The NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder software is provided to help operators create NPMS standard attribute data and metadata. The software simplifies NPMS attribute data entry by minimizing repetition. Use of the NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder for attribute creation is optional. Other software packages can be used to create NPMS standard attribute data.

Additionally the NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder helps operators provide information about their submission to the NPMS repository. Use of the NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder software for metadata creation is required for all submissions.

Refer to the NPMS Operator Standards for detailed information on software usage and outputs.

Check the NPMS National Repository website, www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov, for updated versions of the software.

System Requirements
The system requirements are a 486 processor (or higher) personal computer that uses Microsoft Windows 95, 98, or Windows NT. The system should have at least 8 megabytes of RAM. Additionally, Microsoft Access must be installed on the system. If you do not have Microsoft Access, please contact the NPMS National Repository staff at npms@dot.gov or 703-317-6294 for assistance.

NPMS Software Installation Instructions
Before installing any version of NPMS software, close all open programs. Also, if you are running an older copy of the NPMS software and are attempting to install a new version that will overwrite the existing version, uninstall the existing NPMS software before proceeding with these steps (formally uninstall the software, do not simply delete the related folder). The installation program may encounter existing files with the same name as files it is attempting to install. It is okay to push the ignore button in such circumstances.

WinZip is required to unzip the file. A link to download WinZip can be found on the NPMS software page.

Software Installation Instructions
1. Make a new directory called "npms_software".
2. Save the zip file in this directory.
3. Use Windows Explorer to navigate to this directory.
4. From Windows Explorer double click on NPMS_Builder_v4.zip.
5. Click the "Extract" button in the WinZip window, locate the folder created in Step 1, and click on the "Extract" button in the folder navigation window.
6. Once the unzipping is complete, go to that folder and double click setup.exe 7. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
8. As directed by the user, Setup.exe will create a program icon called "NPMS Metadata Attribute Builder" under the Start menu.
9. Click on the icon to launch the NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder software.

NPMS Software Technical Support
If you can not see the entire data entry screen in the NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder, try increasing the resolution of your computer monitor to 1024 x 768. If you have difficulty installing or operating the NPMS template software, first go to the NPMS website, www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov, to ensure you are working with the latest version. If problems persist, contact the NPMS National Repository by email at npms@dot.gov or by phone at 703-317-6294.