Is it time to update your ADS software ?

We now have two versions of Auto Shop Writer:

  • ASW92 : This is built with the same tools used to create Auto Shop Writer for the past 8 years.  It is a set of “Microsoft compatible tools” and windows interfaces that are used to construct the programs we provide.
  • ASW2012 : This version is built with the most recent Microsoft tools and libraries, plus a more advanced language.  These tools take advantage of the latest computer, and Windows, technologies on an internal level.

Both programs look the same, and contain the same features and user interface.  The difference is internal.  All updates to ASW2012 will also be included in ASW92 whenever possible.  ASW2012 is FREE to all DPP members.

Both versions will work with single and multi user configurations ( Peer to peer ).  However, those with older versions of the Advantage Database Server ( 7 or 8 ) would have to upgrade their license to use the ASW2012 version.  This is due to changes in the ADS software.  Those with older versions can continue to run upgrades for ASW92 without difficulty.

The latest version for ADS is 11.0.  It includes free upgrades to 11.1 ( usually released in a year ).  This version was just released, and usually they are two years apart.

We also now have some new configurations for the Advantage Database Server.  You can obtain a 2 user license for $ 269, a 3 user server for $ 450, or a 5 user server for $650.  A 10 user version is $ 1295, and a 15 user is $ 1895.

Those running Version 7 or 8 can upgrade for $ 600 / 5 user license.  ( $ 1200 for 10 user, $ 1800 for a 15 user license ).

Those running Version 9 can upgrade for $ 330 per 5 user license ( $ 600 for 10 user, $ 900 for 15 user ).

If you would like to upgrade your ADS version, please send a check for the full amount ( CA businesses add 7.75% sales tax ) to MasterLink Software, PO Box 740, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678.  Once the payment is received, we can purchase your upgrade and we will call you to perform an install.

Questions ?  Please email:  sales@masterlinksoftware.com and we’ll respond quickly.

 

Installing the new Auto Updater

Due to the change in webhosting services, the newest version of Auto Shop Writer, and future enhancements, it is now important to install your new Auto Updater.  Please follow these steps exactly, and you will have no difficulty !

ON THE SERVER

1)  Click on the following link.  It will ask if you want to Run or Save the file.  Select Save.  Then use the popup browser to find, and highlight, the ASW9s folder.  Then select OK, and the file will be downloaded, and saved to the proper location.

http://www.mlsbservices.com/Ff07ml01J/MLS9aus.exe

2)  Click on the Windows Start button ( lower left corner of your monitor ), select All Programs, and then look for the Startup folder.  Click on it, and you will see ASW Update.  Click on the right mouse button, and select Properties.  There is a field that says Target.  Click on the box.  If the whole entry is highlighted, click again so that just the | cursor is showing.  Now hit the End button on your keyboard.  The entry, at the end, will say either  ASW9Update.exe  or ASW9aus.exe.  Change only that section so it reads MLS9aus.exe   and then press the OK button.

3)  Click on the Windows Start button and look for the entry on the right side of the popup that says Computer.  Click on it.  Now select the drive where ASW9s resides.  In most cases it is on the server but some network people have put it inside a shared folder, or on a data drive.  Find the ASW9s folder and click on it.  When it opens, you should see a folder titled MLS.  If not, you can click on the right mouse button and select New, Folder, or you will see it as an option at the top of the screen.  If there is no MLS folder, add one ( inside the ASW9s folder ).

4)  Click on the following link, and save it to the MLS folder that is inside the ASW9s folder.

http://www.mlsbservices.com/Ff07ml01J/ASWRun.exe

5)  Shut down the server, then re-start it. 

ON THE WORKSTATIONS

Right click on the Windows Start button.  Select Open Windows Explorer.  Go down the left column and click on the + sign next to Network.  Click on the + next to the computer that is the server.  Find the ASW9s folder, and look inside of it to the MLS folder.  Find the file ASWRun.exe and press the right mouse button.  Select Copy.  Now go up the list to the ASW9c folder. Click once on it so that it is highlighted.  Click the right mouse button and select Save.  You will be asked to overwrite the existing file, and select OK ( Yes ).

When you finish the previous step, the ASW9c folder contents should be displayed on the right side of the window.  Look for ASW9.exe, and click the right mouse button.  Select Rename, and then click on the right side of the 9 ( before the period ).  When you have the cursor in the right place, type 2 and hit enter.  Your file name should now be ASW92.exe.   You can now exit this window and start ASW 9 from the desktop icon.  It will take a moment but then you should see the message that your file was updated.

COMMENTS

In the past you had no access to the Auto Update program.  Now, if you go to the taskbar tray ( its on the right side of the bottom line of your monitor, and you may need to click on the ^ symbol to reveal all the tasks running ), you will see an ASW icon.  Right click on it, and a popup menu appears.  If the icon is not there, then the updater is not running.  You can force an authorization, or an update, view the log, or even clear it of old entries.

This program will immediately start running.  However, until DPP fees are recorded for the 3rd quarter, the new program will not be updating on your computers.  All payments received by July 1 have been posted !  We will update payments daily.

Updates starting with Version 9.23.00 are the latest version built with the “compatible” tools.  The functionality is the same as the new MLS version posting soon built with all of the actual Microsoft tools.  We intend to keep testing that version prior to distribution.