During the past week, we have received numerous calls that the auto updater / backup system has stopped working. In each case this has been tied to Windows updates to your computer(s).

Microsoft issues major updates to it’s operating system every year in April and October. These always lead to a continuing stream of updates to fix errors caused by the initial updates, and then the subsequent fixes which break other areas.

During the update process Microsoft shuts down certain networking features, and even internet connectivity. Some of these features remain off until the update is completed which usually requires a reboot of the computer. While the initial update work is done automatically, and beyond the display, the reboot requires the operator to intervene.

We have even heard of problems where Windows updates are wiping out the entire computer, including all programs and data. Thus, be absolutely sure you are backing up daily to an external drive. This can be a setting in Windows to make sure this is happening.

None of these problems are limited to ASW. This is a world wide problem amply documented on the internet. Millions of computers all face issues from this, and with newer versions of Windows 10, you are prevented from actually stopping Windows updates.

The problem is also not limited to Windows. Apple also issues updates to their operating systems and encounters similar problems. In fact, we use computers made by Apple, which also run Windows for our software development, and thus we see a double impact. Sometimes it can take many hours for these updates to conclude.

We would suggest at this time that you go to the settings on each computer and select updates. Have the system check for updates, and if some are downloaded and applied, repeat the process until clicking on the Check button no longer shows updates are available. Then reboot the computer one more time.

If you have further questions, please email support@masterlinksoftware.com and we will help.

Are you ready to try Auto Shop Writer 11 ? Recently an upgrade program was transfered to your server. If you want to start using it, here is how to install it yourself:

ON THE FIRST WORKSTATION –

1). Use your workstation. ( You do not need to do this on the server unless that is your workstation ). Get everyone out of Auto Shop Writer on ALL workstations.

2). Bring up the Windows Explorer, and locate the ASW10s folder on the server. ( Do this by clicking on the folder icon on the Task Bar at the bottom of your screen, or right clicking on the Windows button at the lowest left corner of your screen ).

3). Click on the MLS subfolder. You will see ASW11u.exe. Double click on it.

4). Follow the online prompts. You will be installing to the ASW10c folder on your workstation.

5). Once the install is complete, Double click on the MLS11 shortcut on the desktop. This is the one you will always use. ( Note the ASW 10 shortcuts are still active and usable, but will not have all the new features ).

6). You will be prompted to save a backup file. Click on the Downloads directory and let it save there. Follow the onscreen prompts

7) Log into MLS11, and under Tools select Index, then All files, and build the indexes.

You are now ready to work.

ON ALL OF THE OTHER COMPUTERS

1). Exit ASW on the computer you are installing.

2). Use the Windows Explorer to find the ASW11u.exe. Double click on it.

3). When the installation is complete, log into the program and go to work. You do not need to do any of the other steps.

THATS IT. If you have any problems, let us know immediately. If this overwhelms you, call and we can do it for you remotely.