The question data file provided is a sequential file of questions complete with answers as necessary.

The distributed question file name is of the form QUESTxxx.DAT, where "xxx" represents the book(s) being studied that year. For example, BIBLQUIZ '98 used QUESTACT.DAT, BIBLQUIZ '99 used QUESTEPI.DAT ("EPIstles"), BIBLQUIZ 2003 used QUESTHEB.DAT, BIBLQUIZ 2004 used QUESTMAT.DAT.

The distributed questions are encrypted to protect the question writers' privileges. When a purchase agreement is made for the writer's questions (as reflected by the registration code used), then a file conversion is done so that the questions can be edited. When the conversion is done, a new file of the form QUESTxxx.DA$ is created, which can then be customized.

The question types follow closely with those allowed in the Quizzing Rule Book for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, which are abbreviated as follows:

• The question type starts in the first column, followed by the book and verse reference location for the answer, then the question, a "?", and finally the answer words. (See also: Special Considerations for Situational Questions below).

• When coding Quote or FTV questions, the chapter and verse reference values are separated by a blank. That is, there is a blank after the colon (:). This allows you to place one or more verse numbers on the same line with one chapter, although each is treated as a separate question by the program.

SITuational question types have a slightly different format, with an extra component consisting of a quotation from scripture. There will be a total of 3 parts to the question/answer combination on one line:

1. The first part of the question is what the answer will require and will be terminated with a question mark (?) (e.g. Who said it?)
2. The quotation from scripture, terminated by a dollar sign ($)
3. The answer words

The database is distributed in an encrypted format to protect the rights of the question writer (who is different than the author of BIBLQUIZ). The first time you want to alter the database, you must use the following procedure through step #4

1. Start BIBLQUIZ
2. Select the menu option "QUIZGEN Menu"
3. Select "Tailor the Question Database". This will decrypt the originally distributed question database (which has a file extension of "DAT") and create a new datafile with a file extension of "DA$.
4. Use Alt-File-Save to save the file with an extension of ".DA$". This is now your customized database, and the original ".DAT" file remains unchanged on your system as a backup in case you need it.
5. Use the MS-DOS Editor to correct, add, or delete questions.
6. Use Alt-File-Save to save the file with an extension of ".DA$", and Alt-File-Exit to leave the editor.

If desired, a different editor can be used directly on the "DA$" file once it is created. If you are unsure of the formatting that your word processor does to the file (there should be none),

1. Make a backup copy of the ".DA$" file before making any changes using Windows Explorer,
2. Use your word processor to make a change to the file and save it,
3. Go back to steps 1 - 3 of the initial Editing Instructions to invoke the MS-DOS Editor through BIBLQUIZ and view the file to make sure it is still unformatted and has 1 full question per line. If there are problems, use Windows Explorer to delete the corrupted DA$ file and restore your backup copy to the correct name.

• The <End> key on the keyboard takes you to the end of a line.

• The <Home> key on the keyboard takes you to the beginning of a line.
• The <Shift> key, when used in combination with <Home>, <End> and the cursor keys allows you to select a section of text (such as a line or words) to then delete or copy.
• You can select, copy and paste an existing line to use as a model as follows:

1. Use the cursor keys and <Home> key to position the cursor to the beginning of the line you want to copy.
2. While holding down the <Shift> key, press <End>, which will highlight the entire line. (you may release the <Shift> key now).
3. While holding down the <Ctrl> key, press "C" and release both. This copied the line to the memory clip-board. (Another technique is to press Alt-Edit-Copy)
4. Now create an empty line into which you want to place the copy by use the <Home> and cursor keys, find the line you want to place your copy before. With the cursor on the first character of that line, press <Enter> (or <Return> if your key is labeled differently) and the editor will create a blank line above the cursor.
5. Position the cursor at the beginning of the blank line and press <Ctrl-V> (or Alt-Edit-Paste) to paste in the line copy. Now type over the top this model line. (You may want to use the <INSert> key to either over-type or insert characters).

• You may delete a line or several characters at a time by selecting them with the <Shift> and cursor keys, then press the <DELete> key.