Version 11.2 Conversion Instructions
for Converting Version 10 Systems

These instructions are used to convert the following Tabs3 and PracticeMaster systems to Version 11: 

• System Configuration Version 10
• PracticeMaster Version 10
• PracticeMaster Palm Software Version 10
• Tabs3 Billing Software Version 10
• Tabs3 General Ledger Software (GLS) Version 10
• Tabs3 Accounts Payable Software (APS) Version 10
• Tabs3 Trust Accounting Software (TAS) Version 10
• Tabs3 Remote Entry Software Version 10
• Tabs3 Palm Software Version 10
• Tabs3 Billing Custom Report Writer Version 10
• Tabs3 General Ledger Custom Report Writer Version 10

The conversion program, STCONV11.EXE, will convert all of the above systems at the same time. Check boxes are included in these conversion instructions when the same task must be performed for more than one system. If a particular step applies to systems that your firm is not converting, simply skip that step. 

We recommend reading through all of these instructions before proceeding.  

Your local Tabs3 reseller as well as our Technical Support Representatives are available to assist you with any questions you may have. Please call your local reseller or call us at (402) 423-1440 if you have any questions regarding this conversion. 

Note:  If you are converting software from a version other than those listed above, call us for a different set of installation and conversion instructions. 

Notes 

RUNNING ON A NETWORK:  If running on a network, we recommend running the conversion during non-peak usage. Although the total time required will vary depending on the amount of data and hardware speed, the average time it takes to run the conversion program is less than 30 minutes. However, we recommend allowing additional time to run the required steps before and after the conversion. Allowing a total of 2 hours should be more than adequate for most firms. (Tip:  If you are running on a Windows network, running the conversion from the file server will take considerably less time if you have a large amount of data.) 

PREVIOUS VERSIONS:  Previous versions of the programs will no longer be accessible once the conversion has been completed. 

HOTDOCS:  PracticeMaster Version 11 continues to integrate with HotDocs Version 5.2 (or any HotDocs Version 5 system greater than Version 5.2 but less than Version 6). At this time, PracticeMaster does not integrate with HotDocs Version 6 or greater. 

WINDOWS 95 SYSTEMS:  Although we believe that Version 11 will work fine with Windows 95, we no longer test on the Windows 95 operating system nor can we support it since Microsoft has discontinued support of this operating system. However, we do still support Windows 98. 

REFERENCE NUMBERS:  Reference numbers of Version 10 transactions may change. 

CLIENT SERVER EDITIONS: Version 10 of the STI Server Software works with Version 11 Client Server editions of the software. Therefore no update is necessary for the STI Server Software. If your firm uses Client Server editions of the software, be sure to keep your Version 10 STI Server Software CD-ROM with the enclosed Version 11 CD-ROM after you have updated the Client Server editions of the software. 

CDS:  Users of Critical Date System (CDS) can upgrade to PracticeMaster. Critical Date System Version 8 cannot be used with Tabs3 Version 11. 

TASKBILL: If you are using TASKBILL software, then you must update TASKBILL to Version 11. Statements that have been updated using Tabs3 Version 10 can be processed using TASKBILL Version 11. 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS:  If your firm purchased any modified or special programs from Software Technology, Inc., call Software Technology, Inc. before converting to Version 11 to see if the program(s) need updating. 

TIP OF THE DAY FILES: Firms that have modified their Tip of the Day Files may want to make backup copies of these files because they will be overwritten with new Tip of the Day Files. Furthermore, these files are not backed up when running the built-in Back Up Data Files program. After the Version 11 systems have been installed, you can then cut and paste sections from the backed up Tip of the Day Files into the new Tip of the Day Files. Although you could restore your modified Tip of the Day Files, we recommend against this because many of the Version 10 tips are no longer accurate. The following are the names of the Version 10 tip files:  T3TIP.TXT, PMTIP.TXT, G5TIP.TXT,  A3TIP.TXT, T4TIP.TXT. 

QUICKBOOKS® INTEGRATION:  The new QBXML integration features require QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2003 or 2004, QuickBooks Premier 2003 or 2004, or QuickBooks Pro 2003 or 2004. QuickBooks 2003 must be version 12.0 release 7 or higher. Furthermore, performance enhancements require that QuickBooks be run in Multi-user mode. When using QBXML integration, costs now go over to QuickBooks as “bills” as opposed to “general journal entries” so that checks can be printed in QuickBooks. The Tabs3 and PracticeMaster cost data entry programs allow you to specify a QuickBooks Vendor and a QuickBooks Debit Account. However, a QuickBooks Credit Account can no longer be specified because QuickBooks “bills” always credit the Accounts Payable account. If you do not print checks in QuickBooks, you may want to consider using the IIF integration instead of the QBXML integration so that you can specify a different QuickBooks Credit Account.

TIME MATTERS® INTEGRATION: Tabs3 Version 11 integration with Time Matters requires Time Matters Version 5.0, Service Release 2. DATA.TXT, developer of Time Matters, has elected to not integrate earlier versions of Time Matters software with Tabs3 Version 11.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Our Knowledge Base on the Internet at www.support.Tabs3.com includes an article with frequently asked questions regarding this update. Reviewing this article may answer some of the questions you might encounter before, during, and after the update. The article is R10910 - “Version 11 Update - Frequently Asked Questions”.

Pre-Conversion Checklist 

1. GLS CLIENT LIST:  If you are converting GLS, print a GLS Client List (Reports | GLS Client List). Review the GLS Data Path specified for all GLS clients to make sure the paths are valid. Invalid paths will cause the conversion to abort. 

2. GLS CHECK RECONCILIATION:  If a Check Reconciliation has been started but has not been completed, any reconciliation work will be deleted when the conversion is performed. To determine if a Check Reconciliation has been started but not completed:     

   1. From the GLS Maintenance menu, select Check Reconciliation.

   2. If Check Reconciliation has been started, a message will be displayed indicating that the Reconciliation has been started. If you want to retain any work that has already been done, click Yes and finish the Check Reconciliation now. Otherwise, click No to abort the Reconciliation. 

3. TABS3 CLIENT NOTES: A new Billing Notes & Instructions field has been added to Tabs3 in addition to the standard Client Notes field. Client Notes that are marked as Billing Instructions will be converted to this new Billing Notes & Instructions field. There are several issues to be aware of regarding how this field is converted:
   
   Tabs3 Reports:  In Version 11, the following reports can optionally include Billing Notes & Instructions but will no longer include Client Notes: Draft Statements, Detail and Summary Work-in-Process Reports, and Detail and Summary Accounts Receivable Reports.
   
   PracticeMaster Integration: The Client Notes field is stored in both Tabs3 and PracticeMaster whereas the Billing Notes & Instructions field is stored only in Tabs3. Therefore, PracticeMaster can conflict check the Tabs3 Client Notes field but does not conflict check the Billing Notes & Instructions field.
   
   Taskbill Users: If Taskbill uses any line in a Client Notes field that is also marked as Billing Instructions, the Taskbill Export will no longer work correctly for that client. To prevent this from occurring, we recommend clearing the Billing Instructions check box for Task Based Billing clients before converting to Version 11.
   
   Before proceeding with the conversion, it is important to consider how you want the Client Notes field converted for your clients. For those clients that you want the information in Client Notes converted to Billing Notes & Instructions, make sure the Billing Instructions check box is selected. For those clients that you want the information to remain in Client Notes, make sure the Billing Instructions check box is cleared. If you have clients that have both Client Notes and Billing Instructions in the field, you may need to edit the information after the conversion by cutting and pasting the information from the Billing Notes & Instructions field to the Client Notes field (or vice versa).

To change the Billing Instructions field for clients:

1. In Version 10 Tabs3, from the Maintenance menu, point to Client Related and select the Change Client Options menu.
2. Click Yes when asked if you want to make a backup.
3. On the Client tab, enter a beginning and ending Client ID.
4. If you only want to change Task Based billing clients:
   Next to the Status option, select Specific and click the Select Status button.
   From the Select Status Options window, select Task Based clients and click OK.
5. On the Stmt Notes tab, click the Select button.
6. A Select Options to Change window will be displayed. If you want the Client Notes field converted to Client Notes, leave the Client Notes as Billing Instructions check box cleared. If you want the Client Notes field converted to Billing Notes & Instructions, select the Client Notes as Billing Instructions check box.
7. Click OK to proceed.

Taskbill Note: Alternatively, it may be possible to fix this after converting by editing the Taskbill Configuration to point to the same line of the Billing Notes & Instructions field instead of the Client Notes field. Be aware that some Taskbill formats require the information to be located in the Client Notes field and do not provide the opportunity to change the location of the information.

4. CONVERT AT THE SAME TIME:  All integrated systems must be converted at the same time. DO NOT convert systems separately! 

PracticeMaster Pre-Conversion Checklist 

1. WORD TEMPLATE DIRECTORIES:  If you have Microsoft Word installed, you will be asked to specify your Word template directories when you install PracticeMaster. You must enter the Microsoft Word Startup and Template directories in order for the required files to be installed in the correct directory. These directories must be the same as the directories in Word under Tools | Options | File Locations. Start Microsoft Word, determine the directories, and then write the directories in the spaces provided below. 
   
   Word Startup Directory: __________________________________________________________________________
   
   ______________________________________________________________________________________________
   
   Word Template Directory: ________________________________________________________________________
   
   ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 
   
   After writing down the directories, close Microsoft Word. 

Note: The above step will need to be performed for each workstation that performs Word Document Assembly. You will also be instructed to perform this step later in these instructions for other workstations. 

Conversion Procedure 

Note:  Make sure no other users are accessing any Tabs3, PracticeMaster, or Tabs3 Financial Software product while you are performing the update. You will also need to take steps to ensure that no other user starts the software while you are performing the following procedures.  

Note: This update must be installed over an existing Version 10 installation. If you haven’t installed Version 10, you must first install Version 10 and convert to Version 10 before installing the Version 11 update (or call us for a different set of installation and conversion instructions). 

1. TABS3 REMOTE: If you use Tabs3 Remote, do the following for all workstations using Tabs3 Remote. 

   1. Print and delete any remote data entry verification lists.

   2. Merge any data files created by Tabs3 Remote before proceeding with the conversion. 

   3. Using Windows Explorer, manually delete the following files from the remote workstation. These files may or may not exist. 
           R3FEEVER.*
           R3CSTVER.*
           RMT*.*

   4. Make sure the remote site does not perform data entry or start the Fee or Cost data entry programs until the remote site has been updated to Version 11.

2. TABS3 PALM SOFTWARE: If you use Tabs3 Palm Software, make sure you HotSync all data from handheld devices before installing the update. Also, the TABS III Palm Application software name has been changed to Tabs3 Palm Software. As a result, you must uninstall the Version 10 TABS III Palm Application software before you install the Version 11 software. Detailed procedures to uninstall the Palm software can be found in your TABS III Palm Application software manual. The reason you need to uninstall the Version 10 software is because the Version 10 software and the Version 11 software have the same ID number but different names. Therefore, if you do not uninstall the TABS III Palm Application before installing Tabs3 Palm Software, you will have both icons on your handheld. If you then delete the old TABS III Palm application after installing the Version 11 application, it will also delete the new Tabs3 Palm Software application.

3. PRACTICEMASTER PALM SOFTWARE: If you use PracticeMaster Palm Application (i.e., not the PracticeMaster Palm Conduits), make sure you HotSync all data from handheld devices before installing the update.

4. PRACTICEMASTER BRIEFCASE: If you use PracticeMaster Briefcase, do the following for all computers using PracticeMaster Briefcase:
   1. Make sure the Briefcase site does not perform data entry until it has been updated to Version 11.

   2. Check in any data files created by PracticeMaster Briefcase before proceeding with the conversion.

5. PRINT VERIFICATION LISTS:  Any verification lists that haven’t been printed will be deleted by the conversion program. Print these lists (if they exist) before starting the conversion if you want to retain a copy of this information. If you are using a multi-user version of the software, make sure you print verification lists for all users.
   o Tabs3       o GLS o APS     o TAS 

6. DATA FILE INTEGRITY CHECK: Run the Data File Integrity Check utility program for all systems. If you are converting Tabs3, also run the Tabs3 Archive Data Integrity Check. Proceed only if there are no errors.
   o Tabs3     o Tabs3 Archive Data Integrity Check
   o PracticeMaster   o GLS  o APS        o TAS 
   
   GLS Note:  If you are configured for multiple GLS clients, make sure you run the Data File Integrity Check program for all GLS clients. 

7. BACK UP: Back up all of the Version 10 data files and program files. DO NOT skip this step. If the conversion program is interrupted for any reason, you must restore from a backup and start over. Use a backup method other than the built-in backup program because the built-in backup program does not back up program files.
   o Tabs3     o GLS o APS     o TAS        o System Configuration
   o PracticeMaster  
   
   Important:  Make sure no other users are in the software when you make this backup.

8. DETERMINE PROGRAM DIRECTORY:  During the installation, you will be asked to specify where you want the Version 11 program files installed. Although Browse and Search buttons are available to locate the Version 10 program files, it is helpful to know this location before installing the Version 11 program files. The following can be used to determine where the program files are installed. 
   
   Start System Configuration. From the Help menu, select the About System Config menu selection. Write down the Program Directory in the space provided (not the Current Working Directory).
   
   Version 10 Program Directory: ___________________________________________________________________ 

9. CLOSE PROGRAMS:  Close any programs opened during the previous steps. Be sure to also close Microsoft Word if you are installing PracticeMaster. 

10. INSTALL THE VERSION 11 PROGRAM FILES: Use the following instructions to install System Configuration and all other Version 11 programs in the program directory specified in step #8. 
    
    Note:  DO NOT start any Version 11 programs until after the conversion has been completed.

    1. Insert the program CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

    2. A CD Browser program will automatically start. (Note:  If the CD-ROM Autorun feature is disabled, click the Start button, and then click Run...  Click the Browse button and navigate to the CD-ROM drive. Double-click the LAUNCH.EXE file. Click OK.) 

    3. Select Begin Update | Install Update | Version 11 Update.
           ...or...
       Select Install Software and select the products you want to install.

    4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. 

    Recovery File Note: If you are installing from an Update CD (i.e., your CD uses the Begin Update menu option to install the software), you will be asked to specify a location for a Recovery File. We recommend saving a Recovery File to a floppy disk (if available) and storing it in a safe place with this CD-ROM. You will need a Recovery File in the event you ever need to reinstall the software to a different computer. If a floppy disk drive is not accessible from the computer being used, you can create a Recovery File in a different location and copy it to other media later; or, you can use the Create Recovery File menu on the CD to create a Recovery File later. Be aware that a Recovery File must be created using a computer that has access to the Tabs3, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Financial Software program files.

11. BEGIN DATA CONVERSION: Depending on the CD you are using, the conversion program will start automatically. When the conversion program is started, a window with the title “Version 11 Conversion” will be displayed.
    
    

    1. If the “Version 11 Conversion” window is displayed, skip to step d.
    2. If you are asked to restart your computer, go ahead and restart your computer and then start the conversion program as follows.
    3. From the Start menu, point to Programs, and then point to Software Technology and click Version 11 Conversion.
    4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the conversion. You will be prompted to create a backup; we strongly recommend taking the time to create this backup file. The Help button or the F1 key can be used to read more about the various questions in the conversion program.
    
    
    Note: If the Version 11 Conversion menu option is not shown, you can use the following alternate method to start the conversion.
    
          Click the Start button, and then select Run.
    
          Click the Browse button to navigate to the program directory specified in step #8, and then select the STCONV11.EXE file. Click Open. Click OK.
    
    If the STCONV11.EXE file cannot be found, this indicates one of the following:
    

    • the installation program was interrupted;

    • Version 11 was installed in the wrong directory.

12. COMPLETION MESSAGE:  Upon completion, the message “Data conversion completed” will be displayed. 
    
    Note:  If messages were generated during the conversion, the message “Data conversion completed with X message(s).” will be displayed. These messages can be found in the files named STCONV11.LOG and PMCONV11.LOG, which can be printed using any text editor such as Windows Notepad. We recommend printing these files (provided they are not too large). If either file is extremely large, you will not be able to open it with Notepad or WordPad. Consider trying Microsoft Word to open the file. Call Technical Support if the conversion did not complete or if you need help interpreting or troubleshooting any messages. 

13. DATA FILE INTEGRITY CHECKS: In order to verify that the data converted successfully, run the Data File Integrity Check utility program for all systems. If you are converting Tabs3, also run the Tabs3 Archive Data Integrity Check.
    o Tabs3   o Tabs3 Archive Data Integrity Check
    o PracticeMaster o GLS o APS     o TAS 
    
    GLS Note:  If you are configured for multiple GLS clients, make sure you run the Data File Integrity Check program for all GLS clients. 
    
    QuickBooks Note: If QuickBooks integration was used with both Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Version 10.7, an error 500 will be shown in the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Data File Integrity Checks. This error is expected. To correct this error, simply run the Synchronize program and then rerun the Data File Integrity Check programs in PracticeMaster and Tabs3. 
    
    If there are errors, print the Error Report(s) and resolve the errors. Call Technical Support if you need help resolving any errors. 

14. After reviewing the following notes, you will be ready to use Version 11! 

Finishing Touches 

1. FONTS: One of the most appealing enhancements in Version 11 is the support of proportional fonts. The fonts specified for the default printers are stored in the STI.INI file and are not changed during the conversion—they remain set at the fixed pitch fonts that were used in Version 10. In order to take advantage of the enhanced report output, we strongly recommend that you change the default font for the default printers for each workstation. To change the printer font:

   1. From any application’s File menu, select Print Setup. 

   2. Select the desired printer. 

   3. Make sure that Automatic is selected for the Font Selection Mode. 

   4. Under the Automatic Font Selection Setup, click Select. 

   5. Select the desired font. We recommend selecting Arial or Times New Roman as a starting point. 

   6. Click OK to close the Font dialog. 

   7. Click the Advanced Printing Features button. Review and select the desired options. 

   8. If you are using Tabs3, click the Statement Setup button.

      1. At the top of the window next to Normal Font, click Select. 

      2. Select the desired font. We recommend selecting Arial or Times New Roman as a starting point. 

      3. Click OK to close the Font dialog. 

      4. You may want to change the font used for the Heading. If so, in the Page One box, click Select and select the desired font. Click OK to close the Font dialog. 

      5. Click OK to close the Statement Setup window. 

   9. Click OK to close the Printer Setup window. 

   10. Preview or print a report. 

   11. If you are using Tabs3, preview or print a draft statement. 

   12. Make any adjustments as desired.

2. APS & TAS CHECKS:  You may want to change the font for your default check printer. If you do, be sure to print a test pattern and make any adjustments as required.

   1. From the File menu, select Print Setup. 

   2. Select the desired printer. 

   3. Click Select. 

   4. Select the desired font. We recommend selecting Arial or Times New Roman as a starting point. 

   5. Click OK to close the Font dialog. 

   6. From the File menu, select Print Test Pattern.

3. GLS BANK ACCOUNT: GLS requires that checking accounts and other cash accounts be designated as bank accounts in the Chart of Accounts program. To do this, start GLS. From the File menu, point to Open and select Chart of Accounts. Select the bank account and then select the Bank Account check box. Then, click the Bank Info button and enter the bank name, account name and account number. Repeat this step for all bank accounts you have defined in GLS. After you have done this, take a quick look at the new Bank Account Balance Report. From the Reports menu, select Bank Account Balance.

4. CONVERSION BACKUP FILE:  If you elected to create a backup file during the conversion, a backup file named STCONV11.ARQ has been created in the BACKUP directory. This file may be fairly large depending on the amount of data. You may want to delete this file at some point; however, we recommend not deleting it right away. 

5. BACKUP PROCEDURES:  Review your backup procedures—specifically file names and locations. The GLS and APS data file names are now *.DAT and *.IDX as opposed to *.DTA and *.KEY. 

6. PracticeMaster Note: Any workstation using the PracticeMaster Palm Conduits MUST perform this step. 
   Note: If you are converting from Version 10.6 or Version 10.7, this step is optional (provided you are not using the PracticeMaster Palm Conduits). However, if you are converting from Version 10.5 or Version 10.2, the following step is NOT optional and MUST be performed. 
   OPTIONAL WORKSTATION INSTALLATION: Previous conversions of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster required that each workstation be updated. This conversion does not require that each workstation be updated (because the DLL files that reside on the workstation were not changed for Version 11; only the DLL files that reside in the main program directory were changed). However, as an option, you may want to update each workstation for the following reasons: 

• The Tabs3 program name was changed from TABS III to Tabs3 and the System Configuration program name was changed from STI System Configuration to System Configuration. Running the workstation installation will automatically change these names on the workstation’s Startup menu options and desktop icons. 
• The name of the toolbar used for PracticeMaster Document Assembly was changed from “STI Toolbar” to “PracticeMaster Toolbar”. Running the workstation installation will automatically update the workstation to use the most current STIMAIN.DOT file.

To install the software on a workstation:

1. If the workstation will be assembling documents in PracticeMaster using the Word Document Assembly feature, start Word on that workstation and write down the Word template directories as directed in the PracticeMaster Pre-Conversion Checklist. Make sure you close Word after determining where the template directories are located. 

2. From the workstation, click the Start button, and then click Run...  

3. Click the Browse button and navigate to the directory where the Version 11 program files were installed on the server. Then, select the SETUP.EXE file found in the program file directory. Click Open and then click OK to run the program.  

4. Follow the on-screen instructions. 

5. Repeat steps a through d for each workstation that will be using the software. 

7. INSTALL VERSION 11 DOCUMENTATION:  The Version 11 manuals and tutorials are provided as Adobe PDF files (Portable Document Format) to make them accessible to you at any time from your workstation. This documentation can be installed from the CD-ROM by selecting the DOCUMENTATION menu option and following the on-screen instructions to install the desired documentation. 

8. INSTALL VERSION 11 MULTIMEDIA TUTORIALS: Updated multimedia tutorials are available for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster. These educational tools can be installed from the CD-ROM by selecting the Multimedia Tutorials menu option. The new multimedia tutorials use MP3 sound files, thereby requiring considerably less disk space than the Version 10 multimedia tutorial files. For example, if you have both Tabs3 and PracticeMaster multimedia tutorials for Version 10 installed on your computer, installing the new videos to the same location can free up more than 500 Megabytes of disk space. (Tip: In order to access the multimedia tutorials from the help files, the multimedia tutorials must be installed to a folder named VIDEO that is located under the program directory.)

9. **IMPORTANT**    MODIFY INTERNAL PROCEDURES:  You may need to modify internal procedures as a result of the following enhancements to the software:

   1. Tabs3 and GLS: When a write-up or write-down is performed in Tabs3, GLS journal entries are now automatically made. You no longer need to make manual journal entries in GLS for write-ups and write-downs. 

   2. Tabs3 and GLS: When a payment refund or reversal is performed, adjusting GLS journal entries are now optionally made. You may no longer need to make manual journal entries in GLS for payment adjustments.

   3. Tabs3 and GLS: When a cost entry is edited or deleted in Tabs3, a GLS journal entry window is shown with the associated GLS journal entries allowing you to make corresponding changes to the GLS journal entries. 

   4. APS and Tabs3:  When an invoice is edited in APS, the associated Tabs3 cost transactions can be modified at the same time. 

10. INITIALIZE TABS3 ODBC:  If you are using an ODBC driver to retrieve information from Tabs3 data files, we recommend that you run the Initialize Tabs3 ODBC program at this time to create an updated data dictionary file with the new files. Be aware that some ODBC reports or applications may need adjustments as a result of some fields being moved. For example, there no longer is a BUDGET file (T3BUDGET.DAT); these fields now reside in the TASKBUDGET file (T3TBBUDG.DAT). Also, the physical order of some fields may have changed, therefore if fields are accessed by field number, adjustments may need to be made.

11. TABS3 PALM SOFTWARE: If you are using the Tabs3 Palm Software, you will need to install the updated Tabs3 Palm Software onto all handheld devices. To install the Tabs3 Palm Software on a handheld device, from the Start button, select Programs | Software Technology | Palm Software | Install Tabs3 Palm App. Once the files have been installed on the handheld, you will also need to create new Palm Application Data files in the host application and HotSync them to each handheld.

12. TABS3 REMOTE SOFTWARE: If you use Tabs3 Remote, you will need to do the following for all computers that use Tabs3 Remote:
1. Install Tabs3 Remote Version 11 on the computer that uses Tabs3 Remote.
2. Create new Tabs3 Remote validation files using the main Tabs3 computer and transfer the validation files (R3*.*) to each computer that uses Tabs3 Remote.

Finishing Touches - PracticeMaster 

1. COST FILE FORM LAYOUT:  Units and Rate fields have been added to the Cost File. These new fields may or may not be on your Cost data entry window’s form layout. If your firm made any changes to the Version 10 Cost File data entry form, then your form layout will not be converted so as not to overwrite your custom changes. However, if no changes were made to the Version 10 form layout, then the new fields will be shown when you open the Version 11 Cost program. If the Units and Rate fields are not shown after converting and you would like them to be shown, use the Form Designer program to add the fields to the form layout. 

2. CLIENT FILE FORM LAYOUT: The form layout for the Client File has been changed to match the new Tabs3 Client File layout. Your Client File form layout may have changed. If your firm made any changes to the Version 10 Client File data entry form, then your form layout will not be converted so as not to overwrite your custom changes. However, if no changes were made to the Version 10 form layout, then the Client File will use the new Version 11 form layout. The Form Designer can be used to change form layouts as desired. If your form layout was not converted because you made custom changes, you may want to add Weather and Map buttons to the Client File that use the new Get Weather and Get Map features. 

3. RELATED PARTY FILE LAYOUT:  If your firm made any changes to the Version 10 Related Party data entry form, then your form layout will not have the new Weather and Map buttons. You can use the Form Designer to add Weather and Map buttons to the Related Party File that use the new Get Weather and Get Map features. 

4. CONFLICT SEARCH & CONTACT SEARCH:  PracticeMaster now allows you to include e-mail fields, phone fields and User ID fields for conflict and contact searches. In order for this new feature to work, you will need to use File Maintenance to modify the file definition so the desired fields have their Include in Conflict Search and/or Include in Contact Search check boxes selected. Once this is done, the conflict of interest search index files must be rebuilt. 

5. REPORT WRITER REPORT DEFINITIONS:  When using proportional fonts, some reports may not look the same in Version 11 as they did in Version 10. If you want to use proportional fonts, you may have to edit certain reports because of the way proportional fonts look compared to fixed pitch fonts. If you use proportional fonts, we recommend running each report to verify that the output looks the same as it did in Version 10. In our testing, most reports printed the same using proportional fonts as fixed pitch fonts with the exception of the Client Summary Report (CLNTSUM.RW and SYSTMSUM.RW). There were considerable alignment issues with the Client Summary Report due to the multiple column layout that is used. If you encounter issues with any of your reports, you have several alternatives:

   • You can edit the report using the Report Writer. 

   • You can switch back to the fixed pitch font previously used. If you decide to switch back to the fixed pitch font, you may want to consider setting up a new printer configuration that will be used for fixed pitch font reports. This is an easy solution with detailed procedures in our Knowledge Base article R10776, “How to Set Up Separate Printer Configurations for the Same Printer”. 

   • If the report is a standard report provided with PracticeMaster that your firm has not modified, the easiest way to fix it is to manually copy the new Version 11 report definition into your \CMREPORT folder. Manually copying the report definition is necessary because the conversion program does not overwrite your existing Version 10 report definitions in the event they have been customized. All Version 11 report definitions have been installed with the sample data in a folder named \TUTOR\CMREPORT under the Version 11 program directory.

To copy any default Version 11 report definition

1. Using Windows Explorer, rename the *.RW report file in the CMREPORT folder as a precautionary measure. 

2. Copy the desired *.RW report file from the \TUTOR\CMREPORT folder to the \CMREPORT folder. 

3. Start the PracticeMaster Report Writer and click the Rebuild button to rebuild the table of contents. 

4. Run the report to verify that it looks okay. Be aware that any customization previously performed will no longer be present. 

6. PRACTICEMASTER PALM SOFTWARE: If you are using the PracticeMaster Palm Software (i.e., not the PracticeMaster Palm Conduits), you will need to install the updated PracticeMaster Palm Software onto all handheld devices. To install the PracticeMaster Palm Software on a handheld device, from the Start button, select Programs | Software Technology | Palm Software | Install PracticeMaster Palm App. Once the files have been installed on the handheld, you will also need to create new Palm Application Data files in the host application and HotSync them to each handheld.

7. PRACTICEMASTER BRIEFCASE:  If you use PracticeMaster Briefcase, you will need to install PracticeMaster Briefcase Version 11 on all computers that use PracticeMaster Briefcase.

Notes for All Systems 

Printing Reports to File: With the introduction of proportional fonts, it is not always possible for the file output to match the printed output or preview window. Therefore, we recommend setting up a special printer for generating print-to-file output. Configure this printer to use the Optimize for Print to File check box in the new Advanced Printing Features window to avoid missing information (i.e, clipping issues). Additional recommendations for best results when configuring a printer for print-to-file output can be found in Help.

New Fields for Transactions:  Version 11 now stores which user ID entered a transaction and the date and time it was entered or last edited. This applies to Tabs3 fees, costs, payments, and client funds; PracticeMaster fees and costs; GLS journal entries; TAS trust transactions; APS invoices and manual checks; and Tabs3 Remote fees and costs. For all existing transactions, the Date Entered is converted as the Transaction Date and the User ID is set to STCONV11 to indicate the transaction was converted from Version 10. 

International Phone Number Fields:  Version 11 now supports international phone number fields. 

Longer E-Mail Fields:  Version 11 now supports longer e-mail fields of 100 characters each. 

Tabs3, Tabs3 Remote & PracticeMaster Spell Check: The third party spell check software we use (i.e., Wintertree’s Sentry Spell Check) has been updated to the most current version and required a conversion of the dictionary files. Because dictionary file locations are stored in the registry for each workstation, the actual conversion occurs the first time each workstation starts Tabs3, PracticeMaster or Tabs3 Remote. It is quite possible that other applications on the workstation may use Sentry Spell Check dictionaries. If you encounter any problems with spell checking in other applications, call our Technical Support Staff.

Automatic Spell Check Option:  Automatic spell checking can now be configured at the workstation level as opposed to being configured as a system-wide option. After the conversion has completed, this option will be enabled for all workstations. If you want to disable this option for a workstation, from the Maintenance menu, point to Dictionary Maintenance, and select Spell Check Options. Clear the Automatic spell check when adding transactions check box. 

Spell Check as You Type Option:  The new Spell Check as You Type option is configured at the workstation level. When enabled, this feature will show misspelled words with a red underline while typing. After the conversion has completed, this option will be disabled for all workstations. If you want to enable this option for a workstation, from the Maintenance menu, point to Dictionary Maintenance, and select Spell Check Options. Select the Automatic spell check as you type check box. 

PracticeMaster Notes

Related Party Categories:  PracticeMaster now allows up to 8 different related party categories to be assigned to each related party record.  

Tabs3 Notes

Archive Path:  The Archive Path has been removed from Version 11; therefore, Tabs3 no longer supports multiple sets of archive data files. If you have more than one set of archive files that you would like merged into your current archive files, contact our Conversion Programming staff for a price quote. 

GLS Notes

Budget Figures: GLS now allows 24 months of budget figures for income and expense accounts as opposed to 12 months. The conversion program copies the current 12 months of figures into the previous 12 months of figures by default. You may want to edit the budget figures if you would like to have accurate comparisons on Income Statements for the previous year.

Reconciliation:  The Reconciliation program has been completely redesigned to allow for reconciliation of deposits. Special procedures for the first time you reconcile your checking account using the new Reconciliation program can be found in our Knowledge Base at www.support.Tabs3.com in Article R10927, Performing an Initial Reconciliation in GLS.