Auto Shop Writer Bulletins

You are used to seeing the notice that your ASW 11 has been updated, but next week you will receive one that is different. Please read this carefully …

When you first see the notice, it will be just like you expect. HOWEVER, it will then tell you the database needs to be updated. It will then ask if everyone is out of ASW. Before saying OK, BE SURE that no one is in the program. It will then want to perform a backup. You get to select where, so just click on the downloads folder on the displayed list. Then when that finishes, it will tell you it is going to update the databases.

There is only one file being updated, but it may be large. It is the parts sold file. So, this could take awhile. Of course, if you use the server ( where the data is stored ) as a workstation, make sure that is the one you first start ASW on that morning, and use it to do this process. This will be the fastest. If you use a dedicated server, then any workstation is ok.

When the update is complete, go under Tools to Index and just reindex the item called Parts Utilized.

This will only need to occur on one machine. Once the database is updated all other machines will simply start as usual.

Again, this might take some time, depending on how fast your computers operate and are connected.

Look for this update on Tuesday morning.

It does seem like everyone is sending out COVID-19 bulletins to let you know about their operations and changes. Because our services are delivered via the internet, and our developers all interconnect via web service sites, our essential operations have not been reduced or modified. We are here to assist every day, and continue to work with our clients by phone, email, and online connectivity.

During the past month Microsoft has been pushing out Windows 10 updates, and as usual, these are causing some disruptions to various shop operations. The solution remains the same. You will need to use that gear icon to go into Settings ( in Windows ), then into the Updates section and check for updates several times to be sure all are installed. Often rebooting of the computer will be necessary. Each update builds on previous ones, so when it says the updates are complete, don’t be surprised if a recheck shows more updates being installed. Apparently this will continue well into May.

If you are using machines with earlier Windows versions, Microsoft is not supporting them, and you are vulnerable to malware intrusions even if you have software running that claims to block it.

UPDATES

The current version of Auto Shop Writer is ASW 11.02.11. If you are still on ASW 10, it would be to your benefit to upgrade to the newest version. If you are current on your DPP subscription, then this costs you absolutely nothing. Just email or call to schedule a time and we’ll do it remotely. It can take as little as 30 minutes though older systems may take longer. There is NO LEARNING CURVE to interfere with your work. People who are upgraded find the revisions may have streamlined operations, but they cruise right into them without any questions. Also, there are many new features added. Since we first installed ASW 11, there has been a steady stream of input requesting new features, and we’ve added them ( including reports ) right away. Some things are for convenience, and others make work more productive.

BULLETINS

It has always been our philosophy to keep bulletins limited. We never use them to advertise. They are always used to inform of important facts about ASW, or the operating systems you use. Just because we don’t pop them up all the time doesn’t mean we are not busy. We are steadily making improvements, and pushing them out right away.

We hope you are staying healthy, and safe. Please be in touch if we can be of assistance.