OfficeMate Suite 7.4.1 and above OfficeMate Enterprise 1.0 and above are now compatible with Windows Vista

Microsoft finally released Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista on March 18, 2008. Service Pack 1 adds much-needed stability to Windows Vista and fixes the significant networking issues that prohibited users from running database-intensive applications like OfficeMate, ExamWRITER, and OfficeMate Enterprise in a network environment.

To use workstations running OfficeMate Suite or OfficeMate Enterprise on Windows Vista, ensure that your hardware and software are ready:

1. Ensure that your PCs, scanners, printers, and diagnostic equipment are compatible with Windows Vista before upgrading. You don't want to go through the hassle of upgrading to Windows Vista only to find out your printer or your barcode scanner won't work with it.
2. Ensure that you are running Windows Vista Business Edition, Windows Vista Enterprise Edition, or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition on your PCs. Windows Vista Home editions are not suitable for a business environment and are not supported.
3. Download and install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1). You can download SP1 from Microsoft's Web site at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb738089.aspx.
   Note: OfficeMate Software Solutions limits the support it provides exclusively to its own products and therefore does not provide assistance or support for downloading and installing SP1. If you need assistance downloading and installing SP1, contact your local computer technician.
4. Download and install the latest version of the OfficeMate Suite or OfficeMate Enterprise.
5. Ensure that your network drives are properly mapped and that the OMATE32/DATA or OfficeMate/DATA folder has the proper permission settings. Windows Vista handles drive mapping and folder permissions differently than Windows XP. Go to article 10008 for information on mapping network drives and setting folder permissions.

Thinking of Making the Move to Vista? Make a Plan First

Upgrading to a new operating system is a time-consuming process and can often become a financial burden to your practice. You should consider a move to a new operating system seriously and carefully. Because your practice depends on your technology running smoothly and flawlessly, OfficeMate Software Solutions offers the following advice to those practices considering the move Vista:

1. Verify the need.
   Does Windows Vista offer a feature or is a software developer offering a “Vista-only” feature that is critical to the mission of your practice? If not, wait to upgrade. Initial releases of operating systems are usually full of bugs and security holes that may actually harm your practice. Weigh the benefits against the cons of upgrading carefully.
2. Make sure you are technologically prepared.
   Windows Vista is much more resource intensive than its predecessor, Windows XP. Ensure that your hardware meets the minimum system requirements of Windows Vista. Ensure that mission critical software is compatible with Windows Vista. If you find that several software vendors are still testing or preparing their software, you may have to wait to upgrade.
3. Make sure your office is ready.
   Make sure your staff are aware of the new features of Windows Vista. Vista looks and acts differently than XP. Many of your software applications that are now Vista-ready may look and act differently as well. Ensure your staff are trained. Look into training opportunities if necessary.
4. Obtain Windows Vista Business Edition and Vista-compatible software and hardware.
5. Launch a controlled pilot.
   Set up a workstation with Windows Vista Business Edition and Vista-ready software installed. Ask your staff to perform day-to-day activities on the workstation to ensure all of your mission critical tasks can be completed without a hitch.
6. Begin the upgrade process.
   Update your hardware and software as needed. Secure the services of a trained network technician to help you migrate your data from any old hardware to new hardware and to help you set up the intricate network settings within Windows Vista Business Edition.