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.