F A Q
Getting A New Computer ("How do I get CompuDance from an old computer to a new computer?")
Passwords ("We lost our Passwords. Can you send them to us?")
Support? ("What are my Support Options with CompuDance?")
Multiple Installations ("Can I install CompuDance on more than one computer?")
Transfer Files ("I do not have CompuDance Version 6 or Version 7. How do I transfer files when using two computers not networked?")
Creating A CompuDance Desktop Folder ("I do not want four CompuDance Icons on my desktop. I only want one folder containing the four icons.")
Using Two Computers (Networking CompuDance) ("I have a computer at the front desk and a computer in the back office. Can I have CompuDance on both computers, and connect them so that they both have access to the same files?")
Using Two Computers (At Home & At the Studio) ("What's the best way to use CompuDance on my computer at home and the one at the studio?")
Updates ("Will I have to re-enter any data when I upgrade from one CompuDance version to another? Am I going to be confused? Will I have to learn the program again like I do with other programs?")
Backing Up to a CD ("Why do I have trouble using CompuDance Backup when backing up to a CD or a floppy disk or a zip drive?")
CD-R or CD-RW ("When using CompuDance Backup, should I use CD-R or CD-RW Discs?")
Other Ways to Backup ("I cannot use the CompuDance Backup operation because I do not have a program to format my CDs. Is there another way to backup? Can I use a jump drive?")
Screen Resolution ("I have a new computer &/or monitor. How can I get CompuDance to run in a larger window like it did on my previous version of Windows?")
E-Mail Configuration ("I'm having a problem sending and receiving E-Mail from CompuDance. How do I set up CompuDance to send E-Mail?")
E-Mail to Codes ("I get an error message when trying to send E-Mails to all students with a code of *.")
E-Mail Attachments ("How do I send an attachment when I E-Mail all students?")
E-Mail (Bulk) Skips Students or Stops ("When sending E-Mail to All Students or to A Class, it stops part way or skips a student.")
Exporting Data ("Can I export CompuDance data into other database or spreadsheet programs?")
Import Data 1 ("If I purchase CompuDance, can I import student data from another program?")
Import Data 2 ("I already have CompuDance, and I have some student data in another program. Can I import that student data into CompuDance?")
EFT Enrollment ("How do I start the application procedure to enroll for an EFT Account and/or a Credit Card Account through Smart Payment Solutions?")
Windows Viewing Problem ("In a few of the screens on WinXP I can't see all of the icons on the Tool Bar, and some of the screens are cut off at the bottom.")
Check Printing Problem ("I have a hard time setting the font, font size, and vertical adjustment for printing checks and payroll checks.")
Windows Vista ("Will CompuDance run on the new Windows Vista?")
Vista Shortcuts ("In Vista the Menu Bar items do not have the underlined letter for the Alt+ shortcuts. How can I get them back?")
Installing 7.2 on Vista ("Can I install any version of CompuDance on my new Vista computer?")
Installing Version 8 on Vista ("What do I need to do to install the latest version of CompuDance (Version 8) on a Vista computer?")
Credit Cards or EFT ("I want to automatically have CompuDance enter payments for me every month to save me time. What should I accept from my clients, Credit Cards or EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer")
Client Data Security ("When I enter my clients' Credit Card and/or Bank Information, is that data secure on my computer?")
E-Mail Our Class Schedule ("After creating our Class Schedule for the New Year, how can I E-Mail that to our students?")
E-Mail
A Student's Class Schedule ("Can
I send a student an E-Mail of her/his Class Schedule?")
"How do I get CompuDance from an old computer to a new computer?"
Is this you? You purchased a new computer and wish to transfer CompuDance from your old computer to your new computer.
Or, is this you? I am going to get a new computer and I want to know in advance what I need to do to get my data files
off of the old computer?
Or, is this you? Your hard disk crashed; or you had to re-format your hard drive due to a physical problem or a virus;
or you had a new version of Windows installed on your computer. Now, you need to get CompuDance and all of your
data files back on the computer.
Or, is this you? You want to install CompuDance on a second computer, then copy your data files to that computer so that
both computers have the same files.
Here are specific instructions on how to get CompuDance from your old computer (or hard drive) to a new computer.
You should Print this page and follow the instructions for the scenario which corresponds to your situation.
(This assumes, of course, that after the "hard drive crash", or the virus, or installing a new version of Windows,
you are able to retrieve your data, or that you backed up prior to the disaster.)
Scenario 1 - You have been using Version 5, 6.0, or 6.1
This assumes that you are using any Version 5, or 6.0, or 6.1.
1. Install the latest CompuDance Version 8 on your new computer. You can order and then download the current
Version 8 installation file by going to the Get New Installation page. The fee is $11.25 if you also want us to mail you
a new Installable CD, otherwise this is a free service. (You will need to pay the update fee of $25.50.) See link above.
If you have Vista, be sure to follow the instructions in FAQ #28.
We cannot guarantee that Version 5, 6.0, or 6.1 data files will be compatible with Version 8!
2. Copy your data files from the appropriate Year folders on the old computer to the same Year folders on the
new computer. For example, copy your 2008-09 data files as follows:
1) Right click the 2008-09 folder in the old CDW folder (C:\Program Files\CDW\2008-09). Click Copy.
2) Goto the CDW folder on the new computer. Press <Ctrl/V> (that's the <Control> Key and the [V] key.
Windows will paste the 2008-08 Folder in the CDW folder.
3) Now do this for every year that you want to copy from the old computer.
3. Copy additional CompuDance studio-wide files from the CDW folder on the old computer to the CDW folder
on the new computer. The files that need to be copied and pasted are: Address7, ClassComments, Converted Years,
DelYears, EFTNames, EFTRec, fMemo, FmRD, FmRD2, LastFont, LastNums, CDWMail, Reminder, sMemo,
StRD, StRD2, StatementMessage. Don't worry of some of these files were not present on the old computer.
4. Run CompuDance. Click File, then New Year Options, then Options, then Make the New Year.
Enter one of the years you copied and pasted in Step 2 above.
You will receive a message explaining that the folder already exists. Click Yes to have CompuDance fix the problem.
Now create the remaining years.
5. If you have additional Locations, create them (File, Add A New Location).
Scenario 2 - You have been using Version 6.2, Version 7, or Version 8
This assumes that you are using Version 6.2 or any Version 7, or any Version 8 and that you have a backup which you created
with the CompuDance Backup operation.
1. Install the latest CompuDance Version 8 on your new computer. You can order and then download the current
Version 8 installation file by going to the Get New Installation page. The fee is $11.25 if you also want us to mail you
a new Installable CD, otherwise this is a free service. (You will, of course, first need to pay the update fee.) See the link above.
If you have Vista, be sure to follow the instructions in FAQ #28.
2. Run CompuDance.
3. Create Your New Years. (Click File, then New Year Options, then Options, then Make the New Year).
You must create the same years on this computer as you had on the old computer.
For example, if you had a 2004-05 year on the old computer/hard drive, then create a 2004-05 year on the new
computer. (Of course, if you have some years on the old computer that you do not want or need on the new
computer, then you do not have to make those years.)
4. Add Your Locations. If you have more than one location on the old computer, then add those studios to your new
computer. (Again, if you do have some additional locations on the old computer that you do not wish or need,
then you do not have to add them to the new computer.)
5. Restore your data files by using the CompuDance Restore operation. Go into the year/studio which you wish
to restore. Click File, then BackUp & Restore. Remember, you must be in the appropriate year/studio
when restoring! Now, just simply Restore all of the folders with the appropriate date (your last backup).
Or, if you do did not use the CompuDance Backup Operation, then simply use Step #5 in Scenario 1 above.
Scenario 3 - You copied the CDW folder to a Flash Drive
You have done what we recommend in advance and so you have the CDW folder on a Flash Disk.
1. Install the latest CompuDance Version 8 on your new computer
as described on the
Get
New
Installation page. If you have Vista, be sure to follow the
instructions in FAQ #28.
2. Run CompuDance.
3. Create Your New Years. (Click
File, then New Year Options, then Options, then Make the New Year).
4. Add Your Locations. If you have more than one location on the old
computer, then add those studios to your new
computer. (Again, if you have
some additional studios on the old computer that you do not wish or need,
then you do not have to add them to
the new computer.)
5. After adding years and studios take the Flash Drive to the new
computer and call us.
We will walk you through the process
of copying and pasting the appropriate data to your new computer.
Or, if you don't want to call . . .
you'd rather do it yourself . . . here's how:
1) Double-click the CDW folder on the Flash Drive. Double-click the year (ie. 2008-09).
Double-click the Studio (i.e. Studio1). Highlight all the folders and files by pressing Ctrl+A
Copy all the highlighted files and folders by pressing Ctrl+C. (You won't see anything happen.) 2) Go to the same year and folder on your hard drive. When the same folder is open,
paste all the files and folders in there by pressing Ctrl+V.
3) Now do the exact same thing for your other years.
4) Finally, copy the following specific files from the CDW folder on the flash drive
to the CDW folder on your hard drive (c:\Program Files\CDW):
Address7, ClassComments, Converted Years, DelYears, EFTNames, EFTRec,
fMemo, FmRD, FmRD2, LastFont, LastNums, CDWMail, Reminder, sMemo,
StRD, StRD2, StatementMessage.
Don't worry of some of these files were not present on the old computer. NOTE: In ALL above scenarios when you run CompuDance after re-installing it, your passwords revert back to
the default passwords which you were sent when you originally purchased the program.
If you follow the above instructions in the sequence presented, you now have CDW on your new computer.
You must do it this way! Simply copying and pasting all of the files and directories from the old computer
to the new one is not the way to do it!
If you have problems, contact us.
If you call TAC to request password information, we may be able to give you technical assistance in changing a password only if you have trouble interpreting the instructions in your copy of APPENDIX Z from your User Manual. We can not tell you what your default password is, nor can we tell you how to change a password if you do not have APPENDIX Z.
The best we can do is to mail a copy of APPENDIX Z to the original purchase name and address as contained in our records. We can not mail a copy of APPENDIX Z to any other name or address! This is for your protection.
Under some rare circumstances, we may be able
to E-Mail a copy of APPENDIX Z to the E-Mail address we have in our files for
your studio. We may do this should we receive an E-Mail from that E-Mail
Address and from the user of record stating that the original APPENDIX Z or
the User Manual has been lost or destroyed.
Revised January 1 2006
"I do not
have CompuDance Version 6 or Version 7. How do I transfer files when using two computers
not networked?"
These instructions assume that you are using Version 5 of CDW
on two computers -- you probably have
a computer
at the
studio (Computer A)
and another one at home (Computer B). Here is one way
to
transfer files
from
one computer
to the other
computer. It's done by
using Windows Explorer. These
instructions assume
that
CDW is installed
where it should be
on your computer;
that the year is 2003-04;
that the studio is Studio1.
If you are using Version 6, or 7, or 8, simply use the CompuDance Backup and Restore
operations.
We recommend backing up to a Flash Drive. Then
take the Flash Drive to your second computer and perform a Restore from the CompuDance
Backup and Restore operation.
Pasting To Computer B
1. Insert the "2003-04-Studio1 CDW" disk in Drive
A, and go to Windows Explorer (Step 2 above).
2. On the left side scroll up until you find 3½ Floppy. Click
it one time to open it up.
You should see the files. Highlight them
with <Ctrl/A>, and then use <Ctrl/C> to copy them.
3. Scroll down until you find Program Files. Click the plus sign to
the left of it.
Now, open the CDW folder. (Click it one time.)
Use <Ctrl/V> to paste the files.
4. Insert the "2003-04-Studio1 Data" disk in Drive A. On
the left side scroll up until you find 3½ Floppy.
Click it one time to open it up. You should see all
your data files on your right. (See Note 2
below.)
Highlight all of the files, then use <Ctrl/C> to copy
them.
5. On the left side, scroll down until you find Program Files.
Click the plus (+) sign to the left.
6. CDW is now under Program Files. Click the plus sign to the
left of CDW.
7. 2003-04 is now under CDW. Click the plus sign to the left
of 2003-04.
8. The five studio folders now appear below the year. Click
the little yellow folder of Studio1.
Use <Ctrl/V> to paste all of the data files.
9. Run CDW. You will find all of the data is now exactly the same on this
computer as it is on
Computer A. Try to register a new student. CDW should assign the
correct Student Number.
This is IMPORTANT to check!!
Note 1: This will work as long as you do not have more that 219 files to
copy and paste. You can not place more than 220 files in the root
directory of a floppy disk. However, there is no limit to the number of
files that you can place in a folder on a floppy disk. So, if you have
more that 220 files to copy, you will have to make a folder on the floppy disk,
then copy the files into that folder. If this is the case for you, here is
how to make a folder on the disk in Drive A before you
do the pasting in Step 10:
9A. Click File, then click New, then click Folder.
Type in some name - Transfer, for example.
9B. Double-click the Transfer folder icon. You are now in the folder
Transfer. When you do Step 10,
the files will be put in the Transfer folder on
the floppy disk.
Note 2: If you had to make a Transfer folder on the disk and put all of
your files in there, then you will see the Transfer folder on the right
side. Double click it to reveal all of the files.
1. When you right click, then left click
the Tuition Text Box in a SRD or FRD you get a Tuition Help
Window.
2. When you right click any text box in a SRD or FRD, you get a Text Box Edit
Sub Menu.
3. When you right click any blank place on a SRD you can display that student's
picture.
4. There are three passwords. See Appendix Z, and Page 5-23.
The Credit Card Access Password
and the EFT Password are the same.
5. Have any students in no classes? You can find out what students are not currently registered
in any classes by pressing Ctrl/Q
9. When making an entry in
the City Text Box in the SRD or FRD, you
can click the text box,
then click the down arrow, then enter the city by simply
clicking one from the list instead of
typing it in.
"I do
not want four CompuDance Icons on my desktop. I only want one folder
containing the four icons."
Here is how you can create one CompuDance folder
on your desktop. That folder will contain all
of the CompuDance
Shortcut icons. It will be called CompuDance
1. Click
Start.
2. Click
Programs.
3. Place the mouse pointer on CompuDance
"I have a
computer at the front desk and a computer in the back office. Can I
have CompuDance on both computers, and connect them so that they both have access to
the same files?"
Yes, you can have CompuDance
on a computer at the front desk (Computer A) and a computer in the back office
(Computer B). Both computers can have access to a common set of data files
for your studio. The data files can be mapped to Computer A, or to
Computer B, or to another location somewhere.
In the CompuDance configuration file in the \Windows folder (cdwstud.ini)
there is an item called
ProgPath. That is short for Program Path. It tells CompuDance
where to look for your data files. The default is c:\Progra~1\CDW.
That means that the CompuDance Files are located in a folder called CDW which is
contained in a folder called Program Files on your hard drive. This is
where you map the path to a common set of data files. You may need to ask
a computer consultant or a network consultant to help you set this up at your
studio. With the information in this FAQ article and in Appendix D of the
User Manual, your consultant can set
up a way to connect your two computers to a common set of data files.
You need to be aware that you must be running the network version of
CompuDance (currently 8.00.01). For more information on networking CompuDance, read and print Appendix D
in the Version 8 User Manual. If you do not have an Appendix D in
your User Manual, you can download and print one here.
Back to the Top
"Will I have to re-enter any data when I upgrade from one CompuDance
version to another? Am I going to be confused? Will I have to
learn the program again like I do with other programs?"
We update CompuDance
once a year - the first week in June. These new versions contain new
features suggested by users. When we receive a suggestion for an added
feature, or for an easier way to accomplish a current operation, we survey a
number of studio owners who have used CompuDance
for many years. We ask these users what they think of the
suggestion. If their feedback is in any way positive, we then decide to
add it to the next version. Suggestions which would radically change the
way CompuDance operates, or which would
necessitate changing the data structure, or which would, in our opinion,
frustrate users who are comfortable with the program, would not be added.
When you update from one version to a later version, therefore, you do NOT have
to re-enter any data. All of the data files in the pervious version are
still there and are accessed by CompuDance
and by you in the same manner. You will very rarely be confused
by new
menus, new windows, new buttons, etc. We try very hard to preserve the
look and feel of CompuDance
in order to maintain your comfort-level when using the program. We know
the frustration of updating to a new version of a favorite program only to find
that many of the easy-to-use old features are gone or moved; keys that used to
get somewhere now go nowhere; favorite command buttons have disappeared; and it
now takes 15 seconds to do something that in the earlier version took 3
seconds! We don't want
our users to have these experiences.
So, the update installation simply places a new .exe file in your \CDW program
directory. When you run the new version, things should look about the
same; your favorite operations are where they were; new operations and features
as described in the ReadMe
file are conveniently located; and your data files
are as they were. Data files are always upward compatible. ( Only
twice in the 22 year history of CompuDance
have we ever changed the data structure of files from one version to another
making it necessary to convert files. That was in May 1989 when we went
from the DOS Version 3 to the DOS Version 4, and in 2008 when we went to Version
8. And of course the data file
structure of the Windows version was totally different from the DOS version.)
So . . . there's no reason for users not to have the most current version of CompuDance.
It doesn't cost you a fortune; it won't
take a month to learn; it takes less than 10 seconds to install an update.
It is a seamless change. You can update at any time. You do NOT have to wait until you are ready to create a New Year. If at
any time you
see that the current version is later than
the one you are using . . . update
NOW.
Back to the Top
"Why do I have trouble using
CompuDance Backup when using a CD?"
Note: We do not recommend backing up to CDs. We strongly recommend
using a Flash Drive. Please see
3 in FAQ #12.)
The usual cause for this problem is that the disc in your CD-R or CD-RW drive
does not appear as a logical drive like any other local drive volume on your
computer. When you ask Windows Explorer, or your word processing program,
or your database program, or CompuDance to
save your data to the CD in your CD-R/CD-RW drive, that drive must appear just
like your hard disk or the floppy disk in your floppy disk drive. If
it doesn't, then programs can't write to it, nor read from it. You can't
use it either. You can't drag and drop files to it. The usual error
message that you get will be a path/file
access error.
On most computers you can't just get a CD-R disc out of the box and use it like
you would a floppy disk. You need some device software to
"format" the CD and your drive so that it can handle saving and
copying files just like your hard disk and your floppy disk can. If your
computer comes with a CD-R or CD-RW drive, then it also comes with the software
to manage that drive. The one on many computers is Roxio. This seems to be the most-used program. It allows you
to record data and music on a CD-R (CD-Recordable) or a CD-RW (CD-ReWritable)
disc. If you do not have an icon for that in your Task
Bar, then click Start,
then Programs.
You might see Adaptec DirectCD or Easy CD Creator there. If
so, run DirectCD and follow the instructions for formatting a CD for
incrementally adding data just like you would to a floppy disk. It only
takes about 1 minute.
Once you do this, then CompuDance can write
the backup data to that CD.
You can find more information about DirectCD
from the publisher's web site www.roxio.com.
If you do not have the Adaptec or Roxio, then you will need to use whatever
program came with your computer. Consult your computer's Help or your
Window's Help for that information.
If you have Windows XP or Vista, and cannot get CompuDance to recognize a CD in
your CD writer, then you should use a Flash Drive. See
3 in FAQ #12.
If you do not have the latest Appendix K, you should download and print
it. You will find more details there about this situation. To
download it, click here.
Again: We do not recommend backing up to CDs. We strongly recommend
using a Flash Drive.
Back to the Top
"When backing up, should I use CD-R or CD-RW Discs?"
We do not recommend that you backup to CD's. You should use a Flash Drive.
Here is some information if you must use a CD.
CompuDance
backs up all of your data files for the year/studio which you are in when
invoking CompuDance Backup. It does not just backup files that have
changed since the last backup. That means that you have a
"snapshot" of your studio at that date and time. If you do not
erase the backup data on your CD each time you backup, the result will be that
you will have a
daily history of your studio (assuming that you backup every day). This is
very advantageous.
Let's assume that on June 12, you would like to "go back in time" to
see what your studio's student and financial status was on April 30. Or,
assume that on December 31 you failed to print out a year-end financial
statement and reports, and so in March when you are doing your taxes, you would
like to "go back in time" to December 31. Keeping this permanent
record on your CD backup discs will allow you to do that.
If you backup to a CD at the studio and take that CD to your home computer and
restore the data there, you need to be certain that your home computer can read
the data on the CD.
Therefore, we recommend that you use CD-R discs. They are best for
permanent storage of data; they can be read on other CD-ROM drives when closed
in an ISO 9660 format; they are best when you do not need to erase data; and
finally they are much, much less expensive than CD-RW discs.
CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend that you backup to CD-R discs every day, and
that you keep those discs! If you watch for rebate sales at OfficeMax, or
Best Buy, or Office Depot, etc., you can get 100 CD-Rs for less than 5 cents each!
Depending upon the size of your studio, you can get dozens of backups on one
700MB CD-R. And it take less than 60 seconds to backup!
Remember, we do NOT recommend backing up to CDs. You should use a Flash Drive instead of a CD. See
3 in FAQ #12.
Back to the Top
("I have a new computer &/or monitor. How can I get CompuDance to run in a larger window
like it did
on my previous version of Windows?")
Most programs do not look
the same on Windows XP as they did on Windows 95, or 98, or ME, etc. They
also do not look the same on Windows Vista as they did on Windows XP. There are
several possible solutions to this problem. One is to change the CompuDance Windows properties;
another is to change your screen resolution; another is to change your font (DPI)
size. Start with the first one. If it works, fine. If it
doesn't work, then undo it, and try the second one. If it doesn't work,
undo it, and try the third. One of these will work best for you. You
just need to experiment until you are satisfied.
Before doing anything, we recommend the following Windows Settings for best viewing of CompuDance. Setting these will also correct some other viewing problems mentioned in FAQ #21. To check those settings:
Click
Start, then Settings, then Control Panel.In the Settings tab select 800 x 600 pixels for the Screen Resolution.
Click
Apply
and then Ok.
Setting Properties - XP
1. Right-click the CompuDance Students icon on your desktop.
2. Click Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab.
4. Place a check in the "Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution" check box.
5. Place a check in the "Disable visual themes" check box.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.
Setting Properties - VISTA
1. Right-click the CompuDance Students icon on your desktop.
2. Click Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab.
4. Try "Run in compatibility mode for:" and select a Windows Version.
5. You can also try changing some of the settings.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.
The above six steps need to be done only once. The properties you set will take effect every time you run
CompuDance.
Running CompuDance
1. When you are ready to run CompuDance, double-click the icon on your desktop and enter your
password as usual.
2. When CompuDance is running, right-click on any empty space on your Taskbar located on the bottom
of the screen. Remove the check mark from Lock the Taskbar.
3. Place your Mousepointer on the top of the Taskbar until it changes from the usual arrow to a
double-arrow. While pressing down on the left mouse button, move the mouse
(double arrows) down
until the Taskbar is no longer visible. Release the mouse button.
4. Click File in the CompuDance Menu Bar. Click Refresh.
CompuDance should now be running full screen with
very large fonts and controls.
When you are finished running CompuDance, close the program as usual. Place your Mousepointer on the little top of the Taskbar on the bottom of your screen. A double-arrow will appear. While pressing down on the left mouse button, move the mouse up until the Taskbar is now
visible again. Release the mouse button. Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar and add the check mark to Lock the Taskbar.
Note: If this does not work satisfactorily, you may also need to place a check in the "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" check box, then select the version of Windows you previously used. Usually, this is not necessary.
Changing Screen Resolution
1. Click Start.
2. Click Control Panel. In the Control Panel, double-click the Display icon.
3. Click the Settings tab.
4. Move the Screen resolution slider to the left so that it reads 640 by 480. (If it will not go that low,
then you will have to be satisfied with 800 by 600. If that is what it was set at when you entered this
window, then changing the screen resolution will not be possible.)
5. Click Apply, then click OK.
This will change the screen resolution for all programs. For CompuDance, and possibly other programs,
you may need to lower the Taskbar so that it is out of the way. See Steps 2 and 3 above in the "Running
CompuDance" section.
Change Your Screen Resolution DPI Setting
1. Click Start.
2. Click Control Panel. In the Control Panel, double-click the Display icon.
3. Click the Settings tab. In the Settings tab, click Advanced.
4. The DPI setting is probably normal size (96 DPI). Change it to Large size (120 DPI). (Or, you can
experiment by customizing the setting to 100, or 105, or 110, etc.)
5. Click Apply. When asked, click Yes to skip file copying.
6. Click Close. Your computer will restart. All your programs will be larger.
CompuDance should run
full-screen.
For CompuDance, and possibly other programs, you may need to lower the Taskbar so that it is out of
the way. See Steps 2 and 3 above in the "Running CompuDance" section.
If you set the DPI at 120, and you think that's too large, then go back and
change it to some other number. You can use any number between the 96
which was the default, and 120. Experiment.
Changing the Theme in CompuDance
From the CompuDance Main Window click Configuration, then click the Theme tab. Set the button for your Version of Windows.
Yes, there are four other
ways to backup and restore. We strongly recommend #3 and #4!
1 You can use your CD Burning Software that comes with your
computer. From the various options
that your software has, select the one that will allow you
to Create a Data CD, or it might be called
Create a Data Project.
You will then be asked to select the folder(s) or file(s)
that you want to place on the blank CD.
You should find and select your Local Disk (C:).
Then, find and select the Program Files folder.
You will see a CDW folder. Now, simply copy
and paste that folder to your CD Data Disk.
Or, if your software has an Add
button, click it to add that folder and all the associated files to the
CD Data Project. You now
have an exact copy of all of your CompuDance files on that CD
as of the date on which you did this
backup. You have all of your years and all of your studios.
If
you are going to restore that data to a second computer, first you must
be certain that you have
created all of the New Years on the second computer that
exist on the first computer.
This is very important!
Now, you simply reverse the process. You would copy
the CDW folder from the CD and paste it
into the Program Files folder on the second computer. You will probably be asked
if you want to
replace some files that already exist on
that computer. Say Yes to All.
2 If one of your
computers is a laptop (notebook), you could use a cable to link the two
computers.
For around $15.00 to $20.00 you can buy a data transfer
cable that will allow you to very quickly
copy data files from one computer to another. These
cables include software, and they are very
easy to use. If you can do simple drag and drop or copy and
paste, then you can use this
method.
If both computers have a free USB port, then buy a USB
Cable. Connect the cable, and then install
the software on both computers.
You would simply copy and paste the CDW
folder from one computer to the other.
The Main Window on both computers shows two windows or
panels - one containing the data files on
Computer A, the other showing files on Computer B.
Copy the CDW folder from one to the other.
3 If you have a USB Port (all newer computers do), you can
buy a Flash Drive (sometimes called
a "Jump Drive" or a "Travel Drive").
What is a Flash Drive? It is a small removable
drive, (almost
as big as a package of 5 sticks of gum,
but lighter) that plugs into your USB port. They
are small, light-weight, easy to use (and loose).
They come in various capacities (from 128MB to 8GB) and prices
($9.00 to $300.00.) You can
buy
one at Office Max, Office Depot, Best Buy, etc. A 512MB
or a 1GB would be sufficient
for you.
(We have a SanDisk, Cruzer mini 256MB in our office
to copy files from computer to computer and to
test the CompuDance Backup and Restore
operations. We paid $29.95 for it at Office Depot in 2004.
We also have a 2GB Verbatim - 8 times bigger than 256MB -
we bought for $9.99 in November, 2008
at Office Max. They are now very inexpensive.)
Insert the Flash Drive in your USB port, and
just use that drive letter (usually E: or F or G::) when
running the CompuDance Backup Operation.
Then to restore to another computer, take the Flash Drive to the second computer, insert it in the
USB port, and use the CompuDance Restore Operation.
This option #3 is the easiest and fastest. We
strongly recommend this method!!
4 You can use your
Flash Drive to backup the entire CDW folder - all of your years. The
CompuDance Backup/Restore operation backs up only the data
in the current (active) year/studio.
To backup your entire CDW files, follow these simple
instructions.
Double-click My Computer. Double-click Local Disk (C:).
Double-click the Program Files folder.
You will see a CDW folder. Right-click it, then click
Copy.
Double-click My Computer again. This time click your Flash Drive
(Removable Disk) one time
with the right mouse button. Now click Paste.
Your computer will paste the CDW folder,
containing all of your studio's folders and data files, on the
Flash Drive.
If
you are going to restore that data to a second computer, first you must
be certain that you have
created all of the New Years on the second computer that
exist on the first computer.
This is very important!
Now, you simply reverse the process. You would copy
the CDW folder from the Flash Drive
and paste it into the Program Files folder on the second computer. You will probably be asked
if you want to replace some files that already exist on
that computer. Say Yes to All.
If you use Netscape Mail, click Options, then click Mail and News Preferences. Click on the Servers tab. You should find your E-Mail settings there.
Write down all of the information that you find there and enter it in the CompuDance E-Mail Configuration tab. Most of the entries are very simple and logical. The usual Outgoing mail (SMTP) Port is 25. Most users will use that one. So make sure that it says [25] for the Port unless your ISP uses a different one. The default Incoming Port is usually110. Don't forget to enter your Password.
NOTE As of version 8 CompuDance supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). SSL encrypts all data passing between client and server to protect your passwords and your email text as well. To use SSL encryption it must be supported by both the E-Mail client and server. The CompuDance E-Mail objects support SSL. If you will use SSL, please see FAQ #30.
GENERIC Example:
E-Mail Address: [YourName@someplace.net]
SMTP Server: [smtp.sbcglobal.yahoo.com]
or [smtp.msn.com] or [mail.bellsouth.net]
POP3 Server: [pop.sbcglobal.yahoo.com] or [pop.msn.com]
Account Name: [YourName]
or [YourName@someplace.net]
My Server Requires Authentication: checked
Outgoing Port: [25] Incoming
Port: [110]
Option Flags and APOP: checked
AOL Example:
E-Mail Address: [YourName@aol.com]
SMTP Server: [smtp.aol.com]
POP3 Server: [pop.aol.com]
Account Name: [YourName]
- not your complete AOL address.
My Server Requires Authentication: checked
Port: [587]
Option Flags and APOP: checked
COMCAST Example:
E-Mail Address: [YourName@comcast.net]
SMTP Server: [smtp.comcast.net]
Port: [25]
POP3 Server: [mail.comcast.net] Port: [110]
Account Name: [YourName]
- not your complete comcast address.
My Server Requires Authentication: checked
Option Flags and APOP: checked
AT&T Example (using SSL):
E-Mail Address: [YourName@??????.net]
use your ATT/SBC address.
SMTP Server: [smtp.att.yahoo.net]
Port: [465]
POP3 Server: [pop.att.yahoo.com]
Port: [995]
Account Name: [YourCompleteE-MailAddress]
My Server Requires Authentication: checked
Option Flags and APOP: checked
Send Error Codes - Also See Appendix A-2
|
Value |
Meaning |
|
1 |
An exception has occurred. |
|
3 |
The process has run out of memory. |
|
4 |
An error has occurred due to a problem with the message body or attachments. |
|
7 |
The from address was not formatted correctly or was rejected by the SMTP mail server. Some SMTP mail servers will only accept mail from particular addresses or domains. SMTP mail servers may also reject a from address if the server can not successfully do a reverse lookup on the from address. |
|
8 |
An error was reported in response to a recipient address. The SMTP server may refuse to handle mail for unknown recipients. Or, the E-Mail address is not in a correct format. |
|
10 |
There was an error opening a file. If you have specified file attachments, ensure that they exist and that you have access to them. |
|
11 |
There was an error reading a file. If you have specified file attachments, ensure that they exist and the you have access to them. |
|
16 |
There was a problem with the connection and a socket error occurred. |
|
19 |
Could not create thread. |
|
20 |
Cancelled as a result of calling the Cancel() method |
|
27 |
Socket Timeout Error |
Connection Error Codes
|
Value |
Meaning |
|
1 |
An exception has occurred. |
|
3 |
The process has run out of memory. |
|
5 |
There was a problem initiating the conversation with the mail server. Ensure the setting of the Domain property is correct. |
|
9 |
There was an error connecting to the SMTP mail server. |
|
15 |
No mail server specified. |
|
16 |
There was a problem with the connection and a socket error occurred. |
|
17 |
Could not resolve host. |
|
18 |
Connected but server sent back bad response. |
|
20 |
Cancelled as a result of calling the Cancel(). |
|
21 |
The operation timed-out while the host was being resolved. |
|
22 |
The operation timed-out while connecting. |
|
24 |
ESMTP Authentication failed. |
|
25 |
The selected ESMTP Authentication mode is not supported by the server. |
|
26 |
ESMTP Authentication protocol error. |
|
27 |
Socket Timeout Error |
E-Mail Addresses:
Make certain that the E-Mail addresses that you enter for your
students and families are in the correct form: [SomeName@someplace.net.ca].
Upper/lower case does not matter in E-Mail addresses. [YourName] is
the same as [yourname] or [YOURname]. You cannot use blank spaces; you
cannot enclose information in < > characters; and you cannot use
commas. [Sally Jones@aol.com] is not
correct. Jones,Sally@msn.com
is not correct.
Make certain that you nave no double quote marks ("" "")
in an E-Mail Address or in a Student or Family Name.
Testing:
After you have configured CompuDance
for E-Mail, you should test the operation. You can test your E-Mail capabilities by creating an SRD for a
fake student. Feel free to give that student the following E-Mail
address at our web site: Testing@CompuDance.com.
Send an E-Mail from the SRD. (Click the yellow envelope in the Status
Bar, then click Send an E-Mail.) Type a subject such as [Testing
E-Mail]. Type a message, then click Send. If you are successful, the CompuDance Web
Site will immediately send an Auto-Reply.
Connection Test:
If you receive a connection error message, here is a way to connect to
the mail server to determine if the problem is with your Internet connection
or with CompuDance and its E-Mail objects.
You can use Telnet, Terminal Emulation Program that directly connects your computer to a server on the Internet. It has nothing to do with CompuDance or any other program on your computer. Entering commands through Telnet is just as if you were entering them directly on the server console.
Step 1 - Click Start, then select Run.
Step 2 - Type [telnet mail.domain.com port#]
Press <Enter>
For
"mail.domain.com" use your mail server. For
"port#" use your mail server's port number.
Examples: [telnet smtp.prodigy.yahoo.com 25], [telnet smtp.aol.com
587]
If the connection is
successful, you should receive a response from the server. The
problem, then,
is with CompuDance.
If the connection is unsuccessful, the problem is with your ability to
connect to the server.
Also see the Note in FAQ #18.
Back to the Top
It's always good to
prepare in advance before getting a new computer, or before you take your old
computer to the shop to get a new hard drive or a new operating system. There are two simple,
basic steps
you need to perform.
1. Copy the CDW folder on your present computer to a Flash
Drive. Here's how to do that.
1) Double-click My Computer. Then, Double-click the
local C:\
drive.
2) Double-click the Program Files folder.
3) You will see a CDW folder. Click it with the right
mouse button. If you have the option to
Send
To
3. After
installing CompuDance on your new
computer, create your New Years - same years as you had
on the old computer. Take the Flash Drive to the new
computer and call us. We will walk you through
the process of copying and pasting the appropriate data to
your new computer. Or, you can follow the
instructions in Scenario 3 in FAQ #1.
Yes, you can install CompuDance on as many computers as you want.
Annual Support Contracts are offered which will provide you with unlimited phone and email support. It will also provide you with all future updates free of charge. With an Annual Support Contract you can also schedule 2 30 minute sessions per year to be used for training/consulting . Clients without an Annual Support contract will be charged for support on a Time and Materials basis. Visit our Support Page for specific details or email us at MailRoom@CompuDance.com
Depending upon when your User Manual was printed,
Appendix N may have an incorrect procedure for
enrolling for EFT and Credit Card Services through Smart Payment Solutions.
Here is the correct (and most expedient) way to begin that enrollment process:
Just
The following two sets of instructions show you
how to: 1) initially install CompuDance
on a Flash Drive, or 2) move CompuDance
from your computers' hard drives to a Flash Drive if you have already
installed CompuDance
on your computers.
How to Install CompuDance on a Flash Drive
Follow these instructions to install CompuDance on a Flash Drive if this is the initial installation.
Step 1 Insert your Flash Drive
(removable drive) in the USB Port of the Studio Computer.
Step 2 Run the CompuDance Installation
Setup from your CD.
Step 3 When asked where to install CompuDance,
do NOT accept the default. Use the Browse
button and find your removable drive. It is usually
Note 4: E-Mail Configuration is unique to each computer and, therefore,
does not transfer.
How to Move CompuDance to a Flash Drive from Your Computer's Hard Drive
Follow these instructions to get CompuDance on a Flash Drive if you have already installed it on one or more of your computers. After following the Steps, CompuDance will on the Program Flash Drive, not your computer's hard drive.
Step 1 Insert your Flash Drive
(removable disk) in the USB Port of the Studio Computer.
Step 2 Double-click My Computer.
Double-click your Local Disk (C:). Double-click the
Program Files folder. You will see a folder named CDW.
Step 3 Click the CDW folder once with the right mouse button. Click Copy.
Step
4 Double-click My Computer again. This time click
your Flash Drive (Removable Disk)
one time with the right mouse button. Now click Paste.
Your computer will paste the
CDW folder, containing all of your studio's data files, on the Flash
Drive.
Step
5 Find the CompuDance Students shortcut on your
Desktop. Click it one time with the
right mouse button. Click Properties. You need to change the
Target by typing the
following in the text box (assuming that f: is your Flash Drive):
"F:\CDW\CD71-S.exe" Click Apply, then click OK.
Now, do the same for the other CompuDance shortcuts on your desktop as
follows:
CompuDance Expenses: "F:\CDW\CD71-E.exe"
CompuDance Music Locator: "F:\CDW\CD71-M.exe"
A File of Some Friends: "F:\CDW\CD71-N.exe"
Step
6 Take a look at the shortcuts on your desktop. You may
have to change the icons back
to the original ones. If so here is how you do that.
Right-click the CompuDance Students shortcut. Click Properties.
Click Change Icon.
If the correct icon is displayed, click it. If it is not displayed,
you will have to click
Browse.
Look in: your Removable Disk (F:), then double-click the CDW folder,
then
double-click CD71-S.exe. It will display the correct icon. Click OK,
then Apply,
then Ok.
Now do the same for CompuDance Expenses (CD71-E.exe), CompuDance Music
Locator (CD71-M.exe), and A File of Some Friends (CD71-N.exe).
I'm worried that something might
happen to that little Flash Drive.
You now have no backup -
all of your data files are on your Program Flash Drive. So, if you
should loose your Flash Drive, or drop it and step on it, there goes all of
your data. You should buy a second Flash Drive, backup your CDW folder
on it, and keep it safe
in your desk drawer. Here's how to quickly back up
all of your files.
After exiting CompuDance, remove your
Program Flash Drive and insert your Backup Flash Drive. Double-click My
Computer. Double-click your Local Disk (C:). Double-click Program
Files. Right-click the CDW Folder. Click Copy.
Right-click your Removable Disk. Click Paste. This will
backup all of your data for all years, and all studios.
When you send E-Mails to
students with a specific code, CompuDance
keeps a file of those E-Mails. The filename contains the code so that
when you use the CompuDance Browse Operation, you can easily find the
file. For example, EMailAddressCodeM-04-16-05.txt is the name of
the file that CompuDance would create when
sending E-Mails to all students with Code M on April 16 2005. The
following are the only characters that can be used in filenames:
A-Z a-z
0-9 $ & # @ ! % ( )
- { } _
Any other characters are
invalid. Therefore, you can use only those characters as codes when
sending
E-Mails to students with a specified code
First, you create the document you wish to attach by using whatever word processing program you have. The attachment can be any type of document with any type of extension (.htm, .html, .doc, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, etc., etc.). There is no practical limit as to the size of the document.
Second, you must save the document in the current Year/Studio folder. For example, if you are in 2008-09, Studio 1, then use your word processing program's Save As operation to save it in: c:\ > Program Files > CDW > 2008-09 > Studio1. The document must be in the correct folder so that you and CompuDance can find it in Step 6 below.
Finally, you send the E-Mail with the attachment. In the sample below we assume that you are sending an E-Mail to all of your students.
Step 1 From the CompuDance Main Window, click E-Mail Operations > All Students.
Step 2 Enter the subject of the E-mail.
Step 3
You want to send a regular text message, so click No when asked if you want
the message
to be HTML.
Step 4
Type your message in the text box. For example, "Attached
is the schedule for
rehearsals for next week's
performance." Or, you can paste
in a message if
you have one copied in Windows' Clipboard. Click Save
the Message.
Step 5 When asked if you want to include an attachment, click Yes.
Step 6
In the Browse Window, click the folder in which you saved the
attachment. When you find
the document, double-click it.
Step 7
CompuDance will then tell you how many E-Mails are ready to be sent,
and will give you
some information about sending bulk E-Mail. If you have no specific
reason to do otherwise,
then click the No
button. Now click Ok
to send the E-Mails.
If you have some student data in another program, you may be able
to import some of that data into CompuDance. For example, assume that you used a database or spreadsheet program to keep track of
students before you purchased CompuDance, and now you would like to bring some of that data into
CompuDance so that you do not have to re-enter hundreds of student
names. This FAQ explains how to do that.
Note: The Import Data process must be done BEFORE entering any data
into your CompuDance year. Once you manually enter any student data, you
cannot use this operation.
1 CREATE A FILE TO IMPORT
From your other program you will create a comma delimited file (.CSV) of the
student data to import.
The file will contain the following eight fields:
1. Last Name
2. First Name
3. Address
4. City
5. State
6. Zip (Postal) Code
7. Guardian Name
8. Phone Number
You do not have to use
all eight fields; you cannot use more than these eight fields.
Here is an example of what one line in the file will look like with data in
all of the fields:
"Doe","Mary
Ann","13 William Street","Dallas","TX","78101","Mary
and Ed Doe","345-5769"
Here is an example of what three lines in the file will look like with data
in only some of the fields:
"Doe","","13 William
Street","Dallas","TX","78101","Mary
and Ed Doe",""
"Jones","Sally","","Hartford","CT","","Mrs. Sam Jones","123-456-7890"
"Washington","Martha","128 Jefferson
Street","Dallas","TX","78101","",""
Note that unused fields
contain double quotes ("")
2 SAVE THE FILE
The Filename can be any name as long as the extension is .CSV. For example, "New Students.CSV" or "Students to Export.CSV" or
"Students.CSV". So, use the Save
As function from your database or spreadsheet program, and select the type
called Text & Commas (.csv).
CompuDance has a folder in which you must place your file. It is named Import Data, and can be found in
the \CDW folder. The path is: C:\Program Files\CDW\Import Data. Put your file
there using Save As.
3 IMPORT THE FILE
1. Create a New Year into which you want to import the data. For
example, "2006-07".
2. From the Menu Bar in the CompuDance Main Window, in the Practice
Year (0000-00), click GoTo,
then Import Data.
3. The CompuDance Explorer will open. Select your .CSV file in the Import Data folder.
4. You will be asked to enter the Year and then the Studio into which you want to import the data.
5. CompuDance will do the rest. It will import the data,
create an SRD for each student, and number the
students sequentially beginning with Student
Number 1.
If you already have CompuDance;
have data in your year(s); but have some additional student data in another
program (other than A File of Some Friends), you may be able to import some of that data into
CompuDance. This FAQ explains how to do that.
1 CREATE A FILE TO IMPORT
From your database or spreadsheet program you will create a comma delimited file (.CSV) of the
student data to import. The file will contain the following eight fields:
1. Last Name
2. First Name
3. Address
4. City
5. State
6. Zip (Postal) Code
7. Guardian Name
8. Phone Number
You do not have to use
all eight fields; you cannot use more than these eight fields.
Here is an example of what one line in the file will look like with data in all of the fields:
"Doe","Mary
Ann","13 William Street","Dallas","TX","78101","Mary
and Ed Doe","345-5769"
Here is an example of what three lines in the file will look like with data
in only some of the fields:
"Doe","","13 William
Street","Dallas","TX","78101","Mary
and Ed Doe",""
"Jones","Sally","","Hartford","CT","","Mrs. Sam Jones","123-456-7890"
"Washington","Martha","128 Jefferson
Street","Dallas","TX","78101","",""
Note that unused fields
contain double quotes ("")
2 SAVE THE FILE
The Filename can be any name as long as the extension is .CSV. For example, "New Students.CSV" or
"Additional Student Data.CSV" or "New Registrants.CSV". So, use the
Save As function from your database or spreadsheet program, and select the type
called Text & Commas (.csv).
CompuDance has a folder in which you must place the file. It is named Import Data, and can be found in the \CDW folder. The path is: C:\Program Files\CDW\Import
Data. Put your file there using Save
As.
3 IMPORT THE FILE
1. Create a New Year into which you want to import the data.
For example, "Imports"
or "Import1".
Remember, there can be no data in the year - it
must be blank.
2. From the Menu Bar in the CompuDance Main Window, in a year other
than that New Year
click GoTo,
then Import Data.
3. The CompuDance Explorer will open. Select your .CSV file in the Import Data folder.
4. You will be asked to enter the Year and then the Studio into which you want to import the data.
5. CompuDance will do the rest. It will import the
students and assign them Student Numbers
sequentially based upon the highest Student
Number you have used. For example, if the highest
Student Number was 678, and you imported data
for three students, their Student Numbers would be
679, 680, and 681.
4 TRANSFER THE STUDENTS
If you need to transfer any of the imported student records into a year in which you already have student data, simply use the transfer option - from the SRD click Options, then Transfer A Student.
If you can send an E-Mail to each student or family from the SRD or FRD, but some E-Mail Addresses seem to skip when sending Bulk E-Mail to All Students or A Class, or the sending stops part way through, the problem is often caused by your ISP. They may be restricting the number of E-Mails that you can send at a time on one connection, or continuously, or in one day through CompuDance. This is to try to prevent their users from sending SPAM.
Another cause is sometimes because you have a Student Name or a Family Name that contains quotes (for example, Gorman, MaryAnne "Annie"). Please check this first as the use of double quotes in a name is often the cause of the problem. Another cause is sometimes an incorrect format for an E-Mail Address. Don't use < > or " " in an address. Another possible cause is a corrupt E-Mail address file that is not able to create a specific list of E-Mail recipients. In this case, you need to call and we will take a look at your problem on the phone.
If none of the above are problems, then there are several other solutions you should try.
First, turn off your AntiVirus program if it is scanning E-Mails as you send them. Also, turn off your Firewall. Then send the bulk mail. If it works Ok, turn back on the E-Mail Virus scanning and the Firewall immediately after sending.
Second, if that does not work, you can try reducing the Maximum Continuous E-Mails On A Single Connection configuration. From the CompuDance Main Window click Configuration, then click the E-Mail tab. The default is 21. Change that to a lower number. Try 10. Now run the bulk E-Mail operation again.
Third, if that doesn't work you might try breaking up the job into smaller segments. For example, if you have 250 E-Mails to send, try sending 50 at a time. CompuDance will prompt you to elect this solution when you are about to start a large bulk E-Mail project.
If these solutions do not work, your ISP might be restricting the number of E-Mails that you can send in a single day. Take a look at the imap.log file by using the CompuDance Browse operation. You may see something similar to: Maximum 200 E-Mails in a single day has been exceeded. If so, you need to contact your ISP and see if you can have that limitation removed. Or, you could try the second solution above, and after each send, wait 30 minutes or so, then reboot your computer. See if that gets you back on track.
NOTE Here is a message from a user who was having problems sending E-Mail - sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn't. Apparently she has found a unique solution. We offer this as something you might try if you happen to be in a similar situation. "I use my website server to handle my outgoing CompuDance email. Apparently, I have to read (or at least receive) all of my mail in my mailbox for the website before I send my CompuDance emails. That is maybe why it sometimes works, and sometimes doesn't. I am still not 100% convinced, but it did work today. I will keep my fingers crossed and my mailbox read!"
Here is how to set
the font, font size, and printer adjustment for printing Expense and Payroll Checks.
1. From the Expense/Payroll Main Window, click Trans.
Then in the Expense Transactions Window,
click Options.
2. Click Printer
Adjustment. Select the vertical and
horizontal adjustment numbers by scrolling and
then clicking the appropriate
number so that it is highlighted. Click Ok.
3. Click Options
again. Click Font
Selection for Check Printing. If you
are asked if you believe
that you need to change the
settings, click Yes.
4. CompuDance will display the current settings.
If you believe that they are correct, click Yes.
Otherwise, click No
to make changes.
5. If you clicked
7. CompuDance will ask you to confirm the previous font/font
size. Click No.
Click No
again in the next dialog box.
8. Select Courier New and 12 point in the next window. Click Ok.
9. Click Options again. Click Font Selection for Check Printing
. CompuDance will display
We compiled and tested new installation programs on January 29 2007, and we tested the actual program on January 30 2007. CompuDance is compatible with Windows Vista as released to the public on January 30 2007. The valid installation file for Vista is dated Feb 12 2007 or later.
There may be a few display problems in several windows that can be rectified by changing the Windows setting to Classic Windows. If you are going to move to Vista, please see our Keeping In Touch article dated Feb 10 2007 before you do so. And make certain that you read and print FAQ #27 and FAQ #28.
Updated May 21, 2007
Back to the Top
Here is how to get Windows Vista to display the underlined letter so that you will know what Alt+ to use as a shortcut in CompuDance.
Exit CompuDance. Click Start, then Control Panel. Click the Ease of Access Center icon. Find Make it easier to use keyboard shortcuts. Place a check mark on Underline Keyboard shortcuts and access keys. Click Save.
Now the Alt+ shortcut letter will be underlined.
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Almost all student, income, expense, class, recital data generated by CompuDance can be exported to other programs (Excel, MS Works, MS Word, etc). You can do this whenever you see a menu item that says
ClipBoard or ASCII, or when CompuDance asks you if you want to send data to the ClipBoard.
You should NOT install Version 7.2 (or any earlier versions of CompuDance) on Windows Vista computers. You should only install Version 8.0 or later!
If you installed a pre-8.0 CompuDance on your Vista computer (7.3, 7.2, 7.1, 6.2, etc), you will need to remove it (uninstall it) and then install 8.0 or later. Here is how you must remove any pre-8.0 version of CompuDance from a Vista computer:
1) Use Vista Uninstall
from the Control Panel. Click the CompuDance item in the list box of
programs. Select uninstall. When asked, select Automatic (not
Custom).
2) When the Windows Uninstall has finished, double-click Computer (used to
be My Computer) icon on your Desktop. Double-click the C: drive.
Double-click the Program Files folder.
3) Double-click the CDW folder. Look up at the top of the display (where the Menu Bar or Tool Bar usually is) and see if there is an item called Compatibility Files. There's a 90% chance that it is there. If so, open it. Delete all of the folders and files in that Compatibility Files folder. Windows will ask if you want to send them to the Recycle Bin. Say Yes. NOTE: This Step 3 is most important!
4) Now delete the CDW folder. Again, allow Windows to send it to the Recycle Bin.
5) Go to the Windows Folder and look for the following files: CDWExp, CDWStud, and CDWMail. Delete them.
6) Empty the Recycle Bin. This is most important!
7) Restart your computer. Now it should be safe to install CompuDance, Version 8.0 or later. Be sure to follow the instructions in FAQ #28.
There are some configurations needed to use CompuDance on Windows Vista. Here is how you must set those:
Step 1
Immediately after installing CompuDance Version 8 on a Windows Vista computer, you need to set certain Vista configurations for CompuDance before you run the program. So, set the following security configurations after installing and before running CompuDance. Remember, you must do this before you run CompuDance!
1. Double-click the Computer
icon on your Desktop.
2. Double-click the C: drive.
3. Double-click the Program
Files folder.
4. You will see a folder named CDW. This is where CompuDance
keeps all of your program and data files. Click that folder one time with
the right mouse button. Now click Properties
one time with the left mouse button.
5. Click the Security
tab with the left mouse button. Click the Edit
button.
6. Highlight the Administrators Group.
If there is no check mark in the Allow
column for Full Control,
then place one there. When you do, Windows should then place check marks
in all of the other items under Full
Control (except the last one - Special
Permissions).
7. Finally highlight the Users
Group each user who will be using CompuDance).
Again, if there is no check mark in the Allow
column for Full Control,
then place one there. When you do, Windows should again place check marks
in all of the other items under Full
Control (except the last one - Special
Permissions). Do that for all users of CompuDance.
8. Click the Apply
button, then click OK.
Windows Security will save the configurations.
Step 2
1. Right-click the CompuDance Students icon on your desktop.
2. Select Run as Administrator.
3. Again, right-click the CompuDance Students icon on your desktop.
4. Click Properties. Click the Compatibility tab.
5. In Privilege Level, place a check in Run this program as administrator.
6. Click Apply, then Ok.
7. Now go
back and do 1 thru 6 again, this time using a different icon
(CompuDance Expenses, then Music Locator, finally A
File of Friends).
8. To finish, you must restart your computer.
We do not guarantee any version on Vista except Version 8!
The fees you will pay for the privilege of accepting and processing credit cards is about 5 times the fees you will pay for the privilege of accepting and processing EFT (Electric Funds Transfer).
We strongly urge you to accept only EFT Payments. It will save you hundreds of hours of data entry time, and it will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in processing fees.
You don't believe that? Check it out.
What is EFT? The answer is here.
Client Data Security
CompuDance cares about the security of your
clients' sensitive data. Version 8 now encrypts all Credit Card Account numbers and all EFT Bank
Account numbers that you enter in your clients' data files. It also makes
certain that the CVV number is NOT stored on your computer. When you upload CC and EFT transaction files to our processor, Smart Payment
Solutions, the sensitive data is encrypted by SPS as it goes through the Internet from
your computer to the SPS web site. After uploading the file, you should
delete that file from your computer. CompuDance has created an
exact "Copy" of the uploaded file with encrypted account numbers. If you keep
only the "Copy" on your computer, no one can read the account numbers.
Starting January 1, 2009 we will guarantee data file compatibility with only Smart Payment Solutions; no other EFT or CC processor.
We have done our part to secure your clients' banking and credit card data. You must do your part. By working together we can protect your clients' sensitive data and your obligations!
E-Mail Security
Normal E-Mail communications are sent in an
unsecured manner from client to server. With simple snooping software, it
is relatively easy to spy on E-Mail communications sent in this manner. And
once someone sniffs your password, they will be able to log into your E-Mail
account anytime. The
best way to protect data as it goes between client and server is with SSL
encryption. Starting with Version 8, the CompuDance E-Mail operations
support SSL.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts all data passing between client and server and therefore not only protects your passwords, but your E-Mail text as well. To use SSL encryption it must be supported by both the E-Mail client and server.
When connecting to an E-Mail server via SSL, the port number will be different than the port which is used for standard "non SSL" communication (usually Port 25). The following port numbers have been assigned for each E-Mail protocol over TLS/SSL: Port 465 for SMTP; Port 995 for POP3.
CompuDance supports outgoing SMTP E-Mail using Port 465; incoming POP3 E-Mail using Port 995. If your ISP supports SSL, and you wish to use that for CompuDance, please use these ports in the E-Mail Configuration tab.
Here is how you can
E-Mail your studio's Schedule of Classes to all of your students.
1) Display a List of Classes. (From the Main Window click Classes
> List of Classes
> Options
> All
Classes > Display
Only.)
2) Sort the list as you want it.
3) Click Export
this Grid. Select To
A File.
4) From the Main Window click E-Mail
Operations. Select the operation you
want.
5) When asked, say Yes, you want to include an attachment.
6) Select the file Master
List of Classes.txt in the right panel.
CompuDance will send the list as an
attachment to those students you selected in Step 4 above.
If you want a list of specific classes (all Jazz, or all Tap, or all Hip Hop, or
all classes by a specific Teacher, etc.), use that criteria in Step 1 above
instead of All Classes.
Here's how you can quickly E-Mail a Student her/his class schedule. The information in the E-Mail will contain the Student's Name, Address, Tuition, and Class Schedule.
1) In the SRD
Press <Ctrl/C>.
2) Click the E-Mail panel in the SRD Status Bar to display the E-Mail
Composition Dialog Box.
3) Enter a subject. Click the message text box. Press
<Ctrl/V>. The data will be pasted in the message area.
4) You can edit the data, if you want. Click Send to send the
E-Mail.
Updated December 4, 2008