This bulletin has several important pieces of information. Please read it carefully.
UPDATE FAILURE NOTICE:
If your system posts a notice that it has not been updating, there are two possible reasons. First, the auto updater may have stopped working. Rebooting your server should resolve that. The other is a brand new issue. Our server hosting company, in it’s quest to keep webservices secure, uses a software to block robotic access. IF your IP address ( on the internet ) is suspect, it will ask you to complete a CAPTCHA form. Of course you never see it because the autoupdater runs without showing you any web pages. So, if you get the message, and look at the Process Log, and see recent entries say “Access Denied”, then you have this problem.
First, you need to know that your computer IP address has been identified in internet security services ( not limited to ASW services at all ) as problematic. You will need to consult with an expert to find out why. Secondly, you can check this by going to http://www.AutoShopWriter.com and if you see a message that says to type in a code to delist your IP address, do it. Then the autoupdater will again have access to the server.
With all of the hackers out there, server providers will continue make massive efforts to curb malware and resulting problems. Do not delay. If you run into this situation, you will want to find out why in very short order.
WINDOWS 10:
Many of you have seen the question popup on your computer asking if you want the free upgrade to Windows 10. This results in calls to us to ask if we are compatible with Windows 10. The answer is simply, yes ! We have been testing on Windows 10 machines from the very first days of the Preview program, and have experienced no problems.
The next question is “Should I upgrade to Windows 10?” We are comfortable with it, and most of our clients will like it also. The update will be released July 29th and is fully automatic. You just need to be patient, and answer a few questions on each computer. Millions of computers are working with the preview versions and the installs are now quite solid. You just need to be patient and let it complete it’s work. It could take up to an hour on a computer. Run it as an UPDATE ( not a clean install ) and it will save all of your programs and data. Then invest a little time viewing or reading some of the online tutorials on how to use it … it’s a tool, and a very good one, but your biggest benefit comes when you see how to use it.
AUTO SHOP WRITER 10:
Originally this was an “internals” upgrade to optimize the code, and utilize the very latest development tools. Along the way we quickly realized that suddenly we had a lot of “input and experience” over the 15 years we’ve offered a Windows product, and we could actually make some huge changes that will make your work so much easier, faster, and give you a better command of the data you are putting in each day, without making it necessary to learn all of the systems over again. The results should be very well received, and we are also creating the ability to provide more services and features. Obviously we want this to be perfect from it’s initial release which means massive testing, completely updated documentation, and a very careful analysis of the results.
ASW 10 is being constructed with the very latest in software development tools from Microsoft, and in fact some are not even released for full use at this time. Initially we will be doing installs on one workstation at shops that would like to participate in testing a pre-final release version. These will be hand installed by us, online, and your ASW 9 will continue to operate normally for your business. More will follow on this topic in the coming months. Until ASW 10 is released, there are still enhancements coming to ASW 9 as we see their immediate need / benefit.
SUMMER SCHEDULE:
Every summer, business usually accelerates for our clients, and we also tend to do more work from remote sites. Therefore, we don’t put out many updates during this time. If your machine does update, and you have an issue, do not delay. Please contact us immediately.
For support, we suggest you first send an email to: support@masterlinksoftware.com. Email is monitored constantly even if we are not in the office, and outside of normal business hours ( including evenings and weekends ). Emails are answered quickly and personally ( never scripted ). If you have an emergency, call 949 589-3186. Again, even when out of the office for an extended time, this number is monitored ( or forwarded ). Leave a voice mail if prompted, and leave your first name, shop name, and call back number. PLEASE speak slowly and clearly. We want to get back to you but have to be able to understand your message.
These are amazing and exciting times. Thanks for sharing them with us. The technology advancements we will see over the next 24 months will bring so much imagination into reality. We hope you enjoy the ride !