Configure Vault
     
 

Configure Vault

 
     

Vault really draws its value through its ability to automatically backup your new and updated report files.  The Vault configuration tool walks you through the process of scheduling your automatic backup so that you can ensure that your files are safely in the Vault regardless of what happens to your computer.  Of course, if you don’t plan to use Vault’s automatic backup tools, you still need to run through the configuration wizard one time to supply it with your username and password. To configure Vault…

  1. First, make sure you've successfully installed the Vault.
  2. Then, click Start, [All] Programs, a la mode Vault, Configure Vault. 
  3. When you see the Introduction screen, click Next.
  4. You’re then asked how you connect to the Internet.
    • If you use a modem connected to a regular phone line, select the option labeled “I have a dial-up Internet connection.” This indicates that the software needs to dial into your Internet Service Provider (ISP) in order to connect to the Internet prior to transferring any files. Select your ISP from the drop-down list, and enter the username and password you use to log on to the Internet.
    • If you are using a high speed connection, select the option labeled “I have a direct Internet connection such as a cable modem, DSL or local area network (LAN).”
  5. If you’re using a firewall (hardware or software) and you know that it will prevent you from communicating through FTP in either Active or Passive mode, you can click the Use Active/Passive Transfer Mode link to toggle between the two.  If you’re unfamiliar with Active and Passive mode but do have a firewall, just leave the setting as is and you can reconfigure Vault later if you find that you’re unable to upload files.
  6. Click Next to continue.
  7. Next, you’re prompted for your Username and Password.  If you have forgotten or lost this information, click Forgot Password? and follow through the password retrieval wizard.  Otherwise, enter your credentials in the boxes provided.
  8. At the bottom of the screen, type your e-mail address in the box provided. We use this e-mail address to send you confirmation notices as the files make it to the Vault.  For instance, if you schedule a nightly upload of all new or updated report files, you’d receive a confirmation notice listing the files that successfully reached the Vault each night at the e-mail address you provided.

    UserInformation
         
      Note: These confirmation notices also serves as an indication that the Vault is working correctly.  If you schedule and automatic upload or manually upload files to the Vault and you do not receive a confirmation notice, something is wrong.  Run through the configuration wizard again per the instructions here to confirm that your e-mail address is correct.  If it is, you may need to contact our support technicians for assistance.  
         
  9. Click Next to continue.  The Vault software then connects to our server to verify your information. If you're using Vault Express instead of a full purchased version of the Vault, skip to step 16.
  10. Once we successfully verify your account, you’re prompted to select which types of files you want to store in the Vault. Select the file type(s) by simply marking or unmarking the check box next to the type(s) that you use. The Vault currently supports the following appraisal formfilling software types:

    • WinTOTAL (a la mode)
    • Lighthouse (ACI)
    • AppraiseIt (SFREP)
    • HighPerForm (United Systems)
    • Works (Day One)
    • Appraisers Toolbox (Bradford)
    • Rapid Report (ACI)
    • ReportPRO! (CRAL)
    • Real Easy Appraisals (Wilson)
    • Appraisal Studio (United Systems)
    • NovaForms (Day One)
    • ClickForms (Bradford)

  11. Once you have finished making your selection(s), click Next to continue setting up the Vault’s automation capabilities.
  12. You’re prompted to automate Vault so that you can “set it and forget it,” comfortably confident that your files are uploaded for you.  “Watched Folders” are the key to this automation.  By using watched folders, Vault watches for new or updated reports in the folders you specify.  If it notices changes, it automatically uploads those reports to the Vault for you during the next upload.  If you want Vault to automatically keep track of the files you need to upload, mark Yes.  Otherwise, to manually keep track of the files you need to upload, mark No.
  13. Click Next to continue.
  14. If you chose to enable the watched folders option, you then see a screen that prompts you to indicate which folders the Vault software should monitor. Click Find Folders if you want the Vault to search for folders containing reports.  If you want to find those folders yourself, click Browse and navigate out to each folder you want Vault to watch.

    WatchedFolders
         
      Note: We recommend that you avoid selecting the root of a drive as a watched folder.   Doing so would cause the Vault to scan your entire hard drive every time you needed to upload.  This would take a long time or could lock up your system.  
         
  15. When you see all of the folders that you want Vault to watch in the list, indicate whether those folders have subfolders containing report files you want to watch as well in the Include Subfolders column. You can toggle this option between yes (scan subdirectories) and no (ignore subdirectories) by simply double-clicking the line you want to change.
  16. If necessary, click Remove to remove any unwanted folders from your watched folders list.  Then, click Next to continue.
  17. Next, indicate whether you want to schedule an automatic file upload or manually upload files to the Vault.  Mark Yes to automatically upload files to the Vault.  Mark No to upload files manually.
         
      Hint: For best results, use watched folders with automatic uploads.  This configuration completely automates Vault so that it keeps track of files that need to be uploaded for you and then automatically uploads them at the scheduled time.  
         
  18. Click Next to continue.
  19. If you indicated you wanted to use the Vault’s automatic scheduling, mark the Daily, Weekly, or Monthly option to control the frequency with which Vault uploads files.  Then, schedule a time with the fields provided and click Next to continue.
         
      Hint: You don’t have to upload at night.  The Vault works in the background and can be running while you work on other things.  But, if you just can’t decide on a time, click Get Time to query the Vault server for the best time to upload your files, based on the current system load. You do need to ensure that your PC is on and connected to the Internet at the schedule time in order for Vault to upload your files.  
         

    VaultSchedule
  20. If you have a dial-up or satellite connection, you may want to limit the number of files that you upload to the Vault at any one time.  Since such connections are naturally weaker, this ensures that all of your files successfully make it to the Vault.  If you have a high speed connection, this is not necessary, but is still available to you.  Mark the option indicating whether you want to limit the number of files you upload at one time and specify a limit in the field provided if you decided to limit your upload.
  21. Click Next to continue.
  22. The Vault connects to the Internet and checks your watched folders to see if there are any new or updated files that need to be uploaded. Once it’s done searching, you should see a listing of how many files (new and updated) it found and how many it is preparing to upload to the Vault. To upload the files now, click Continue and then click Finish when the upload is complete.  Otherwise, click Finish to upload them later.

That’s it! Your Vault tools are configured for uploading your appraisal report files to your secure Vault account. Once you have sent your first batch of files to the server, keep in mind that the files are still on your computer, but they are also safely backed up on our servers. To notify you of your Vault activity, you receive an e-mail that confirms your file transfer and lets you know exactly what files were uploaded, along with the current status of your account. If you ever need or want to reconfigure your Vault settings, simply go back to step one and start over.  We also recommend that you configure Exact to keep a backup copy of your WinTOTAL settings, QuickLists, digital signature, and other important WinTOTAL data.  See the Configure Exact section of this user’s guide for more details.


a la mode and its products are trademarks
or registered trademarks of a la mode, inc.
Copyright © 2008 a la mode, inc. 1-800-ALAMODE