March 2003

Technical Support Analyst of the Year for 2002 – Kate Adams

Meet the Staff – Gregg Smith

My name is Gregg Smith, and I’m the newest member of the Tech Support team. I’ve spent the last 23 years in technology, mostly on the hardware side (don’t hold that against me). I’m looking forward to the opportunities to work with all the customers and do what I can to help out.

When not at work, I stay busy with my family. My wife and I have been married for 15 years and we have a wonderful son. I also enjoy woodworking, photography, projects for the house and teaching Baseball.

Tips & Tricks


Alchemy Web and Macintosh

There have been inquiries recently as to whether a Macintosh client is supported with Alchemy Web. Will a Macintosh client running IE 5.5 or IE 6.0 work with Alchemy Web?

No. As with all the Alchemy product line, Macintosh is not a supported computer environment. Reports from the field have indicated that even though a Mac client is running a supported version of IE, it fails and does not work.

Supported Alchemy Web Browser Client
* Microsoft Windows 98SE, 2000, NT, or XP, each with the latest Service Pack
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0
* Minimum recommended resolution: 800 X 600
(problems with meaning of service pack for Windows 98)

Alchemy Web and Virus Scanner Software

In order for Alchemy Web and your virus scanner to survive on the same machine there are some things to keep in mind as you are installing and after the install.

1. Disable your virus scanner before installing any part of the Alchemy Web process.
2. After installing and starting the services for Alchemy Web you can re-enable your Virus scanner.
3. Exclude the directory for Alchemy Web Application, normally “c:\program files\imr\alchemy\web application” from your virus scanner software through the virus scanner interface.
   
   There are some articles that address this problem at www.microsoft.com.

Tips for Upgrading 7.3.1 and higher

Note: Please be logged in as the local administrator to the box when you are upgrading Alchemy.

Alchemy Gold or Premium versions 7.3.1 and higher do not have to be UNINSTALLED before upgrading to the next release. Install directly over the top of Alchemy Premium and Gold using your CD or downloaded software. Alchemy 7.3.1 will automatically look for previous versions of the software. For instance, if you installed 7.3.1 originally and want to upgrade to 7.3.3, you do not have to uninstall the 7.3.1, just install the proper version of Alchemy and the software will do all the work for you.

Before Upgrading Alchemy Server 7.3.1 or higher, you should stop the services for Alchemy Server and close your Alchemy Server console. If you forget to close Alchemy Server console, you will be prompted to do so during the installation.

After upgrading Alchemy Server 7.3.1 or higher, there are some items you will want check.

1. Make sure the service is started and you have permission to start the services. You may have to right click on Alchemy Server in the Services Applet and check the properties for “logon” and make sure the “Log on as” is properly set for the location of the databases, i.e.: if databases are located on a different drive letter than the Alchemy Server, you will want to use “This Account” and assign a login that has full access to the other drive letter.
    
2. Make sure the databases show up in the console and they all have statistics next to them as in the following screen capture.

Next, upgrade your Build and Search stations and you are ready to rock and roll!
 

Upgrading from Alchemy Web to Alchemy Web Plus

How do I upgrade from Alchemy Web to Alchemy WebPlus?
Open the Alchemy License Manage and click on the Alchemy WebPlus to highlight.

Click the Get License button and you should see the following message:

Click yes to deactivate the Alchemy Web clients and activate the Alchemy WebPlus clients.

Using Alchemy Web with Alchemy Server Integrated Security

Problem: Alchemy Web Engine displays an error saying that it cannot find a Build License, followed by a No Valid License found error.

Resolution: If Databases are located on a different drive letter than the location of the software it is necessary to change the Log On As in the Services from Local System account to a domain power user account. For databases on the local "D" drive, an internal hard drive, Alchemy still had problems. Side Note: it was not necessary to use the UNC.

Problem: No repositories configured error when accessing web site through Browser.

Resolution: "Log On As" User must be added to each role when configuring the Alchemy Server Integrated Security or create a role specifically for the user and add ALL databases.

Problem: Alchemy Web PM Server Stuck in Starting mode.

Resolution: Change the Startup Type to Manual and restart the machine, services will come up in stopped mode. Before restarting the service, made sure to add the Log On As User to your roles as above.
 

Comments or questions regarding this newsletter can be sent to Support@IMRGold.com. Please type "Newsletter" on the subject line.

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