KB6540013 How do I Install and use The VetRex Automatic Updater

Knowledgebase

NVO Information Systems, Inc. > VetRex Support Desk > Knowledgebase

KB6540013 How do I Install and use The VetRex Automatic Updater

Solution Installing and using The VetRex Automatic Updater

The VetRex Automatic Updater is normally installed on the computer where your data files are located. To install the updater, insert the VetRex CD in the drive on the computer where the VetRex database files are, or will be, located. Navigate to the CD_DIST folder on the CD and double click INSTALL to start the installer. There are three checkboxs at the top of the Install Window marked "Workstation", "File Server" and "Both". If the VetRex software will also be installed on this machine so it can be used as a workstation check the "Both" box, otherwise check the "File Server" box. This procedure will activate menu selection #12 (Install VetRex Updater). Click button number #12.

When the updater is run the first time, it will prompt you for your VetRex License Name and License Number. This information is located on the label of your VetRex CD.

Operation of the VetRex Automatic Updater is a simple process. As long as the updater is installed on a computer with broadband Internet access, and the Windows Task Scheduler starts it as a scheduled task, operation is almost completely automatic.

When installed, a job is created for the Windows Task Scheduler to run the updater every Monday morning at 9:40am. It is important that you change the time, and possibly the day, to a day/time that is more convenient for you. If the computer the updater is installed on stays on all the time, you might want to change the task to start in the middle of the night so that it won’t interfere with the operation of VetRex or other programs running on that computer.

VERY IMPORTANT: The Windows Task Manager is picky about certain things so you will need to go to "Programs" -> "Accessories" -> "System Tools" -> "Scheduled Tasks" where you should find a task for the VetRex Auto Updater. If you right click on it, then click "Properties" a window will pop up that allows you to make changes dealing with how this task will be handled. Click the "Task" tab at the top of the window. At the lower left side of the window will be two checkboxes: "Run only if logged on" and "Enabled". Both of these checkboxes must be checked. You can click the "Schedule" tab and set the time and date when you want the updater to run. We recommend that you leave all the settings on the "Settings" tab alone.

While it is possible to remove the task scheduler job completely and run the updater manually, we recommend that you not do this as it’s very easy to forget to check for updates. It’s best to let the updater run automatically so that your copies of VetRex stay up to date.

It is impossible for us to totally automate the job of downloading and installing updates from the NVOIS Update Server due to your being able to install the updater on different hard drives on the computer and even different folders. We ask for your cooperation here and just install the updater and we have described above. Doing it any other way will, we can assure you, cause problems later.

The updater will check the NVOIS Update Server at the time and date you specify and download any updates to VetRex. It does not install these updates to individual workstations. The operators of those workstations must manually check for updates by clicking “Updates” at the top of the VetRex Personal Data Screen and then clicking on “Check for updates”. If the updater has downloaded any updates, the workstation’s copy of VetRex will install those updates automatically on the workstation.

Some files, such as updates to the VSO BookShelf, are downloaded as self extracting ZIP files. Since you may have installed the updater to a different drive or folder other than “C:”, these ZIP files will pop up on the server’s screen and you must manually click the “Unzip” button to install them. This is done so that if you have installed the updater to a drive other than “C:”, you will have the opportunity to change the folder in the UNZIP program’s window prior to clicking “Unzip”. The UNZIP window will sit on the screen until someone clicks “Unzip” or “Close” to remove it from the screen.

We recommend that you make a note of the time and date that you set the updater to run in the Task Scheduler, and check the file server that day to see if files are waiting to be unzipped.

The updater permits NVOIS to send you updates to the software, additional text files for use with the MacroDocs, one line messages that VetRex can display on the main screen and other important information.

The VetRex_Updater.INI file in your Windows folder controls the updater. If you make any changes to the location of the updater on your computer’s hard drive or folders, you will need to change certain settings in the INI file so it can operate correctly. Call VetRex Tech Support for instructions about how to do this and what settings to change.

Article details

Article ID:	13
Category:	VetRex 6.54
Date added:	2009-08-12 10:58:54
Views:	116

<< Go back