ADOBE ACROBAT FILE

PROBLEM:  User wants to make a complete backup of all HomeTech information to include estimate data and costbook data.

SOLUTION:  User should complete the following steps to do a backup of all HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator data. This method creates a file named HTDATAZIP.ZIP.  This file contains all of the HomeTech data.

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

Do not open an estimate.

Choose FILE.

Choose DATA BACKUP.

This will open the Backup Data screen.

In the “Backup To Drive” box, choose the DRIVE LETTER of the drive you want to back up to.

In the “Drive Folders” box, open/double-click the folder where you want to back up to.

Choose START BACKUP.

DATA BACKUP (Individual Estimate)

PROBLEM:   User wants to backup an individual estimate to transfer the estimate to another computer, or to email the estimate to HomeTech.

SOLUTION:  User should complete the following steps to make a backup of an individual estimate.

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

Open the estimate you wish to save.

Choose the FILE pull-down menu.

Choose SEND. This will open the “Send Estimate To” window.

Choose the DRIVE and FOLDER (if applicable) where you want to save this estimate.

When selecting a particular folder to save in, be sure to open the folder by double-clicking on it.

Once a location has been selected, choose SAVE.

DATA RESTORE (Entire Set)

PROBLEM:  User wants to restore all saved program data (from a complete program backup using the Data Backup feature) into the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

SOLUTION:  To restore all program data into the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator complete thee following procedure:

OPEN the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.  Do not open an estimate.

Choose FILE pull-down menu.

Choose DATA RESTORE.

In the Restore Data window that appears, BROWSE to the location where the backup file (HTDATAZIP.zip) is located.

Choose/Highlight HTDATAZIP.ZIP in the Files box.

Choose START RESTORE to restore your data to the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

Choose CANCEL to abort the restore process.

Choose OK to the Restore Completed window.

Choose EXIT to exit the Restore Data window.

Your data is now restored to the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

DATA RESTORE (Individual Estimate)

PROBLEM:  User wants to restore a single estimate file (from a single estimate backup) into the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

SOLUTION:  To restore a single estimate file into the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator complete the following procedure:

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. Do not open an estimate.

Choose FILE pull-down menu.

Choose IMPORT.

An IMPORT FROM window will appear.

BROWSE to the location where you saved the Individual Estimate Backup file.

Choose/Highlight the ESTIMATE BACKUP FILE name.

Choose OPEN to import the estimate.

Choose CANCEL to cancel the import process.

Choose OK in the Import Complete window.

Your estimate is now restored to the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

DELETE (Delete Client Information From The Program)

PROBLEM:  User wants to permanently delete client information from the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION:  To permanently delete client information from the client list complete the following steps:

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator. Do not open an estimate.

Choose EDIT pull-down menu.

Choose EDIT CLIENT INFORMATION.

Choose the CLIENT INFORMATION tab.

Choose/Highlight the client you want to delete from the white, client list box on the right-side of the window.

Choose DELETE CLIENT.

Choose OK to accept, ESC to cancel.

NOTE:  You cannot delete a client’s information if you have estimates that use that particular client’s data. You will first need to either permanently delete the estimate from your computer, or change the client information of the estimate that uses the client information you are trying to delete.

DELETE (Delete An Estimate From The Program)

PROBLEM:  User wants to permanently delete an estimate from the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION:  To permanently delete an estimate from the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, complete the following steps:

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator. Do not open an estimate.

Choose FILE pull-down menu.

Choose DELETE.

An estimate list window will open. Choose/Highlight the estimate you want to delete.

Choose OK.

A confirmation window will appear.

Choose OK to delete the estimate.

Choose CANCEL to cancel deletion.

EDITING (ACCESSING CELLS IN THE ESTIMATE WINDOW)

PROBLEM:  User can not access cells in the estimate window to input new information or edit existing information.

SOLUTION:  In the estimate window, the user can access the various cells to edit existing information already in the cell, or to input new information.

The user can edit/input numerical figures or alphabetical text within the cells (ex. Quantity, Short Specification, Markups, Costs, etc.).

The user can access cells in the estimate window by using one of the following methods:

SINGLE CLICK on the cell you want to edit and then press the SPACEBAR on your keyboard to get access to that cell.

Edit/Enter information as necessary.

DOUBLE CLICK on the cell you want to edit to get access to that cell.

Edit/Enter information as necessary.

EDITING (RENAMING AN ESTIMATE TITLE)

PROBLEM:  User needs to rename an existing estimate title.

SOLUTION:  To rename an existing estimate title complete the following steps:

Open the HomeTech Advantage program, but do not open an estimate.

Choose the FILE pull-down menu.

Choose OPEN.  

An estimate list window will appear.

Click/Double-Click on the estimate name you wish to edit and position your cursor as necessary.

Edit the estimate name as required. 

Do not use any punctuation or ‘weird characters’ in the estimate title (, . / < > ? : ; ‘ “ = + -() _ * & ^ % $  # @ etc). Use only alphabetical text or numbers in the estimate title.

Choose OK.

Choose YES to save the correct title change.

EMAILING BACKUPS TO HOMETECH

SEE ALSO:
DATA BACKUP Entire Set
DATA BACKUP Individual Estimate
DATA BACKUP Manual Data Backup
VERSION NUMBER

PROBLEM: User needs to email backup files to HomeTech.

SOLUTION: Should you need to email backup files to HomeTech for conversion, follow the steps below:

* User will need to do a DATA BACKUP from within the HomeTech program. See also   DATA BACKUP for more information.

* Log on to the internet.

* Open a new email.

* Send the email to MARKFOSTER@hometechonline.com

* The subject will be HOMETECH BACKUPS.

* In the main body of the email type the following:

* YOUR NAME
* YOUR PHONE NUMBER
* BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM / ERROR #
* VERSION OF WINDOWS
* VERSION OF HOMETECH
* SERIAL NUMBER or REGISTRATION NUMBER (If applicable)

* Attach the backup files (HTDATAZIP.ZIP, ESTIMATE32.ZIP, DATABASE32.ZIP or the manual backup files) to the email.

* Send the email.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #5 – Invalid Procedure, Call, Or Argument)

SEE ALSO:  UPDATES – Software Updates & Patches.
                 UPDATES – Accessing The Update Site.

PROBLEM:  User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #5 – INVALID PROCEDURE, CALL, OR ARGUMENT when editing cost items.

SOLUTION:  User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE.

A patch has been posted for this particular error. The user should download and install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator SERVICE PACK (HT40SP1.exe). Follow the on-screen directions.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #7 – Out of Memory)

SEE ALSO:  UPDATES – Software Updates & Patches.
                 UPDATES – Accessing The Update Site.

PROBLEM:  User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #7 – OUT OF MEMORY when opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

SOLUTION:  User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE.A patch has been posted for this particular error. The user should download and install the HIGHEDIT PATCH. Follow the on-screen directions.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #94 – Invalid Use of Null)

PROBLEM:  User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #94 – INVALID USE OF NULL when opening an estimate in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION:  User should try one or both of the following solutions to correct the error.

Choose the FILE pull-down menu.

Choose OPEN to view your estimate list.

Look for any estimates that have NO TITLES or BLANK TITLES (If there is an estimate without a title, it is probably the first line in the estimate list).

Type in an estimate title for that particular estimate.

Choose OK to confirm.

Choose the FILE pull-down menu.

Choose OPEN to view your estimate list.

Look for any estimate titles that have characters that are not alphabetical or numerical (Example: Punctuation or weird characters are NOT allowed. NO , . / ? ; : ‘ “ ! @ # $ %  ^ & * ( ) _ - = + etc.).

Remove any punctuation or weird characters as necessary from the estimate titles.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #381 – Invalid Property, Array, Or Index)

PROBLEM:  User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #381 – INVALID PROPERTY, ARRAY, OR INDEX when editing items or markups in the estimate window.

SOLUTION:  CLOSE THE ESTIMATE.  Keep the HomeTech Advantage Estimator open.

Choose UTILITIES.

Choose REPAIR ALL DATABASES.

Choose OK to “When the compact and repair has completed, the program will close.

You will need to restart the program.

Choose OK to “Databases have been repaired successfully.”

Reopen the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program and retry.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #3022 – Duplicate Values)

SEE ALSO:  BACK UP & RESTORE (Version 3.x)
                 EMAILING BACKUPS TO HOMETECH (Version 3.x)
                 UNINSTALLING THE HOMETECH PROGRAM (Version 3.x & 4.x)
                 INSTALLATION – Installing the HomeTech Advantage Cost 
                     Estimator to your computer (Version 4.x)
                   DATA RESTORE – Entire Set (Version 4.x)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR # 3022 – THE CHANGES YOU REQUESTED TO THE TABLE WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THEY WOULD CREATE DUPLICATE VALUES IN THE INDEX, PRIMARY KEY, OR RELATIONSHIP. CHANGE THE DATA IN THE FIELD OR FIELDS THAT CONTAIN DUPLICATE DATA, REMOVE THE INDEX, OR REDEFINE THE INDEX TO PERMIT DUPLICATE ENTRIES, AND TRY AGAIN.

SOLUTION: Try one or more of the following solutions:

1.  If user gets RUN-TIME ERROR # 3022 when updating their LAMI, user may have duplicate LAMI areas. Try the following:

Choose UTILITIES pull-down menu.

Choose SETUP.

Choose LOCAL AREA MODIFIER SETUP tab.

Remove any duplicate zip codes from the list (Example: 200 and 223 zip codes both produce DC01 area).

Choose OK to accept the changes.

Retry updating your LAMI within the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

2.  If user gets RUN-TIME ERROR # 3022 when opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator, try the following:

The user has probably upgraded to the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0 from a previous version of the HomeTech estimator.

There was a problem in the conversion process, and the data from the previous version of HomeTech was not converted properly when brought into the version 4.0.

If the user has no data to save from the previous version of HomeTech, the user can remove the previous version of HomeTech from their computer, remove the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0 from their computer, and then reinstall the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0.

If the user has data to save from the previous version of HomeTech, the user needs to email to HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. a copy of their backup files for conversion. The backup files need to be from the previous version of HomeTech.

HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. will convert the files for you and email them back to you.

The converted files will need to be restored to the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #3075 – Syntax Error In String Or Expression)

SEE ALSO: UPDATES – Software Updates & Patches.
                UPDATES – Accessing The Update Site.
                EDITING – Renaming An Estimate.

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #3075 – WAS GENERATED BY DAO.DATABASE. SYNTAX ERROR IN STRING OR EXPRESSION when opening an estimate.

SOLUTION:

1. Check to see if you have any punctuation, non-alphabetical characters, and/or non-numerical characters in the estimate title.

Use only alphabetical or numerical text in the estimate title.

If any punctuation exists in the estimate title, rename the estimate and remove any punctuation.

See also EDITING - Renaming An Estimate.

2.  User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE.

A patch has been posted for this particular error.

The user should download and install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator SERVICE PACK (HT40SP1.exe).

Follow the on-screen directions.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #3101)

SEE ALSO: UPDATES – Software Updates & Patches.
                UPDATES – Accessing The Update Site.

PROBLEM:  User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #3101 when creating or adding new items in the databases/costbooks.

SOLUTION:  User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE.

A patch has been posted for this particular error.

The user should download and install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator SERVICE PACK (HT40SP1.exe).

Follow the on-screen directions.

ERROR (Automation Error)

PROBLEM:  User gets an AUTOMATION ERROR when opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. The error message appears prior to the HomeTech logo.

SOLUTION:  This error occurs in users of Windows XP, and occurs because Windows XP is not properly registering certain files.

This error is most commonly found when users have upgraded their computer’s operating system to Windows XP from a prior version of Windows.

The user will need to manually register the file(s) by completing the following procedure:

Choose START menu.

Choose RUN.

Type in regsvr32 actbar2.ocx in the empty box.

Choose OK.

ERROR (Calculation And Markup Inaccuracies)

SEE ALSO: UPDATES – Software Updates & Patches.
                UPDATES – Accessing The Update Site.
                MARKUPS – Setting Estimate Markups.

PROBLEM:  User recognizes inaccuracies regarding price calculations and/or markups in various reports, and erroneous totals after editing line items.

SOLUTION:  User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE.

A patch has been posted to correct these discrepancies.

The user should download and install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator SERVICE PACK (HT40SP1.exe).

Follow the on-screen directions.

ERROR (Can’t Create Output Files)

PROBLEM:  Get error “CAN’T CREATE OUTPUT FILES” when installing or unzipping a HomeTech Patch or Update.

SOLUTION:  Close the HomeTech Advantage program and try installing the patch or update again with the program closed.

FILE REPLACEMENT (REPLACING DEFAULT COVER PAGE)

NOTE:  Should a customer’s cover page become corrupt, email them as an attached file DEFAULT COVER PAGE.hed.

This file is located in:
C:\Program Files\HomeTech4\Estimates\DefaultCoverPage.hed

1. Download the attached file (Default Cover Page) to your computer (ex. My Documents), or simply download the file to the above address and skip to the last step in this list.

2. Open WINDOWS EXPLORER (Position cursor over START button and RIGHT click. Choose EXPLORE.).

3. Find the DEFAULT COVER PAGE file you have downloaded.

4. Click on the words “DEFAULT COVER PAGE” to highlight.

5. With your cursor over the highlighted area, RIGHT CLICK.

6. Choose COPY.

7. Work on the left side of Windows Explorer. Find your main drive (C:\), Under C:\ find PROGRAM FILES, under Program Files find HOMETECH4, under Hometech4 find the ESTIMATES folder.

8. Click on the word ESTIMATES to highlight.

9. With your cursor over the highlighted area, RIGHT CLICK.

10. Choose PASTE.

11.  You will probably get a message saying the file already exists do you want to overwrite?, choose YES/OK to overwrite.

MARKUPS (Setting Item, Phase, & Estimate Markups)

PROBLEM:  User changes markups within the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator, but the new markups do not appear to take affect.

SOLUTION:  The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator has great flexibility in regards to setting estimate markups. It is important for the user to understand how modifying markups will affect line items, phases, and the estimate.

The various markups are not cumulative, meaning they are not added together. Listed below are the areas where the user can customize markups, and a brief description how modifying these markups will affect the estimate.

Changing the Default Markup for the program will apply to all future estimates created, and does not apply to existing or current estimates. Use this feature to set estimate markups for all future/new estimates.

The Default Markup for the program can be modified/set by completing the following steps:

Choose UTILITIES pull-down menu.

Choose SETUP.

Choose the MARKUPS, OVERHEAD/PROFIT tab.

Enter new markups.

Choose OK to accept, ESC to cancel.

The Estimate Markup can be set when creating a new estimate, or at any time while that estimate is open. Changing the Estimate Markup will override the Default Markup for the program for that particular estimate.

The Estimate Markup can be modified/set by completing the following steps:

Open the estimate you want to modify the Estimate Markups (Choose FILE, choose OPEN, choose/highlight the estimate from the list, choose OK).

Choose the EDIT pull-down menu.

Choose EDIT CLIENT INFORMATION.

Choose the PROJECT INFORMATION tab.

Edit the Estimate Markups as necessary.

Choose CLIENT INFORMATION tab.

Choose OK to accept, CANCEL to cancel.

The Phase Markup allows you to customize your markups on a particular phase in an estimate. The Phase Markup can be set when creating/adding a phase to your estimate, or at any time while that estimate is open.

Often times, you may want to set the Phase Markup to be different from the Estimate Markup. You cannot modify the Overhead and Profit markups from the “Phase” level markup. The Overhead and Profit markups must be modified at the “Estimate” level markup. The Phase Markup will override the Estimate Markup for that particular phase. The Phase Markup for a new phase can be set when you are initially adding the phase to your estimate.

The Phase Markup for an existing phase in an estimate can be modified/set by completing the following steps:

Open the estimate you want to modify the Phase Markups (Choose FILE, choose OPEN, choose/highlight the estimate from the list, choose OK).

In the estimate window/grid, choose/highlight a line in the phase you want to modify.

Choose the EDIT pull-down menu.

Choose EDIT PHASE SETUP.

Modify the Phase Markups as necessary.

Choose OK to accept, CANCEL to cancel.

The Item Markup allows you to customize your markups to an individual item or to a group of line items in an estimate. The Item Markup can be set at any time while that estimate is open.

Often times, you may want to set the Item Markup to be different from the Phase Markup and/or the Estimate Markup. You cannot modify the Overhead and Profit markups from the “Line Item” level markup. The Overhead and Profit markups must be modified at the “Estimate” level markup. The Item Markup will override the Phase Markup and the Estimate Markup for that particular line item or group of line items.

The Item Markup for individual line items or for a group of line items can be modified/set by completing the following steps:

Open the estimate you want to modify the Line Item Markups (Choose FILE, choose OPEN, choose/highlight the estimate from the list, choose OK).

In the estimate window/grid, choose/highlight the line item(s) you want to modify.

You can highlight a range of items by holding down the SHIFT key on your keyboard while selecting the items.

You can choose multiple items by holding down the CONTROL (CTRL) key on your keyboard while selecting the items.

With your cursor over the highlighted area, choose CHANGE MARKUP.

Modify the Line Item Markups as necessary.

Choose APPLY to accept, EXIT to cancel.

PRINT FORMATS (Additional Formats)

PROBLEM:  User does not find all available print formats from the BUILD OR…..CUSTOMIZE REPORTS (Report Selections) screen.

SOLUTION:  Not all available print formats are listed in the Report Selections window (Accessed through Build Or…..Customize Reports).

The DIVISION SUMMARIES and PHASE SUMMARIES print report formats are not listed in the Report Selections window.

To access the DIVISION SUMMARIES and PHASE SUMMARIES print report formats, complete the following procedures:

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

Open the estimate you want to print (Choose FILE, choose OPEN, choose/highlight the estimate, choose OK).

Choose FILE pull-down menu.

Choose PRINT.

Choose the print format of choice and print the estimate.

PRINT FORMATS (CREATING CUSTOM PRINT REPORTS)

PROBLEM:  User wants to modify existing HomeTech print formats or create new custom print formats.

SOLUTION:  Go to the HomeTech Advantage Estimate Window and have an estimate open.

From the vertical menu on the left-side of the HomeTech window, choose BUILD OR CUSTOMIZE REPORTS.

Choose/Highlight a print format from the title box on the left-side of the window.

Choose COPY REPORT and enter your custom report title at the top of the window.

When finished press ENTER on your keyboard or highlight a different report format from the title box.

Your new print format title should appear in the title box.

Choose/Highlight your new print format title in the title box.

Make any necessary changes to the print format by CHECKING and UNCHECKING the appropriate fields (In both the Field Name box as well as the optional fields below the title/field name boxes).

Also, you can arrange the printing order of the fields in the Field Name box by changing the print position by accessing the POSITION cells/column.

When you are finished modifying the print format choose SAVE FORMAT CHANGES.

RTF FORMAT (SAVE IN RTF FORMAT)

PROBLEM:  User wants to save an estimate created in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator into a Rich Text Format (RTF) to allow greater editing capabilities, or to email the estimate.

SOLUTION:  Estimates created in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator can be saved into a Rich Text Format (RTF) to allow for greater editing capabilities, or to allow the user to email the estimate to their client.

The RTF version of the estimate can be opened using most word processors.

To save an estimate in RTF format complete the following steps:

Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

Open the estimate you wish to save in RTF format.

From the vertical menu on the left-side of the estimate window choose BUILD OR CUSTOMIZE REPORTS.

In the Report Selections window, choose/highlight the PRINT FORMAT from the title box on the left (Example: Total Price & Quantity).

This will be the format of the RTF file.

Choose SAVE REPORT AS RTF FILE.

Choose OK in the RTF Document Saved window.

EXIT out of the Report Selections window.

Open your word processor of choice, and locate the RTF file you just saved.

The RTF file will have the same name as your estimate. By default the RTF files are saved in the following location on your computer:
C:\Program Files\HomeTech4\Estimates\Email

UNINSTALL (Uninstalling The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator From Your Computer)

PROBLEM:  User wants to uninstall the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator from their computer.

SOLUTION:  To uninstall the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator from your computer, complete the following procedure:

Close any open programs, and return to your desktop.

Disable any anti-virus software from running in the background.

Insert the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0 CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.  The CD should auto-run by itself.

If not, choose START menu, choose RUN, choose BROWSE.  Browse to your CD-ROM drive.

Choose LAUNCH.EXE, choose OK, choose OK in the Run screen.

The WELCOME SCREEN will appear.

Choose INSTALL THE HOMETECH ADVANTAGE COST ESTIMATOR.

The install program will recognize that the program has already been installed on your computer.  A window will appear  “Do you want to completely remove the selected application and all of its features?”

Choose OK to uninstall the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator from your computer.

Choose CANCEL to cancel the uninstall process.

When the uninstall process is complete, EXIT the Welcome Screen to return to your desktop.

At this point, the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program has been uninstalled from your computer.

UPDATES (ACCESSING THE UPDATE WEBSITE)

SEE ALSO:  UPDATES – LAMI Updates
                 UPDATES – Software Updates & Patches

PROBLEM:  User can not access or does not know how to access the HomeTech Advantage Update website.

SOLUTION:  The HomeTech Advantage Update website must be accessed by completing the following steps:

Log on to the internet.

Choose the START MENU from your desktop.

Choose PROGRAMS.

Choose HOMETECH ADVANTAGE COST ESTIMATOR.

Choose CHECK FOR UPDATES.

This will open the update website. In the update website choose SHOW UPDATES.

This will display a list of available updates and patches.

Next to the update you wish to download choose LEARN MORE.

This will open the “Update Information” page. This page details what problems or errors the patch corrects. Review this page to find out if a particular patch applies to your particular situation.

At the bottom of the “Update Information” page choose DOWNLOAD if you wish to download this particular patch.

This opens another “Update Information” page that contains INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for installing the patch.

At the bottom this page click on the highlighted link / patch name (ex. HT40SP1.exe) to begin saving/downloading the file to your computer.

A FILE DOWNLOAD window will appear and you can choose to open the file or save the file to your computer/disk. It is recommended to save the file to your computer to the location of your choice (saving the file to My Desktop is the easiest location).

Once the file is saved to your computer, CLOSE ALL PROGRAMS (INCLUDING HOMETECH).

Go to the location on your computer where you saved the file (Ex. My Desktop) and DOUBLE CLICK on the file to install the update on your computer.

Follow the installation instructions from the “Update Information” page found on the update site for detailed instructions.

NOTE:  Windows 2000 and Windows XP users may have to verify the location on their computer to where the files are being unzipped. This applies to the High Edit Patch. By default the files unzip to the following location:

C:\Windows\System32

If after unzipping the patch the problem is not corrected, you should check where your System32 folder is located. Some versions of Windows 2000 and Windows XP have a WINNT folder instead of a Windows folder. In this case you would want to change the default location and unzip to:

C:\WinNT\System32

UPDATES (LAMI UPDATES)

PROBLEM:  Customer has not received their quarterly LAMI (Local Area Modification Index) update disk used to update the costs in the databases.

SOLUTION:  With the release of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0 all LAMI updates are posted to and available through the HomeTech Advantage Update Site for active subscribers of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator software.

HomeTech Information Systems will not be mailing LAMI  update disks because all updated LAMI data is posted to this update site. This update website is accessed through the internet.

If you do not have internet access/capability call HomeTech Information Systems for alternate arrangements.

UPDATES (SOFTWARE UPDATES & PATCHES)

PROBLEM:  User receives error messages, or features of the program are not functioning properly. User needs an update or patch to correct the problem.

SOLUTION:  User needs to access our HomeTech Advantage Update Site to check for and download available software updates/patches for the applicable problem.

HomeTech posts current software updates and patches to this update site. If you do not see a solution for your particular problem at the update site, please contact Technical Support at HomeTech at 1-888-223-0014 for further assistance.

VERSION NUMBER (Determining The Version Of HomeTech Advantage On Your Computer)

To determine the version of HomeTech Advantage installed on your computer follow the following steps:

Choose the HELP pull-down menu at the top of the HomeTech screen.

Choose ABOUT HOMETECH ADVANTAGE.

The version number will be in the middle of the window that appears.

ASSEMBLY (Create From Database)

SEE ALSO: ASSEMBLY - Create from Estimate
                ASSEMBLY - Edit An Existing Assembly
                ASSEMBLY - Transfer Assembly To An Estimate

PROBLEM: User wants to create and save an Assembly in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: There are two methods you can use to create an assembly in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0. 

An assembly can be created by: (1) Using line items from the database, or (2) using line items from an existing estimate. 

It should be noted that assemblies are specific to the various costbooks. This means that Remodeling & Renovation assemblies can only have items from the Remodeling & Renovation costbook. To create a new assembly using the database, complete the following steps:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. You can create an assembly using this method with or without an estimate open.

* Choose the costbook from which you want to create an assembly from (Example: Remodeling & Renovation Costbook from the vertical menu on the left). This will take you to the database window.

* From the database window, choose the ASSEMBLIES pull-down menu.

* Choose EDIT ASSEMBLIES to display the Assembly Maintenance window.

* Choose the ASSEMBLY TYPE (Example: Additions, Basements, etc.) from the Description box in the upper left of the Assembly Maintenance window.

* Choose the ADD ASSEMBLY button to create a new assembly.

* ENTER THE TITLE of your new assembly in the Assembly Title box in the lower left of the Assembly Maintenance window.

* Choose the TAG & COPY button to add items to your assembly. This will take you to the database window. TAG the items you want to add into your assembly.

* Choose TRANSFER TO ASSEMBLY when you are finished tagging items. This will add the tagged items to your assembly. This will take you back to the Assembly Maintenance window and you will now see the items included in your new assembly.

* When you are finished adding items to your assembly, choose EXIT to save any changes and to exit the Assembly Maintenance window.

ASSEMBLY (Create From Estimate)

SEE ALSO:  ASSEMBLY - Create from Database
                 ASSEMBLY - Edit An Existing Assembly
                 ASSEMBLY - Transfer Assembly To An Estimate

PROBLEM: User wants to create and save an Assembly in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: There are two methods you can use to create an assembly in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator. An assembly can be created by: (1) Using line items from the database, or (2) using line items from an existing estimate. 

It should be noted that assemblies are specific to the various costbooks. This means that Remodeling & Renovation assemblies can only have items from the Remodeling & Renovation costbook. To create a new assembly from an existing estimate, complete the following steps:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Open the estimate from which you want to create an assembly from (Choose FILE pull-down menu, choose OPEN, choose/highlight the estimate title, choose OK).

* In the estimate window, expand your estimate to display the line items (Choose EXPAND GRID button at the bottom of screen).

* Choose/Highlight the line items in your estimate that you want to include in a new assembly. You can choose multiple items by holding the CONTROL (CTRL) button on your keyboard while choosing the items. You can select a range of items by holding the SHIFT button on your keyboard while choosing the items.

* When you have finished selecting the line items from your estimate, RIGHT CLICK somewhere on the highlighted area.

* Choose CREATE ASSEMBLY from the pop-up menu.

* Enter your new ASSEMBLY NAME.

* Choose/Highlight the category where you want to save the assembly into (Example: Additions, Baths, etc.).

* Choose the CREATE button to create the assembly. Choose EXIT to cancel.

ASSEMBLY  (Edit An Existing Assembly)

SEE ALSO:  ASSEMBLY - Create From Estimate
                 ASSEMBLY - Create From Database
                 ASSEMBLY - Transfer Assembly To An Estimate

PROBLEM: User wants to edit an existing assembly in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: An existing assembly includes the following:

1. The default assemblies created by HomeTech that load into the program when you install the software.

2. Any assembly which you have created and/or modified.

To edit an existing assembly in the HomeTech Cost Estimator program, complete the following steps:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. You can edit an assembly using this method with or without an estimate open.

* Choose the costbook from which you want to edit an assembly from (Example: Remodeling & Renovation Costbook from the vertical menu on the left). This will take you to the database window.

* From the database window, choose the ASSEMBLIES pull-down menu.

* Choose EDIT ASSEMBLIES to display the Assembly Maintenance window.

* Choose the ASSEMBLY TYPE (Example: Additions, Basements, etc.) from the Description box in the upper left of the Assembly Maintenance window.

* Choose the ASSEMBLY NAME (Example: Basement Refinish, etc.) from the Description box in the middle left of the Assembly Maintenance window. You will now see the items included in this particular assembly in the large white box on the right-side of the Assembly Maintenance window.

* You can now edit the assembly by adding or removing items to the assembly. To add items to the assembly, choose the TAG AND COPY button on the right-side of the Assembly Maintenance window. This will take you to the Database window. Tag the items you want to transfer into the assembly. 

Choose TRANSFER TO ASSEMBLY. 

These items are now transferred to the assembly and you will see these added items in the large white box on the right-side of the Assembly Maintenance window. To delete items from the assembly, choose/highlight the line item you want to delete in the large white box on the right-side of the Assembly Maintenance window. 

Choose DELETE on your keyboard. You have to delete line items from an assembly one at a time. Repeat these steps as necessary until the assembly is modified to your satisfaction.

ASSEMBLY  (Transfer Assembly To An Estimate)

SEE ALSO:  ASSEMBLY - Create from Estimate
                 ASSEMBLY - Create From Database
                 ASSEMBLY - Edit An Existing Assembly

PROBLEM: User wants to transfer an assembly into an open estimate in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: To transfer an assembly into an estimate in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, complete the following steps:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* With your estimate open, choose/highlight an item or line in the phase in which you want to transfer the assembly. If there is only one phase in the estimate you do not need to concern yourself with choosing the phase as there is only one possible phase to transfer the assembly into. If there are multiple phases in the estimate, you have to select a line in that phase to denote that you are working in that phase, and that will be the phase the assembly gets transferred into.

* From the horizontal menu at the top of the estimate window, choose TRANSFER ASSEMBLY. This displays the Assembly List window.

* In the Assembly List window, choose the ASSEMBLY TYPE from the box on the left-side of the window (Example: Additions, Decks, etc.).

* Choose the ASSEMBLY NAME from the Assembly List box on the right-side of the window.

* Choose TRANSFER TO PHASE to transfer this assembly into your estimate. Choose EXIT to cancel the transfer.

DATA BACKUP  (Manually Backup Data Files)

PROBLEM: User needs to backup data from the HomeTech Advantage program, but user cannot access the program.

SOLUTION: When completing a manual backup of the HomeTech data, there are two (2) data folders that are of importance:

1. ESTIMATE FOLDER - The Estimate Folder contains your created estimates, your cover page modifications (if any), and a subfolder named Email which contains your saved Rich Text Format (RTF) files (if any).

2. COSTBOOKS FOLDER - The Costbooks Folder contains all database information (Custom items, Item Modification, etc.), Contract Writer forms, and your client database.

User should complete the following steps to do a manual backup of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program data:

* Close the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Open Windows Explorer (Right-Click on the Start button, choose Explore).

* In the Explorer window we will work in the white box on the left-side of the screen. Scroll up until you see your main drive (Probably the C:\ drive). Under the C:\ drive, look for a folder named Program Files. Click the plus (+) sign next to program files to expand that folder. Under Program Files, look for a folder named HOMETECH4. Click the plus (+) sign next to HomeTech4 to expand that folder. Under the HomeTech4 folder you will see three subfolders; Costbooks, Estimates, and LAMI.

* Right-Click on the word Costbooks and choose COPY from the right-click menu. Still on the left-side of Windows Explorer, find a folder where you would like to save the data into (Example: My Documents, Program Files, etc). Once you find a place/folder where you want to save to, right-click on that folder name (Example: Program Files) and choose PASTE. This will copy the Costbooks folder to your folder of choice. Repeat this Copy & Paste process to copy the Estimate Folder to the folder of your choice. Once the Costbooks and Estimate folders have been copied to the folder of your choice, the manual backup is complete.

* Be sure to verify that the Costbooks and Estimates folders have been copied to your folder of choice before you uninstall the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator from your computer.

NOTE: There are numerous ways to Copy & Paste depending on your version of Windows and which toolbars/menus you have displayed. This method is one way that I have found to work consistently regardless of the version of Windows on your computer and which toolbars/menus you have displayed.

DATA RESTORE  (Manually Restore Data Files)

PROBLEM: User needs to manually restore data into the HomeTech Advantage program from a manual data backup.

SOLUTION: When completing a manual data restore of the HomeTech data, there are two (2) data folders that are of importance:

1. ESTIMATE FOLDER - The Estimate Folder contains your created estimates, your cover page modifications (if any), and a subfolder named Email which contains your saved Rich Text Format (RTF) files (if any).

2. COSTBOOKS FOLDER - The Costbooks Folder contains all database information (Custom items, Item Modification, etc.), Contract Writer forms, and your client database.

Prior to completing a manual data restore, you will need to have a saved copy of the Costbooks and/or Estimate folders. User should complete the following steps to do a manual restore of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program data:

* Close the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Open Windows Explorer (Right-Click on the Start button, choose Explore).

* Find the location on your computer or drive where you have your saved copies of the Costbooks and/or Estimate folders.

* Right-click on the word Costbooks, choose COPY.

* In the Explorer window we will work in the white box on the left-side of the screen. Scroll up until you see your main drive (Probably the C:\ drive). Under the C:\ drive, look for a folder named Program Files. Click the plus (+) sign next to program files to expand that folder. Under Program Files, look for a folder named HOMETECH4. Right-click on the word HomeTech 4, choose PASTE. If done correctly, you should get a message saying "This folder already exists, overwrite?" Choose YES TO ALL.

* Repeat this Copy & Paste process to copy the Estimate Folder to the HomeTech 4 program folder. If done correctly, you should get a message saying "This folder already exists, overwrite?" Choose YES TO ALL. Once the Costbooks and/or Estimate folders have been copied to the HomeTech 4 program folder, the manual restore is complete.

NOTE: There are numerous ways to Copy & Paste depending on your version of Windows and which toolbars/menus you have displayed. This method is one that seems to work consistently regardless of the version of Windows on your computer and which toolbars/menus you have displayed.

EDITING  (RENAME USER DIVISION TITLES)

PROBLEM: User needs to rename User Division title(s).

SOLUTION: To rename User Division titles complete the following steps:

* Open the Hometech Advantage program, but do not open an estimate.

* Choose the EDIT pull-down menu.

* Choose RENAME USER DIVISIONS.

* A Division Maintenance window will appear. Double-Click on the User Division title you wish to edit. Edit the estimate name as required. Do not use any punctuation or 'weird characters' in the estimate title (, . / < > ? : ; ' " = + - _ ) ( * & ^ % $ # @ etc). Use only alphabetical text or numbers in the estimate title.

* Choose EXIT in the Division Maintenance window to accept the changes. ESC on your keyboard to cancel.

NOTE: User cannot rename the 25 HomeTech Divisions. User can only rename the User Division titles.

ERROR  (Automation Error)

PROBLEM: User gets an AUTOMATION ERROR when opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. The error message appears prior to the HomeTech logo.

SOLUTION #1: This error occurs because Windows is not properly registering certain files. This error is most commonly found when users have upgraded their computer's operating system to Windows XP from a prior version of Windows. 

The user will need to manually register the file(s) by completing the following procedure:

* Choose START menu.

* Choose RUN.

* Type in regsvr32 actbar2.ocx in the empty box.

* Choose OK.

SOLUTION #2: If the above solution does not correct the error, complete the following steps:

* Here is a brief summary of the following solution used to correct this error:

1. BACKUP HOMETECH DATA (If Necessary).

2. UNINSTALL HOMETECH PROGRAM.

3. MANUALLY SEARCH FOR AND REMOVE UNREGISTERED FILES.

4. REINSTALL HOMETECH PROGRAM.

5. RESTORE HOMETECH DATA (If Necessary).

* BACKUP HOMETECH DATA If you have data in the HomeTech program and you do not have a current backup, you need to backup your data. If you cannot access the program (which you probably can not) and you do not have a current Data Backup File (Example: HTDATAZIP.zip), you will need to do a manual backup. (SEE ALSO: DATA BACKUP - Manually Backup Files). If you have a current backup file, proceed to the next step.

* UNINSTALL THE HOMETECH PROGRAM The best method to uninstall the HomeTech program is to use the HomeTech Advantage Version 4.x installation CD-ROM. (SEE ALSO: UNINSTALL - Uninstalling The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator From Your Computer).

* MANUALLY REMOVE UNREGISTERED FILES You will now have to manually search for and remove the following unregistered files:
1. actrpt2.dll
2. exclexpt.dll
3. pdfexpt.dll
4. rtfexpt.dll
5. actbar2.ocx

To search for files on your computer, complete the following steps. 

Choose the START button. 

Choose FIND or SEARCH. 

Choose to search for FILES OR FOLDERS. 

When you get to the screen where you can type in the filename you want to search for, enter one of the above FILENAMES. 

Choose to search your entire hard drive (Example: C:\). 

When the search displays the results, RIGHT-CLICK on the found file that matches the name you entered, and DELETE the found file. 

Delete all files with identical matching names. Repeat these steps with ALL of the above filenames. Exit the search screens when complete.

* REINSTALL THE HOMETECH PROGRAM To install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program you will need to have the HomeTech Advantage Version 4.x installation CD-ROM available. (SEE ALSO: INSTALLATION - Installing The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator To Your Computer).

* RESTORE HOMETECH DATA You should now restore your HomeTech data to the program if you have a data backup. (SEE ALSO: DATA RESTORE - Entire Set, DATA RESTORE - Manually Restore Files).

PHASE NAMES  (Add Or Delete Phase Names To Phase List)

PROBLEM: User wants to permanently add or delete a Phase Name(s) to the phase list.

SOLUTION: To permanently add or delete a Phase Name(s) to the phase name list complete the following steps:

* Open the Hometech Advantage program, but do not open an estimate.

* Choose the EDIT pull-down menu.

* Choose ADD PHASE NAMES.

* A Phase Master window will appear. Choose the ADD button to add a new phase name to the list. Enter your new phase name in the space provided. Do not use any punctuation or 'weird characters' in the phase title (, . / < > ? : ; ' " = + - _ ) ( * & ^ % $ # @ etc). Use only alphabetical text or numbers in the phase title.

* To delete a phase name from the list, highlight the phase name you want to delete. Choose the DELETE button. A Phase Delete window will appear. To confirm the phase deletion, choose YES. To cancel the deletion, choose NO.

* To print the current phase list, choose the PRINT button in the Phase Master window.

* To arrange the phase names alphabetically, choose the SORT NOW button.
* When you are finished modifying the phase list, choose the EXIT button. 

PRINT REPORTS  (Printing Selected Items Only)

PROBLEM: User wants to print selected items only rather than printing the entire estimate. (Selected items refer to chosen/highlighted items from an estimate in the estimate window).

SOLUTION: Printing selected items in an estimate can be a useful feature when you have modified items or added items to the original estimate. Printing selected items allows you to print only the items you have changed or added. To print only selected items in an estimate, complete the following steps:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Open the estimate you are working with.

* Expand the estimate grid to display the items you want to print.

* You now need to select/highlight the items in your estimate you want to print. You can highlight multiple items by holding down the Control Key (CTRL) on your keyboard while selecting items. You can highlight a range of items by holding down the Shift Key on your keyboard while selecting items.

* When you have finished selecting the items for print, you will need to RIGHT-CLICK somewhere on the highlighted area. This will display the Right-Click Menu.

* Choose your REPORT CATEGORY (Example: Print Cost Reports, Print Price Reports, or Print Custom Reports). This will display the available print formats for that particular category in the horizontal menu at the top of the estimate window (Above your estimate but below the pull-down menus).

* Choose your REPORT FORMAT (Example: Total Price and Quantity) from the horizontal menu.

* This will display the Cover Page Preview screen. When you have finished printing or saving the cover page, choose EXIT. This will take you to the Estimate Print Preview screen.

* In the Estimate Print Preview screen, choose PRINT to print your selected items.

* Exit (X) the preview screen when finished.

TRANSFER DATABASE ITEMS  (Transferring Tagged Items From Multiple Databases)

PROBLEM: User tags items for transfer in one database (Example: Remodeling Costbook), and then tags items for transfer a second database (Example: Handyman Costbook). From the second database screen, user chooses "Transfer Tagged Items" but finds that only the tagged items from the second database transferred to the estimate.

SOLUTION: You cannot simultaneously transfer tagged items from different databases. Your options for transferring tagged items from multiple databases include the following:

1. Tag and transfer items from different databases separately. As an example, you would tag the items for transfer in the first database (Remodeling Costbook) and then choose "Transfer Tagged Items" to transfer those tagged items into your estimate. Then go to the second database (Handyman Costbook), tag the items for transfer, and choose "Transfer Tagged Items" to transfer those items into your estimate.

2. If you have already tagged items for transfer in multiple databases, and chosen "Transfer Tagged Items" you will notice that only the items from the database where you chose "Transfer Tagged Items" actually transferred into your estimate. Simply go back to the other database where you tagged items (Those items will still be tagged for transfer) and choose "Transfer Tagged Items". These remaining tagged items will now transfer into your estimate.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL (Printing The Instruction Manual)

PROBLEM: 

User did not receive an instruction manual upon receiving the software update package for the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. User wants to review and/or print a copy of the instruction manual for the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: 

HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. includes in the software update package a booklet entitled 30 MINUTE GUIDED TOUR. The 30 Minute Guided Tour reviews the basics of creating estimates, in addition to other features. 

For more detailed descriptions about the features and usage of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, the user will want to refer to the Instruction Manual.  HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. does not mail a "hard copy" of the instruction manual with the software update package for the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.  Rather, the instruction manual is actually within the software and can be accessed, reviewed, and printed at any time while in the program.  The benefit of this feature is that the user always has the instruction manual with them when they are using the program.  Another benefit is that the user can print only the pages they wish to review.  

Should the user want to view and/or print the instruction manual, this can be accomplished by completing the following procedure:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator Program.

* Choose HELP pull-down menu.

* Choose PRINT DOCUMENTATION.

* Choose PRINT DOCUMENTATION to print the instruction manual, EXIT to cancel.

NOTE: In order to access, review, and print the instruction manual for the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, the user must have installed on their computer ADOBE ACROBAT READER version 5 or higher.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #3021 - No Current Record)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #3021 - NO CURRENT RECORD when opening an existing estimate.

SOLUTION: User needs to try one or both of the following solutions to correct this problem:

1. Check to see if the Client Information for this particular estimate has been deleted.

* With the estimate open, choose the EDIT pull-down menu.

* Choose EDIT CLIENT INFORMATION.

* In the Client Information screen check to see if the client information is there. The only field that has to be filled out is the client last name and it has to be in the last name field/box. Enter any missing client information as necessary. Do not use any punctuation or 'weird characters'. Use only alphabetical or numerical text.

* Choose OK to accept, or choose CANCEL to cancel.

* Try closing the estimate and then reopen the same estimate to see if this corrected the problem. If not, try step 2 below.

2. Repair the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator databases by completing the following procedure:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Close any open estimates (Choose the FILE pull-down menu, choose CLOSE).

* Choose the UTILITIES pull-down menu.

* Choose REPAIR ALL DATABASES.

* Choose OK to "When the compact and repair has completed, the program will close. You will need to restart the program.

* Choose OK to "Databases have been repaired successfully.

* Reopen the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Try reopening the same estimate. The problem should be corrected.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #339 - H5OCX32.OCX)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #339 - COMPONENT H5OCX32.OCX OR ONE IT'S DEPENDENCIES NOT REGISTERED OR INVALID.  FILE NOT FOUND after entering a new estimate title and choosing OK.

SOLUTION: User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE. A patch has been posted for this particular error. 

The user should download and install the HIGHEDIT PATCH. Follow the on-screen directions. As with all updates/patches, the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program should be closed prior to installing the update/patch. 

Upon completion of installing the HighEdit Patch, reopen the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator and try to generate the error again. If the error is not corrected, reinstall the HighEdit Patch from the update site, but when you get to the Self-Extractor screen you will need to change the path to where the HighEdit Patch is unzipped to. You will need to change the path from C:\Windows\System32 to the following path, and unzip the HighEdit Patch to the following location:

C:\WinNT\System32

Try to generate the error again in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator. You should not receive the error message thereby indicating the patch has been properly installed and the problem has been corrected.

SOLUTION: User should go to the HomeTech Advantage UPDATE SITE. A patch has been posted for this particular error. The user should download and install the HIGHEDIT PATCH. Follow the on-screen directions.

SOLUTION: You can access the Speedy Reckoner line items with or without an estimate open. You will need to have an estimate open with at least one phase in that estimate to actually transfer any Speedy Reckoner line items into that estimate. The speedy Reckoner line items can be tagged, transferred, and edited in the same manner as any other normal database line items. 

To find and access the Speedy Reckoner database/line items, the user should complete the following procedure:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* From the Estimate Window, choose the costbook from which you want to view the Speedy Reckoner line items (Example: Remodeling Costbook). You can choose the costbook from the vertical menu on the left-side of the estimate window, or choose the DATABASES pull-down menu, and choose your database of choice (Example: Remodeling Costbook).

* In the Costbook Window, there is a navigational menu to the left-side of the database which lists the 25 HomeTech Divisions, the User Divisions, and the Speedy Reckoner.

* In this navigational menu, scroll down using the arrow keys on your keyboard until you see the Speedy Reckoner, and click on the words Speedy Reckoner to highlight. This will take you to the Speedy Reckoner section in the database.

ERROR  (RUN-TIME ERROR #91 - Object Variable Or With Block Not Set)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #91 - OBJECT VARIABLE OR WITH BLOCK NOT SET when using the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. This error may display sporadically when using the program.

SOLUTION: This error typically occurs because there is a damaged or corrupted file in the program. User should try the following solution to correct the error:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Close any open estimates.

* Choose the UTILITIES pull-down menu.

* Choose REPAIR ALL DATABASES.

* Choose OK to "When the compact and repair is completed the program will close."

* Choose OK to "Databases have been repaired successfully."

* Reopen the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Try to generate the error message again. The error should be corrected at this time.

PHASE DIMENSIONS  (Internal vs. External Offsets)

SEE ALSO:  PHASE DIMENSIONS - Create And Dimension An Offset

PROBLEM: When choosing internal offset in the dimensioning table, the floor square footage does not change.

SOLUTION: Internal offsets are based on the assumption that the offset is a continuation of the same floor of the room (Example. A closet inside a room), and therefore overall floor square footage of the phase does not change when internal offset is chosen. External offsets could be considered as a "bump out" to a room and therefore increases the overall floor square footage of that phase.

UPDATES  (Installing the XP Patch - VFPODBC)

SEE ALSO:  ERROR - Error #40002, #40071, #91 Microsoft ODBC Driver Manager

PROBLEM: User needs to install the XP Patch (VFPODBC.msi) to correct the Error #40002, #40071, #91 error sequence.

SOLUTION: The XP Patch (VFPODBC.msi) corrects interface issues between HomeTech Advantage, Office Manager Plus, and Windows XP/2000. To install the XP Patch to your computer you will need to complete the following procedure:

* Close HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator and Office Manager Plus programs.

* Download the XP Patch file (VFPODBC.msi) to a disk or to your computer (Example: My Documents).

* Locate the VFPODBC.msi file and double-click on it to begin the install process.

* When the installation is complete and the patch is installed, test the updated interface by opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, choose the EDIT pull-down menu, choose EDIT CLIENT INFORMATION. The problem/errors should be corrected.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VFPODBC.msi 

NETWORK DATA  (Sharing HT Data On A Network Or Server)

SEE ALSO: 
   DATA BACKUP - Entire Set
   DATA BACKUP - Individual Estimate
   DATA RESTORE - Entire Set
   DATA RESTORE - Individual Estimate

PROBLEM: User wants to share the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program data across a network or server.

SOLUTION: At this point in time, the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program is not a truly networkable program, although you do have the capability to share the program data across a network or server. Future versions of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program will address this issue. 

This guide will instruct you on the basic procedures required to set up your HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program to share data on a network or server, but will not go through the step-by-step procedures at this time. 

If you are uncomfortable with Copying and Pasting files, and moving files to other locations on your computer and/or server or network, it is advised that you call HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. Technical Support Department for further assistance. 

The following steps provide an overview of the process required to share HomeTech data files across a server or network.

* By default the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program folder is located in the following location:

C:\Program Files\HomeTech4

* The HomeTech 4 program folder contains two (2) subfolders of importance in regards to the saved data. 

The first subfolder is named COSTBOOKS. This folder contains the data regarding the four HomeTech costbooks found in the Advantage program (Remodeling & Renovation, HouseBuilders, etc.), and also contains any custom items you have created in the databases, as well as any modifications you made to our default line items. The Costbooks folder contains your client database which saves all your client information. The Costbooks folder also contains the forms from the Contract Writer, including any custom forms or modifications you have added. 

The second subfolder is named ESTIMATES. This subfolder contains the data for the estimate(s) you have created. This subfolder also contains Cover Page information. Also included is a subfolder named EMAIL which, by default, is where estimates saved as RTF format (Text documents) are stored.

* This paragraph explains the outcome and limitations/advantages of sharing one or both of the above program folders (Costbooks and Estimates). 

If you share only the Estimates Folder, all shared computers will have access to the same estimates. You can have multiple users from different computers having the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program open and accessing the same estimate data simultaneously, although only one user can access any particular estimate at a time. 

If you share the Costbooks Folder, only one computer can have the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program open at any time. These sharing options should be considered given your particular company practices, number of estimators in the office, etc.

* This paragraph explains how to share HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program data across a network or server. The procedure will be explained, but the set-by-step details will be omitted at this time. 

If you are uncomfortable with these procedures, please call HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. Technical Support for a detailed explanation of this process. The procedure is as follows:

1. The first step is to have one computer with the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program with all the data you wish to share. EXAMPLE: If you have different computers with different estimates, you will want to get all the estimates into one computer with the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. Review the SEE ALSO section at the top of this document in regards to backing up and restoring HomeTech data.

2. Once you have one computer with all the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator data, you will want to COPY the Estimates Folder and/or Costbooks Folder from the local drive on your computer (From the HomeTech 4 program folder), and PASTE these folder(s) to a location on the server or network drive (Example: F:\Estimates).

3. Once the Estimate Folder and/or CostBook Folder are on your server or network drive, you need to tell the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program where these folder(s) are located. 

From the Estimate window in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, choose UTILITIES pull-down menu, then choose SETUP. This will open the System Options window. 

Choose the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION TAB. You will need to specify the new ESTIMATE DIRECTORY and/or COSTBOOK DIRECTORY. You can use the Directory Box in the lower right of the System Options window to navigate to the new location of these folders. 

Once you have found the new folder, double-click on the folder to open it, and drag the folder into the Estimate Directory box and/or CostBooks Directory box and the path will automatically be written in the box. 

Once the correct paths have been entered into the directory boxes, choose OK to accept the changes, ESC on your keyboard to cancel. Completely close out of HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program to reset the program, and reopen the program. 

Make sure you go to each computer that you want to share data, and set the path to the new Estimate and/or CostBook Directory. 

At this point, your computers should all be accessing the same data files.

DISPLAY SETTINGS  (Adjusting The Screen Settings For Your Computer)

PROBLEM: User may be having one or more of the following display issues when viewing the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program on their monitor:

1. Can't see the OK or CANCEL buttons on the Client Information screen.

2. Can't see all of the HomeTech Advantage screen (Please note that in the HomeTech Advantage 4.0 in the estimate window there are more fields (columns) available to the user than in previous versions of the program. In HomeTech Advantage 4.0, by default, not all fields (columns) will be visible regardless of which display settings you choose.)

3. The HomeTech screen does not fill the entire HomeTech window.

SOLUTION: Check the following settings in DISPLAY PROPERTIES (With your cursor somewhere on your desktop, RIGHT CLICK, choose PROPERTIES):

1. In DISPLAY PROPERTIES choose the SETTINGS TAB.

2. The recommended SCREEN AREA setting for the HomeTech Advantage program is 800 x 600 pixels. You may have to try several settings to find one that works for your particular monitor.

3. Choose ADVANCED.

4. Choose the GENERAL TAB.

5. Choose SMALL FONT or NORMAL FONT (96 dpi).

6. If your monitor won't accept SMALL FONT and keeps defaulting back to LARGE FONT, then select OTHER font size and adjust as necessary (ex. 96 DPI).

NOTE: If your monitor can't handle the recommended settings and you still can not see the OK or CANCEL buttons, you can use ALT+O to accept the client information in the client information screen.

INSTALLATION  (System Requirements)

PROBLEM: User needs to know the minimum system requirements for their computer(s) in order to properly install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: The minimum requirements to install HomeTech Advantage to the user's computer system is as follows:

1. An IBM or 100% compatible personal computer or higher processor, running Windows 98, NT, 2000, ME, or XP.

2. Minimum of at least 400 MHZ CPU is recommended.

3. Minimum of 64 megabytes RAM.

4. Standard MPC compliant CD-ROM drive.

5. Hard disk with at least 40 MB of free space.

6. VGA (640 x 480 or higher) color monitor.

7. Windows compatible mouse.

8. Any printer supported by Windows.

ERROR  (RUN-TIME ERROR #3024 - Can't Find File HTINFO.mdb)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #3024 - ERROR OCCURRED LOADING MAIN MENU.  ERROR #3024 WAS GENERATED BY DAO.WORKSPACE.  CAN'T FIND FILE HTINFO.MDB when opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program after installation of the program to their computer.

SOLUTION: The reason for this particular error is that the installation process did not complete cleanly and therefore some file(s) were not properly installed.  Prior to beginning the installation process, it is important to close any open programs and to disable any anti-virus software. 

User needs to complete the following procedure to correct the problem:

* Close the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Close any other open programs.

* Disable any Anti-virus software.

* Put the HomeTech 4.0 Installation CD into the appropriate drive. The CD should autorun and display the HomeTech Welcome Screen.

* If the CD does not autorun, choose START, choose RUN, choose BROWSE, "Look In" your CD-ROM drive (probably the D:\ drive), double-click on LAUNCH.EXE, choose OK in the run screen.

* In the Welcome Screen, choose INSTALL THE HOMETECH ADVANTAGE COST ESTIMATOR. The install will recognize that not all files were installed into the program folder during the first installation attempt and add the missing files during the second installation attempt.

* Complete the installation process by following the on-screen prompts and entering any information as required.

* When the installation is complete, EXIT the Welcome Screen.

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program again. This time the program should open properly with no error messages.

ERROR  (ERROR - Data Entered Is Not Numeric)

PROBLEM: User gets ERROR - DATA ENTERED IS NOT NUMERIC when trying to access/edit a data cell (Example: The quantity cell) in the estimate window.

SOLUTION: Typically, this error message will appear when trying to access the quantity cell to edit the quantity for a particular line item.  This message appears when a user tries to access a cell in the estimate window by double-clicking on that cell.  The message appears because there are non-numeric and/or non-alphabetic characters in that particular cell (Example: a period or decimal point).  

To access a cell in this situation simply SINGLE-CLICK on the cell you want to edit (A border will appear around that cell to indicate you have chosen that cell), and then choose the SPACEBAR on your keyboard.  This will give you access to the cell.  

Remove any non-numerical or non-alphabetical characters from the cell.  

Enter your new data as necessary.  

Choose ENTER when finished, or click on another cell in the estimate window to accept the changes.

FILE REPLACEMENT  (Replacing Htrpct.FIL)

PROBLEM: Should percentage line items not calculate properly, user should download the file HTRPCT.FIL for replacement. 

SOLUTION: Should percentage line items not calculate properly, user should download the file HTRPCT.FIL for replacement.  This file is located in the following location on your computer assuming that the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program was installed to the default location during the installation process:

C:\Program Files\HomeTech4\Estimates\Htrpct.FIL

1. Download the attached file (Htrpct.FIL) to the above location on your computer (Save in the ESTIMATES folder).

2. If done correctly, you will probably get a message saying 'The file already exists do you want to overwrite?', choose YES/OK to overwrite.

DATALINKS (Establishing The Link Between Office Manger Plus And HomeTech Advantage)

PROBLEM: User needs to establish the link between HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator and Office Manager Plus so that the programs can communicate and share data.

SOLUTION:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Choose UTILITIES pull down menu.

* Choose SETUP.

* In the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION tab/screen, there is an OFFICE MANAGER PLUS DIRECTORY box in the middle of the right-side of the screen. There is also a larger DIRECTORIES BOX at the lower right of this screen.

* In the DIRECTORIES BOX at the lower right, double-click the C:/ FOLDER at the top of box. Scroll down to find a folder named PROGRAM FILES. Double-click the PROGRAM FILES folder to open it. Scroll down to find a folder named OFFICE MANAGER PLUS. Double-click the OFFICE MANAGER PLUS folder to open it. Drag the OFFICE MANAGER PLUS folder up to the OFFICE MANAGER PLUS DIRECTORY box above and release the folder into the box. This will automatically fill out the path name for the Office Manager Plus Directory.

* If Office Manager Plus was installed in the default directory, you will have the following path in the Office Manager Plus directory box:

C:\Program Files\Office Manager Plus

* At this point the link between HOMETECH ADVANTAGE and OFFICE MANAGER PLUS has been established.

DATALINKS (Using The Drag & Drop Feature To Establish A DataLink)

PROBLEM: User needs to establish the link between HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator and another program (Ex. Microsoft Excel) so that the programs can communicate and share data.

SOLUTION: The easiest method to establish a DataLink in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program is to use the Drag & Drop method. The Drag & Drop method saves the user from having to manually type the 'program path' while establishing a DataLink. 

To establish a DataLink using the Drag & Drop method, complete the following procedure:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Choose UTILITIES pull down menu.

* Choose SETUP.

* In the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION tab/screen, there is an OFFICE MANAGER PLUS DIRECTORY box in the middle of the right-side of the screen. There is also a larger DIRECTORIES BOX at the lower right of this screen.

* In the DIRECTORIES BOX at the lower right, double-click the C:/ FOLDER at the top of box. Scroll down to find a folder named PROGRAM FILES. Double-click the PROGRAM FILES folder to open it. Scroll down to find a folder named OFFICE MANAGER PLUS. Double-click the OFFICE MANAGER PLUS folder to open it. Drag the OFFICE MANAGER PLUS folder up to the OFFICE MANAGER PLUS DIRECTORY box above and release the folder into the box. This will automatically fill out the path name for the Office Manager Plus Directory.

DELETE (Delete Contracts From The Program)

PROBLEM: User wants to permanently delete a contract from the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: To permanently delete a contract from the Contract Writer, complete the following steps:

1. Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator.

2. Choose the DATABASES pull-down menu.

3. Choose CONTRACT WRITER.

4. Choose/Highlight the contract you want to delete. Choose the contract from the Contract List box in the upper right of the window.

5. Choose FILE pull-down menu.

6. Choose DELETE CONTRACT.

7. Choose YES to "Warning: You are about to delete CONTRACT TITLE.HED. Are you sure?" if you want to permanently delete the contract from the program. Choose NO to cancel the delete.

NOTE: You can only delete user created contracts. You can not delete the default HomeTech contracts that are loaded into the program during installation.

ERROR (ERROR #429 ActiveX Component. Can't Create Object.)

SEE ALSO: 
       DATA BACKUP - Manually Backup Files
       UNINSTALL - Uninstalling The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator
                From Your Computer
       INSTALLATION - Installing The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator 
                 To Your Computer
       DATA RESTORE - Entire Set
       DATA RESTORE - Manually Restore Files

PROBLEM: User gets an ERROR #429 ACTIVEX COMPONENT. CAN'T CREATE OBJECT when opening the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION: User should complete the following procedure to correct Error #429. The following is a brief summary of the solution used to correct this error. 

Detailed instructions follow the summary.

1. BACKUP HOMETECH DATA (If Necessary).

2. UNINSTALL HOMETECH PROGRAM.

3. REINSTALL HOMETECH PROGRAM.

4. RESTORE HOMETECH DATA (If Necessary).

Detailed instructions:

1. BACKUP HOMETECH DATA If you have data in the HomeTech program and you do not have a current backup, you need to backup your data. If you cannot access the program (which you probably can not) and you do not have a current Data Backup File (Example: HTDATAZIP.zip), you will need to do a manual backup. (SEE ALSO: DATA BACKUP - Manually Backup Files). If you have a current backup file, proceed to the next step.

2. UNINSTALL THE HOMETECH PROGRAM The best method to uninstall the HomeTech program is to use the HomeTech Advantage Version 4.x installation CD-ROM. (SEE ALSO: UNINSTALL - Uninstalling The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator From Your Computer).

3. REINSTALL THE HOMETECH PROGRAM To install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program you will need to have the HomeTech Advantage Version 4.x installation CD-ROM available. (SEE ALSO: INSTALLATION - Installing The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator To Your Computer).

4. RESTORE HOMETECH DATA You should now restore your HomeTech data to the program if you have a data backup. (SEE ALSO: DATA RESTORE - Entire Set, DATA RESTORE - Manually Restore Files).

ERROR (ERROR #1603/#1607/#1628 - Failed To Complete Installation)

PROBLEM: User gets ERROR #1603/#1607/#1628 - FAILED TO LOAD. FAILED TO COMPLETE INSTALLATION when trying to install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program, or when trying to access the Welcome Screen using the HT40 CD-ROM.

SOLUTION: User should try one or more of the following solution(s) to correct this particular error string:

1. Close any open programs and disable any Anti-Virus software prior to installing the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. In many cases you will likely be looking for an option called DISABLE AUTO PROTECT to turn your anti-virus software off. 

Ideally, using the TASK MANAGER (CTL+ALT+DEL from your desktop) you will want to close all programs except for "SysTray" and "Explorer". Please note that there are many software programs available on the market today each with their own features, therefore you are responsible for the operation of your software. 

2. Reboot/Restart your computer.

3. Continue to try to install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program using the HT40 CD-ROM. If you get the error string again, abort the installation and try again. In many cases the installation will complete after several repeated tries.

4. Install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program using SETUP.EXE rather than the default auto run Launch.exe. To do this complete the following steps:

* From your desktop, close any open programs, and disable any Anti-Virus software.

* Insert the HT40 CD-ROM installation disk. When the Welcome Screen appears, choose EXIT.

* From your desktop, choose START menu. Choose RUN. Choose BROWSE.

* In the Browse Window, in the top of the screen in the Look In Box, SELECT YOUR CD-ROM DRIVE (Example: D:\HT40CDROM). Double-Click on the BIN FOLDER to open. Double-Click on the COMPRESSED FOLDER to open. Double-Click on SETUP.EXE.

* This will take you back to the Run Screen. Choose OK or RUN.

* This will start the installation process again. Install the program by following the on-screen prompts.

5. COPY the contents of the HomeTech Advantage 4.x CD-ROM, and PASTE the contents to your computer drive (Ex: C:\). Then try to install the program using either the LAUNCH.EXE or SETUP.EXE file from your hard drive (Ex: C:\HT40InstallCD\Launch.Exe). Where "HT40InstallCD" is a folder I created on the C:\ drive to save (Copy & Paste) the HT40 CD-ROM contents to.

6. If you try the above solutions and the problem is still not corrected please call HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. Technical Support at 1-888-223-0014.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #3021 - No Current Record)
(After Installing The LAMI Update File)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #3021 - NO CURRENT RECORD when opening an estimate after installing/unzipping the updated LAMI file from the HomeTech Update Site.

SOLUTION: User needs to try the following solution to correct this problem:

* The problem is that the user has installed/unzipped the current LAMI update but has not updated the program to the current LAMI data.

* EXAMPLE: Prior to updating, the user is running 4Q 2003 LAMI. The user goes to the HomeTech Update Site and installs/unzips the current 1Q 2004 updated LAMI file. By default, the the LAMI files unzip to the following location in your computer, and replace any existing LAMI files in that folder:

C:\Program Files\HomeTech4\LAMI

At this point, the user has unzipped the 1Q 2004 LAMI files to the LAMI folder but has not actually loaded the current data into the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program. When the user opens an estimate, the estimate is still looking for the LAMI file the estimate was created with (Ex: 4Q 2003), but the old files are no longer available because they have been replaced by the updated files (Ex: 1Q 2004). 

This happens because the user has not loaded the current LAMI data into the program itself. Refer to UPDATES - Update Current LAMI For Entire Program and UPDATES - Update Current LAMI For Single Estimate for specific details on how to update the program and/or estimates with the most current data.

ERROR (RUN-TIME ERROR #3043 - Record Set Disk Or Network Error)

PROBLEM: User gets RUN-TIME ERROR #3043 - Record Set Disk Or Network Error, commonly when closing an estimate.

SOLUTION: User needs to try the following solution to correct this problem:
1. Repair the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator databases by completing the following procedure:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Close any open estimates (Choose the FILE pull-down menu, choose CLOSE).

* Choose the UTILITIES pull-down menu.

* Choose REPAIR ALL DATABASES.

* Choose OK to "When the compact and repair has completed, the program will close. You will need to restart the program.

* Choose OK to "Databases have been repaired successfully.

* Reopen the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Try reopening the same estimate, and then try to generate the error again. The problem should be corrected.

ERROR (Bookmark Not Defined)

PROBLEM: An estimate saved in RTF (Rich Text Format), and opened with a word processor has a repeating message on the page "Bookmark Not Defined".

SOLUTION: The estimate should be located below the repeating message. Delete the message and retype any missing information as necessary. This error is most commonly caused because the HomeTech font and/or merge fields are not recognized by the user's word processor. 

Try one or more of the following:

1. Try opening the RTF file using a different word processor.

2. Try saving the estimate to RTF format without the Cover Page.

ERROR (Can't Create Output Files)

PROBLEM: Get error "CAN'T CREATE OUTPUT FILES" when installing or unzipping a HomeTech Patch or Update.

SOLUTION: Try one or more of the following solutions to correct this issue:

1. You can not unzip files to a folder currently being used. Close the HomeTech Advantage program, and try installing the patch or update again with the program closed.

2. When unzipping certain updates (In particular, the HighEdit Patch and the QuickBooks Link Patch), the default location to where these updates are unzipped may not exist on your computer. 

In this case, the patch is trying to unzip to a location on your computer that does not exist, and this causes the error. This error is most common in users of Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. 

By default, the location the HighEdit Patch and the QuickBooks Links Patch unzip to is as follows:

C:\Windows\System32

Many Windows 2000 and Windows XP users will need to change the default location to the following:

C:\WinNT\System32

If you are unsure which system folder is on your computer, either (1) do a "search" to see which system folder is on the computer, or (2) unzip the patch to both locations. It is a small file, and will not harm your computer if it is in both locations. 

INSTALLATION (Installing The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator To Your Computer)

PROBLEM: User wants to install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator to their computer.

SOLUTION: To install the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator to your computer, complete the following procedure:

* Close any open programs, and return to your desktop.

* Disable any anti-virus software from running in the background.

* Ideally, you will want to close any programs running in the background. From your Desktop, choose CTRL+ALT+DEL to display the Task Manager. From the Task Manager window, close as many programs as possible except Explorer and Systray. Once you have completed closing the programs, close the Task Manager window and return to your desktop.

* Insert the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0 CD-ROM into your computer's CD-ROM drive.

* The CD should auto-run by itself. If not, choose START menu, choose RUN, choose BROWSE. Browse to your CD-ROM drive. Choose LAUNCH.EXE, choose OK, choose OK in the Run screen.

* The WELCOME SCREEN will appear.

* Choose INSTALL THE HOMETECH ADVANTAGE COST ESTIMATOR.

* Follow the on-screen installation instructions/prompts, and enter any information as necessary. You will be required to enter your software registration number. The registration number is most commonly found at the bottom of your yellow registration card. 

If you do not know your registration number or if you can not find your registration card, please contact HomeTech Information Systems, Inc. at 1-888-223-0014.

* When the installation is complete, EXIT the Welcome Screen to return to your desktop.

* A HomeTech Icon should appear on your desktop. Double-click the HomeTech Icon to open the program.

UPDATES (Installing the HomeTech Updates From A CD-ROM Disk)

PROBLEM: User needs to install some or all of the HomeTech Updates from a CD-ROM disk.

SOLUTION: To install the HomeTech Updates to your computer you will need to complete some or all of the following procedures (Depending on which updates you need to install):

* Close HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator and the Office Manager Plus (If applicable) programs.

* Insert the HomeTech Update CD into the appropriate drive.

* Choose START menu from your desktop.

* Choose RUN.

* Choose BROWSE.

* In the Browse Window, "Look In" your CD-ROM drive (Probably D:\). Find and highlight the update name (Example: HT40SP1.exe), and choose OK or OPEN in the Browse Window.

* In the Run Window, if the path is correct choose OK or OPEN.

* Choose OK to the on-screen update prompts.

* Choose UNZIP in the Self-Extractor Window.

* Choose OK to the on-screen update prompts.

* At this point, the update has been installed. Repeat this process with any other available updates as needed.

NOTE #1:

Windows 2000 and Windows XP users may have to verify the location on their computer to where the files are being unzipped. This applies to the High Edit Patch and the QuickBooks Link Patch. By default the files unzip to the following location:

C:\Windows\System32

If after unzipping the patch the problem is not corrected, you should check where your System32 folder is located. Some versions of Windows 2000 and Windows XP have a WINNT folder instead of a Windows folder. In this case you would want to change the default location and unzip to:

C:\WinNT\System32

NOTE #2:

The LAMI Update is the only patch that requires an additional step. Installing the LAMI UPDATE loads all LAMI areas to the HomeTech 4 program folder, but you do still need to update the costs in the HomeTech 4 program by completing the following procedure:

* OPEN the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* CLOSE any open estimates, and return to the Estimate Window.

* Choose LAMI pull-down menu.

* Choose QUARTERLY LAMI UPDATE.

* In the Quarterly Update Window, you should see your area (Example: DC01 1Q 2004) in the white box in the lower left of the window.

* If your area is highlighted, choose OK.

* Choose YES or NO to "Default Area Is..." as applicable.

* At this point the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator is updated with your current LAMI costs.

UPDATES (Update Current LAMI For Entire Program)

PROBLEM:  User needs to (1) install/unzip the current LAMI update file, and (2) update the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program with this current LAMI data.

SOLUTION:  With the release of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator version 4.0 all LAMI updates are posted to and available through the HomeTech Advantage Update Site for active subscribers of the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator software. 

HomeTech Information Systems will not be mailing LAMI update disks because all updated LAMI data is posted to this update site. 

This update website is accessed through the internet. If you do not have internet access/capability call HomeTech Information Systems for alternate arrangements.

The following solution will be divided into two (2) components:

1. Installing/Unzipping The Current LAMI File To Your Computer

Open the HomeTech Update Site. 
Refer to UPDATES - Accessing The HomeTech Advantage Update Site for specific details regarding this procedure. 

Follow the directions for accessing the Update Site, and UNZIP the CURRENTLAMI.EXE file. 

Once unzipped, the current LAMI files are now installed to the following location on your computer:

C:\Program Files\HomeTech4\LAMI

At this point, the the current LAMI files have been installed to your computer, but the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program has not been update with the current LAMI data. 

Refer to Step #2 below on how to update the program with the current data you just installed.

2. Updating The HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator Program With The Most Current LAMI Data

* OPEN the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* Choose LAMI pull-down menu.

* Choose QUARTERLY LAMI UPDATE.

* In the "Quarterly LAMI Update" window you should see your LAMI area in the white box in the lower-left of the window. It should display the most recent LAMI data that you just installed/unzipped. If your LAMI area is highlighted in this box, choose OK to accept.

* You will probably want to choose OK to "Default LAMI Area Is .....?".

* Once the program has finished recalculating the cost data, the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program is now updated with the current LAMI cost data. 

* You can always verify which LAMI area is loaded into the program by going into the CostBook window in the program. The Title Bar of the CostBook window (this is the very top line of the program window, above the toolbars and pull-down menus) should display which CostBook is being used and which LAMI area is loaded into the program (Ex: HomeTech Advantage - [HomeTech Remodeler/Renovator LAMI Applied DC01 1Q 2004].

PROBLEM:  User wants to change or update the LAMI data for a single 
estimate created in the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

SOLUTION:  To update a single estimate to the most current LAMI data, or to 
change the LAMI area for the estimate complete the following procedure:

* Open the HomeTech Advantage Cost Estimator program.

* OPEN the estimate you want to modify.

* Choose the EDIT pull-down menu.

* Choose EDIT CLIENT INFORMATION.

* Choose the PROJECT INFORMATION tab.

* In the "Local Area Modifiers" box on the right of the screen, select the LAMI 
area you want to upgrade the estimate to.

* In the "New LAMI Selected" window, choose OK to update your estimate or 
choose CANCEL to abort the upgrade.

* Choose the CLIENT INFORMATION tab.

* Choose OK to update the estimate, or CANCEL to cancel the update.