Author Archives: Archie Tucker

VPRO Windows Network Installation

Notes:  

It is assumed that the network is setup and the printers are configured on the local PC’s.

Create Folders

1.             Create TOP folder

2.             Create TOP\BASIS folder

3.             Create TOP\BASIS\DOWNLOAD folder

4.             Create TOP\BASIS\DOWNLOAD\BLM folder

5.             Create TOP\BASIS\DOWNLOAD\VPRO5 folder

 Install BLM (Basis License Manager)

1.             Download BLM from www.basis.com to TOP\BASIS\DOWNLOAD\BLM folder

2.             Unzip exe file to same folder

3.             Run setup

4.             Select Register for a license  ->  select Next

5.             Select Yes for Software License Agreement

6.             Select Browse and select TOP\BASIS  ->   select Next

7.             Select Next for Program Folder

8.             Select Register for a license  ->   select Next

9.             Enter Contact Info and License Info from License Registration Form  ->  select Next

10.          Select Register and license automatically and select Next

11.          After License successfully istalled message displays  ->  select OK

12.          For Would you like to register for another BASIS License  ->  select No

13.          Select Finish from Installation Complete window

14.          Select OK from Reboot window

15.          Unselect View the readme.txt file and select Finish.

16.          Select Yes for I want to restart my computer now  ->   select Finish

 Install VPRO5

1.             Download VPro5 from www.basis.com to TOP\BASIS\DOWNLOAD\VPRO5 folder

2.             Unzip exe file to same folder

3.             Run setup

4.             Select English  ->  select Next

5.             Select Next from Welcome window

6.             Select Yes for License window

7.             Select Typical Setup  ->  select Next

8.             Select TOP\BASIS folder  ->  select Next

9.             Select Next from Select Program Folder window

10.          Enter name of server  ->  select Next

11.          Select Use standard privileges  ->  select Next

12.          Select Finish from Installation Complete window

Install Total Order Plus On Server

1.             Insert TOP Network Disk into server

2.             Go to MS-Dos Prompt (Start > Programs > MS-Dos)

3.             Make TOP directory, example: MKDIR  C:\TOP

4.             Change directory to TOP, example: CD  C:\TOP

5.             Copy files, example: COPY A:\*.*  C:\TOP

6.             Install each TOP module disk, example: PROGRAM UP

 Setup Configuration File For Server

Sharing A Windows Drive

On server (PC with VPRO5.EXE & TOP) set drive as shareable.

1.             Right click on Start

2.             Select Explore

3.             Right click on Drive to share, example: local C drive

4.             Select Sharing

5.             Select Share As

6.             Enter share name, example: Disk_C

7.             Enter description, example: Server C Drive

8.             Select Full for access

9.             Select OK

Notes:

For sharing to be available it must be set under networking. Right click on Network Neigborhood > Properties > File and Print Sharing >  option to share files. If you change settings, you must restart computer. If a drive is shared, there will be a hand under the drive icon.

 Map Server Drive On Work Station As Drive T

1.             Right click on start button from work station

2.             Select Explore

3.             Select Tools from the menu bar

4.             Select map network drive

5.             Enter drive letter T

6.             Push tab key to advance to path

7.             Enter path, example: \\Server\Disk_C

8.             Be sure reconnect at login is checked

9.             Click on OK button

Setup Config File For Work Station

1.             Insert Windows Network Disk into work station drive

2.             Go to MS-Dos Prompt (Start > Programs > MS-Dos)

3.             Make BASIS directory, example: MKDIR C:\BASIS

4.             Copy config file  to BASIS directory, example:

copy A:\CONFIG.S1 C:\BASIS\CONFIG.BBX

Notes:

The config.s1 is for a laser on lpt1 & okidata on lpt2 (both on the server), config.s2 is for okidata on lpt1 & lpt2 (both on the server), config.s3 is for a laser on lpt1 & okidata on lpt2 (both on the server) and laser on lpt1 (on the work station), config.s4 is for a laser on lpt1 & okidata on lpt2 (both on the server) and okidata on lpt1 (on the work station).

 Create TOP Icon On Work Station

1.             Right click on blank desktop

2.             Select New

3.             Select Shortcut

4.             Enter command line, example:

T:\BASIS\VPRO5\vpro5.exe -q -tT1 -uuser_name

-cC:\BASIS\CONFIG.BBX OSMONR

5.             Select Next

6.             Enter icon name: Total Order Plus

7.             Select Finish

8.             Right click on Total Order Plus Icon

9.             Select properties

10.          Enter start in field T:\TOP

11.          Select OK

Setup Server Printers On Work Station

1.             Double click on My Computer Icon

2.             Double click on Printer Icon

3.             Double click on Add Printer Icon

4.             Select Next

5.             Select Network Printer

6.             Select Browse

7.             Double Click on server (name of server PC)

8.             Select printer to use

9.             Select OK

10.          Select option to print from MS-DOS based programs

11.          Select Next

12.          Select Capture Printer Port

13.          Select LPT port, example: LPT3 for LPT1 printer on server, LPT4 for LPT2 printer on server

14.          Select Printer from list or use disk from printer manufacturer

15.          Except printer name and choose default printer if desired

16.          Select print a test page  -> select Finish

 

Sonicwall Firmware Update

Install SonicWall FIrmware Upgrade Download Firmware Upgrade From SonicWall

  1. Open your internet browser
  2. Enter www.mysonicwall.com
  3. Enter customer username and password
  4. Select Submit
  5. Select Download Center
  6. Select Software Type (example, TZ 100 Firmware)
  7. Click on download file description (example, TZ 100 Firmware) under Firmware sub heading
  8. Select Save for Do You Want To Save This File (if Chrome select file at bottom and select Show In Folder) ?
  9. Select location to save file (example, C:\TEMP)
  10. Select Save
  11. Wait for download to complete
  12. Select Close
  13. Select Logout

Note: Once you download file you can use the same file to upgrade other SonicWall units that are the same model. Backup Settings

  1. Open your internet browser
  2. Enter Sonicwall IP address (example, 192.168.1.1)
  3. Enter admin for name
  4. Enter password (example, superXXX, where XXX is customer code in caps)
  5. Select System on left side of screen
  6. Under System select Settings
  7. Select Create Backup Settings

Export Settings

  1. Open your internet browser
  2. Enter Sonicwall IP address (example, 192.168.1.1)
  3. Enter admin for name
  4. Enter password (example, superXXX, where XXX is customer code in caps)
  5. Select System on left side of screen
  6. Under System select Settings
  7. Select Export Settings
  8. Select Export (Default name of the file will be ‘sonicwall.exp’ message will display)
  9. Save to folder.

Install Firmware Upgrade

  1. Open your internet browser
  2. Enter Sonicwall IP address (example, 192.168.1.1)
  3. Enter admin for name
  4. Enter password (example, superXXX, where XXX is customer code in caps)
  5. Select System on left side of screen
  6. Under System select Settings
  7. Select Upload New Firmware button
  8. Select Choose File
  9. Select folder for firmware upgrade file (example, C:\TEMP)
  10. Select downloaded file name from list box (example, sw_tz150w_s_eng_3.1.6.6.sig)
  11. Select Open
  12. Select Upload
  13. Status will display Please wait…
  14. When completed status will display Firmware uploaded successfully
  15. Select Icon under Boot column for Uploaded Firmware – New!
  16. Select Ok for install message
  17. Status will display Please wait…
  18. Sonicwall will automatically restart

Backup DVD/Tape Rotation Requirements

Customers usually have backup software that allows them to backup their data stored on their server. BackupEdge software allows the user to set up a schedule of what days they want to perform a backup, either to DVD or to a tape cartridge.

The elusive rule of thumb is there should be a DVD or tape for each night of the week Monday through Friday in their rotation. Some customers prefer to have a two week rotation. BackupEdge requires that the DVD or tape not to be used until at least 7 days from the last time it was used in a backup routine. For example, if you use a DVD or tape on Monday, you cannot reuse the DVD or tape until Monday of the next week.

It may not be a bad idea to keep a backup from the last day of each month until the next month end is completed.

A recommended rotation would be:

Monday Week 1, Tuesday Week 1, Wednesday Week 1, Thursday Week 1, Friday Week 1

Monday Week 2, Tuesday Week 2, Wednesday Week 2, Thursday Week 2, Friday Week 2

Month 1, Month 2, Month 3

Year 1

Remote FTP backups do not require the same rules of use.

Acer Hardware Warranty

Every Acer personal computer comes with either one year warranty or a three year warranty, depending on the model of the PC. The units with a three year warranty usually includes a limited first year onsite warranty.

In the event of a hardware issue during the warranty period, Acer does provide an end-user free support number:  800-816-2237.

When you contact technical support, you will need to provide them with the serial number and the model number of the unit (this is found on the back of the unit).

Most Acer LED monitors include a three year warranty. Serial number and model information is also found on the back of the unit.

Acer technical support will require you to have access to the unit so they can have you trouble shoot the issue while they are on the phone. If the issue is not resolved, you can either return the unit to Acer or find an Acer distributor/repair service that will validate the warranty.

Got XP?

Two_CentsMy Two Cents, by Archie Tucker

 

 

Well, I know how customers hate the upgrade word, but after 12 years, support for Windows XP will end on April 8, 2014. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for the Windows XP operating system.

What does this mean? It means if you have PC’s with Windows XP that have access to the outside world in any way, it’s time to replace them. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware and help keep users and their data safer. This also means that most other software companies will probably stop supporting versions of their software that run on XP.

If all of the above is not enough to make you want to upgrade, you may be required by law to update, depending on certain data privacy laws.

Also, Microsoft Office 2003 support ends on April 8, 2014.

If you would like a quote on a new Acer PC, let us know! We can also install Office 2013 on your new PC.

Basis JDBC/ODBC Installation

Download Java JDK (Not JRE)

Note: Basis doesn’t support the latest version of Java, so version 8 must be used.

Download from:

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html

Open and run after download

Download BASIS BBj (Includes license manager and JDBC/ODBC driver)
Download from www.basis.com > Products > Downloads > BBj and Barista
Open and run
Select default folder (c:\bbj) and select Typical option
Register for a License
Enter customer name for Customer Name
Enter Mindware info for name/phone/email
Enter License
Enter information from BASIS License Registration Form

Select Register & install a license automatically
Configure the BLM to run as a WIndows Service
Startup Type: Automatic
Start the BASIS License Manager
As a Windows Service
Enter password for user
Start BBj Services
Select Finish

You may need to Allow access to the ThinClientProxyService.exe from your Firewall

Start Enterprise Manager
From Windows Start Select BASIS > BBJ > Browser EM
Double Click on PC Name on left side
User: admin
Password: admin123
Select Login

Create Database
Select Anchor icon under DATABASES to attach database
Click on Databases and Select +
Database Name: TOP_SHP### (### = TOP Company Number)
Dictionary Type: Legacy Format
Data Files: C:\TOP_DATA\CO001\
Data Dictionary: C:\TOP_DATA\SGDIR\
Select OK

Table TOP_SHP### should now display

Create Data Source (With Worldship 2014 You Must Do This From Within Worldship)
Select Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC)
Select System DSN Tab
Select Add Button
Select BBj ODBC Driver
Select Finish Button
Name: TOP_SHP###
Description: Total Order Plus Shipping – ###
Server: Name Of PC
Database: TOP_SHP###
User Name: admin
Password: admin123

Select OK

TOP Contacts

Two_CentsMy Two Cents, by Archie Tucker

 

 

Are you getting the most out of your contact information? Each customer and vendor can have up to 99 contacts. Besides the obvious uses, this information can be used for emailing, sending UPS tracking information and updating contacts on other systems. Updating contacts on other systems is what we will be covering in this post.  Examples of other systems would be:

  • PC
  • Smartphone
  • Tablet
  • Google Plus
  • Web Based Newsletter

To export customer contacts, use the Export Contacts for Outlook on the A/R Import/Export File Menu. For vendor contacts, use the Export Contacts for Outlook on the A/P Import/Export File Menu. Both programs have numerous options for exporting. A new file format, vCard (format for electronic business cards) has just been added to both contact exports.

Mapped Drives And Disk Space

Two_CentsMy Two Cents, by Archie Tucker

 

 

If you are running TOP on a UNIX or Linux server, you probably are using drives on your Windows PC that are mapped to your server. Below are some of the most common drives we normally setup:

  • S Drive – Used to share common files on your network
  • U Drive – Used to save PDF files from TOP
  • V Drive – Used to import data into TOP

Depending on how long and how often you have been using this feature, a large amount of disk space on the server could be occupied by this data. In a lot of cases the data can be using more disk space than TOP and at some point can cause problems with backups and server performance. If disk space is allowed to reach zero on your server, bad things will happen!

You can maintain your mapped drives from Windows, just like your local drives by using Windows Explorer. If you have information that you need to backup before deleting it from the mapped drives, you can first copy it from the mapped drives to a local CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive, a USB external hard drive or a network external hard drive.

If you need help with maintaining your TOP Registers/Journals/Period-End PDF files (stored on the U drive), there is more info on our website, TOP PDF Print Defaults. If you still have any questions, please contact Mindware support.