Common Support Questions

Installation:

Q: Is an internet connection required to install the software?
A: Yes, the installation program itself is a downloadable file. Also during the installation, it will download and install the correct version of required components, such as NET Framework and SQL Server Express.

Q: I don't have Microsoft SQL Server, do I need to install it first?
A: No, the installation process will automatically download, install, and configure Microsoft SQL Server Express for you. Most companies will never outgrow the 4GB database size limit in SQL Express, but if you have multiple sites and users, you might eventually want to scale up and purchase the full version of Microsoft SQL Server to take full advantage of your hardware resources.

Q: Can I use my existing Microsoft SQL Server installation as the back end for the software?
A: Yes, it must be SQL Server 2008 or newer version. Install the program on the SQL Server computer or another computer that has a connection to SQL Server and choose "Network Server" installation type. The program will be installed without installing a new instance of Microsoft SQL Server Express. During installation you must enter your SQL Server name and SysAdmin login credentials to create the TruckTracker database and SQL login accounts.

Q: Can I share the program with other computers on my local area network?
A: Yes, you can run the program directly from a shared network folder or mapped drive. Add a shortcut on your desktop to the application's executable file and make sure the "Start In" path is the same folder as the executable. When you run the program for the first time, you need to enter the fully-qualified SQL Server name on the login screen before you can connect to the network database.

Q: Can I access the program remotely over the internet from my computer at home or off-site?
A: Yes, you can access the program remotely using your existing Remote Desktop connection, Terminal Server, VMWare, or Citrix. Fleetsoft is also offered as a completely web-based application, allowing you to access your fleet anywhere, any time, with any device with an internet connection.

Q: I've been using an older version of the software for years; can I install the latest version without upgrading my computer?
A: If you do not have at least 2GB or RAM, or at least Pentium 4, Xeon, or comparable processor, then you should seriously consider upgrading or replacing your computer. The software can run on Windows XP SP3 (although we advise you to upgrade from XP at your earliest convenience) and Server 2003 SP1, but it could be slower and more problematic. Some older computers might not efficiently run Microsoft SQL Server software. The proactive investment in upgrading your hardware will pay off in user productivity and less hardware problems in the future.

Q: I only have one server with everything installed on it acting as a Domain Controller; can I install Fleetsoft on it?
A: You cannot install the Standalone System option because Microsoft SQL Server Express (2008 or newer) cannot install with default accounts on a Domain Controller. You can install the software on a different computer, or you can use your own installation of SQL Server Express (2008 or newer) and install Fleetsoft with the Network Server option.

Q: How do I reinstall Fleetsoft software?
A: Make sure you have your most recent database backup file from your existing installation. To reinstall on the same machine, make sure you remove the old installation of Fleetsoft from the windows control panel. If you need to reinstall the complete system including SQL Server Express database, make sure to uninstall Microsoft SQL Server first (choose TRUCKTRACKER database engine only). To reinstall you need to download and run the full installation from FleetSoft's website. If you reinstall the complete system including SQL Server Express database, then you will need to relicense the program before you are able to restore your backup file. After you login, go to Help->Register Product and use your existing license activation code from FleetSoft.

Q: How do I move the software or database to another computer or server?
A: Yes, you can move the entire database by making a full database backup file first, and then reinstalling the program on the new machine. You will need to relicense the program with your existing activation code before you can restore your full database backup file. If you installed a newer version of the software than your existing database version, you will need to run the installation again and choose "Repair" to upgrade the database. Remember to uninstall the TRUCKTRACKER Microsoft SQL Server database engine from your old server.

Q: I received an error about SQL Server installation failed, and the entire process stops, what should I do?
A: You must check the SQL Server installation log folder to determine the exact error before you continue. Two of the most common reasons that SQL Server installations fail are because either the computer is waiting for a pending reboot to happen, or the computer is setup as a Domain Controller. Try rebooting first, otherwise you might need to resolve the error message first, or install on a different computer.

Q: The software installed but I cannot login to the program and I receive an error message, what should I do?
A: If you are installing the complete system on only one machine (and you are not using an existing SQL Server installation), then make sure you choose the "Standalone System" option to install SQL Server database software.

Reporting and Exporting Data:

Q: Can I import my fleet data from another program into Fleetsoft
A: Yes, with the right user permissions, you can manually import CSV formatted text files into Fleetsoft. Choose the import type under File->Import and then select the file ascii-formatted CSV file. Now map only the fields you need from the CSV file to the fields in Fleetsoft.

Q: Can I export my data and reports to Excel?
A: Yes, you can send almost any report to Excel as well as customize any export to include only the fields and the records you want to export to Excel.

Q: How do I create a report in PDF format?
A: In the print preview window choose File->Save As, select the PDF option, and enter the full location and filename to save as.

Q: Can I quickly email a report in PDF format?
A: Yes, you can easily email any report including work orders, invoices, and purchase order as a PDF attachment using SMTP or MS Outlook.

Barcode Printing and Scanning:

Q: How do I setup my barcode printer to work with Fleetsoft?
A: Fleetsoft requires minimum 3x2 label size. Using a serial cable you can plug-in your Zebra barcode printers with EPL programming language to the COM port. and 3x2 labels. If you have a serial cable for your printer, you can skip to the next paragraph. If you only have a USB cable for the Zebra label printer, you need to go to zebra.com and download the latest drivers package for your model. Once the drivers are installed you need to map the USB label printer to an unused COM port in the driver settings configuration. Save the settings and restart your printer (and maybe your computer too).

Q: How do I setup my barcode scanner to work with Fleetsoft?
A: Almost any barcode scanner will work. In the software, go to File->Settings->Barcodes. If you are updating from Diamond Connection Solutions or OnCommand MIM software, then you might need to enable "Legacy (DCS) Barcodes" setting. Otherwise, you need to choose one of the available prefix characters and then pre-program your barcode scanner to include this prefix character with each scan. You might need to print a few pages from the user's manual to complete the setup.

Q: Can I scan the manufacturer barcode on the part, or only Fleetsoft barcodes?
A: If you are using the "Legacy (DCS) Barcodes" setting, then you can only scan barcodes that were printed from within DCS, OnCommand MIM, or Fleetsoft software. Otherwise, you must pre-program your barcode scanner to include a prefix character with each scan. This will allow the software to recognize any barcode scanned into the software.

Q: When I scan a barcode for check-in or check-out, the form closes and only allows a quantity of 1. What should I do?
A: The form is not recognizing the barcode scan according to your scanner configuration in the site settings. Check if you have "Legacy (DCS) Barcodes" setting enabled under File->Settings->Barcodes. If legacy barcodes are enabled then you can only scan barcodes that were printing from within DCS, OnCommand MIM, or Fleetsoft software. If the setting is not enabled then make sure your scanner has been pre-programmed with the chosen prefix character.

Q: When I scan a barcode, nothing is happening. What should I do?
A: Try scanning a barcode into another program such as Notepad.exe and notice the input coming from the scanner. You might need to reconnect the scanner cable for windows to recognize the device. If the device requires a special windows driver, you might need to install the driver first.