Running Ascent/MAS VB on Microsoft® Windows XP
QUESTION
Can I run Ascent/MAS VB on Microsoft® Windows XP?
ANSWER
Yes; however, you will need to make sure that the user installing the software has Administrator rights on the PC. This is because the database engine that we use (Interbase/Firebird) is a Windows Service that needs to run under an Administrator account.
Customers using Windows XP should read the following items which apply to their version of the Ascent software:
For all Versions of Ascent/MAS VB
Do not use the Switch User facility on Windows XP. The Ascent/MAS VB and InterBase programs will fail when this feature is used. The only way for the software to function normally is to do a full logoff then log back in as a new (different) user. For more information on Fast User Switching read this article from Microsoft.
Keep Commtest informed of any other issues you encounter while using Ascent/MAS VB on these operating systems. Check the Commtest website for up to date information on official support for Windows XP.
For users of Ascent/MAS VB 7.30 or Earlier
The main reported problem with InterBase on Windows XP is that it can take up to 30 seconds for a connection to the database to be opened or closed. This is caused by a new facility in Windows XP (and Windows ME) called System Restore. The instructions below will re-locate your database and greatly improve system performance.
To work around the System Restore problem, save your database file (.gdb file) in a folder within your 'My Documents' folder, rather than the default location (in Program Files).
For example:
- Start Ascent/MAS VB.
- Backup your database (File>Database>Backup).
- Click the toolbar Open button then click Change to select a new database.
- Click Create to create a new database. At this point, browse to a folder within your My Documents folder and save the database there. Navigate to My Documents by clicking the drop down box at the top of the screen.
- Ascent/MAS VB will prompt you for a database backup to restore from. Ensure the newest is used. The original .gdb file will still remain in the original position for you to manage (delete or save after the change).
If you upgrade to the newer versio0ns of Ascent/MAS VB the database remains in the original location.
FAQ ID: 11632 Last Reviewed: 21 December 2005