EBooks FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an eBook?
What are the different eBook formats available at the McGraw-Hill eBookstore?
What hardware and software do I need for each format?
What happens when I purchase an eBook?
How long does it take to download an eBook?
What if my download won't start?
What if my download doesn't complete?
What if I can't find my downloaded eBook?
What if I get an error message during the download?
What if I have other technical problems downloading or reading my eBook?
Can I read my eBook on more than one computer?
Can I read my eBook on a handheld?
I currently read eBooks using Adobe eBook Reader 2.2. Do I need to upgrade to Adobe Reader 6.0?


What is an eBook?
An eBook is a book that you download and read electronically. Depending on the eBook format you purchase, you will be able to read your eBooks on a laptop, desktop, or handheld device. eBooks offer highlight, annotate, and bookmark features to make reading and researching easy. With eBooks, you can create an electronic library of your favorite books which are always accessible on your computer.

What are the different eBook formats available at the McGraw-Hill eBookstore?
At the McGraw-Hill eBookstore, we offer you a choice of four eBook formats, depending on the books you want to read and the hardware on which you wish to read them:

  1. Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 (recommended for PC users)
  2. Microsoft Reader (recommended for PC and Pocket PC 2002 device users)
  3. MobiPocket Reader (recommended for all handheld device users)

    With these three formats, you must have the appropriate Reader software installed on your computer and/or your handheld before you can read your eBook. Click on the links above to learn more about each format. All of the Reader software is free.

  4. Mobile Consult (for select medical titles only; readable on Palm and Pocket PC devices)

     

What hardware and software do I need for each format?

For Adobe Reader 6.0:

    Windows
  • Intel® Pentium®-class processor
  • Microsoft® Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP6, Windows 2000 Professional SP2Windows XP Professional, Home, or Tablet PC edition
  • Memory requirements: 32 MB of RAM (64 MB recommended)
  • Hard disk space for Adobe Reader (English version): 55 MB for the default installation (Basic version); 80 MB for the full version
  • Browser support: Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, 6.0, or 6.1; Netscape Navigator 7.0; AOL 6.0, 7.0, or 8.0

    Macintosh
  • PowerPC® processor G3 or greater
  • Mac OS software version 10.2.4 or later (Adobe Reader is not compatible with Mac OS 9)
  • Memory requirements: 32 MB of RAM (64 MB recommended)
  • Hard disk space for Adobe Reader (English version): 70 MB for the default installation (Basic version); 900 MB for the full version

For Microsoft Reader for PC:

  • Processor: Pentium 75 or higher microprocessor
  • Memory: 16 MB RAM
  • Hard disk: Approximately 19 MB free hard drive space (Microsoft Reader is 3.6 MB, but additional hard disk space is required for installation)
  • Operating system: Operating System-Microsoft Windows® 98 platforms, Microsoft Windows NT4 SP6, Microsoft Windows 2000 platforms, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Me.
  • Display: VGA or higher resolution monitor and video card capable of displaying 16 bit color
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 with Service Pack 1 or higher

For Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC:

  • Device Name: iPaq or a Pocket PC device that can be upgraded to Pocket PC 2002. Order upgrade from Compaq.
  • Model Number: H3600 series, H3100 series
  • Memory: 2.236 MB free RAM
  • Operating System: Pocket PC 2002
  • Other devices: Microsoft ActiveSync® 3.5 or later

For MobiPocket Reader:

  • Windows 95/98/NT/2000 with an Internet connection (Internet Explorer 4.0 required as a minimum)
  • Palm Desktop or PsiWin (2.1 or 2.3) or eBookMan Desktop Manager or ActiveSync 3.1 or PC Connect for CASSIOPEA

    List of supported hardware:

    • PalmOS 3.x, 4.x : Palm (Palm III, IIIx, IIIe, IIIc, V, Vx, Ve, M100/105/125/500/505/515), Handspring (Visor), TRGPro, Sony Clie, IBM Workpad
    • Windows CE 2.x, 3.x : Palm-size PC, Handheld PC, HPC Pro (HP, Compaq, Casio...)
    • Pocket PC 2000/2002 (HP, Compaq, Casio)
    • Epoc32: Psion Serie 5, Serie 5mx, Serie 7, Revo, OSARIS, Diamond Mako...
    • Franklin: eBookMan Series 900, 901, 911
    • Nokia: 9210, 9290
    • Casio BE-300

    For Mobile Consult:

      For Palm Users:
      Handheld Computer: Palm OS 3.x or later with 730K of available memory (memory cards are not supported).
      Desktop Computer: Windows® OS 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, or NT 4.0 Workstation. Hotsync Manager (or equivalent), version 3.01 or later. Connection to the Internet.

      For Pocket PC Users:
      Handheld Computer: Pocket PC 2002 or Pocket PC 2000 with 1.1 - 1.5 MB of available memory (memory cards are supported.)
      Desktop Computer: Windows® OS 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, or NT 4.0 Workstation (SP3). ActiveSync version 3.1 or later. Connection to the Internet.

    What happens when I purchase an eBook?
    As you browse the McGraw-Hill Professional Bookstore, you can add print and electronic books to your shopping cart. After checkout, once your purchase is approved, you will be given a link through which you can download your eBook. When you click on that link, you will receive instructions on how to proceed with your download. Once the download is complete, your eBook(s) will be saved on your desktop and you will be able to read them offline, or move them to your handheld (depending on your format and handheld device).

    How long does it take to download an eBook?
    The amount of time varies depending on your connection speed, the file size, and Internet traffic. We do display file sizes on our site so you can get a sense of how large each eBook file is. As a rule of thumb, a 10 megabyte file takes approximately 25 minutes to download with a standard modem. Put another way, a 300-page eBook without many graphics can be downloaded in approximately four to five minutes on a 56K connection. Many of our eBook files are significantly smaller than that.

    What if my download won't start?

    1. Before you download your eBook you should have the appropriate reader software installed on your computer and/or your handheld. If you are receiving a message to download reader software, please click the displayed link to go to the website to download the software. (Note: If you are using a Mac, only Adobe Reader is compatible, and it is only compatible with OS 10 or greater.)

    2. If you have the correct eBook software installed and you still can't download your eBook, check for one of the Error Messages. (See: "What if I get an error message during the download?")

    3. For Adobe Reader and Microsoft Reader users, the Reader must be activated before your eBooks can be read.

    4. For MobiPocket users, you must have your PID (personal ID) available to complete an eBook download. You can find your PID on the "About" page of the MobiPocket Reader file installed on your handheld. After you've downloaded the eBook to your computer, you may have to synchronize your handheld with your computer in order to move the eBook file to your handheld.

    What if my download doesn't complete?
    The amount of time it takes to download your eBook depends on the speed of your connection and the size of your eBook.

    1. If your download doesn't complete immediately, try giving it more time.
    2. Go back to your original order confirmation, click the eBook link, and start downloading again.
    3. If you still need help:

      For Adobe Reader 6.0 or Microsoft Reader files: contact techsupport@lightningsource.com

      For MobiPocket files: contact support@mobipocket.com

      For Mobile Consult files: contact ebookinfo@mcgraw-hill.com

    4. If you have a problem with your eBook Reader, you may obtain additional information from the eBook reader vendor:

    What if I can't find my downloaded eBook?

    Upon download, your eBook should be added to your eBook library.

      Adobe Reader 6.0 files:

      To access your eBooks in Adobe Reader 6.0, open "My Bookshelf" from the File Menu. Click on the eBooks icon and select My Bookshelf. The actual PDF files are stored in the following locations:
      Windows: My eBooks folder in the My Documents directory
      Mac OS: eBooks folder within the Documents folder

      For Microsoft Reader files:

      The Library displays a list of all the eBooks that are stored in the My Library folder inside the My Documents folder on your PC.

      To get to the Library from within Microsoft Reader: Click Library on the Navigation menu along the left side of the page.

      To get to the Library From within a Microsoft Reader eBook page: Click the eBook's title in the Header at the top of the page. Then, click Library on the pop-up menu.

      If you try to open an eBook from a location other than My Library, for example by double-clicking on an eBook file or icon, you'll see a menu of choices for opening the eBook.

      Click Move this eBook into your library? to move the eBook file from its present location to My Library.

      Click Copy this eBook into your library? to make a copy of the eBook and move the copy to My Library.

      Click Open this eBook from its current location? to open the eBook without moving or copying it.

      For MobiPocket Reader files:

      On your PDA, open MobiPocket Reader and click "Library" from the MobiPocket drop down menu.

    What if I get an error message during the download?
    During the download process, you may encounter the following error messages:

    • " The eBook you requested was not found."
      Please send an email to ebookinfo@mcgraw-hill.com letting us know that you recieved this message and we'll check it out.

    • "The eBook you requested is not yet available for download."
      Please send us a note at ebookinfo@mcgraw-hill.com, let us know the title and format that you want, and we'll make sure you get it!

    • "The eBook has already been downloaded the permitted number of times."
      In order to protect their copyrighted eBook material, publishers determine how many times a copyrighted eBook may be downloaded. The number of times chosen most often by publishers is 1. This means that after the eBook has been successfully downloaded 1 time (or more if the publisher permits this), no further downloads will be permitted.

      If you have already downloaded your eBook but can't locate it, view "Can't Find the Downloaded eBook" will provide help on locating it on your computer. If this section does not resolve your problem, please contact ebookinfo@mcgraw-hill.com for instructions on how to obtain another copy.

    • "The eBook you requested cannot be downloaded at this time due to server difficulties."

      Please try downloading the eBook again later by clicking on the link provided on your order receipt. If you still have difficulties, contact techsupport@lightningsource.com for help.

    • "The eBook you requested is in Microsoft Reader format. Before reading your new eBook, you must have Microsoft Reader installed on your computer. Click here to download Microsoft Reader."

      Download a copy of Adobe Reader 6.0. Then try downloading the eBook again later by clicking on the link provided on your order receipt.

    • "The eBook you requested is in Adobe Reader format. Before reading your new eBook, you must have Adobe Reader 6.0 installed on your computer. Click here to download Adobe Reader 6.0".

      Download a copy of Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader. Then try downloading the eBook again later by clicking on the link provided on your order receipt.

    • "The eBook you requested is in Microsoft Reader format. Before reading your new eBook, you must have Microsoft Reader activated on your computer."

      Activate your Microsoft Reader (for detailed instructions on how to activate your Microsoft reader, view the Microsoft Reader Guidebook.)

    • "Books from this eBook Retailer are not available yet or the system has detected an invalid retailer number."

      Contact ebookinfo@mcgraw-hill.com with the name of the eBook you are trying to purchase, and we will help you get it.

    • If you are receiving a Microsoft Reader Error Message similar to:
      "error ####.module ****.dll failed to register"
      then please contact Microsoft support by phone at (425) 454-2030 (Note: long distance charges may apply). Or visit Microsoft Reader Frequently Asked Questions to try to resolve the problem.

    What if I have other technical problems downloading or reading my eBook?
    If you have any problems downloading, opening, or reading your eBook, we first suggest that you make sure you have the correct version of the appropriate Reader installed and registered (if necessary) on your computer.

    For Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader or Microsoft Reader files: next, check out http://www.helpebook.com/ for more information about technical difficulties. If you don't find information that you need, contact techsupport@lightningsource.com for more help. For speediest service, you should be prepared to identify the title you purchased, the format you purchased it in, and the date and time of your purchase.

    For MobiPocket files: next, check out http://www.mobipocket.com/en/Support/toc.htm. If you don't find information that you need, contact support@mobipocket.com for more help. For speediest service, you should be prepared to identify the title you purchased, the format you purchased it in, and the date and time of your purchase.

    For Mobile Consult files: next, check out the online help. If you don't find information that you need, contact mcgraw-hill@hudsonsoft.com for more information.

    Can I read my eBook on more than one computer?

    • With Adobe Reader 6.0 format, you can view your eBook on one PC or Macintosh and on one Palm OS device. Adobe is currently investigating the possibility of expanding the number of devices that can be used to view eBooks.
    • With Microsoft Reader format, for each paid purchase, you may download your eBook to up to four computers (including particular Pocket PC 2002 handheld models) if you wish.
    • With MobiPocket Reader you are able to download your eBook to one handheld device.
    • With Mobile Consult files you are able to download your eBook to one handheld device.

    Can I read my eBook on a handheld?
    Yes! Several of our formats are compatible with handheld devices:

    • Our MobiPocket Reader files can be read on all handheld devices: Palm OS, Win CE, Pocket PC, Franklin, Psion, Nokia, and many more.
    • Mobile Consult files can be read on Palm OS and Pocket PC compatible devices.
    • Our Microsoft Reader files can be read on Pocket PC 2002 devices.
    • If you have Adobe Reader 6, all of your Adobe eBook files are compatible with Palm OS devices. All you need is to download Adobe Reader 6.0 for your main computer, and the Adobe Reader for Palm OS, version 3.0. You may download both readers from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

    I currently read eBooks using Adobe eBook Reader 2.2. Do I need to upgrade to Adobe Reader 6.0?

    If you are currently reading eBooks on older versions of Acrobat Reader you may continue to do so. However Adobe recommends that you upgrade to the new Adobe Reader 6.0 since it offers a superior eBook reading experience.

    REPLACING ACROBAT EBOOK READER WITH ADOBE READER 6.0 (RECOMMENDED)

    1. Back up the Data directory in your Acrobat eBook Reader installation directory.
    2. Remove (uninstall) Acrobat eBook Reader. Do not delete any files in the Acrobat eBook Reader Data directory after uninstalling the program.
    3. Install Adobe Reader 6.0. If you have installed the Basic Reader product, follow the instructions in the Adobe Reader 6.0 System Requirements and Installation section to install the eBook and Accessibility Package.
    4. Start Adobe Reader 6.0 and activate it. You can go directly to activation or download an eBook and be taken automatically through activation.
    5. Exit Adobe Reader 6.0 and Acrobat eBook Reader.
    6. Download, install, and run the eBook Migration Utility to move eBooks from Acrobat eBook Reader to Adobe Reader 6.0.

    KEEPING ACROBAT EBOOK READER WITH ADOBE READER 6.0

    Some users may not wish to migrate their books or may have eBooks, such as those acquired
    using Acrobat Reader with Web Buy, that cannot be migrated to Adobe Reader 6.0. Adobe
    Reader 6.0 and Acrobat eBook Reader can coexist, although Adobe no longer provides or
    supports Acrobat eBook Reader.

    1. Install Adobe Reader 6.0 and launch.
    2. Subsequent eBook downloads use Adobe Reader 6.0.

    However, you can still run Acrobat eBook Reader and use it to read previously acquired
    eBooks. In this situation, you may not want to run the eBook Migration Utility, as this will move your
    eBooks to Adobe Reader 6.0 and you will not be able to read them using Acrobat eBook
    Reader.

    Note: If you uninstall Acrobat eBook Reader after using Adobe Reader 6.0, you may find
    that eBook download from some sites does not detect your installed Adobe Reader 6.0. In
    this case, you can run the Adobe Reader 6.0 "Help - Detect and Repair" command to correct
    this problem.

    CAUTION: After the eBook Migration Utility moves eBooks from Acrobat eBook Reader to Adobe Reader 6.0, you can no longer read those eBooks using Acrobat eBook Reader, and you cannot reverse the migration.

    Return to the main Help page or go shopping at the McGraw-Hill eBookstore.