Institutions can now download EdExpress for Windows 2024-25, Release 1.0, which includes a new interface so that users can quickly find information and entry fields adjustments in preparation for this year’s ISIRs. The announcement below comes with detailed steps for installation, instructions for users to log into their accounts, and resources to troubleshoot onboarding issues.
POSTED DATE: March 04, 2024
AUTHOR: Federal Student Aid
ELECTRONIC ANNOUNCEMENT ID: EDESUITE-24-01
SUBJECT: Availability of EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 1.0
We are pleased to announce the posting of EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 1.0, available on the Software and Other Tools page of the Knowledge Center website (https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/software-and-other-tools). This release contains Global, Application Processing, and Packaging functionality for the 2024–25 cycle.
In addition, the following EDExpress 2024–25 documents are available on the Knowledge Center website:
- EDExpress for Windows 2024–25 Installation Guide (provides technical guidance regarding installation and initial setup of Release 1.0 and subsequent versions)
- EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 1.0 Cover Letter (provides information regarding enhancements available in Release 1.0)
- EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 1.0 Desk Reference (covers Global, Application Processing, Packaging, and College Financing Plan functionality)
The 2024–25 Packaging Technical Reference, which provides technical guidance and record layouts for use with the EDExpress 2024–25 Packaging module, is also available on the Knowledge Center website.
EDExpress 2024–25 Redesign
EDExpress 2024–25 introduces a redesigned user interface that enables you to access critical information more quickly and work more efficiently within and across modules. This modernized, student-centric interface retains the main EDExpress “desktop” screen of prior versions while introducing new navigation menus and options on the top, left, and bottom portions of the screen that provide quick access to key features and functions.
Within open student records, we streamlined the entry process by replacing module-specific “tabs” with a single Manual Entry screen, within which you can quickly shift between different module-specific records (such as demographic, ISIR, Packaging, and loan/grant records). Where possible, we integrated fields from previously separate dialog boxes and menu options into the primary entry screens, delivering more easily accessible and comprehensive information in fewer mouse clicks.
In addition to the software redesign, Release 1.0 includes new and modified student entry fields for consistency with FAFSA® form and Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) changes for 2024–25, implemented as a result of FAFSA Simplification. This includes new fields in the Packaging module that are critical for calculating Federal Pell Grant award amounts.
For more information and guidance regarding 2024–25 software enhancements, review the EDExpress Help Text and software documentation available on the Knowledge Center website, including the Release 1.0 Cover Letter and Desk Reference.
EDExpress 2024–25 Installation – Special Notes
Note the following guidance during the installation of EDExpress 2024–25, Release 1.0:
- When you initiate the EDExpress 2024–25 installation process, you may be prompted to install the ACE Access Database Engine. This functionality is required to install EDExpress 2024–25. Select Install to allow the process to determine if the ACE Access Database Engine is already on the workstation and install it if it isn’t, after which the installation will proceed.
- EDExpress 2024–25 requires Microsoft .NET version 6.0. You may be prompted to install this software if the EDExpress 2024–25 installation process determines it is not available on your workstation.
For more information on installing EDExpress 2024–25, Release 1.0, see the EDExpress for Windows 2024–25 Installation Guide.
EDExpress 2024–25 Initial Login Information
When you first access EDExpress 2024–25 after installation, the default User ID is SYSADMIN and the default password is $y$tem Adm1n. Be sure to include the space between $y$tem and Adm1n (the two parts of the default password).
After you enter the default user ID and password, EDExpress 2024–25 requires that you immediately define a new password for the SYSADMIN. New passwords must be a minimum of 12 characters and must include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one keyboard character that is not a letter or number (such as an exclamation mark or other punctuation symbol). You can adjust the minimum password length and other requirements in the Password Setup dialog box (Tools, Setup, Global, Password Setup).
The SYSADMIN user ID only provides access to critical administrative functions to limit its use for routine software tasks and improve your ability to trace actions taken in the software to specific users. EDExpress administrators at your school should create unique user IDs in Security Users setup with the necessary access (based on the associated Security Group) and log into the software under those IDs for most software tasks they perform.
For more information on security setup, see EDExpress Help in the software and the EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 1.0 Desk Reference.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this message, please contact the FPS Help Desk at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at support@fps.ed.gov. The FPS Help Desk (formerly CPS/SAIG Technical Support) provides customer service for the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), and the EDExpress for Windows software.
Note: CPS/SAIG Technical Support has been renamed to coincide with the 2024–25 award year. The phone number is the same (1-800-330-5947) but please note the new email address. There will be a transition period during which the CPSSAIG@ed.gov email inbox will continue to be monitored but we recommend using support@fps.ed.gov going forward.
You can also post questions regarding EDExpress on FSATECH. FSATECH is an electronic mailing list for technical questions about Federal Student Aid systems, software, and mainframe products. For more information on subscribing to FSATECH, go to https://listserv.ed.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=FSATECH&A=1.
SOURCE: (EDESUITE-24-01) Availability of EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 1.0