Code Change Bug

Problem

The Excel XL4 'code changing' bug in MacNail construction management software (all modules).
(also happens with XL5, XL7 and all later versions)
code changes randomly in Managers, weird problems of all kinds

Diagnosis

Various things break that shouldn't. Weird problems occur.
If you take the time and track down the code, text has changed in the manager itself.
CAN ALSO REFER THEM TO THE PURPLE NEWSLETTER (#21)

Solution

1. Close the Manager and don't save changes. Reopen it, and see if it works.
2. If not, replace the manager. Use the Manager Update (which keeps all settings), or reinstall from the original floppy disk. Newer installers let you do a Custom Install so only Manager can be put on.
2. If Manager Update wasn't done, set Main Files, all Options (MacNail Options, Payroll Options, Payday Options, etc).
3. Close the manager and make a copy of it in the Finder/File Mgr so they won't have to re-install again (for future problems, see below).
4. Call Microsoft to report the problem and request the latest bug fix vsn 800 426-9400 cust svc 206 635-7080 Mac 206 635-7070 Win

WARNING: replace manager from original floppy, NOT FROM A BACKUP, since the backup may be corrupted also.

If they have problems in the future, they can save time by using the spare copy of the manager. To do so:
1. Trash the corrupted Manager.
2. Rename the copy to be Accounting Manager 3.4 or whatever.
3. Make a copy of the file, for future use.

Comments

HISTORY NOTE-- This problem was the "straw that broke the camel's back" for MacNail. After two years of begging Microsoft for fixes, we decided to discontinue any further Excel development and write a stand-alone program in C++ instead. The result of that was Goldenseal small business software.

Entered 2/7/95 by Dennis. Updated 11/23/2010.