Files can be checked out from the Dashboard.  You can use this feature when you want to be the only person editing the file; think of it as checking out a book at a library.  This is an especially useful feature for customers who do not use SharePoint and more than one person cannot work in the same document at the same time (co-authoring).  When a file is checked-out, RFP Builder notifies other users that you are working on the document and gives them a warning when they try to open the file. You can only check-out Word and Excel files.   
 
The file will indicate that it is checked-out with a yes/no in the In Use column on the Dashboard (hover over the “yes” in the In Use column to see who has checked-out the file).

1. In Word, go to Files/Docs >> File check-outs >> Check OUT this file 

 
Note:  Don’t forget to check the file back in when you are done so that other users can access the file.  

You can use this menu option if you want to view the files that you have currently checked-out or to open a particular checked-out file. 
 

1. In Word, go to Files/Docs >> File check-outs >> View/open checked-out files 

 
Note:  You need to open checked-out files from the File check-outs dialogue, as the checked-out files are stored on the local machine (as opposed to the shared file location).  Checked-out files cannot be opened from the Dashboard without spawning a separate copy (users will be warned if they try to open a checked-out file).

More Information:

• Learn how to Access the Dashboard
• Overview of RFP Response Builder Tools