Frequently Asked Questions about Campaign CraftwareFrequently Asked Questions about Campaign Craftware
Windows 95
Q: Will Campaign Craftware run under Windows 95?
A: Yes. All features can be used with ease under Windows 95, including printing of disclosure reports.
Q. Neither my campaign disclosure reports, nor any of my DOS programs will print any output. Am I doing something wrong?
A: When adding a printer, the Windows 95 set-up wizard will ask you if you will be printing from DOS programs. You must check the yes box. You may have to reinstall your printer if initially you did not configure the printer for printing from DOS programs.
Windows 3.1
Q: Can I run Craftware in Windows 3.1?
A: You can usually do most of your work (entering, editing, administrative reports, etc.) under Windows 3.1, but to print Disclosure Statements and Archive Data, you may have to run the program from DOS. The primary issue here is memory configuration. You can have all the memory in the world, but if it isn't properly configured, you can still run out. Our program requires at least 560K base memory free, but 580K is required to print disclosure reports.
Q: How do I know how much free base memory I have?
A: From the DOS prompt (e.g. "C:\CRAFT"), type "MEM". The line that says "Largest executable program size" will tell you how much free memory you have.
Q: How can I increase the free base memory?
A: If you have DOS version 6 or higher it is easy. Just type "MEMMAKER" from the DOS prompt and follow the instructions. For more information on this program type "HELP" at the DOS prompt or refer to your DOS manual. If you don't have DOS version 6 or higher, the easiest things to do is to upgrade. Otherwise you can call Statecraft or try to optimize your memory yourself, but be warned that it is all to easy to make changes that will mess up other portions of your system.
Q: How do I find out which version of DOS I have?
A: From the DOS prompt (e.g. "C:\CRAFT"), type "VER".
Q: What kinds of thing use up base memory?
A: Among the most common things to use up base memory are CD-ROM drives, Networks and SmartDrive. My system has all of these things and still runs Craftware, but the memory configuration becomes critical.
Printing
Q My disclosure reports printed out last time, why don't they print out now?
A: Usually this means that something in the system has changed since the last time reports were printed. The most common things are: a new printer, new hardware or software installed that changed the configuration, or someone, often a computer consultant, has changed something in the system not realizing that Campaign Craftware system requirements were being altered or deleted. Also the Windows installation program tries to run SmartDrive. which uses up memory.
Q: How can I speed up the printing of my disclosure statements?
A: There are two distinct processes involved in printing the disclosure statements. First there is the creation of the report, that is the stuff that goes on in the purple box, then there is the printing of the report.
Creation of the report is tied to the data that goes into the report, a 50 page report is going to take a great deal longer that a 15 page report.
1) Get a faster computer. We have very few speed complaints from our Pentium users. This is not to say that this is necessary to run the program, but the answer to your frustration can be just a few hundred dollars away. Also a faster hard disk can also speed up processing
2) Get more memory. This ties in with using SmartDrive., which substitutes memory for disk which is many times faster
Printing of the report is independent of the data. Disclosure reports may be printed through one of two separate processess:
Non PostScript Printers
GoScript is the printing utility that Campaign Craftware calls to print your disclosure reports if you do not have a PostScript printer. LaserGo, makers of GoScript, created a new version for us so that your reports will now print faster. This version GS32, has been distributed to those renewing their software license, and is included in the installation program for new users. GS32 is configuration routine will present itself when you select ( ) Non-PostScript HP compatible printer. One of the configuration items is Resolution. Example For HP 4 users, the appearance of 600x600dpi is almost identical to 300x300dpi but takes almost 4 times as long to print. Most people use 300x300, but you can also try 150x150.
(Note: After making these changes, it is easiest to time the printout of a cover page or summary page to see what kinds of speed increases you see.)
PostScript Printers
Of course all of the above can be ignored if you have a PostScript printer or a printer with a PostScript cartridge or chip upgrade. If you go this route, almost all of your memory problems will disappear and your disclosure reports will print faster.
Each of the following companies have PostScript printers, cartridges, or chip upgrades:
System Limitations
Q: Am I limited as to the number of contributors that I can enter into my database?
A. No.
Backups
Q: How do I backup my data?
A: Data backups are very easy and very important. All you have to do is select "Archive Databases" under "System Maintenance". The default prompt is Backup <B>, enter and you can either back your data to your hard disk or to a floppy. This is also the way that you copy your data to a disk if you ever need to send it to us.
Q: How do I restore from a backup ?
A: Restoring data is as easy as a backup. Again, is select "Archive Databases" under "System Maintenance". Charge the <B> to <R> for Restore and enter. You will be prompted for the drive from which to restore. Choose the directory date, for the data set you want to choose, highlight the zip file and enter.
Upgrades & Updates
We generally send out upgrades and updates for three reasons: a change in the law requires new forms and new compliance features for you, we have fixed a problem that is specific to your situation, or your software license has been renewed. Most of the changes that we make are minor in nature and are only a problem under very specific circumstances, but occasionally we add a major new feature. If ever you have a need that is not addressed by the software, please call us and we would be glad to discuss it with you and perhaps add your idea to our list of enhancements. New reporting and disclosure requirements are always the highest priority items.
This page last updated: 07/07/97
