This page is always under construction. Please bear with us!!
Some common problems and solutions
|
Can't register buyers |
Can't settle buyers |
Work Station won't settle bidders. |
Work Station won't post lots. |
|
The most common cause of this problem is corrupted mail list data file indices. The Fix: go to the Mail List Main Menu and touch <!> (Shift 1). This will reindex your mail list data files. You'll see names scrolling by, then a wait while the files are re-indexed. Please allow this operation to finish and return to the Mail List Main Menu. The time depends on the size of your data base and the speed of your computer. |
The most common cause is a missing buyer message file. The file is found in the OT folder and is named BUYER.MSG. You may create/edit this file with any text editor. |
The most common cause of this problem is that the software can't find a printer. You must attach a printer to LPT1 or capture LPT1 to a network printer. Check with your network administrator. |
The most common cause is an error in drive sharing/mapping. The fix is to set the server's C drive as a shared drive, and to map the work station's H drive to the server's C drive. From the workstation look at the network neighborhood. Can you see the server? Can you access it's C drive? If not, you've got a sharing/mapping problem. Your network administrator can remedy this for you. |
Data Security
There have been several questions regarding the security of your auction data. There are two sets of data connected to your auction: auction data files and mail list data files. ALL DATA on your computer should be backed up periodically. Failure to do this has added at least four new swear words to our vernacular.
Auction Data Files
When you Archive the auction, you have made a copy of the full auction dataset on a floppy disk. This equals a full back up of your auction data. However, sometimes power failure is a problem. I strongly recommend use of a UPS (uninterrupted power supply), but if you choose to run barefoot, and you lose power, ONLY the item in process (lot posting, bidder registry, etc.) will be lost. All previous data is secure. When you re-start following power failure, all of your data WILL be there.
Mail List Data Files
The mail list data files which hold your bidder's name, address, etc. are a set of indexed files. In the event of a power failure, usually during bidder registration, the indices can become corrupt. There is an easy fix called a re-index: at the mail list program main menu simply type an <!> (Shift 1). This key will begin a recreation of the indices. You'll see names scrolling by real fast. Then a wait while the data is reindexed. The time will depend on the size of your mail list and the speed of your computer. Please wait for this to finish and return to the Mail List Main Menu. I recommend a periodic reindex anyway. It will cleanup your data and remove trash that may have accumulated in your files. Now a tip for network users: you should, at the beginning of each auction, Freshen the Mail List Data Files at the work station. When you do this you create a mirror copy of your data files on the work station's hard disk drive. Now you have two copies of your mail list data. Pretty good data security.
Label Printing
The labels printing functions of One Ten vac are designed for use on a dot matrix printer using tractor fed label stock. If you need to print labels on a laser or ink jet printer (sheet fed, 30 labels per sheet) let us know and we'll reconfigure the label printer for sheet fed labels. We advise against printing labels on Hewlett Packard ink jet printers as the label sheet is rolled around the feed rollers with the labels out. The can cause a label to peel off the sheet and stick in your printer. When this happens, you'll probably need to take your printer to a service shop to have the label removed. I've had to do this several times. Hewlett Packard Laser printers, on the other hand, roll the sheet with the labels in, so it is much less likely that a label will stick in the printer. A word to the wise: examine your printer to determine the way it handles label sheets. If it rolls the sheet into the print engine with the labels out, print labels advisedly. A label stuck in your printer is a real mess!
Tips and Tricks
When you have lot(s) that you want flag out as non-taxable place an asterick (*) anywhere in the description. An example of this is when you are auctioning a vehicle. In most states the sales tax on a vehicle is paid at the Department of Revenue. You may separate this single item out as a non-taxable sale by including an asterick in the description. Example: 1998 Chevy Pickup*.
You may also sometimes want to flag a lot out as a non-commissioned sale. An example of this is when the Consignor has a single high dollar item. You may cut a deal with him to sell the item for a set amount, say $150.00. To flag this item out place an exclamation point (!) anywhere in the decsription. No commission will be charged against this item and you may add the $150.00 as an expense item. Example: 12 inch South Bend Lathe!.
Your Feedback is welcome!
If you'd like an issue addressed, or a question answered, or have a general comment, please submit it here: