and follow the on-screen 
instructions (just press the button !!). It will add 
Exl-Plan's toolbar (without any macros) to Excel. You will 
only see the toolbar  momentarily on the screen but it 
will be listed in View | Toolbars ...

2. Close ADDTOOL.XLS and immediately load the problematic 
Exl-Plan file. Depending on your precise set up, Exl-Plan 
should set up the toolbar correctly during loading. If it 
doesn't, select the menu option *Tools/Setup | Reset 
Toolbar Buttons. This will add the macros to the toolbar.

If using the fix, you might wish to refer to the notes 
about hanging at Exl-Plan's FAQ at 
<www.planware.org/exlfaq.htm>. 

##############################################################

8. Your Master Copy of Exl-Plan
===============================
If Exl-Plan was secured as freeware and subsequently 
registered with Invest-Tech, the registered Exl-Plan workbook 
file (usually EXLPLAN.XLS) should be kept safe and intact as 
the primary master version of Exl-Plan.

##############################################################

9. Operational Hints & Tips
===========================
Refer to the README.DOC file which is accessible once Exl-Plan
has been installed. Also, see the Frequently Asked Questions
page at <www.planware.org/exlfaq.htm>.

Exl-Plan's very extensive online help system contains over 100 
different topics with extensive linking and indexing.

Online help can be run directly from outside Excel via its
Program icon (W3.1) or via Start|Programs|Exl-Plan Help
(W95/98/NT/2000/XP).

In addition, it can be accessed by clicking the Help Contents
button on Exl-Plan's FRONT worksheet or by selecting the
Help-Contents option from the *Exl-Plan Help menu.

Exl-Plan Free is unsupported.

##############################################################

10. Uninstalling Exl-Plan
=========================
See the INSTALL.LOG in the EXL*** sub-directory or folder for
further installation details.

10.1. Using Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP
--------------------------------
1. Press Start and then select Settings, Control Panel,
Add/Remove Programs.
2. Scroll down to Exl-Plan, press Add/Remove and follow
on-screen instructions.

10.2. Using Windows 3.1
-----------------------
Go to Exl-Plan's Program Group, select Uninstall Exl-Plan and
follow on-screen instructions.

##############################################################

11. Revision History of Exl-Plan Range
======================================

1.0 - Pre-release versions of Exl-Plan Pro (UK/I and US/C 
editions)  for Excel 5, 7, 8, 95, 97, 2000 for Windows 3.1, 
95/98/NT/2000.

1.1 - First definitive releases of Exl-Plan Micro, Lite & Pro 
(UK/I and US/C editions)  for Excel 5, 7, 8, 95, 97, 2000 for
Windows 3.1, 95/98/NT/2000.

1.2 - New releases of Exl-Plan Micro, Lite & Pro (UK/I and US/C 
editions)  for Excel 5, 7, 8, 95, 97, 2000 for Windows 3.1, 
95/98/NT/2000. Features/changes include error trapping for 
lost toolbar; modifications to specific formulae to accommodate 
very unusual combinations of assumptions; and some cosmetic 
changes.

2.0 - Update of Exl-Plan range to include completely new 
Free and Super versions as well as updates to existing Micro, 
Lite and Pro versions and their respective help systems to 
include additional facilities and features including bundling 
of Free-Plan.

2.1 - New release of Exl-Plan Super Plus, Ultra & Ultra Plus 
(UK/I and US/C editions) for Excel 5, 7, 8, 95, 97, 2000 for 
Windows 3.1, 95/98/NT/2000. Minor changes and improvements to 
entire range. 

##############################################################

12. Contact Details
===================
Contact details for the author of Exl-Plan are as follows:

	Invest-Tech Limited
	27 Ardmeen Park
	Blackrock
	Co Dublin
	Ireland

	Tel: + 353-1-283 4083
	Fax: + 353-1-278 2391
	(Replace + by international access code)

	E-mail: <info@planware.org>

	Web: <www.planware.org>

##############################################################
End of Readme


