seaBILL Legal Software - Free Support

Free Online Support - Network Issues

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Network Issues

N1 - Network Installation

N2 - Error 3000, 3024, 3044, 3051, etc./Unable to Load Custom Control Error

N3 - Slow Program Start Across Network

N4 - Network Password Protection

N5 - Exclusive Access while Printing Bills

N6 - One user across network

N7 - Upgrade stand alone to networking

N8 - Add/Reinstall Workstation

N9 - Networking option necessary?

N10 - Network setup support

N11 - One work station gets errors; others work fine

Network Issues
N1. Problem: How do I install BSA Pro / Conflict Checker on a network?

Solution: After you install the main program on the 'server', set up the workstations that will connect to the 'server' by running the free seaBILL Work Station installation program on the work stations. This work station installation program is found in the 'WrkStn' folder of the CD or on the free Utilities Download page of this web site.
Detailed work station installation instructions are in the 'WrkStn' folder of the CD or on the free Network Info page on this site.
Also, here's a link to a web site that carefully walks you through the process of setting up a network in any version of Windows:
networksetup123.com

N2. Problem: Our program is installed on a network and when a workstation tries to execute the program, we get an error message such as: "Error 3000 (or 3024, 3044 or error 3051) BSA/CC Database could not open..." or "Unable to load custom control CPWCTRL.VBX" or some other error that indicates a file cannot be opened on the 'server'.

Solution: CHECK THE PATH - First, be sure the work station is referencing the correct name of the 'server' or shared drive. If the program can't find a file, it's likely you've told it to look in the wrong place.

SHARING - Then, be sure the 'server' (or shared drive) is set up to allow Sharing and that the drive and/or program folder in question is shared. (START BY SHARING THE ENTIRE DRIVE.) If this is not done, the work station cannot open the database file on the 'server'.
One way to do this in Windows XP is to install the program into the Shared Folder on the server.
For Small Business Server, install the program to the PUBLIC folder. (Even if you think that's not necessary, try it if you're having problems since it has worked for several SBS users.)
Here's a link to the free Microsoft Help Center that explains sharing in Windows XP:
Microsoft Help Center - XP Sharing

MAPPING - If that does not solve the problem, chances are your workstation is connecting to the server using path names that don't use drive letters. The work station MUST connect to the server's hard drive using a LETTER rather than a logical name. If you're getting an error message such as 'Can't Run 16-bit Windows Program' check the Path shown in the body of the error message. It MUST start with a drive letter. If it does NOT start with a drive letter, you have not mapped (assigned) the drive to a letter. So, if you see a path that starts with back slashes ( \\ ) or an alias name (such as 'Bob's Computer') rather than a letter, you need to map the drive to assign it a letter.
Assign the 'server' a drive letter and re-connect the work station to the server using the drive letter and actual path to BSAPro.exe (or ConfChek.exe) rather than an aliased name. One user has reported that he "mapped the entire C drive rather than just the BSA Pro file" and this worked. If you're having problems, this is worth a try. Once you get it working, you can start fine-tuning the mapping to only include the program folder for the program and possibly the Windows and/or System folders, as needed.
Here's a link to the free Microsoft Help Center that explains how to map a drive letter from the work station to the server's hard drive in Windows XP:
Map a Network Drive - Microsoft Help Center
Here's another Microsoft support article that explains how to map a drive:
Map a Drive
Also, here's a link to another site that nicely explains mapping a network drive in XP: networksetup123.com - map a drive
Here's a link that explains how to change or re-assign the server's hard drive letter:
Change Server Drive Letter - Microsoft Help Center

LEVEL 5 ACCESS - After reading the above Microsoft Help Center article on Sharing, you will see that you want to start with Level 5 access so everyone can read and write the files in the shared folder. This is necessary because users must be able to WRITE to the database file as well as read it. After you have it working, you can fine tune your approach if you have special security concerns.
And, here's a link to a site that walks you through the process:
networksetup123.com - Sharing Help

OPPORTUNISTIC LOCKING - Also, you may find it necessary to disable opportunistic locking in Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 and SBS. For help with that, please see the following Microsoft Help Center article: Microsoft Help Center - Configuring opportunistic locking in Windows.

ERROR 3000 - For error 3000, try re-booting the 'server'. If this doesn't work, then your database may be corrupt. For help with data corruption, CLICK HERE.
If you're installing on a peer-to-peer network, try installing the main program on a different computer and treating that computer as the shared drive. Then, try to connect from the computer that was previously the 'shared' computer. If this works, you can simply stay with that configuration or look at the settings on the working computer to see the differences that may account for the behavior. This last idea will often reveal the problem and is especially useful if you have a mixed operating system environment.

WINDOWS XP with SP2 - Also, if you're running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2), it's likely the built in Firewall is preventing others from accessing the hard drive regardless of the settings. To correct this problem with Windows, please see the following article from Microsoft: Microsoft Knowledgebase Article

N3. Problem: Our program is installed on a network and when a workstation tries to execute the program, it takes a long time to start. Other programs on the network start right away.

Solution: There may be a virus checking program that is delaying the start up of the BSA/CC program until after the virus checker has finished its business. You can disable the virus checker or change its settings to a less aggressive style of protection if you want or, if you need the protection, you'll simply have to wait until the virus program finishes checking the files. Once it's done, the program should run at a normal pace. This issue is not limited to BSA/CC. This issue is present in ANY application that opens another file. Virtually all database applications (such as time and billing applications) will open a database file. When this occurs, some virus checkers will intercede and examine the file being opened. Non-database applications (such as a word processor) normally do not open other files in the way database applications do. Thus, if you have no other database applications, you won't see this issue on any program except BSA/CC.

N4. Problem: Can we protect various parts of the program with a password?

Solution: Yes. The latest version of BSA Pro has a feature that allows you to restrict access to various parts of the program. You can order the latest version at a special price discount if you're a registered user in compliance with the license agreement. Please email us for details.
Please note: If you restrict access with this feature, you must remember the password or you will be unable to change it or access restricted areas of the program. If you lose the password, use the Support Form to contact the support department for help. For a fee, our technicians will attempt to recover the lost password.

N5. Problem: BSA Pro tells us it needs 'exclusive access' to print bills. Why is this?

Solution: The printing of bills is a complex process that requires, among other things, calculations that affect many parts of the program. In order to insure the bills are mathematically correct and are printed correctly, the database is 'locked down' during this process. If this were not done, one user could be making a change to the data or program settings that could affect the bill(s) being printed by another user at that very moment. In that case, the bill could be printed incorrectly.
The solution is to ask all users to exit the program while bills are printed. As soon as the bills are printed, the 'lock' is released. Also, please note that many users will print drafts of bills and then finalize without printing and submit the 'draft' as the final bill. Because of this, it doesn't matter if you're printing drafts, previewing bills or printing and finalizing. In all cases, the database is 'locked down' so the bills produced by BSA for you, your clients, the court, etc. will be accurate. Further, the database can be corrupted if multiple users are in the program during finalization. The accuracy of the bills and protection of your data is vital and cannot be compromised. So, this 'feature' cannot be ignored or disabled.
If you are getting this error when no one else is in the program, try re-booting the server. This problem indicates Windows thinks another user is in the program and has not released the database file. Re-booting will force Windows to release the file.

N6. Problem: We want a seaBILL program on our network's 'server' for back up reasons but only one user will access the program across the network. Do we have to buy the networking option?

Solution: Yes. We charge one, flat additional fee for a networking license. The seaBILL networking option allows unlimited simultaneous users to access a seaBILL program. At seaBILL, we try to keep everything as simple as possible. So, unlike some software companies, we do NOT restrict the number of simultaneous users on our network licenses.
Therefore, whether you want one user or 100 users to access the program across a network, you need a network license to do so.
Further, it may not be a good idea to put the program on a server so it can be automatically backed up each night. Automatic back up systems often overwrite the prior file each night. If the back up media (usually a tape) is not changed each night, the nightly back up will wipe out the prior night's back up file and replace it with the most-current database file. If the database file has become corrupted during the day, then the last 'good' back up from the night before will be wiped out and replaced with a 'bad' back up. If you do not have multiple back up tapes, you have only one back up and it is now 'bad.'
Even if the back up system changes the name of the back up file each night (extremely rare in our experience), you would have only one back up medium for all your back ups. This is a very bad idea since any back up medium can fail (tapes are especially notorious for this), become lost, damaged, etc.
Finally, even if you change the tape each day (which, in our experience is very rare), tapes are expensive and, again, very prone to failure. This will limit the number of back up media you use.
The better solution if you have only one user may be to install the program on the user's local computer and have him/her back it up as needed to multiple floppy disks. Not only is it cheaper in several ways, it is more robust and the responsible user will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing who did the last back up and when it was done.

N7. Problem: We already use a stand alone version of a seaBILL program and we want to upgrade to the networking version. How can we test it BEFORE we order the upgrade?

Solution: The answer depends on whether you're moving the program to a new computer as part of the upgrade and whether any of the computers that will access the program is running Vista. If any of the computers that will run the program across the network is running Vista, then you'll need a version of the program that runs under Vista in order for that computer to use the program across the network. If no one on the network who will use the program is running Vista, then you won't need the latest version. If you need the latest version of the program, it's treated as a new purchase but you get a discount from the normal purchase price. The discount depends on when you bought your original license.

Moving program to a different computer - If you're moving the program to a different computer as part of your upgrade strategy and the new computer is NOT running Vista, you should install the program from the CD we originally sent. The program will start in Demo Mode and give you 35 days to set up the work stations and fully test the networking features BEFORE you place your upgrade order. The free trial program is network ready for this reason.
If the program has 'timed out' as soon as you install it, you can still test it. Set up the work stations and start the program across the network. All you need to see is the 'splash' screen with the program name and date check and time out message. If you can see the splash screen from the work stations, you are able to run the program across the network and the test is considered successful.
If your new computer is running Vista (Microsoft's newest operating system) and your firm is using version 4.8 or less of BSA Pro, then you will need to buy the latest version of the program in order to use it on the new computer. (You will receive a discount on your upgrade purchase depending on when you bought the program originally. CLICK HERE for more on the upgrade discount.) In this case where Vista is the operating system, you should download the latest version of the program from our free trial page rather than install from the CD. CLICK HERE to go to the download page.
For detailed help setting up the networking and work stations, CLICK HERE.
Once the program is working to your satisfaction on the network, Order the upgrade from the online seaBILL Secure Upgrade Store and give us the serial number from the NEW copy of the program. After you get a password from us, retrieve your old data from a back up you made in the old program. Be sure to use the built in retrieval feature. Do NOT simply copy the old database file to the new computer or you will void your new password.

NOT moving program to a different computer - If you plan to leave the program on the same computer it is currently running on and you want to add the networking feature, you'll need to test your network setup first and then place your order.
If you're just adding the networking option to your existing version of the program, then you won't need to install the program again.
If, however, you want the latest version of the program (probably because one or more computers on the network is using Vista and you therefore need the latest version for it to run under Vista), then you will need to test your existing version of the program first and install the latest version of the program only AFTER you have successfully tested your existing program. The latest version of the program implements the networking feature in EXACTLY the same way as the old versions so, by testing your existing program, you'll know that it will work with the latest version. This way, you'll know the program will work on your network BEFORE you place your order.
To test your existing program, Download the free Network Test Utility from this web site. After you download the free Network Test Utility file (bsanwtst.exe), copy it to your current seaBILL folder (where the program is currently installed). It MUST BE IN THE SAME FOLDER as BSA Pro (or Conflict Checker if that's what you're testing).
Once the test utility is in the folder where BSA (or CC) is installed and your server's hard drive is set up to share files, set up your work stations in accordance with the detailed instructions in the free Network Info part of this web site. Then, try to start the Network Test Utility program (bsanwtst.exe on your server) from a work station. This will test whether you can open the program across your network.
If the test utility works, then you know your network is set up properly and you can simply order the latest version of the program or, if you just want the networking option added to your existing program, order the networking upgrade only and give us the serial number from your current copy of the program. We'll process your order and email you further instructions completing the process. Once you upgrade your current program, have the work stations start the real program rather than the test utility. For BSA Pro, the real program file name is BSAPro.exe. For Conflict Checker, it's ConfChek.exe.
If you get an Error 91 "Object variable not set" while testing the network with the Network Test Utility, it most likely means you either did not put the network test program in the folder with BSA Pro (or CC) or you did not check the option to "Allow network users to change my files" on the server. This error means the network test program could not locate or could not read the BSA.MDB database file.
If you get some other error and can't successfully open the test utility across the network, refer to the free Network Setup Help.

N8. Problem: I need to add a work station or we suspect a work station installation may be corrupt and want to reinstall it. What to do?

Solution: The CD we send with every order has the seaBILL Work Station Installation program on it. (You can also download it at no charge.) To add a new work station or reinstall a work station, simply run the Work Station Installer program. It copies the files you need to run seaBILL programs across a network. It does NOT install the main program (that should only be done on the server or shared drive). After you run the installer, you can create a short cut to the main program on the server or shared drive.

N9. Problem: When purchasing the Silver Edition of BSA Pro, do we need to buy the networking option so two or more people can work on the program at once?

Solution: Yes. In order to use ANY seaBILL program across a network, you need the networking option. Once you have the networking option, there is no limit to the number of people who can work on the program at once.
Don't confuse the number of Biller Codes you can track in BSA Pro (Silver Edition = 2 unique Biller Codes; Gold Edition = 10 unique Biller Codes, Platinum Edition = 20 unique Biller Codes, etc.) with the networking option and the number of simultaneous users. The Silver Edition of BSA Pro allows you to track up to two unique Biller Codes for time keepers in your firm in one copy of the program. The networking option allows unlimited simultaneous users to access the program across your network REGARDLESS of the number of unique Biller Codes you can track.
Note: For technical reasons, only one user can be in the program during back up and bill printing operations even with the networking option.

N10. Problem: We can't get your program to work on our network. Will you call us and tell us how to do it?

Solution: We don't offer telephone support and we're not network consultants, so we can't do that. Setting up and maintaining your firm's network is not something we are qualified to do or want to be responsible for. It's not what we sell.
We sell software programs that work on all Windows-based networking systems. We have extensive, free network set up help on this web site that covers everything we know about setting up our programs to run on a typical network but, as they say, "your mileage may vary."
We won't process a networking order for one of our programs until you confirm that it is already working on your firm's network. We make the free trial program network ready so you can test it BEFORE you buy it.
We do it this way because it's not appropriate for us to setup, modify or maintain your firm's networking system. There are many aspects to a law office network in addition to the billing software. Your firm needs a local, competent, network technician if you need help installing, maintaining, moving, etc. your network resources.
If you bought a seaBILL program and it was working on your network and you later change your network configuration and it stops working, the same idea applies. We aren't network techs and we're not in business to maintain office network equipment. So, if you decide to get new equipment or make changes or repairs that might impact various programs on your office's network, you may find that you'll encounter problems or issues with various aspects of your network, including a seaBILL program that was working before you made the changes. In that case, you'll probably want to hire a local expert to help.
We don't sell support packages for networking issues for all the reasons just discussed above.

N11. Problem: One of the work stations on our network gets an error when using a seaBILL program but the other work stations work fine. What's wrong?

Solution: Since only one computer on the network gets the error, the problem is unique to this computer. This means either:
1) The computer has a problem; or
2) The network node (hardware) has a problem; or
3) The computer is hitting a corrupt record in the database that no other computer hits (this user accesses client/matter information that no one else uses).
We can't offer help with #1 and #2 since they are local problems that require on-site work.
You can easily eliminate #3 by hitting a record with the 'problem' computer that causes the error and then hitting that exact, same record with a 'non-problem' computer.
If the 'non-problem' computer gets the error, then it's most likely a corrupt database.
If the 'non-problem computer does NOT get the error, then you know there is something wrong with the 'problem' computer.
If you suspect a corrupt database, you can replace it with a non-corrupt back up or repair it or have us do it for a fee.
If there is something wrong with the computer, you should first try re-installing the free seaBILL Work Station Installer network set up program on that computer.
If that does not fix it and you have a wired network (not wireless), switch the computer with one that doesn't cause problems now.
If the error goes away, then it was the computer.
If the error shows up on the previously working computer, then it's a network hardware issue, such as the cabling/connections for that node. In that case, you'd work on that node.
If you have a wireless network, try moving the problem computer to a location closer to the wireless hub/router or a install a new/different wireless network card, if applicable, in the problem computer.