Auto Shop Writer Bulletins

Some clients were experiencing issues with the email system.  A new update was just pushed out ( Saturday, June 14 @ 13.10 hours PDT ).

Please go to Tools -> Setup -> Email

Make sure to check ONLY the box for your type of email interface ( SMTP, MAPI, GMAIL ).  

Select the Apply button

 

Now test your system.  If you are getting an error message, and you are using SMTP, make sure the settings in that section of the email setup are correct.  Your provider may have made changes.

Again, after making some adjustments, we have tested all 3 connectivity methods and found them working successfully.  

Recently we heard from a couple of shops that their gMail accounts were no longer working.  This is because Google setup a new system for authentication ( as discussed in the last bulletin ).  Our teams have done a lot of work on this, and we do have two options now in version 12.52.32.  In addition, we know that Microsoft 365 ( formerly Office 365 ) also established an oAuth protocol but implement it differently.  We will address that one soon in case any of you use that system.

Here are the two options:

MAPI – 

If you have an email program on your desktop that supports MAPI, and your gMail ( or other service ) is setup, then you can select this checkbox ( Tools -> Setup -> Email ).  Do not check other boxes.  At this point whenever you send an email it will automatically use your normal desktop email program.  HOWEVER, it may be necessary to have that program open ( even if minimized to the task bar ) for it to be successful.

GMAIL –

We have implemented the gMail oAuth2 protocal and it is working fine in our tests.  Here are the steps to get it setup.

1). You must be sure your Google Account is set to allow 3rd party programs to access email.  You do this in your Google account.

2). In MLS12, go to the Email setup screen.  Click in the gMail checkbox and make sure the mark is there showing it will be used.  Then click on the Connect button.

3). You will see a Google account login screen.  Enter your email address as requested to sign in ( and your password or other method ).  You will now see warning screens telling you Auto Shop Writer is not authorized.  ( We have to submit info and wait on Google to verify the application ).  Continue until you see the screen that shows a Go to Auto Shop Writer in small red letters on the bottom left side.  Click on it.

4). You will see more warnings but there will be a screen where you must check a box ( upper right side ) that allows the program to send emails.  Click on it and continue.

5). You will proceed until you see a blank screen with a small message on the top that says you are connected and can exit the screen.  Click on the x at the upper right to close it.

6). This process obtains an authorization code which is then stored on your server.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THIS AGAIN.  When you send an email through any of the areas in the program where it is provided, the system already has the code stored and will handle your request.  Even after exiting the program or even shutting down the computer, it will still work when you go back in.

MASTERLINK SOFTWARE DOES NOT recommend, or support, gMail.  We do offer the interface to those who wish to use it, but we do not have it on our systems or use it ( due to valid security concerns ).  IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS we can only help with the ASW side.  We cannot assist with your Google account.  This you will have to handle with them.