Common Questions

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Will Studio MA Manager work on a Mac?
? Converting data from another management software program.
? Can I continue to use the Trial Version information in the Registered Version of Studio MA Manager for Windows?
? How can I back up a large file to a standard 1.44 MB floppy disk?
? How do I network the Trial Version or Registered Version of Studio MA Manager in my school?
? How can I modify the layout of the Student ID Card?
   
   

Will Studio MA Manager work on a Mac?
Studio MA Manager for Windows will only operate on a PC.

I have been using another program and would like to transfer the information to Studio MA Manager.  Do I have to manually re-enter all the information?
We are not staffed to perform database conversions and we may not have all the software required for a particular case.  The database that comes with Studio MA Manager is an Access 2002 (XP) database that is fully accessible by anyone with MS Access XP or better.  As a last resort, ask us and we will see what we can do for you.

Can I continue to use the Trial Version information in the Registered Version of Studio MA Manager for Windows?
Yes.  To continue using the database information you have generated in the Trial Version of Studio MA Manager for Windows, simply install the purchased registered version of Studio MA Manager for Windows, open the registered version of Studio MA Manager for Windows, select Utilities from the menu at the top of the screen, click "restore database", select the location of your Trial Version database (if you selected the default install location for the Trial Version, then it should be located at C:\Program Files\Studio MA Manager Trial Version\ ), check all the options within the Restore Options box, then click the Restore Button.  You can now continue working your previously created records.

How can I back up a large file to a standard 1.44 MB floppy disk?
Should you want to back up your data to a 3.5" floppy, but the size of the data is greater than 1.44 MB you should consider the following.

A quick an easy solution is to obtain a copy of WinZip. Their web site is located at http://www.winzip.com. This software will compress your database to 1/10th its current size. With WinZip installed on your computer, go to your Windows Explorer and select the DDS.mdb file from the Studio MA Manager application folder. If you selected the default location for installing Studio MA Manager, the application folder should be at C:\Program Files\Studio MA Manager. Right click your mouse and select "Add to Zip" from the pop up selection. Select a location (i.e., floppy disk) to store the zipped file. To restore the zipped file to the Studio MA Manager application, insert the floppy containing the zipped file, right click the file, select "Extract to" from the pop up selection, then select the Studio MA Manager application folder. WinZip is also useful if you need to email your data to us or someone else.

If your data files are vitally important to you, then investing in either a second hard drive or a CD read/writer is the easiest and most reliable method for not losing your data. At Cabin Software, we use both devises on multiple computers. Each approach has its advantage. A second hard drive backs up data quicker than a CD read/writer. On the other hand, a CD read/writer will provide you with a CD that can be placed elsewhere. This would be a preferred option if you live in a high crime area. Also, having done quite a bit of data copying onto CDs, Cabin Software has never yet experienced a CD corrupted file. We have experienced numerous corrupted files using standard 3.5" floppy disks, therefore, we are reluctant to add a data file compressor and splitter to the Studio MA Manager application.

How do I network the Trial Version or Registered Version of Studio MA Manager in my school?
It is assumed that you already have your computers networked through a hub and all PCs have access to the main drive containing the Studio MA Manager program.  First designate a PC that will serve as the Main PC and install Studio MA Manager on it. Next, for each peripheral PC that will operate Studio MA Manager perform the following steps:

1.  Insert the Studio MA Manager CD into the CD Drive of the peripheral computer and click "Yes" when the message appears asking if you wish to install Studio MA Manager.

2.  The Setup Studio MA Manager Screen will appear.  Click the "Next" Button to continue.

3.  The License Agreement Screen will appear.  Click the "Yes" Button if you accept the License Agreement.

4.  The Select Destination Directory Screen will appear.  In the text box at the top of this screen type in the location of Studio MA Manager on the Main PC as follows:

\\(Name of Main PC on Network)\C\Program Files\Studio MA Manager\

The above example assumes that the Main PC has Studio MA Manager installed on the C drive in the Program Files folder.

Click the "Next" Button.

5.  The Select Start Menu Folder Screen will appear and display "Studio MA Manager" in the text box.  Click the "Next" Button.

6.  The Ready to Install Screen will appear.  Click the "Install" Button.

7.  After files have been installed and the registry updated, the Finish Screen will appear.  Click the "Finish" Button.

The Studio MA Manager icon should now be visible on the desktop screen and the Studio MA Manager Program ready to use.

How can I modify the layout of the Student ID Card?

With version 1.8, you can create your own student ID cards.  Go to the Documents Screen. Click Add New.  Enter a name such as ID Card.rtf.  Click OK.  The Editor Screen will now appear.  Delete the existing text.  To insert your school logo, Click Edit -> Insert -> Picture from File.  To add the student’s picture, click Insert Database Field -> Special Fields -> Student Picture.  To add the barcode click Student ID Barcode from the same drop down list.  To add student information, click Insert Database Field -> Student and select desired information.  Select font type and pitch for your entries making sure that any selection on a field is applied to the entire field.  When done adding your text and fields click Save.  With this approach, when you add a picture it becomes the height of the line.  In other words, you cannot type multiple lines next to the picture, so it is best to create small ID Card in a portrait layout, similar to an ID badge.

The final item to complete your creation is to set the maximum size of your student photo.  On the Documents screen, select your ID Card.rtf.  Click Page Setup.  In the Picture Max. Dimension box, select the max dimension in inches.  1”  x  1” would probably work well for wallet size.  Click OK.  From the Document Screen, click Preview Document, to view your creation.  This will grab the first student record in your database and display it.  You can also go to the Student Screen to view the ID Card.  While in Preview Document do not save any changes. Otherwise, what you see will become the template and you will need to enter the fields again.  To edit your creation, click Edit View and save your changes.

 

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