• Q.1 How is DataComp 2005 different from the current version 3.61?
• A.1 DataComp 2005 is SQL-based and, as such, is much faster searching through records. Moreover, the SQLdatabase is much less susceptible to data corruption than the Paradox tables of DataComp v3.61.

• Q.2 What other new features are in the DataComp 2005 release?
• A.2 Ability to easily create custom output to Word and Excel (DataComp Report Wizard) includes printing more than one picture, drag and drop records in print box, spell check entire record, sorting on columns in the search tab, record counter, custom view of columns at workstation level, and duplicate records search.

• Q.3 Why is the "look and feel" of DataComp 2005 very similar to v3.61?
• A.3 The majority our customers did not want the DataComp interface to change at all, just add some new features.

• Q.4 I am a Word Perfect User. Is that going to be included in DataComp 2005?
• A.4 Unfortunately, no. We have expended extraordinary effort to incorporate Word Perfect into DataComp 2005. However, due to the lack of support from Corel and their inconsistencies with standardization of the Windows operating system, we will no longer be supporting Corel products, including any version of Word Perfect and Quattro Pro.

• Q.5 I have the DataComp Healthcare version. Does DataComp 2005 have Healthcare?
• A.5 No. Healthcare will be included in a subsequent release.

• Q.6 I have Version 2.16. Should I upgrade to DataComp 2005?
• A.6 Yes. We recommend upgrading since, as of January 1, 2005, we will no longer be officially supporting Version 2.

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• Q.1 Why is the download so large?
• A.1 DataComp 2005 requires installation of Microsoft's .Net Framework, MSDE (Microsoft SQL
  Server 2000 Desktop Engine) and the DataComp program.

• Q.2 Which PC should I install DataComp 2005 on first, the server or the workstation?
• A.2 We recommend installing DataComp 2005 on the server first and then migrate the data (a conversion routine in the Admin module that converts DataComp Version 3.61 to DataComp 2005). We then recommend installing DataComp on the remaining workstations.

• Q.3 If I have a problem migrating my data, will I lose my existing "live" data from Version 3.61.
• A.3 No. The migration routine to DataComp 2005 simply copies the data tables and converts them. If the process is stopped due to an error, your original data is safe. Call Tech Support at 813-221-0704 if you run into any problems.

• Q.4 Can I run Version 3.61 simultaneously with DataComp 2005?
• A.4 Yes. However, any records you enter into version 3.61 will obviously not be included in DataComp 2005 going forward.

• Q.5 Does DataComp 2005 require mapping of a drive letter like Version 3.61?
• A.5 No. Mapping is no longer required as long as the MSDE services are running.

• Q.6 Will the record number change after the data migration?
• A.6 No. All the record numbers will remain the same in each of the 6 databases.

• Q.7 Should I delete DataComp Version 3.61 after I install DataComp 2005?
• A.7 After the migration has successfully completed and you have confirmed that the records are imported to the correct fields and there are no issues, it is recommended to remove the DataComp 3.61 from the Add/Remove icon in the Control Panel. However, we do recommend working with DataComp 2005 for a period of time (a month or two) as to properly assess any issues that may arise.

• Q.8 After I do the migration, do the pictures automatically reappear with the records?
• A.8 Yes. However, if the images are not appearing, then just like v3.61, go to Options, General Preferences, Image Directory tab on each workstation.

• Q.9 Does the MSDE SQL service represented by an icon on the bottom right part of my screen need to be running all the time?
• A.9 Yes. The MSDE database is what DataComp 2005 uses and needs to be running on each workstation.

• Q.10 Can the MSDE service run on the server that is running a "full version" of SQL?
• A.10 Yes. MSDE can be installed and run together with a "full version" of SQL without any modification or issues.

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• Q.1 Where did the macros button go?
• A.1 Instead of using the macros script language in the past, we now have a report-generating application that runs separately from DataComp that allows you to easily create your own templates for Word and Excel. Simply open up a Word document or Excel worksheet and using the DataComp Report Wizard, select the appropriate fields and place them on the Word or Excel document in the location you wish to see the data transferred to. Once you save the templates, they will reside on the server under the custom template folder for everyone's use. When you select print, one of the options will be Custom Templates. Simply select the template which you have created.

• Q.2 Can I print more than one image to Word with DataComp 2005?
• A.2 Yes - if you have inserted the appropriate key words (using DataComp Report Wizard) in your custom templates.

• Q.3 How do I format my custom templates for Word and Excel after I set them up?
• A.3 Once the field names have been placed in the format that you like, use Word's formatting. For example, if you want the property name field to be bold and italics, simply highlight the field name in the custom template that represents the property name field and use Word to "turn on" the bold and underline formatting.

• Q.4 If you have a Report Wizard application, does the default Profile, Summary Table and Discussion Paragraphs still print in the same fashion as 3.61?
• A.4 Yes. The output is unchanged for these three report styles.

• Q.5 How to I use spell check?
• A.5 F6 spell checks the entire screen, F7 spell checks the field and F* spell checks the entire record (new feature).

• Q.6 Why are the names of the six databases different?
• A.6 In DataComp 2005 we have renamed the databases as well as added a few new fields to be consistent with the current Data Standards of the Appraisal Institute and other participating organizations.

• Q.7 What are the Select View, and Save Custom View buttons?
• A.7 DataComp 2005 allows each workstation to have their own custom view if you would like to reorder the columns as they appear on the search tab. When you save a local view template, it is for that workstation only.

• Q.8 Has the general look and feel of DataComp 2005 changed much since Version 3.61.
• A.8 No. After much feedback from our customer base of appraisers, we have kept a lot of the functionality of DataComp the same, while enhancing areas we felt needed improvement. For example, report writing, database speed and integrity and exporting to map programs are the most notable changes in DataComp 2005.

• Q.9 I have Version 3.61 and a colleague has DataComp 2005. Can we share data via exporting records like we could in the current version?
• A.9 To be determined.

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• Q.1 Do we still need to use the Rebuild Tables feature in the Admin Module?
• A.1 No, but you will see a Shrink Database button. SQL tables do not really need to be"rebuilt" and it is not necessary to shrink the database very often.

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• Q.1 What is the Search Module?
• A.1 A new feature that allows you to search each database off one screen. However, you cannot search multiple databases at the same time due to varying field names.

• Q.2 Can comps entered into one database be transferred to another database,  such as Land to Improved Sales?
• A.2 No. This functionality would cause a problem due to varying field names in each of Data Comp's six databases.

• Q.3 Do we still need to use the Rebuild Tables feature in the Admin Module?
• A.3 No, but you will see a Shrink Database button. SQL tables do not really need to be"rebuilt" and it is not necessary to shrink the database very often.

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