Common Causes of Computer Problems

Please don't expect to resolve issues if the computer has not been properly prepared for commercial use. Almost all computers sold locally are intended for home use. They may have slower processors, insufficient RAM memory, inferior components...

Speed Up BCSS

1. If the computer is running slowly or 'crashing', in all probability it doesn't have enough resources (RAM memory, hard disk/front-side bus/clock speed and/or the resources are being consumed by other programs. (There are other causes like viruses, spyware, damaged components...) Right click on the Taskbar and start Task Manager. Click on Processes. Click on the header for memory to sort programs by the amount of memory each is using and observe which are using the most. Next, click on start and type msconfig then click on Startup. These are all of the programs running in the background, using up resources. Most of them can be disabled. Consult with an IT tech or someone knowledgeable before stopping any of them. It's important to understand how a computer works before concluding that any software program is responsible for a computer 'crashing'.
2. In the Inventory Work Area, select Batch Delete and delete old records.
3. Do the same thing in the Consignors Work Area.
4. On the Main Menu, click on Inventory then Storage and use the option to send items to Storage.
5. In Program Setup on the General tab, check the option to turn Automatic Lists off. That will stop BCSS from repopulating the table each time a Work Area is changed. If records are 'missing' with this option turned off, click the View-All button to refresh the list.

   

6. In Program Setup on the General tab, check the option to turn Print Preview off. That will stop BCSS from presenting the Print-Preview Screen. Be aware that previews of labels and sales receipts will no longer appear.
7. Increase the computer's RAM memory. You might want 2 gigs of RAM for XP, 3-4 gigs for Vista/Windows 7 (for 32-bit). For 64-bit, much greater amounts of RAM are allowed.
8. Use the Rebuild Database Indices feature under Utilities.
9. Defrag the hard drive. (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter, or search Windows Help for defragment)

Your Computer

Almost invariably difficulties are caused by using:

• Laptops - Laptop computers have slower processors to keep them from over heating. They can be suitable for business use if they have adequate resources (RAM memory, free hard-drive space, clock speed, front-side bus speed) and are in good working order (relatively new, free of malware/viruses and unneeded programs).
• Computers with processors that are not Pentium or AMD (like Celeron and Centrino - often found in laptops and 'off-the-shelf' computers)
• Business computers connected to the Internet, particularly without adequate virus and malware protection - (AVG, Kaspersky and other free anti-virus programs are not adequate. Use ESET. If it's necessary to use a free program, use Microsoft Security Essentials.)
• Computers infected with viruses, malware, spyware, adware
• Computers with inadequate resources (free disk space, RAM memory, clock speed)
• Computers with corrupted Windows registries (causes error 1429 - See below)
• Windows Vista/7 - For BCSS (and most software) to run properly, the user must be logged into the computer as Administrator to install and run software.
• Improper computer use, including no surge protector/power backup, shutting the computer off with the power button (vs. Start > Shutdown), stopping BCSS while it's performing a function...
• Other software programs. (Go to Control Panel, Programs (or Add/Remove Programs) and remove unused software. Be careful.)
• Other software programs. If BCSS was working and stops working, were other programs installed prior to the cessation? Quite often the culprit is an update to another program (like an anti-virus program or Windows itself). When BCSS 'stops working' do a system restore. (See Windows help.)
• Too many printer drivers. (Go to Control Panel, Printers and delete all unnecessary drives.)
• Windows. It's a software program. Like any other it can and does become corrupted and needs to be reinstalled.
• Computers at work should be dedicated to work functions. They certainly should not be used to download from the Internet, particularly not from BitTorrent sites. If the computer is loaded with unnecessary software, runs too slow, crashes often - reformat the hard drive, reinstall Windows (preferably XP Service Pack 3 or Win7 Professional) and give your computer a fresh start.

When a computer with one or more of the above afflictions is used in a commercial environment, it is the computer that becomes confused, overwhelmed and exhausted. It is the computer, not the software program, that 'locks up' and 'crashes'. There's nothing wrong with the software. This has been proven by over hundreds businesses currently using BCSS on commercial-grade, well-maintained computers.

From Microsoft: "The most common causes of corruption are bad sectors on storage media, lost clusters, cross linked files, malfunctioning anti-virus software, viruses, and system crashes. Although 99 percent of a file may be intact, a few missing or corrupted structures are enough to stop an application cold, leaving the user frantic and the IT professional in a jam."

Free Computer Analysis

If you would like to see how many (hundreds of) errors reside on your computer, please download and run the free scan from Advanced System Optimizer. It will check for junk files and folders, disk drive fragments, spyware and malware, privacy traces, outdated/missing drivers, Windows Registry errors and fragments.

Here's the download link: http://get.esellerate.net/get/ALP92589666/default.htm?skuid=SKU8991693020&affid=AFL9534385278&at=&pt=

After download close the browser window of instructions. The Smart PC scan screen should be present and ready. Select Deep Scan and click the blue Start Smart PC Care button.

At the end of the scan, you'll see a report of its findings. Click the orange Register Now button to purchase the program and repair the errors.

System Requirements

• RAM Memory: XP: 512KB (1 gig preferred); Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit): 2-4 gigs; 64-bit maximums (not required for BCSS): Starter: 8GB, Home Basic: 8GB, Home Premium: 16GB, Professional: 192GB, Enterprise: 192GB, Ultimate: 192GB
• Clock Speed: 3GHz
• Processor: Pentium or AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) - never Celeron or Centrino
• Operating System: Windows XP or Vista with latest Service Packs
• Commercial grade surge protector

Poor Maintenance

'Disk Defragmentation' and 'Registry Repair' are necessary to keep hard drives and registries clean. (See PC Maintenance.)

Internet Infections

If a computer is connected to the Internet, it must be protected from viruses, spyware, adware and malware. A slow-running or crashing computer are sure signs that the computer is infected. It is said that it only takes 12 minutes for an unprotected computer to become infected when connected to the Inet. ESET Smart Security is the best product available. Free services like Avast and Kaspersky are not adequate.

Windows Security Updates must be performed frequently. Windows should be set to Updated Automatically once per day at a time when the computer is on. By default, automatic updates are set for 3 a.m. when most computers are off. (See Windows Help.)

Important Notice

Troubleshooting BCSS

Please don't expect to resolve issues if the computer has not been properly prepared for commercial use.

Difficulties sometimes arise when program files become corrupted. Corruptions can be caused by power surges or spikes, inappropriate closing of BCSS, hard computer shutdowns, poor downloads, low computer resources and so on.

Fixing the Problem

The new FoxPro version of BCSS includes 2 options under Utilities to make it easy to resolve 'lock ups' and some minor glitches: Rebuild Database Indices and Reset Program. Please use these options first when a problem is encountered.

The next option is to exit BCSS and turn the computer completely off (not restart) and retry the function that caused the problem. If the problem persists, update the BCSS program to the most recent version:

• If your database files were sent to us for adjustment, click on the link corresponding to your BCSS edition to obtain the latest version of BCSS. (Save the bcss.exe file in (C:\BCSS or C:\Program Files(x86) or C:\Program Files\BCSS):
  
  

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Update BCSS

Click on 'Check for Update' under Help and follow the instructions.

The message that opens reads:

• "If an update is available, it will be necessary to reboot your computer.
• If it is ok to reboot now, close this window, click on Help then click on "Check for Update' again.
• BCSS will close. Your computer will reboot.
• It might be necessary to modify your data. If so, notice and instructions will appear.
• When you restart BCSS, the new update will have been applied, if it is ready.
• If you were experiencing a difficulty prior to the update, check to see that the problem has been resolved.
• If it has not been resolved, click on Help and select 'Send Email to Help Desk'. Send an email to us. Include your name, shop name, the error message(s) (if any) and the actions that produce the error. Please be specific."

BCSS was working. Now it doesn't.

If BCSS was working and now there's a problem, the cause could be any number of things. Unfortunately we can't be there at the time of the occurrence of the cause so we have to ask questions to find out what caused the problem. Was another program installed or updated in the interim? Was Windows updated? Are employees shutting the computer off with the power button or interrupting BCSS while it is processing? Electrical surge? (Is there a surge protector between the power supply and the computer?) Email us for free support (or phone Joy Archer at 972-898-7921 for telephone support) when there's a problem. So far we've been able to fix most issues (in 9+ years).

Error 111 usually occurs when using Vista. Install BCSS by right-clicking on the installation file and select Properties. Click the Compatibility tab, check 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' and select Windows XP. To run BCSS, right click on the BCSS Desktop icon and choose to run as Administrator. This is a primary reason for the immense dissatisfaction with Windows Vista. (more about Vista)

Error 1429 The database on your computer where Windows and other programs store information is called the 'Registry'. Over time the registry becomes cluttered with broken links and unnecessary information. Use Advanced System Optimizer

Error 1806 indicates that the BCSS database has been changed and your files need to be adjusted. Please email support to arrange to have your program updated.

Error 1924 (Sale Form is not an object Line of code with error: Line number of error: 4409 Program with error: APP_TOPFORM.TOOLBAR.ERROR) - sometimes appears when attempting to enter a second sale. This is an indication of a corrupted program file. Please email support to arrange to have your program updated.

BCSS is locked after it has been unlocked. - (See Windows Vista.)

"The resource file is not valid. Overwrite it with a new one yes or no? - It is safe to answer "Yes". The message should go away and no damage will be done to data files.

Email Function Doesn't Work. - Recent Windows Updates have broken the link in the email component used in BCSS. We are waiting for the author of the print preview component to fix it.

Printing Account History limited to 1 page - This was corrected in the 4/26/09 update, version 5.1.2486. Please contact support to update BCSS.

Email Support (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. (Instructions) For phone and remote PC help, contact: Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email or Computer Mechanics, 800-448-1436 (MI), email.