Configure Vault

Vault really draws its value through its ability to automatically back up 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 stored in Vault regardless of what happens to your computer.

The instructions below are recommended for most appraisers. If your installation settings are different, Vault may not backup your files correctly.

Before you start, make sure Vault is installed. Then, follow the instructions below to configure it:

1. Click Start, [All] Programs, a la mode Vault, and select Configure Vault.

   If you're using Windows 8/10, simply press the Windows key and type Configure Vault into the Start screen/menu and press Enter.

2. When you see the Introduction screen, click Next.
3. Enter your Username and Password. If you have forgotten or lost this information, click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions in the password retrieval wizard. Check the box to use Active Transfer mode ONLY If you're using a satellite internet connection. If you're not sure what type of internet connection you have, it's best to leave it unchecked.

   

   At the bottom of the screen, type your email address in the box provided. We use this email address to send you confirmation notices whenever Vault attempts an upload.

   

   These confirmation notices also serve as an indication that Vault is working correctly. If you schedule an automatic upload or manually upload files to 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 email address is correct. If it is, you may need to contact our support technicians for assistance.

4. Click Next to continue. Vault software then connects to our servers to verify your information. Choose the file type(s) you want to store in Vault by checking or unchecking the box next to each file type. When you're finished, click Next again.

   

5. Select the Yes option to enable watched folders and click Next. By using watched folders, Vault monitors your folders for new or updated reports. If there are changes to files in these folders, Vault detects these changes and automatically uploads those reports for you during the next upload.

   

6. Next, choose which folders Vault should monitor:
   • Click Find Folders if you want Vault to automatically search for any folders containing reports.
   • To choose the folders yourself, click Browse and navigate to each folder you want Vault to watch.
   • Specify whether or not those folders have subfolders that should also be watched using the Include Subfolders column. Switch this option between yes (scan subdirectories) and no (ignore subdirectories) by double‑clicking the line you want to change.
   • To remove any unwanted folders from your watched folders list, select the folder from the list and click Remove.
   • When all of the folders you want watched are listed, click Next to continue.

   

   We recommend that you avoid selecting the root of a drive as a watched folder.   Doing so causes Vault to scan your entire hard drive every time you needed to upload a file. This takes a very long time and can lock up your system.

7. Select the Yes option to schedule a time for automatic backup and click Next to continue.

   

8. Choose between the Daily, Weekly, or Monthly options to control how often Vault checks for and uploads new and updated files. Then, schedule a time with the fields provided and click Next to continue.

   

   You don't have to upload at night. 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 need to ensure that your PC is on and connected to the Internet at the scheduled time in order for Vault to upload your files.

9. Choose whether you want to limit the number of files you upload at one time. Typically, this is only enabled for slower internet connections. If you decide to set a limit, select the Yes option and specify a limit in the field provided. Otherwise, leave it set to No and click Next to continue.

   

10. Finally, 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. After it’s done searching, Vault displays the number of new and updated files that were found and how many it is preparing to upload to Vault. To upload the files now, click Continue and then click Finish when the upload is complete. Otherwise, click Finish to wait until the next scheduled upload.

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 email 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 #1 and start over.

We also recommend that you configure Vault to keep a backup copy of your WinTOTAL settings, QuickLists, digital signature, and other important WinTOTAL data. See the Configure Vault section of this User’s Guide for more details.