Setup/Options Screen

the setup/options screen is used for a variety of tasks.

Unlocking the Software
Initially you download the evaluation version. After you purchase the software (via our website) you receive a registration code in an email. You then click on the "Enter Registration Code" button to enter you registration code and then activates the product and transforms the software into the version you purchased. Optionally you can use the "Remove Sample Data" button to remove all the sample data found in the evaluation version of the software.
Note: removing sample data will not remove certain drop down lists etc.... It will remove all the contacts and their related donations, pledges etc... (that were found in the evaluation). At that point you can enter you own data into the program.

E-Mail Setup
- see section below on email setup
This feature is only available in the Professional Version of the software.

Backup database
- clicking the "Backup Database" button will make a copy of the back-end database in the current directory. It's an easy way to backup the data. Data should be backed up on a regular basis and moved to an external location if possible. With the program closed you can also just copy the "Donation.accdb" file (this contains all your data) to your backup location. If you create extra word templates these should also be backed up.

Hide/Show Areas
- see section below on Hide/Show Areas
This feature is only available in the Professional Version of the software.

Import Data
- this feature is used to import contact data from an Excel spreadsheet into the database. The screen walks you through the process which is basically:
- click a button and the program makes the Excel spreadsheet (with all the exact column headings that are needed).
- you then either get your data into this excel file or move the column headings to your excel file and putt all the data in the right places.
- you click a button and it adds the new contacts to the database
This can be used for initial setup fo the database to move contact data from your existing database or Excel spreadsheets or on an ongoing basis, for example if you get contact data every so often and need to add it to the database.

Note: for a more complicated data conversion or interface with other systems please contact RPT Software for help.

Drop down Maintenance
This area has all the drop downs and other information that can be customized. About 90% of these buttons can also be done directly from the details screens.