Helios Help

[CROVINE1]

I should be asking this question directly to Helios support, get my 59$ worth. As we know they suck. I am looking to upgrade my computer towers soon. They are over 2 years old, worry about problems in the near future. I am looking for the easiest way to transfer the whole thing, data, contracts, dcas file, EFT file etc... I just want to back everything in one file up to my external hard drive and install the new tower with 11.7 and dongle. Than in one motion restore It to where it was in the old computer. I worry about being down for more than a few hours. Has anyone done this and how did it go and how did they do it? Did you have any problems with loosing codes, inventory, contracts, release forms and running your Eft's. I just want it to go as smooth as possible, I hate to have any problems, than have to call Support, so they can tell me they do not support me because I network my printer(has happened a few times).



Thank you in advance!!!!

[sparky]

Copy the C:\Program Files\Helios11\Data folder complete and paste into the new computer same location.

This covers all the basic stuff you mentioned, data, contracts, dcas file, EFT file etc...

Also you need to copy all Contract and release forms from c:\Program Files\Helios folder. all files that end with .RTF . If you use camera images, that file also needs to be copied.

There may be some settings in the Helios Management -> System -> settings that need to be entered, such as Printers, T-Max, and Cash Drawer/Receipt Printer that are specific to the machine.

Always a good thing to keep the old machine functioning while you get all the new stuff set up, just for reference sake.

[CROVINE1]

T-max, printers , they are in my old helios can I back those up also to transfer?

[sparky]

No. Those probably need to be set up in the new computer as they connect through USB, Serial, and printer ports, etc.... that are specific to the machine.

Printers should be already there, just select from drop down menu in Settings. Make sure you choose the same printer for both Report and File Printer.

Helios has an auto-detect for T-max, and then you can choose setting for cash drawer, etc...

[sparky]

If you are running multiple workstations, Helios will help AFTER you have the network communicating with each tower

There is a Multi-user setup program on the Helios disk that sets the values for one database on the 'server' to function with many workstations.

Accumulator names, bed types, along with tax rates, and other system defaults, etc, need to be set up individually on each machine

[Papa]

I actually would suggest you not change them both at once. Helios recognizes each computer as either "client" or "server". Decide which of the two machines you want to replace first and make the other the "server". Replace the secondary unit and make sure that is working. Then make the new unit the "server" and make sure that is working correctly. Finally, replace the second one.

I would also abuse, ~cough USE helios support for this if you are paying for it. Why not? I have had REALLY strange things go wrong when installing peripherals that required drivers be emailed to me, etc. When I installed my second workstation I think I was on the phone with support for a good 6 hours.

Don't bite off more than you can chew and don't run the risk that your salon will be down during business hours for long, if at all- especially without need.

At worst, this way you will only have one down and one working all the time.

[bellatanning1]

make sure they support the new operating systems (windows 7) first. if you are currently using Vista, u need to make sure the (UAC) is turned off before u backup your files because windows stores your data files in a different folder for about 3 to 5 days for security. leaving the helios folder with older files and your backup not being up to date

[kpowr82]

Helios 11.7 and v12 are both supported in Windows 7 Professional 32-bit. Even with UAC enabled, the "file hiding" that bellatan1 describes is a non-issue in Windows 7 Proressional.

[unity]

I would be lazy and just swap the old hard drive into the newer computer.... lol

[kpowr82]

^^that might cause some major driver issues though