Installing the Server

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The Server is the one computer in your system which stores all of the data.  It can be one computer of a workgroup, or a dedicated server. 

 

New Installation

 

Place the CD ROM disk into the drive on the computer which acts as a server.  It will start automatically, and display a menu of options.  You may wish to watch the video on how to install the software ( The 4th option on the menu list ).  You should read the READ ME notes ( The 1st Option ). 

 

Select the Auto Shop Writer 8 Install ( 2nd Option ), and then select Auto Shop Writer Server ( 1st Option ).  At this point, it is best to accept all of the defaults provided by the installation program.  This will actually copy all of the necessary files to your computer for the data server.

 

Pre-Configured Data

 

If you do not have data in a previous MasterLink Software automotive product to import, then you may wish to use the supplied pre-configured data.  You can also use this to "start over" with specific data.  The information supplied is a pre-written glossary system for automotive repair, federal payroll tax tables, and a complete general ledger with defaults.

 

To install this data, select ASW Content Files ( the 3rd option ) on the menu.  Follow the prompts in the installation software.

 

Importing Data

 

You can import data from a current installation of Auto Shop Writer 5 or Executive Management System 2000.  The data should exist on your server, and you should know in which directory it is located.

 

Once the software has been installed on the server, run DataManager and perform the following steps:

 

Your initial user name is LINK and the password is MASTER

 

•On the menu, under Files, create New databases
•If you are currently using ASW 5,  under Import select that option.  Then you must select the path where the data resides ( ie.   the ASW5 folder ) using the browse button and scrolling to the proper location.  This will import the data to a folder called TEMP in the ASW8s folder on the server in an EMS 2000 file structure.
•Next you will do an Import of EMS 2000.  If you have been using EMS 2000 previously, you will import from that directory.  If you just performed an ASW 5 import, then go to the ASW8s folder on your server, and select the TEMP folder.  Double click on the folder so it shows it as an open file icon.
•Under Files, select Index and check off all of the boxes, then OK
•Under Edit, select Authorize.  You will first be asked for your serial number.  Use the 5 digit number that was assigned to you when you first purchased the program.  If you don't remember it, you will see it displayed in ASW 5 on the main startup program.  You can also email Support@MasterLinkSoftware.com for the number. DO NOT perform this process without the correct serial number.
•You have now completed the basic install.  You can enter the program.

 

If you make a mistake, DO NOT uninstall the program.  Problems can be handled quicly by emailing tech support.  Performing an uninstall and reinstall will only compound your errors.

 

If you are not importing data, the omit the 2nd and 3rd steps in the previous procedure.

 

Updating ASW 8 with a CD

 

If you are updating the program on the server, follow these steps:

 

1.Perform a Backup of the ASW8s folder
2.Run the installation from the CD disk, and accept all of the defaults.
3.Enter Datamanager and under the Help menu option, select About.  Make sure that the version is the same as on the disk ( or higher ).
4.If the version is not the same, or higher, then your computer did not overwrite the current files with the latest version.  Exit Datamanager.  Use the computers Start button, and when the menu appears select Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs.  Find the ASW 8 Server installation and click on the Remove button.  DO NOT do anything else to remove files ... only this uninstall.
5.Reinstall the software from the CD and re-check the version.
6.Select the Edit menu option, and then Authorize.  This will update your rights to the latest version, or beyond.