Home Forums Discussions Problems updating to version 4

As i have seen the flurry of postings about problems, being a relatively new user I have decided to hold off until some of them are fixed. Should I do that or just jump in?

Jump!

I "jumped" too quickly. I hadn't finished my message.

Jump right in there. For the most part this board is full of the most friendly and helpful people on any board I've used. We are all committed to AC and most of us have learned by the DYI method.

V4 once installed works very well, opens labs, notes etc. much faster then V3. It took me about 5 hours to upgrade 9 computers (2 xp pro and 7 vista) had problems with 2 of the vista computers (turning of UAC fixed that).

The only problems I ran into were on Vista machines - I think that is okay if you run as administrator and install full version which would let you take and come back to sync (option that says that).

I upgraded one Windows 2003 server and 9 XP machines in about 2 hours - either download to network accessible drive or use USB to carry around.

Thanks for your reassurance. I'll take the jump! One more question, how do I get this email to all responders?

so is everyone writing in this discussion using v4 in their offices and if so are there any issues you have run into. would you not have done it if you know what your know now?
thanks tim

has anyone installed v4 on a vista/xp peer to peer network and if so did you install it on a vista or an xp and did you have any problems with it

My advice:
1. Do it on a day that you aren't seeing patients.
2. Upgrade the "main" computer with the database first. You will have to run the database tuner, so download it also.
3. Put the AC install on a flash drive so you don't have to download on every computer.
4. Expect trouble with some computers running Vista ("429 error"). Turn off UAC (user access control) in the Users & Accounts control panel before installing AC 4 if you want to avoid trouble with Vista machines.
5. Installing AC 4 "breaks" the UpDox interface (and maybe the LabCorp interface); UpDox will be releasing an new interface for AC 4 on March 15.

I put my database on my fastest XP machine.The networking and sharing features on Vista is just too "twitchy", IMHO.

It's much faster and more features than AC 3.7. Go ahead and do it now.

I use Version 4 in my office and have very good luck - it is faster and since my office is paperless and all my information is stored in Amazing Charts that is important. As an indication - I had almost 4800 visits last year plus nursing only visits, bp checks, etc. We electronically download all labs and import all x-rays, consults, etc. Version 4 is fast on all my machines and since I took off my two vista machines I really don't get any errors any more - tended to have problems when I entered vaccines during a visit with my vista machines (dumped out when I tried to enter more than 1 immunization at a visit).

thanks for the information-steven- so you dont even use your vista machines with version 4? does anyone use vista computers with xp computers in peer to peer and use a vista computer as a server?
or for that matter does anyone use a vista as a server?

I did use Vista and it worked okay - the little error of vaccine happened only a few times. I think vista will work if you follow the information on these boards and install the full version. I just find that Vista seems a little slower than XP.

it opens labs faster? That's the understatement of the century.

labcorp works fine on ver 4, and it definitely works faster-i think labs pull alot of extra data not shown on screen, and using ver 3's access db bogged ac down.

also, i'd prolly use xp until ac/vista kinks are sorted out-win 7 is coming out soon, and it's definitely the one to have.

Regarding UPDOX interface and version 4:
1. Has any one figured out if and when this issue will be settled.
2. Is there a discussion about this elsewhere?
3. Is there a discussion of another document management add-on similar to Updox that someone can refer me to?
I am an exceedingly satisfied user of AC and Updox on hold due to the AC / updox interface issue.
Thanks much.
Jeff Ryan

Jeff,

I am not sure where Jon is with that yet. You may want to speak with abarbash AT onebox_remove.com He would probably know.

That is a wild avatar. What is it. It must be for hyponotism or something. It's definitely working.

I recently went through Quest trying to install their new Bridge. It took all day. Well, from 11am to about 4pm. But it works so far. Well, its only been two days--maybe I shouldnt be talking yet.

Last night I update to Version 4 and I have problem.
Maybe someone can help me.
Summary about my systems: I have Server 2000 Advanced server with terminal services. Terminal services is MicroSoft Product similar to Citrix. From any client, you can log into the server and it appears like you are in front of it. It looks like LOG-ME-IN but much more powerful.

Note that server 2000 is old because there are 2003 and 2005 now in the market. i have 4 disk drive C-D-E-F.
I put the amazing chart in folder Amazing2 in disk E.
I have correctly type in E:\Amazing2 rather than use the default c:\Program Files\Amazing2.

My current version is 3.7.15

To update to 4, I download the new version to desktop then
change to the E:/Amazing2. It updates correctly the SQL machine with green check mark on about 4 components

-- step 1 OK

MSXML6

SQL set up
native Cleint
SQL VSS writer
Server Database

SQL server 2005 set up

-------------- Step 2: problem
(Since my current version is 3.7.15 I do not need to run DataBase tuner which is required for OLDER than 3.7.15 or newer than 3.7.15 ( alpha and Beta versions)

Therefore I expect the screen will say select Migration but
at that time there is an error saying

AMAZINGCHARTS.XML not found.

I search every disk and cannot find it.

So, it is then 3 AM. I rolled it back to my current 3.7.15.
can anyone give me a hint to get this work.

Thank you so much

This morning my AmazingCharts.xml disappeared too! I thought it was because someone deleted it (still probable) but maybe it wasn't just us. We were not upgrading or anything though. In any case here is what I did. I recreated the xml file by making a file called AmazingCharts.xml and put this text in it (replacing C:\Sample\AmazingCharts.mdf with your path to this file)

Next you will need to open Amazing Charts.exe on the "main" computer and it should automatically reconnect the xml file with the SQL server.

Thank you Paul

Why was that file not created for me ?
Your file created is so specific. Can you elaborate a little ? In other words, the existence of the file matters
because without it, A/C does not lead me into migration. What about the content of the file ? Does it have to be exactly like yours ?

-- I did not want to tell more about my ordeal of rolling back to 3.7.15 but I will describe a little here in case it may help someone.
- Basically before converting to version 4.0, I save the whole folder of AMAZING2 in a hard-drive after making sure that
through the CONTROL PANEL and folder View I have set to
show all files (no hidden files.)

- To roll back, I just paste that huge folder back in after DELETING whatever in there after the conversion.
I read the instruction that Jon has set out for rolling back which is to run the version 3.7.15 installation.
But I said to myself maybe I don't need to run that installation.

Well, after pasting it to restore back, I saw that I can open Amazing Charts. So I went home at 4 AM and go to sleep.
Shortly later, people from the office called every where saying that they cannot open the Import Items.
I can see the folder IMPORTITEMS but they cannot open it.

So I re-run the installation of version 3. It turned out that Jon has queue the DataBase Tuner after the installation step.
After it went through then my users can open the Import Items again.

So in short, make sure you run that AC371500.exe which has about 68 K bytes exactly like AmazingChartsInstaller3.EXE
to roll back COMPLETELY.

Chris Le

That is how the file was created upon installation of the beta of version 4 months ago, before version 4 was officially released. Not much should have changed. That xml file is simply acting as a pointer, basically, to tell Amazing Charts where to find the database. It should be installed automatically. If I were you I would certainly try the whole install or upgrade to V4 again when you feel up to it and maybe someone else here will have some insight.

The upgrade to the latest version was smooth sailing all the way.

hi all,

Decided to convert over tonight and after reading the boards and the website info I thought I was ready. Now I'm not so sure so wanted to ask while my version 3.7 still works on all my machines

I run all XP clients in my exam rooms, front desk, doc's offices, all of which access the databases on my server, running Windows Server 2003. The copy of AC on the server's C:\ drive is never actually used; all of my desktop client machines access a D:\ drive on the server - my "data partition". It's designated as the S:\ drive on all of the clients. I think many folks have (or had) a similar setup.

This evening, after I downloaded and installed the Version 4 setup.exe program to my server's data drive, I ran it and downloaded everything to the default C:\ drive on the server, where AC lives but where the "real" databases ARE NOT. At this point I can run V4 on the server, but of course none of my data is there. I know I need to back up and re-do, but I just wanted to check here to be sure I do this properly.

I believe I need to do the following:

1. Uninstall version 4 from the server's C:\ drive.
2. Re-run the Setup.exe and point the setup program to my server's D:\ drive next time, instead of the default C:\ drive.
3. Once installed, convert my databases over to SQL and then do the clients.

Now, on my server's data drive, there are several folders, one of which is called "Amazing Charts Data". This is the folder where the amazingcharts.mdb file (and all of the other database files) reside. Do I point the installation program just to the D:\ drive or to the D:\Amazing Charts Data folder?

Thanks for the help in advance. I just really, really don't want to do this and then roll back to 3.7. Hopefully, I haven't screwed it up yet!

Jim

p.s. Jazz Fest is in 3 weeks. Our front room is open and ready for anyone who needs a long weekend in New Orleans!

Jim,

In doesn't really matter where you install the program. Just keep your data on the D:\ drive as you have it. It is when you do the migration, that you have to browse to the databases.

Just open up the V4 folder and right click on SQL Migration Utility. That should convert all of your databases in your REAL data folder and you should be all set.

You are not going to find the .xml file, because it has not been created yet. Sometimes, the installer will automatically go to migrate. But, if it didn't at that point, all you would need to have done was go into the folder you created and run SQL Migration Utility and browse to your data folder.

Thank you, Bert
Paul sent me the Amazingcharts.xml that I can type it in with a small change but he also warned me that the missing file
may denote something more serious. Now your explanation suggested it should not exist yet because it will be created at the end of the installation. That reassures me some. Maybe I try again. I guess my problem is like when you insert a CD to do a set up of a sotftware, often it pops up automatically but sometimes you have to look for the file SETUP.EXE to manually start.

I hope I will recognize the SQL utilities to start the migration.

Chris

The CD analogy is a good one. But, of course, it would be simple to click on the CD drive in your My Computer window.

It is easy to find the migration utility. When you go to the folder that is/was created by the install on C:\Program Files\Amazing Charts, it will be the only file with the world Migration in it.

You shouldn't have to find or create or add an .xml file.

HTH

By the way, after installing SQL and then AC prior to the migration, go to the AC folder where it should reside as usual at C:\Program Files\Amazing Charts\

When you open the folder, make sure you are viewing it in details. Then you can click on the Type at the top so that everything is placed in order of types of files. This will make all the .exe files group in the middle, and you will be able to see the migration file easily. Or you can group in alphabetical order under names, but this isn't always helpful, because the file isn't always named what you think.

Finally, in Type order, the .xml file WILL be at the bottom.

Bert,
Thank you for your detailed explanation. I will ask this wonderful board before going to the A/C helf desk in the future. There is something that bothers me a little about the process though.

You said that AmazingCharts.XML is created AFTER the installation done. Therefore, before the migration phase, it is too early for that file to exist. Why there is the message saying AMAZINGCHARTS.XML NOT FOUND ? before MIGRATION.

This message comes from Operating systems (XP in this case).
It says that because the current program is looking for that file. Just like when you log in incorrectly, it says user xyz not found. Or if you type copy abc.txt edf.txt but you don't have abc.txt file, operating systems will protest or complain
and say: ABC.TXT NOT FOUND (file not found, hey master, I cannot copy for you)

So because the installation program looks for that file AMAZINGCHARTS.XML, Operating systems issues that complaint
FILE NOT FOUND when O/S cannot locate it.
Consequently, either there is a bug that installation program which refers to a file which was not yet created or there is something wrong in my installation.

Likely it is my problem, not the installation program. The file has to be created before migration.

Chris Y. Le

I agree that it does need to be created at some point. I also admit that I cannot be completely sure when it is generated. When in the process do you do the database tuner.

I do have the .xml file -- wonder if it will work for you. My guess is it will.

Question: Do you have every update from Microsoft on your computer? All .NETs, SP3, etc.? Try uninstalling, run every update and then install. I do know that my .xml file is created prior to the migration process.

I doubt it is your problem unless you need to update your computers. Also, email me the exact error message you receive.

And, finally, I have heard from people that UNINSTALLING SP3 which won't hurt your computer has helped.

I have no idea if this would work. Just having fun looking around, lol.

http://download.cnet.com/Converter-Plus/3000-2065_4-196697.html?tag=dl.1

Is the installer .exe or .msi? I can't recall.

Bert is right again.
It happened to us. We have Win XP pro Service pack 3 in our main PC where AC databases are. AC chart support staff Trish had to uninstall SP3 and get SP2 and then AC installation went w/o problems. She said that we should be able to upgrade to SP3 afterwords but I just left it like that for now.

Kudos to all of you who took the jump and updtated to v4 early. In the process you have worked through most of the bugs. I took the jump this morning and except for some bafoonry on my part the update was smooth. Server and 13 computers with a mix of Vista and XP updated without any problem in 5 hours. 45 minutes spent correcting my error.

Key points that worked for me;
Downloaded the update program to a flash drive and carried between computers
Turned off UAC on all Vista machines prior to starting
Followed AC directions (server first followed by other computers)
After the server I updated a noncritical admin computer. This is where I caught my mistake and was able to correcet it with out causing other issues.

Hi Tim,

Welcome to Amazing Charts and posting your first post. It's helpful to hear it went well. I am probably "going live" this weekend. Have played around on virtual for awhile, but it's not the same.

Now as much as I would love to hear about your installation, I am more interested in your nick. I am guessing you scuba dive. Where and how often?

I have a laptop with Vista that has V4 with database and 4 other computers (3 with XP and SP2 and 1 with Vista) networked thru (wired)a router. They all seem to work seelessly without any additional downloads.
Hope this helps
VB

I spent 7 years of a 28 year military career in the south pacific. While there I became a PADI instructor. I have about 2500 dives, most in the south pacific with some in the Caymans, the Texas coast, S. Cal and Mexico. I was traned by the Air Force in hyperbaric medicine and while stationed at Kadena Air Base I was the medical officer in charge of the hyperbaric chamber. Since retiring in Vegas the diving has dropped off but I still get in the water occasionaly.

Sounds like a fun career!

A few months ago, I did the conversion from 3.7.15 A/C to SQL data base version 4. It seems going smoothly until it went to the database conversion. My systems stopped because it cannot locate the file AmazingCharts.XML.
I posted for help and Paul Guitar (maybe his real name is Paul McCathy) and Bert have given some good advices.
Basically, Paul Guitar sent me a piece of guitar music, oop I mean a file to type in for AmazingCharts.XML.
Bert told me that I can manually click on the file conversion.
He said to look for a file name with something about Conversion. (it is an executable module .EXE.)

Paul Guitar warned me that the absence of the file (AmazingCharts.XML) may be a sign of other more serious problem.
It is like you saw the tail light is missing. No big deal
until you realized your brand new bass boat and the trailer were not there either.

Anyway, last week I converted again. I hoped the AmazingCharts.XML will be created. But it did not. It was late then, about 1 AM). So I thought about going back to the email of Paul Guitar to recreate this little fellow named AmazingCharts.XML. I also remembered what Bert said so I looked for for the module with the word conversion and clicked on it.

Well, it is working fine.

So thank you to Paul Guitar and Bert
(actually I post this report right after that but somehow it did not show, I have to post it again now)

OK, I'm confused. Did it upgrade to V4?

I think AmazingCharts.xml is your main file in V3, so if it is missing or damaged you are in trouble.

The fact that you thanked Guitar Paul and Bert suggested the upgrade went fine, but that was not clear from your post.

Anyway,sometimes you may need to call technical support for help. Although many of us have a lot of experience, sometimes they know solutions we don't. This is especially true with V4, as there are a few quirks in installing it that that some people have seem and others have not.

I, for example, have almost always had smooth V4 installs except a couple times and between 2 offices and several demo systems I have probably installed it 8-10 times. The times it did not go well were not easily reproduced. So installation issues can be somewhat tricky.

In fact, that is what the V4 installation information suggests, that having them help you install is a good idea. (I have not used this service, so I cannot comment on the usefulness, but in general tech support is very good and helpful.)

Ultimately, you had a 2 month delay because of not moving up the ladder to asking for help. That may be OK, but it seems to have left you somewhat frustrated (it would seem from reading your posts.) Just remember there is more than just the users forum, as useful as it is.