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WinTOTAL Benefits
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find a list Frequently Asked Questions about WinTOTAL and the latest version, Aurora. If you've got a question, you may find a quick answer right here. If you're issue isn't on this list, feel free to . We'll get you the answer and
try to post it here as well.
| Pre-installation questions |
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So, what's new in Aurora? Why do I want to install it? |
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A whole lot is new, and you're
going to like it. In addition to a cleaner interface, Aurora saves you time
by automating repetitive tasks. For example, as soon as you enter your
subject address, Aurora scans your system and shows you any reports you’ve
done on homes located nearby. Then, you can use the new SmartMerge feature
to merge in entire forms or just sections (such as the neighborhood section)
from the old report into the new one. In the meantime, Aurora automatically
inserts your location map and retrieves driving directions from your office
to the subject. If you have InterFlood, your FEMA flood map is retrieved as
well.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. You've also got single scrolling
forms (no more jumping from form to form), the ability to build your Comps
database with data from your MLS, side-by-side comp editing, more direct
integration with your XSite orders and contacts, vastly improved accounting
features hosted on your Appraiser XSite, true network-optimized SQL
databases and much, much more! |
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What are
the system requirements? |
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In summary, you need a computer
with 512 Mb RAM, running Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Vista with 500MB of free
space. Unlike our older "Athena", Aurora will not run on Windows 98, ME or 95. Click here
for document 5032 which has detailed system recommendations.
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Do I need to uninstall Athena before upgrading? |
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No, Aurora installs on top of
Athena and automatically upgrades your program and databases to the new
format in the process. But, as with any major software upgrade, you should
take the time to back up your Athena program before installing Aurora. If
you have Vault and Exact, this is easy. Another option is copying your
WinTOTAL Athena files to DVD, an external hard drive or a tape back up
system. You can reference document 4303 for further information. |
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Can I run
Aurora and Athena at the same time? |
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No. When you install Aurora, it converts your Athena data and settings, then removes the old version from your system. If you have a "spare" or extra computer that meets Aurora's requirements, feel free to install it there and practice a little bit. Going back to Athena is as simple as running a reverse installation with our custom built "reverter." For more information on this process, see Tech Doc 4999. |
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How can I
backup my existing files and settings? |
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This is one of our most common
support questions. The answer is using Vault and Exact. Vault comes as part
of our Elite packages and is also sold standalone. In addition to backing up
appraisal files online, you can also use Exact to store settings such as
QuickLists, digital signatures, contacts database, and other customizations. Click here for more details on Vault and Exact. |
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How long
does the installation take? |
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This depends on the speed of
your PC. Set aside 10 to 20 minutes for the install and then a few hours to
get acquainted with the new program layout.
Note: The install goes a
lot faster if you disable your antivirus software as well as close down any
other programs that may be running. As with any software, if you've got a
tight deadline and are pressed for time, don't run an upgrade until you can
set aside an evening or afternoon. |
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Do I need a new authorization
code to install Aurora? |
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No. For most people receiving a
CD, the Aurora installation will find the existing registration during an
upgrade and apply it automatically. If for some reason your settings cannot
be used, click the Help menu and choose Register WinTOTAL. From there, you
can obtain a new authorization code. For more assistance, consult document
5053. |
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Will the Aurora installation copy all my Athena content over? Or do I need to run a file conversion? |
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Except for your contacts,
Aurora takes care of any necessary file conversions during installation.
However, your individual reports are not actually converted until you open
them.
Your contacts are the one exception. Due to a complete redesign of this part
of WinTOTAL, additional information is required to properly convert your old
contacts databases to Aurora. You’ll be walked through this process the
first time you click on the Contacts PowerView in the Appraisal Desktop. |
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How long
will the older Athena be supported? |
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Indefinitely. We'll let you install either Athena or Aurora at any time and support both on our tech lines. Athena will not be "replaced" by Aurora at all. If all you want to do is fill out forms and print and deliver, Athena is perfect for you, and we won't make you switch. You can move up to Aurora's more advanced features later, or never. It's up to you. It will be like Microsoft Works versus Microsoft Office. Both are current products, but targeted at different types of users with different needs and different technological desires. |
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Can I share my Aurora reports with Athena users? |
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Yes. Before you send the report to an Athena
user, you'll need to make the report compatible with Athena by clicking the
File menu and choosing Save as Athena report. See document 5010 for more
information. |
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Will the current version of Pocket TOTAL work with Aurora? |
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Yes! You
can synchronize your Aurora reports with the current version of Pocket TOTAL
and gather field data in the same manner you do now. |
| Network Installations |
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How do I install on a network? |
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To install WinTOTAL - or
upgrade an existing Athena installation - on a network, the setup must be
run ON THE SERVER. Unlike other versions of WinTOTAL that could be installed
from a workstation, Aurora's needs to be run while sitting at the server.
This is because of our new SQL database platform - which greatly increases
the speed and reliability of WinTOTAL over a network – must be properly
configured on the server.
For additional network installation tips and instructions, see the WinTOTAL
Networking Guide. |
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Can I use my laptop with WinTOTAL on a network? |
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There are two ways to use a
laptop in conjunction with WinTOTAL on a network. The recommended method is
to install WinTOTAL as a stand-alone application on the laptop. Then create
a “shared files” folder on the network version of WinTOTAL which the laptop
can access. Complete instructions for this process are contained in the WinTOTAL Networking Guide. If you do not intend to use WinTOTAL when the
laptop is disconnected from the network, you can simply install WinTOTAL as
another workstation.
Note: If you intend to
use WinTOTAL on a laptop while it is disconnected, you must purchase a
Remote User license for it. Contact a la mode sales at 1-800-ALAMODE for more
information. |
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Do I need a special license to run WinTOTAL from my network? |
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WinTOTAL’s licensing covers its
use on a network. Thus, you can install WinTOTAL on a network, and allow any
number of users to access it, without purchasing an additional license. If, however, you have appraisers with standalone laptops or off-site PC's that need to run their own copy of WinTOTAL off the network, you'd need to purchase an additional site license for them.
Contact a la mode sales at 800-alamode for more information. |
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Can I use WinTOTAL over a VPN connection? What about Citrix or Go to My PC type tools? |
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WinTOTAL is designed to run
over a Local Area Network. While some customers have had success accessing
the software over a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or remote access tool
(such as Citrix, Windows Server or Go to My PC) a la mode does not support
these installations. |
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| Troubleshooting common
problems |
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I'm receiving
an error that says, "You may need to install File and Print Sharing for Microsoft
Networks. Please refer to the FAQ for details." |
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This is often due to security settings
on your PC. Refer to document 5001 for details on resolving this error so you can continue the
Aurora upgrade. |
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After installation,
I receive a message about closing setup.exe. |
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Depending on what programs are
installed or running on your PC when you install Aurora, the setup program may
need to restart your computer. If, for some reason, setup.exe can't be
closed automatically, you'll be notified. Just click "End now" and let
your computer restart.
If the Aurora installation needs to restart your
PC, be sure to leave the CD in the drive and log back into your PC with the
same username that started the Aurora installation. |
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| New FNMA Forms |
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Does Aurora already support the new FNMA 1004 form? |
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Yes, indeed. As usual, a la mode was the first company to release the new
forms to our customers. They have been a part of Aurora since its initial
release.
As with any new form, there are likely to be a number of questions about the
form and how it impacts Aurora. We’ve addressed the most common
software-related questions about the form in document 4531. Please note,
however, that any questions related to the content or appraisal issues
should be directed toward FNMA, the Appraisal Institute or your appraisal
organization. |
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How can I educate my customers about the new forms? |
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If you’re using an Appraiser XSite or
our automated marketing tool, XSellerate, we’ve added some new content to
the system to help you educate your customers about the new forms and what
impact they’re going to have on you, your turn-around times, and possibly
even your fees. For specific information on these tools – including a short
video on using the content - visit our FNMA Content page. |
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| General questions
about Aurora |
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Where do I get help for Aurora? |
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Aurora's fully-searchable,
context-sensitive User’s Guide is available throughout the program. Just
press F1 at any time in WinTOTAL - or click the Help menu and then Contents
- and the guide appears, often pre-loaded with the information you’re
seeking. If necessary, click the Search tab to find additional help on any
topic.
We've also provided a Help PowerView in the Appraisal Desktop that has links
to various guides and even videos. We'll be updating these throughout the
life of Aurora, so check back often to see the latest tutorials. |
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Where do I get maps? |
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The new net.X PowerView is now
the one location to download your location maps, flood maps and IDC information. |
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What phone number do I call when
I need technical support? |
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With a Platinum Partnership call 1-800-211-4514 24 x 7 including holidays.
With a Gold Membership call 1-800-211-4511 Monday through Friday from
6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central time
With a Silver Membership call 1-800-211-4511 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Central time
To send a fax, dial 1-800-211-4512 or e-mail support@alamode.com |
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Where do I find your Online Help
Section? |
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You can access all of the help
tools available for Aurora from our online Help Resources page at http://www.alamode.com/products/Appraiser/wintotal/support.aspx. |
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