Good Morning,

Over the weekend, a new update included a replacement for the auto updater software to make it compatible with the CARFAX security update mentioned in the previous bulletin.  It is not possible to install this automatically, so here are your two options to get it running right away.

1). Self intall

  a). On the Windows taskbar, in the Search box, type Services.  You will see the Services app listed.  Click on it to open the app.

  b). Scroll down the list until you see, and highlight, MLS 12 Updater

  c). Click on the word ( in blue, left of the listing ) Stop.

  d). Open Windows Explorer ( should look like a folder on the task bar, or right click on the Windows Icon in the lower left corner and select it from the listings ).

  e). Scroll down, and click on the MLS12s folder.  A subfolder, titled MLS will show.  Click on that.  

  f). On the right side, find the M12us file and right click on it.  Select Copy.

  g) Highlight the main MLS12s folder, and right click, selecting Paste.  Accept the overwrite.

  h) Return to the Services list, and next to the MLS 12 Updater, select Start.

  i) Close both the Explorer and Services apps.

  NOTE:  You do NOT need anyone out of ASW to do this.  It must be performed on the computer used as a server for the program.

 

2)  We install

Once you do this, you will see the process actually is quite easy.  However, you can always call and we’ll do it for you.  You do NOT need anyone to get out of the program, you will not need to do anything special after the update, and it should take less than 5 minutes.

 

For many years, you have enjoyed the services of CARFAX for free.  You get VIN decoding, plate decoding, service histories, and even loyalty services, all for free.

As you are aware, security is becoming a critical issue for all companies that provide data online, as is the case with CARFAX.  They are implementing a new data server, and coding system.

First the good news.  If you are a rental, or DPP, subscriber, AND you are on MLS 12 ( Auto Shop Writer ), then your next update will implement this new connection, and everything will continue to be provided to you just as it has been.  You will still get ALL of these services at no cost to you.

Now, the bad news.  If you have not yet upgraded to MLS 12, your data connection to CARFAX will not work in the future.  Of course, it’s hard to understand how, after a full year of work, improvements, added features, etc, all provided at no cost to our subscribers, your shop has not upgraded to MLS 12.  IT COSTS YOU NOTHING, there is no learning curve, and we do the whole install in a very short period of time.  

There is no way to make this change to ASW 11.  It’s time to call and set up a time for this upgrade to be installed.  You will have no regrets.  Look at some of the previous bulletins and you will see many of the new features.  In fact, some features were strong requests from our clients, and yet, a year later, they still have not had us upgrade their program.

SO, if you like the Carfax benefits, and want to continue to receive them, call now and setup a time.

 

A WORD ABOUT OUR PHONE SYSTEM:

Programming takes a lot of concentration, and being interrupted throughout the day by solicitors just doesn’t help.  So a few months back software was installed to block out spam, or to have unknown callers identify themselves to be connected.  IF you have provided us with a list of your active phone numbers ( shop, cell, etc ), then they were added to our contacts and your call sailed right through.  If you do call and ask to identify yourself, please do, and your call will be connected.  Thereafter we can add you to the list and you will always come right through.

We do not want obstacles for communicating with our clients, but it’s really tough to handle the daily onslaught of unwanted calls.  If you want to get ahead of this, send an email to support@masterlinksoftware.com with your phone numbers, and you will never have a delay in connecting for immediate personal service.