ECF Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I create a PDF file? When Adobe Acrobat is installed, it will create the Adobe PDF writer/printer. Select File > Print and choose Adobe PDF as your 'printer.' Print the file as usual (instead of a paper print copy, Adobe is will create a PDF file). Name your file and choose in what directory you would like the documents saved.

2. Why are my PDF documents blank when I print them? It's possible you will need to install a postscript print driver. These drivers are available from your printer manufacturer's web-site.

3. When I print my PDF document,it is a mirror image or blank. Select File > Print. While in the Print window, locate the drop down box under "Comments and Forms." Select "Document and Markups." Print.

4. When I print a PDF document,the Judges signature does not print. Select File > Print. While in the Print window, locate the drop down box under "Comments and Forms"” Select "Document and Stamps."

5. Why do I get second login screen after I've already logged into ECF? When you request a report or query a document, you will be prompted with a PACER login screen. The first time you login, click the box that says "make this my default login." This will prevent you from having to repeatedly log in to PACER.

6. How do I create a creditor matrix text file?Click here for instructions on creating a .txt file.

7. Why do I get the Site Certification pages? The first time you go into the ECF site, you'll get a series of Site Certificate pages. These pages show that the court is encrypting the date while you are signed on to ECF. On the third screen, you will have an opportunity to check a box that says accept this certificate forever. If you check the box, the site certification screens will not come up again. Click on Next, Finish and then Continue on the screen. You will always get the final screen to notify you of the certificate, click on continue to proceed.

8. I'm trying to docket an event and it tells me that this transaction has already been posted. I look on the docket and it's not there. This issue generally occurs when an event is docketed for a case and then the browser back button is clicked to return to the ECF filing menu. By clicking the back button instead of clicking on "Bankruptcy" to access the menu, the information accessed is from the last case you docketed. Only use the back button to correct a mistake on an event you are currently in the process of docketing. Click on "Bankruptcy" or "Adversary" at the top of the page to return to the main menu and docket a new event.

9. When I query a case in ECF, it gives me the previous case I looked at instead. Clear your temporary internet files. For instructions on clearing temporary files, click here.

10. How do I change my contact information with the Court? To ensure proper notification, please make sure that your account information is accurate in the ECF system for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. You may make changes to your account by following the steps listed below.

  1. Sign on to ECF with your ECF filing ID.
  2. Click on Utilities at the top of the screen.
  3. Click on the Maintain Your ECF Account link.
  4. On the Maintain User Account screen, update your contact information.
  5. If email information needs to be updated, click on the Email Information button at the bottom of the screen. If your email does not require updating, skip to step 9.
  6. Make any necessary corrections to your primary and additional email addresses. If adding additional email address, make sure you check the box that states "to the secondary addresses."
  7. Under Frequency, choose whether you would like to receive a Notice for each filing or a Daily Summary Report.
  8. Click the Return to Account Screen button at the bottom of the page.
  9. Click Submit.
  10. On the next page, click Submit.
  11. Once your changes are official, you will see an "Updating Person Record" Screen.

If you have any questions regarding updating your email address, please contact the ECF Help Desk at 866-497-9068.

11. When I get an email that something is filed, I can't view the document. What's wrong? If you are having trouble viewing a document, the most common technical issues are:

  1. PDF Software: Check your current PDF software for updates. If using Adobe, open a PDF document, click "Help" and then "Check for Updates."
  2. Incorrect login information. When viewing documents, the system may prompt a user for a login and password. To view the documents, enter your PACER login information.
  3. Unsupported Internet Browser: Browsers supported are Internet Explorer 7/8 and Mozilla Firefox 3.5

12. When I attempt to print a large docket sheet (over 50 pages), it produces a "Data Missing" error. What do I do? Run the report in smaller date ranges.

13. Can a document I’ve filed be deleted? Section II, B of the Administrative Procedures for Electronically Filed Cases states that an ECF filer is "bound by the document as filed." Therefore, documents may not be deleted once filed. It is the filer’s responsibility to correct or amend a pleading submission or file a motion to restrict the public access of a filing. Documents filed in the wrong case must be withdrawn by the filing party and correctly docketed in the ECF System.

14. Can the docket text be modified? Docket text can be modified by court personnel only. For questions regarding the docket text of a pleading, please contact the ECF Help Desk at 501-918-5590.

15. Can I get a password if I am not an attorney? Attorneys, trustees and creditor filers may be issued an ECF login. Information regarding ECF registration may be found by visiting the ECF Registration Page of our web site.

16. Why are my ID and Password not working? All ECF passwords must be security compliant. Passwords must be at least 8 characters in length, contain at least one upper and one lower case letter and at least one number or special character.

After five failed attempts to log on to the ECF System, the System will lock the user out for a five minute period of time. Each failed attempt after five times is an additional minute. Any user locked out for entering an incorrect password will need to wait the designated time before attempting to sign again or changing your password.

17. I’ve waited the designated lock out time assigned by the System for failure to sign on with the correct ECF ID but I still cannot get signed on? Clear the temporary internet files on your computer, close out of the internet window, reopen the window and try again. For instructions on clearing temporary internet files, click here. If you are still unable to sign on, please contact the ECF Help Desk at 501-918-5590.

18. After signing on to ECF, I cannot see the menu. Is there something wrong with my ID? If you are able to sign on to the ECF System but cannot see menu options under Bankruptcy or Adversary, you are locked out of the system. This is generally due to non-payment of fees to the court. Click on Utilities>Internet Payments Due, to see if a fee is owed. Once payment is made on your account, the System will unlock the user account and the filing menus will appear. If no payment is due, please contact the ECF Help Desk at 501-918-5590.

19. After I select my PDF document and click "Next," the system just hangs? If a large document is being uploaded, the System may take a few seconds to load the document. If the System does not upload the document, please check the size of the PDF. All PDF documents submitted via ECF must be below 10.0 MB in size. If the document is scanned to PDF, the PDF may be corrupted. Try rescanning the PDF and uploading again.

20. Where can I obtain the necessary forms for filing bankruptcy and Proof of Claims? Visit the Official Bankruptcy Forms section of www.uscourts.gov.

21. What are the current filing fees for filing bankruptcy? Click here to see the Fee Schedule page.

22. How do I find out who is the trustee assigned to a case? You may obtain the trustees name by one of the following:

  1. Viewing the case docket via PACER;
  2. Calling the Multi Court Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS) at 1-866-222-8029
  3. Visiting the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office.

23. How do I get an Interpreter? Debtor(s) who need an interpreter for a sec. 341 meeting of creditors should contact the U.S. Trustee at (501) 324-7357.

24. I'm receiving the message "The document is not available." when try to view a document. Due to a Judicial Conference Privacy Policy, cases filed before December 1, 2003, are only available to court users, case participants and anyone using the court's public terminal.

If your question was not answered here, please contact the CM/ECF Help Desk in Little Rock 918-5590, outside of Little Rock 866-497-9068 or you can e-mail our help desk at AskECF@areb.uscourts.gov