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Problem:  

What's the best way to setup Plans?

Solution:  

Go to the Setup Screen and select Plan Setup Tab:

Two step process:

#1 - Add the COBRA Plan(s), create a Plan Number and select a  “rate grouping set” for your COBRA Rates.  Avoid using the default Rate Grouping Five except for age-banded rates. Contact us if you need assistance due to an unusual rate grouping.

Note on COBRA Rates: Due to independent rights to elect, you need to know how your carriers charge premium for a “single enrollee” that is other than the ex-employee, i.e. the spouse or a child.  Before setting up the Plan, you may want to contact your carriers or broker and ask them for your COBRA rates for all possible enrollment categories.

Tip on Plan Numbers: Sometimes, you have more than one Plan under the same Vendor Contract.  For example, a PPO and a HMO plan.  The Plan Number is how each one of those plans is identified. It will also determine the sequence in which the Plans are displayed on various screens and reports.  So, think about how you would like your Plans to be displayed.  For example, all of your medical plans followed by your dental and vision plan. A good sequence for Plan Numbers is 100, 200, 300, 400, etc. 

   Example:

            Blue Cross   PPO          Assigned Plan Number = 100

            Blue Cross   HMO         Assigned Plan Number = 200

            Kaiser HMO                Assigned Plan Number = 300

            MetLife Dental            Assigned Plan Number = 400

            VSP                         Assigned Plan Number = 500

#2 - Add your COBRA rates to the Rate Grouping you selected in the first step by highlighting a Plan on the blue screen and, then, clicking on the Add/Edit Rates button.  You enter the Plan active rate and Solo calculates the COBRA rate.  You can edit the COBRA rate if the rounding results in a rate different from the one being charged.  If you make an error in the active rate and need to start over, you must delete both the active and the COBRA rate.

Age Banded Plans: Contact us for assistance if the Manual does not offer the right guidance.

Tip on Rate Groupings:  If you discover that you selected the wrong Rate Grouping, you must delete the entire Plan and start over.  How to delete a Plan:  from Utilities on the main menu bar, select Edit Data and, then, Edit Plans.  Using the row selector, select the Plan to be deleted and use the Delete button.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How should I setup an Elected PQB's Elections?

Solution:  

Elections for a PQB can only be set up after they have Elected COBRA.  If a PQB is still Pending, you will not be able to get to the Elections screen.

The Elections button is located at the bottom of the PQB Admin Screen.  When you click on the Elections button, you will see the Elections pop-up window.  

You will have the option to Add/Edit Elections.  If it is your first time to access the screen for an Elected PQB, you will have an additional option labeled "Elected as Active".  This will automatically insert the elections that were included when the Election Notice was printed.

It's important to set the "End Date" without a date for each election that is active.  If you are performing a Rate Change, the old election will need to have an "End Date".  If an election has a date in the "End Date", Solo will know that the election terminates on the date entered.

You will always want to have at least one election that does not have an End Date.  The Confirmation Letter, Coupons, Payment Instructions, Rate Change Letters will only include elections that have a blank end date.

When you first set up elections, it will also be important that the "Begin Date" be the same date as the Effective Date of the PQB.  

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

Receive and Administer COBRA Premiums

Solution:  

COBRA requires that Qualified Beneficiaries have a minimum 30-day Grace Period from the beginning of the billing period for payment of premiums.  COBRA premiums can be paid monthly or in advance.  YOU CANNOT REQUEST PAYMENT IN ADVANCE OF THE END OF THE GRACE PERIOD.  Due to the inherent lag in receipt of COBRA payments, you may find it necessary to pay the COBRA premiums for the Qualified Beneficiaries and consider their payment as reimbursement. 

The Final Regulations stipulate that premiums paid that are 10% or $50.00, whichever is less, will be considered insignificantly less than the amount due.  The Qualified Beneficiary must be given at least 30 days to make-up the difference after notification by you.  Alternatively, the employer can accept the “insignificant payment” as payment in full.  Partial payments outside of the “insignificant” threshold can be returned and, after the Grace Period expires, COBRA can be terminated.  NSF checks, if not replaced within the Grace Period, can be grounds for termination

 -Verify that payment is made within the Grace Period. Premiums are considered “made” on the date sent.  Use the postmark if available.

 -Record payment in Premiums.

 -If a partial payment is made within the “insignificant threshold”, record and allocate premium, create Partial Payment Letter and mail to the PQB.  Using the Partial Payment Report, monitor receipt of the balance.

 -If it is your stated policy, you can issue a Late Payment Letter towards the end of the Grace Period.

 -If termination occurs due to non-payment, enter the Termination Date and issue the appropriate letter in the Termination function box.

 -Notify the insurance carrier that COBRA coverage has terminated.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question:  

I'm getting errors on my letters and notices and no text.  What has happened?

Question:  

I'm getting a message saying that the OLE Server can't be found.  What is this?

Answer:  

You probably have Norton Antivirus installed and the Script Blocking has been activated.  

Norton Antivirus has a known problem with Microsoft OLE products such as Microsoft Word and Office.  If the Script Blocking is turned on, the OLE functions will not work.  Since Solo and Maxim are built utilizing the OLE functions, this problem could occur.

Norton has provided a solution for the problem by recommending that you turn off the Script Blocking.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question:  

What are the system requirements for the Solo software?

Answer:  

WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, 2000, NT OR XP

To maximize the performance of Solo, you should use at least a Pentium processor 64 mg. of  RAM (64 or higher recomended) and 100 mg. of hard drive space available.  Additional RAM and disk space is encouraged.

Microsoft Word is necessary to use the Solo Notice Editor functions.

Microsoft Office is also used with Excel to perform some advanced reporting automation.

DISPLAY PROPERTIES

Solo runs best with high resolution monitors.  You may need to adjust your display settings for best performance.

A CD drive will be necessary to install the software from the installation CD.  Software downloads can be performed after the original CD has been installed.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question:  

I have a blank Login Screen.  What should I do?

Answer:  

If you were on Version 6.0 and upgraded to Version 7 and are seeing a blank login screen the first time that you try to access Solo, you'll need to use the following instructions to "reset" your software.

You'll need to Ctrl-Alt-Delete and end the Solo task first.

Next, click on the following link and download and Save the file named "reset.exe" to your computer.  Depending upon your internet connection it could take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to download.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How to install the Solo software..?

Solution:  

INSTALLING ON WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, 2000, NT OR XP

To maximize the performance of Solo, you should use at least a Pentium processor 64 mg. of  RAM (64 or higher recomended) and 100 mg. of hard drive space available.  Additional RAM and disk space is encouraged.

Please review the "INSTALLATION" information below.

If you are UPGRADING an existing installation of SOLO then please read the UPGRADING Solo instructions.

NOTICES

Microsoft Word is necessary to use the Solo Notice Editor functions.  It will need to be installed on your Solo computer.

INSTALLATION

1. Close all open programs.

2. Insert Solo into your CD-ROM drive.

After a short wait, the installation process will automatically begin.  

Follow the instructions.  

If the installation process does not automatically begin,

from the Start menu, choose Run.

3. Type "X": SETUP, where "X" is the name of your drive.  

CD-ROM drives are usually named D or E.

4. The Installation process will begin.  Follow the instructions.

SOLO DESKTOP ICONS

After installation, you will have two icons on your desktop.

(1) Solo

(2) Solo Notice Editor

You can start Solo or the Solo Notice Editor from the icons on your desktop or from the Affordable Solutions Program Group from your Windows Start button.

The Solo icons can be deleted from your desktop if you prefer.  

Just right-click and delete.

USER LOGIN AND EXPIRATION DATE

The Logon Window will appear each time you open Solo.

Prior to setting up security you will choose OK on the first screen and Continue on the second screen.  

Your Expiration Date will be displayed on the Logon Window.

DISPLAY PROPERTIES

Solo runs best with high resolution monitors.  You may need to adjust your display settings for best performance.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How do I Delete Data?

Solution:  

Most data shouldn't be deleted to preserve the Solo audit trails.  If you have accidently set up a PQB or Dependent or Plan, there is a way to Delete the records.  We've placed the Delete on the Utility selection on the menubar at the top of the main Solo switchboard screen.

To get to the Delete, select "Utilities" > "Edit Data" >

There will be 3 options:  1 - Edit PQB Data  2 - Edit Dependent Data  3- Edit Plan Data

To Delete a record, open the appropriate sceen and maximize the screen to see all the data.  Scroll up or down until you find the correct record.  You can sort some of the columns by clicking the top of each column.  It might help find data faster.

Once you've found the record, click the record selector on the far left side of the record.  Press the Delete button at the top of the screen to remove the data.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How to handle an incorrect "Qualifying Event" selection.

Solution:  

In this scenario, you made an error in selecting the Qualifying Event, including the choice of Active status, from the drop-down box in the Add New screen.  The issue here is that the “status” can’t be edited once selected and saved.  You will need to delete the entry and start over.

1. Delete the person from Solo.  How?  Utilities>Edit Data>Edit PQB/Employee Data.  Select Active Employee or the PQB and click the Delete button.

2. Return to Admin and you can set them up again using the Add New button.

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Problem:  

Archiving old data

Solution:  

Solo does not have an archive function like Maxim or SoloPlus.  So, if you want to “clean-up” your records by removing terminated employees or PQBs who did not elect COBRA or who have terminated their COBRA coverage, you will need to run some reports in the event of an audit or dispute.  And, it’s probably not prudent to delete any records until a full twelve months have elapsed.

1. Run a snapshot report for each person being deleted from Solo.  As necessary, run any other reports that might be useful in the event of an audit or dispute.

2. To delete the employee or PQB:

Utilities>Edit Data>Edit PQB/Employee Data.  Select the PQB using the row selector to the left of the SSN and click on the Delete button.

3. To delete dependents:

Utilities>Edit Data>Edit Dependent Data.  Select the dependent using the row selector and click on the Delete button.

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Problem:  

How to handle a Rehire.

Solution:  

In this scenario, an ex-employee Qualified Beneficiary is re-hired and you need to re-enter them as an active employee. The issue here is that Solo can’t transfer a Qualified Beneficiary back to an Active Employee status.  So, you need to delete them from Solo so you can enter them as an Active Employee. In broad terms, here’s what you do:

1. Print or save an electronic copy of the Snapshot Report for your audit trail.

2. Delete the person from the Solo. How?

  Utilities>Edit Data>Edit PQB/Employee Data.  Select the PQB and click on the Delete button.

3. Now, you re-enter them as an Active Employee.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How to issue an Election Notice (refer to Manuals for Details)

Solution:  

1.  Open Solo from the desktop icon and Logon

2.  Click on the Admin button.

3.  Close the Reminder Reports.  You can view a Reminder Report by highlighting one with your mouse pointer and clicking on the run button.  If a listed report has data in it, it will be highlighted and will have a number to the left of its name.

4.  Go to the Add New button on left of the “main switchboard: screen. Enter name, mailing address and choose the Qualifying Event and Save.  If the PQB had previously been set up as an active employee for issuance of the Initial Notice, just enter their SSN and follow the instructions.

5.  Enter any optional Personal Data - necessary if location accounting or for HIPAA Certificates

6.  Enter Family Data - necessary if a dependent is a COBRA Qualifier.  The red fields are required.  Solo defaults to the PQBs last name and address.

7.  COBRA Qualifying Event – enter the Qualifying Event Date and hit your enter key. The rest of the dates will auto-complete.

8.  Design Election Notice – Open and select the Add button at the bottom of the screen. Highlight the coverage(s) in effect at the time of the Qualifying Event.  Solo will auto-select the other choices.  For example, if you select employee and spouse, Solo will select spouse only and employee only

9.  Print Election Notice.  Solo will complete the date printed for you.  You choose the number of copies, whether or not you want a cover page, and click on Print.

10. Print an envelope from the icon on the top right of the screen. You may need to try out the two different alignment settings to find the right one.

11. Finally, open the Letter History Audit Trail icon on the top right of the screen and see how Solo creates an audit trail.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How to issue an Initial Rights Notice (refer to Manuals for Details)

Solution:  

1.  Open Solo from the desktop icon and Logon

2.  Click on the Admin button.

3.  Close the Reminder Reports.  You can view a Reminder Report by highlighting one with your mouse pointer and clicking on the run button.  If a listed report has data in it, it will be highlighted and will have a number to the left of its name.

4.  Go to the Add New button on left of the “main switchboard: screen. Enter name, mailing address and choose Active Employee and Save. 

5.  Enter any optional Personal Data - necessary if location accounting or for HIPAA Certificates

6.  Enter Family Data - necessary if a dependent is a COBRA Qualifier.  The red fields are required.  Solo defaults to the PQBs last name and address.

7.  Print Election Initial Notice.  Solo will complete the date printed for you.  You choose the number of copies.

8. Print an envelope from the icon on the top right of the screen. You may need to try out the two different alignment settings to find the right one.

9. Finally, open the Letter History Audit Trail icon on the top right of the screen and see how Solo creates an audit trail.

10. If you want to return to the COBRA Qualifiers Screen, click on the Magnifying Glass icon to left of SSN.  When it opens, on the right of the screen, choose “All COBRA” and click OK.

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Problem:  

How do I set-up age-banded rates?

Solution:  

After entering the Vendor and Contract information, you will work from Plan Setup.   

1) When you are adding the new Plan in Setup, select the default Rate Grouping Five.

2) After you save the Plan and return to the blue screen, click on the “Rate Group 5 Description” button at the bottom of the screen.  On that form, you will establish your age-banded rate classes in total or as you need them.  Please read the instructions at the top.  It is important to note that the ABBREVIATION will be displayed on notices, letters and reports. If you need additional coverage classes, use the ADD button at the bottom. When done, Save and close the form.

3) To assign a rate(s) to a coverage class, highlight the Plan on which you wish to work and click on the Add/Edit rate button.  When the form opens, click on the Add button.  On the form, select the Rate Description (coverage class), enter the rate Effective date, and enter the Active Rate.  Solo will calculate the COBRA rate.  It is editable.  DO NOT enter the termination date for an active plan or rate.  Save.  If you have additional rates to set up, continue adding them until finished.

Problem:  

Issuing an Election Notice with age-banded rates:

Solution:  

This is where it can get interesting.  You have two basic choices in how you handle the information on the Election Form for a family.  If it’s a single COBRA qualifier, the following is not an issue.

1. Easier to Set Up. If your volume is low and you want to keep it simple, on the Election Form you can display only the coverage class and rate for the coverage in effect at the time of the qualifying event.  In other words, if the COBRA Qualifiers had family coverage for medical, you would display only the family rate on the Election Form with instructions to contact you if they are interested in other coverage choices such as spouse only, child only, etc.  You would not display all of the possible choices. You would edit the Election Form in the Solo Notice Editor to include those instructions. 

Setup Process:  In this approach, you will set up the Coverage Class and assign the rate on a case-by-case basis.  You will not set up all possible rates for the Plan. If COBRA is elected, you may need to go back to Setup and establish the Coverage class and assign the rate for the final election.

Caveat: Set up is quicker but you can also expect more phone calls.  Therefore, you want to do this only if your volume is light.

2. Harder to Set Up. If you want to prepare a Notice that displays all of the possible rate combinations for a family, you will need to set up all of the Coverage Classes and assign the rates before preparing the Notice.  Then, when you Design the Election Notice, you will be select ALL of the possible choices. 

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

What should I do for Open Enrollment in Solo?

Solution:  

Open Enrollment Process
The general idea is that you need to send Qualified Beneficiaries an enrollment packet identical to the one that active employees receive.  The primary difference may be in the COBRA rates charged if you are, in fact, charging the 2% or if the COBRA rate structure differs from that of the contractual rate structure.  The process below is just one way of handling this requirement.  You may find a better way.

  1.. UPDATE your COBRA rates as described above.
  2.. UPDATE the PQB's elections as described above. Update to the same plan
election; but, for the new rate(s).
  3.. Print a RATE CHANGE letter for the updated plan rates.
  4.. Create a CUSTOM Letter advising the PQB/Spouse that their new rates
are included in the packet but that they have the right to change plans, add
or drop "dependents", etc. If you need a template, let us know.  Attach it
to the packet.
  5.. As open enrollment elections return, update any elections as necessary
to reflect any change in plans elected or in Qualified Beneficiaries covered
within the family unit.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How Do I Change a Dependent's Relationship to a PQB, for example from Spouse to Chid?

Solution:  

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question:  

Upgrading Solo

Answer:  

If you have Release 7.0 or higher of Solo, you can upgrade to newer versions by going to our Download web page.  The Download web page will include instructions for performing the upgrade.

If you have a Version prior to 7.0 (such as Version 6.0) you will need to order a CD to upgrade to a newer version.

When new versions are released, we usually send out an email to each of our current customers notifying you that a newer version is available.  You will want to follow the instructions provided for obtaining the new release.

Problem:  

Blank Login Screen after upgrading from Version 6

Solution:  

If you were on Version 6.0 and upgraded to Version 7 and are seeing a blank login screen the first time that you try to access Solo, you'll need to use the following instructions to "reset" your software.

You'll need to Ctrl-Alt-Delete and end the Solo task first.

Next, click on the following link and download and Save the file named "reset.exe" to your computer.  Depending upon your internet connection it could take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to download.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

Payment Instructions Won't Print - Error Message.

Solution:  

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Problem:  

What is the best way to handle Partial Payments?

Solution:  

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Problem:  

My notice isn't printing out correctly.  It is printing out #error without any text in the body of the letter.  What should I do?

Solution 1:  

There are a couple of conditions that can cause this to occur.  The most common is the possibility that you have Norton AntiVirus software installed on your computer and it has enabled the Script Blocking.  This problem can be resolved easily by "disabling" the Script Blocking in Norton.  Click here for detailed instructions

Solution 2:  

Another possible problem is that your Solo application needs to be "optimized".  All of the Solo programs and data need to be "optimized" periodically.  We recommend that the data be optimized more regularly than the application.  If the application *does need to be optimized, you'll start noticing unusual error messages throughout Solo including some of the reports and letters.  Click here for detailed instructions on how to optimize.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem 1:  

I'm getting error messages (Microsoft Access error messages) in Solo where I've never had any problems before.  

Solution 1a:  

If Solo was working just fine and all of a sudden starts producing strange error messages, it's very likely that you need to "optimize" your Solo Application.  Click here for optimize instructions.

Solution 1b:  

Sometimes the Optimize might not fix the problem.  If you're sure that you've run the Optimize on every file and the problem is still occuring, you might need to reinstall part or all of the software.  It would probably best to contact Affordable Solutions Technical Support for assistance with identifying which files need to be reinstalled.

Problem 2:  

I'm getting #error messages on some of my reports and letters.

Solution 2:  

It's possible that some data is missing.  Some of the most important data in Solo is a PQB's Qualifying Event Dates.  If the dates aren't entered correctly, you could have problems with some of your reports and letters.

Other important data that might be missing is an Elected PQB's Elections.  Make sure that the Elections and Rates are setup properly for the PQB.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

I have a new computer and need to move Solo and my data from my old computer to the new one.

Solution:  

Moving to another computer is real easy to do.  Just click here for detailed instructions.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

I can not print out a 2nd QE Letter.  It is producing errors.

Solution:  

You need to download the most recent version of Solo.  This is a problem that has been fixed.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

What Solo files do I need to backup every day?

Solution:  

The most important file to back up is your primary data file.  It is named: solodat.mde  It should be a part of your standard daily backup.  It contains almost all of your data.

Other files that need to be backed up but not as often are:  sololet.mde, solokey.mde and solobak.mde (solobak.mde is not included with all versions of Solo)

All other files can be reinstalled from your Solo CD if necessary.

Can't find the files or need more information about the files?  Click here.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

My software is saying that it has expired or is getting ready to expire.  What should I do?

Solution:  

Just email a copy of your ID Code that will be displayed in red on the expiration's update screen.  Make sure that you include your Company Name and contact information along with the expiration date.  

If your account is current, we will email you an Activation Key that you will enter on the update screen to reset your new expiration date and allow you to continue using Solo.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question1:  

Why should I Optimize?  

Answer1:  

 You need to optimize your files periodically.  Over time depending upon the activity and volume of data, you will want to optimize to help keep the files as compact and efficient as possible.  The Optimize is similar to the Windows Defrag, it will rebuild the file in a more organized fashion so that your computer's resources aren't maxed.  There are many factors that contribute to knowing when it's time to Optimize, if you aren't sure, go ahead and run it.  

Question2:  

How do I Optimize?  

Answer2:  

 Click here for optimize instructions.

Question3:  

What should I do besides Optimizing frequently?  

Answer3:  

 Backing up your data is the most important administration task that you should do.  Click here for instructions about which files to backup.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How do I install a Solo Upgrade onto my computer that is using a network folder for my Solo data?

Solution:  

If you have Solo previously installed and are using a Network folder on your computer then Click Here for basic network upgrade instructions.

If you need to install your Solo upgrade onto a network for the first time Click here for different instructions.

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Problem:  

How do I install a Solo Data onto a network folder?

Solution:  

If you want to install Solo and place your data files onto a network folder, click here for instructions.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

My PQB data is missing.  Where is it?  

Solution1:  

 If you don't see a PQB or person that you know was previously entered into Solo you can check to see if they are in the database by going to the Menubar and selecting "Utilities" - "Edit Data" and searching for your data.  You can sort the columns by clicking on the column headers from the Edit screens.  There are 3 different Edit Data screens, one for PQB's or Employees, another for Dependents and a third for Plans.  You will want to maximize the edit screens to take advantage of a full screen of data.

Solution2:  

 You can Search for PQB's by clicking on the Solo Menubar and selecting "Search".  The Search will allow you to find data using partial names or SSNs

Solution3:  

 The SSN Search dropdown listing will only show subsets of data.  If the dropdown listing isn't showing the data that you expect, you can change the subset by clicking on the Magnifying Glass button to the left of the SSN dropdown box.

Solution4:  

 Your database might need optimizing.   Click here for optimize instructions.

Problem:  

I'm missing more data.  Help!  

Solution1:  

 If data is no longer in your database or looks strange, there is a good chance that you need to Optimize your files.   Click here for optimize instructions.

Solution2:  

 Check and make sure that Solo is looking at the correct data files.  If your data is on a network folder different from your local Affordable Solutions folder, you will need to Relink to the data.  Click here for Relinking instructions.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How do I handle renewals and rate changes in Solo (Maxim and SoloPlus have additional automation)?

Solution:  

It's a two step process:

1. In Setup, update your COBRA rates.  If a Plan is being terminated and replaced with another one, you may need to go through the complete set up process again:  Vendors, Contract, and Plans.  If you need another Quick Start Guide, let us know.
2. Update the Election for each enrolled PQB.  Big picture:  first edit the current election by entering the "ends date" (usually the end of a month) and, then, "add" the new election.   The new election may be nothing more than the prior plan updated with new rates. 
3. If desired, you can use Letters to print or email an appropriate letter to the PQB and, if applicable, a covered Spouse.  The Rate Change letter may be appropriate; although, if an enrollment or plan change has also occurred, the Enrollment or Rate Change letter might be more appropriate.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question1:  

Why would I need to Relink?

Answer1:  

You might not need to Relink.  Relinking is only necessary if you have installed your Solo data files (solodat.mde and sololet.mde) onto a network folder.

If you have placed your data files onto a network folder, you'll need to make sure that the Solo program is looking at the Solo data. 

Question2:  

How do I Relink?

Answer2:  

Solo consists of 2 programs and 2 primary data files.  Each of the programs need to communicate with both data files.

If you have Maxim in addition to Solo, you will have 3 programs and 3 data files.

Before you Relink, make sure that you know where your data resides.  Most data on a network folder will be "mapped" with a drive letter to make it easier to find.  It will usually be something similar to "X:\mynetwork\folder\"  or just "X:"   etc..    If you're not sure, you should probably check with your IT person.

The names of the data files are:

(a) solodat.mde  (your primary and most important data file)

(b) sololet.mde  (your letters file)

(c) solobak.mde  (used for Archiving - this file is not necessary for Solo, just Maxim users)

Once you have identified the exact pathname and location of your data and have confirmed that it is the correct data files, use the following instructions:

1.  Start Solo and log in.

2.  Go to the menubar and select "Utilities"

3.  Select "Relink"

4.  Enter the path and filenames and run the Relink

5.  If the Relink works correctly, it will tell you that it was successful.  

6.  If you receive an error, you should check the path and file names to make sure they are correct.  You should also make sure that you have Read permissions.  Click here for instructions on how to check the permissions.

7.  If successful, run Steps 1-6 for your Solo Notice Editor.

8.  If you have Maxim, run Steps 1-6.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Problem:  

How do I remove the Read Only setting on my file(s)?

Solution:  

To use Solo and Maxim, you must have full priviliges to all Solo related files.  Frequently, MS Windows will change a file to Read Only.  This can happen when you manually copy files within Windows or from a CD to a Windows directory.  After you move or copy a file, make sure that the Read Only setting is not set or checked.

Use Windows Explorer and locate your file.  Most Solo files will reside in the c:\Program Files\Affordable Solutions\  folder   

The files that need to be looked at are:

(a) solo.mde

(b) sololtr.mde

(c) soloadm.mde

(d) solokey.mde

(e) solodat.mde

(f) sololet.mde

(g) solobak.mde

(h) solotemp.mde

For each file, Right-Click and find "Properties".  Next Left-Click on "Properties", you should see "Attributes".  Under Attributes will be a box that says "Read Only".

Make sure that the "Read Only" box is not checked.  If it is, you'll need to remove the check mark from the box.  It should be empty.

Can't find the files or need more information about the files?  Click here.

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.

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Question:  

What and how are the files used in Solo?

Answer:  

Listed below are the main files used in Solo and Maxim:

Files 1-5 will ususally be located in your Affordable Solutions folder on your local c: drive

Files 6-8 can be placed in mapped folders on your network.

(1) solo.mde  (the main Solo program)

(2) sololtr.mde (the Solo Notice Editor program)

(3) soloadm.mde  (Maxim program)

(4) solokey.mde  (the Solo security file - it must reside in the Affordable Solutions folder on your local c: drive)

(5) solotemp.mde  (temporary file)

(6) solodat.mde (primary Solo data file)

(7) sololet.mde  (Solo Notice data file)

(8) solobak.mde  (Maxim archive file)

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© Copyright 2004  Affordable Solutions, Inc.