Support Documents and Support Tools Downloads Accessible Without Login

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] is a set of topics which address the most common questions addressed to Syscob Support.  Each topic answers a specific question and also has a “sidebar” that provides related information.  A few of the most commonly used FAQ topics are:

• FAQ:  Database Repair covers repair of the Export-It database should index or content files be corrupted by a “crash” or network error or issues with caching or locking of shared files on network drives.  The “sidebar” explains what can cause database corruption, includes a link to a “white paper” covering the impacts that read caching and opportunistic locking can have on a shared database on a network drive and a link to tools to ensure proper Registry settings for the database.
• FAQ:  Expired Maintenence Period has step-by-step instructions, with screen captures of each step, for how to generate a maintenance invoice to renew or extend the maintenance period for an Export-It installation.   The “sidebar” provides an explanation of the details on the invoice.
• FAQ:  Cloning a Platform gives step-by-step guidance, with illustrations of each step, for “Adding or Replacing a Workstation with Export-It Software.” and the “sidebar” explains the application Topology and Secure EDI [SEDI] Communications considerations related to “cloning”.
• FAQ:  Initial Configuration has illustrated step-by-step instructions for how to configure a new Export-It software installation.  This can be done to change a “demo” install to a live EDI endpoint or to activate a “clean” install.
• FAQ:  SEDI Communications explains “How to check that Secure EDI [SEDI] communications is working.” and illustrates use of the eAttempt communications diagnostic wizard.  The SEDI Log Files “sidebar” explains the SEDI logs and how to interpret them.
• FAQ:  Run eSupport Diagnostic describes “How to collect and submit diagnostic information to Syscob Support.”  The “sidebar” explains Attachment Limits imposed by some mail servers.  Syscob will reply to an eSupport submisssion with instructsions on what may be required to correct any issues that exist.
• FAQ:  eProvide Diagnostic Information describes “How to collect and submit diagnostic information to Syscob Support.”  This is an alternative to eSupport when Syscob directs certain files be provided—or when a user, or their IT staff, know what Syscob Support will require to resolve an issue.  Syscob will reply to an eProvide submisssion with instructions on what actions may be required to correct any issues.
• FAQ:  Submit Logs to Syscob describes “How to collect and submit “log” files when requested by Syscob Support.”  The “sidebar” explains Attachment Limits imposed by some mail servers.
• FAQ:  Submit Data to Syscob is similar in that it illustrates “How to collect and submit “data” files when requested by Syscob Support” and its “sidebar” also addresses email attachment limits.

Syscob in a Nutshell provides a technical overview of Syscob Export-It and Export-It Plus in 5 pages.  This information is for anyone, from a user on a single PC to their IT support staff, who is responsible for a Syscob software installation.

Syscob Admin Guide is the online version of this guide with all of the information needed to install, update, maintain and administer a Syscob application.  Anyone responsibe for “admin” of a Syscob application should consider adding this link to their web browser “favorites” or “bookmarks”.

Windows® Preparation is a set of topics which address issues related to installing “legacy” applications on a Windows 7, Server 2008 (or later) platform.  Each topic relates to a specific aspect and each page “sidebar” has additional information.  The Windows 7, and later editions, topics are:

1. Syscob: Windows 7 & Server 2008 or later defines what Microsoft classes as a “legacy” application and “Installing Syscob applications on Windows 7, Server 2008 or later (64-bit or 32-bit).”  The “sidebar” explains the Paradigm Shift which began with Windows Vista and makes such special preparation necessary for Windows 7 (and later editions).
2. Syscob:  Make User an Adminstrator covers “How to make a Syscob user a member of the Administrators security group” and includes illustrated step-by-step instructions for the simplest way to perform this task.  The “sidebar” covers additional information related to the new “limited administrators” concept introduced with Windows 7.
3. Syscob:  Linking Security Tokens tells “Why Administrators may not “see” mapped drives in “legacy” applications” and has the “fix” (plus link to Microsoft KnowledgeBase article 937624) for this problem.  The “sidebar” covers additional impacts of User Access Control [UAC] and the impact of “Strong Protection” applied to Digital Certificates needed for direct SEDI communications with Customs.
4. Syscob:  Windows Ownership explains “How to Take Ownership of the Windows® Directory” and provides step-by-step instructions (with screen captures) for how to make the Administrators group the “owner” of the Windows® directory for pre-Vista compatibility.  The “sidebar” tells how Syscob applications use %WINDIR% files.
5. Syscob:  Installers use Compatibility Mode shows illustrated step-by-step instructions for “How to configure installers, updaters and “Icon & Rego” utility to use “Compatibility Mode””.  The “sidebar” provides additional suggestions for avoiding subsequent problems when installing any “legacy” software.
6. Syscob:  eSecurity Analysis Tool explains “Security context for Syscob application on Windows 7, Server 2008 or later (64-bit or 32-bit)” and provides step-by-step instructions (with screen captures) for how to use the eSecurity Analysis Tool analyze a Windows® security context.

Syscob very strongly recommends that the Windows® Preparation topics [above] be reviewed when a Syscob application is to be used on a machine with Windows 7, Windows 8, Server 2008, Server 2011 or Server 2012 (or when Active Directory™ on Server 2008 or later manages a user domain logon).

Syscob also recommends that a “shell” be installed on Windows 8 Pro as the mobile phone and tablet User Interface [UI] is not truly suited for business use (the reason that “New Windows” [Windows 8.1] will reintroduce the “shell” when it is released).  Search SourceForge site for “classic shell” then download and install the free shell to restore a Start button and its Programs menu.

Tools Repository is a collection of downloadable tools and files.  Includes registration tools, data collection tools, diagnostics, Customs certificates, “fixes” and miscellaneous utilities.  Most must be downloaded to be used, but the data collection tools may be run from the web.