Pre-Installation Questions

Aurora is packed with hundreds of time saving features that customers asked for during our training seminars, in online forum discussions and on our customer service lines. It integrates with office management on your XSite, can import data from your MLS, is faster on a network and includes faster form navigation, and much much more.

What are the system requirements?
In summary, you need a computer with 512 Mb RAM, running Windows XP or 1 Gb of space running Windows Vista or Windows 7 with at least 600MB of free space.  Most computers sold in the last 3 years easily surpass this criteria.  Unlike our older "Athena", Aurora will not run on Windows 98, NT, ME or 95.  Click here for document 5032 which has detailed system recommendations.

How do I install it on a network?
On networks, the Aurora installation must be run on the server.  Unlike other versions of WinTOTAL that could be installed from a workstation, Aurora's installation needs to be run while sitting at the server.  This is because of our database backend which greatly increases the speed and reliability of your databases over a network.

For additional network installation instructions, see our WinTOTAL Networking Guide.

How long does the installation take?
This depends on the speed of your PC.  Set aside 10 to 20 minutes for the install and then a few hours to get acquainted with the new program layout.  The install will go a lot faster if you disable your antivirus software as well as close down any other programs that may be running.  As with any software, if you've got a tight deadline and are pressed for time, don't run an upgrade until you can set aside an evening or afternoon.

Can I run Aurora & Athena at the same time?
No.  When you install Aurora, it converts your Athena data and settings, then removes the old version from your system.  If you have a "spare" or extra computer that meets Aurora's requirements, feel free to install it there and practice a little bit. 

How can I back up my existing files & settings?
This is one of our most common support questions.  The answer is "The Vault and Exact".  Vault comes as part of our Elite packages and is also sold standalone.  In addition to backing up appraisal files online, you can also use "Exact" to store settings such as QuickLists, digital signatures, contacts database, and other customizations.  Click here for more details on the Vault and Exact.

Do I need a new authorization code to install Aurora?
No.  When installing over Athena, Aurora will find the existing registration and apply it automatically.  If for some reason you need your authorization code, you can get it from the My Downloads area of http://www.alamode.com/myaccount.

Do I need to run a file conversion?
Except for your contacts, Aurora takes care of any necessary conversions.  Appraisal "zap" files aren't converted until you open them. However, your file cabinet will need to rebuild, so before opening a report in a folder, wait for it to rebuild to 100%.

Your contacts are the one exception. Due to a complete redesign of this part of WinTOTAL, additional information is required to convert this information.  You will be walked through this process the first time you click on the Contacts PowerView in the Appraisal Desktop.

General Questions about Aurora

Where do I get help for Aurora?
Aurora's documentation is built into the program and available in multiple places.  When in the Aurora Appraisal Desktop, we've provided a Help PowerView that has links to various guides and even videos.  When in the main formfilling part of Aurora, click the Help menu and choose Contents to get to a searchable online guide. Keep in mind, you can press F1 at any time in WinTOTAL to open the manual to the chapter that explains what you're looking at.

		View all our training videos, webinars and online eBooks at http://www.alamode.com/products/Appraiser/Training/.   We update these continuously, so check back often to review the latest training material.

How do I use Aurora with my XSite?
With WinTOTAL's new and improved XSite integration features, you can keep your XSite in sync with WinTOTAL and take advantage of some advanced billing and invoicing features that we've added to XSites.  For the most up to date information on our new Billing and Order Management features in XSites, see our Billing FAQ or attend our Billing & Business Management or Online Ordering webinars.

My EDI center is gone.  How do I view my old messages?
Remember, Aurora's File Delivery is centered on your XSite since it has all the advantages of the old EDI Center plus additional tracking and security.  For messages in the old system, however, they're still there.  We've designed a legacy EDI viewer for you to use to view your old EDI e-mail messages.  To use it, just click Start, [All] Programs, WinTOTAL, Tech Support Assistant. When the window opens, choose WinTOTAL Utilities and click Next.  Then, double-click 14. Legacy EDI Viewer in the right column to view your old EDI messages. Learn more here.

Billing information from Athena isn’t viewable.
Your billing information from Athena hasn’t been erased.   We've designed a legacy viewer that you can use to view your old Athena billing info.  To use it, Tools, Legacy Management Reports in the Appraisal Desktop.  Learn more here.

You can also upload up to a year's worth of Athena billing information. To do so, click Options, Tracking Rules and specify your preferences.