Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Select the suitable heading below, then click on the issue to see it's solution.

If you can't find what you are looking for below, try the relevant topic in the side menu for specific SoloAssist view instructions, user tips, and troubleshooting.

Device Setup

Device Requirements

Click here Device Requirements

O/S Windows 10 or 11

Microsoft Windows 10 prior versions are not supported by SoloAssist.

Ensure your Windows 10 or 11 settings have the correct Date, Time Zone, Regional Formats, and Language for Australia (English). Incorrect settings can cause SoloAssist to not work correctly.


For devices using Microsoft Windows 10, use the steps below.


Step 1
Go to Windows SettingsTime & Language

Step 2
Select Date & time to set your time zone.

Step 3
Select Language & Region to set your region as Australia, then select Regional format as English (Australia).

Step 4
Select Language to set the Windows display language as English (Australia). If its not an option to select, then from the drop-down list click 'Add a language' to download and install the English (Australia) language pack.

Step 5
Close all applications, then Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Setup Dual Screens

To setup dual screens in Windows 10, follow the steps below.


Step 1
Plug-in the second screen to your computer, then turn your computer On.

Step 2
Go to Windows SettingsSystemDisplay then select Detect then Identify.

Step 3
Use your mouse to drag & drop the numbered screens (1) and (2) into the position that correspond the same to your work station screen positions. Ensure to leave the number (1) screen selected as your primary computer screen which is required for the next step.

Step 4
Scroll down to Multiple displays and from the drop-down list, select Extend these displays, then select Make this my main display, which should be screen (1). Accept and save the settings (this may save automatically).

Step 5
Your dual screens should now be working independently but together as a giant continuous screen allowing your mouse cursor to cross over seamlessly to each neighbouring screen.

User Tip

You can now move window applications from screen to screen by dragging the window heading bar to the other screen and tapping it on the top or side of the other screen to maximise it automatically. Alternatively, you can use the square Restore Down / Maximise button in the top right-hand corner of your application window.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Apple Mac

For device specifications, see our Requirements page.


To setup your Apple Mac for SoloAssist, follow the steps below.

Although you can use Apple Boot Camp or VMware Fusion, we recommend using Parallels. Its our customers preferred choice.


Step 1
Install Parallels to your Apple Mac, then install Parallels Toolbox.

Step 2
In Parallels on your Apple Mac, install Microsoft O/S Windows 10 or 11, then install Parallels Toolbox for Windows.

Step 3
Make sure Parallels Toolbox is installed on both your Apple Mac and Windows 10 or 11. This enables your Apple Mac iOS and Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 O/S to share settings, folders, and files.

Step 4
To get the settings right between both operating systems and setup multiple screens. You will need to configure a few settings. Use the Apple Mac Control Panel and the Windows 10 or 11 Settings.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Software Setup

Can SoloAssist be installed on a server?

SoloAssist is not designed to be installed or run directly from a central server. SoloAssist is designed to be installed through your devices User account not an Administrator account. However, you should not have a problem file sharing from a central server with using SoloAssist to access and save the files. E.g. SoloAssist Quote Files (.quo), Plans (.pdf)

How do I install SoloAssist?

Step 1
Before installing SoloAssist, ensure any previous version of SoloAssist has been uninstalled from your device.

Step 2
Install SoloAssist through your User account not the devices Administrator account.

Step 3
Use this link to Download & Install SoloAssist. After installing, SoloAssist will prompt to activate using your Activation Key which is found in your SoloAssist emails.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

How do I install SoloAssist to a 2nd device?

Step 1
Ensure you have read the above How do I install SoloAssist?

Step 2
Forward the SoloAssist email we sent you to your other device. Then use the same download link and Activation Key. Search your email inbox for the subject SoloAssist and you should find it.

SoloAssist Estimating + Plans and Plans (standalone) both allow you 2 device activations per user.


Use this link to Download & Install SoloAssist. After installing, SoloAssist will prompt to activate using your Activation Key which is found in your email from SoloAssist.

If you cannot find the SoloAssist email with your Activation Key, go to the SoloAssist website Contact page, select User Request and select the option to Change Device, Activation Key. We will then send you a Download link & Activation Key.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

How do I setup SoloAssist between multiple devices?

By default, SoloAssist saves your quote files to Documents SoloAssist folder on your computer. To share your quotes or jobs between multiple devices / users, you will need to save your quote files, plans, and any other documentation to the same central share folder location. You will also need to share your SoloAssist Databases folder location.

Option 1 - Use a shared network folder, located on your computer or server.

Option 2 - Use an offsite (cloud-based) sharing application such as: OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox, Google Drive


SoloAssist Databases

After the central shared folder location is setup, ensure all devices with SoloAssist installed are setup to the same Databases Folder Location as shown below.

From the computer with the most up to date SoloAssist databases, copy the Databases folder from the SoloAssist folder in Documents SoloAssist and paste it into the new shared folder location. Then on each device, go to the SoloAssist Home menu ► OptionsDatabasesDatabases Folder Location and select Change, then browser your folders to select and re-setup the Database File Location path to the new shared folder location. All your devices need to show the same location in this field.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

How do I uninstall SoloAssist?

Note: If you're reinstalling SoloAssist, ensure you've copied your SoloAssist Home menu > Options screen. It shows where your folders and files need to be connect back to after reinstalling. (IMPORTANT)


Uninstalling

Go to the Windows Start menu, select Settings AppsApps & features, scroll down then select SoloAssist in the list, click Uninstall and follow the prompts.

Uninstalling SoloAssist only removes the software from your computer, it doesn't remove any of your existing work folders, jobs or database files.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

How do I reinstall SoloAssist?

1) Read How do I install or uninstall SoloAssist? (above for more information).


2) Ensure you have a screenshot or copied your SoloAssist Home menu > Options screen/page. This shows where your SoloAssist folders and files need to be connect back to.(IMPORTANT)


3) Uninstall SoloAssist, then reinstall again. Read How do I uninstall SoloAssist above.


NOTE: It's not necessary to backup your work before reinstalling. Uninstalling SoloAssist does not remove any of your existing work folders, job or database files. Also, you do not require a new Activation Key when reinstalling to the same computer.

How do I move SoloAssist to a new computer?

Go to the SoloAssist Contact Us page and select the form to request a new download link & product key. We will then send you an email to the details we have on account with your new SoloAssist download link and product key. Typically, the request is processed within 24hrs (excluding weekends, public & festive holidays).

Once you received the new download link and product key, then uninstall SoloAssist from the previous device/s.

How do I update SoloAssist to the latest version?

Each time you open SoloAssist, it automatically checks for updates over the internet. You may be required to open and close SoloAssist a few times to activate the update.

Some anti-virus and firewall software can block SoloAssist from downloading updates. You may need to temporarily disable these applications or add an exception rule into the conflicting application to allow SoloAssist to update successfully.

General

Trial Period

1
The SoloAssist software trial period is 14 days. However, it can be extended if required for another 14 days.

2
The SoloAssist trial gives you full access to all features for Estimating, Estimating + Plans, and Plans (standalone) for (2) devices. To open SoloAssist each time, you will need internet access to validate the trial.

3
If you decide to purchase SoloAssist during or after the trial period, you won't lose any work. You will be able to continue using any previous quotes, jobs or templates.

4
The SoloAssist software sample template for estimating, quoting and job management, comes pre-setup for you ready to use and customise.

How do I connect SoloAssist to XERO or MYOB?

In the SoloAssist Home menu, select Add-Ons. Then in the XERO or MYOB Connection boxes, select the Learn More button. This will explain all you need to know about the XERO or MYOB connection. To learn more, click below.

Go to our XERO Connection page.

Go to our MYOB Connection page.

How do I email Quotes, Variations, Purchase Orders or Invoices?

When printing reports from SoloAssist, select the Microsoft Print to PDF printer option, then select Preview. After reviewing the document, select print to save the report to PDF which you are then able to attach to an email.

Where are my quotes saved?

SoloAssist quote files can be saved to anywhere on your computer.

By default, SoloAssist saves your quotes to Documents SoloAssist Quotes & Jobs Quotes Open folder. Go to the SoloAssist Home (menu), select Open Existing Quote, then the Open Quote window will open for you to locate the quote file.

If you cannot find your quotes in this folder, then you may have saved them to a different folder on your computer. You can search your computer using File Explorer and typing *.quo into the search field.

Import a CSV file to Excel

Open Microsoft Excel ► Open New Blank workbook ► Go to the Data tab ► Select From Text/CSV (Get & Transform Data) ► then find & open the CSV file you're wanting to view or edit ► File Origin 1252: Western European (Windows) ► Delimiter Comma ► Select Load


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Digitally sign documentation

If you have a touch-screen device with a digital pen, you can digitally sign any PDF documentation saved from SoloAssist.


1
If using the Microsoft Edge browser to view PDF's and have OneNote installed, then select OneNote from the top right-hand corner of the Edge Internet browser to digitally sign a PDF document.

2
If using Adobe Reader DC (Free) or better to view PDF's, you can apply a digital signature or initials using the Fill & Sign feature. This option works both with and without a digital pen. However, we recommend using a digital pen, as it's far more legally binding.

Checkout the latest Microsoft Surface Go devices with a digital pen for signing documentation on-screen, and on the run!

Show me a Microsoft Surface Go


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

GST Inclusive / GST Exclusive

SoloAssist is designed to always include GST into all end Totals. However, it will always show the GST amount and the exclusive GST amount above the Total inclusive GST. Always check the fields you are entering your rates or quotes into are either (ex. GST) or (inc. GST).

Where is my user license number?

Remember, your user license number is not your product key.

If you have multiple SoloAssist user licenses, open the SoloAssist menu, select License and it will show your Registered Name, License #, and Expiry Date. If no license number is showing e.g. License #1, License #2, License #3, then it means you only have a single user license.

Software License Renewal

If your SoloAssist 'User Renewal' is not paid by the expiry date shown in your SoloAssist Home (menu) ► About Subscription or shown on the User Renewal Invoice as the due date. Then a grace period of 30 days will be given from the expiry date before your user access is deactivated. This means you will not be able to use SoloAssist Estimating or Plans after this period to open or view previous quotes or jobs. However, once your 'User Renewal' has been paid, your access will be reestablish. In the event this happens, you will not lose any of your previous data e.g. quotes, Jobs, takeoffs, etc.

Please read our Software Terms of Use for more information.

Accounts, Billing, User Renewal, Activation Key

I have a user Account question?

Please use the SoloAssist website Contact us page for all user account questions. We have automated forms for you to submit for all types of questions. From receiving your submission, we will reply the same or next business day.

Change your Account details with SoloAssist?

The SoloAssist website contact us page has an option under Accounts to submit your business change of details. Optionally, it can be change and submitted combined with your user renewal through the SoloAssist website User Renewals. This request is processed the same or next business day.

Note: Account changes cannot be made over the phone.

Request new Activation Key and download link?

The SoloAssist website Contact page has an option under Accounts to request a new Activation Key and download link. Typically this request is processed within the same business day. This request cannot be made over the phone.

How do I renew my SoloAssist user subscription?

You can renew your SoloAssist user subscription from the SoloAssist website > Pricing (page) > Renew User. It allows you to pay via credit card or direct bank transfer.

SoloAssist will email you a User Renewal invoice 30 days prior to your annual expiry date. You will then have up to 30 days after your expiry date to make payment before your service is deactivated. The SoloAssist software will also remind you with popup banners 14 days before your expiry date to 30 days after your expiry date. Check your email inbox and or spam/junk mail for our emails.

Troubleshooting

SoloAssist won't download or install?

To fix the problem, try the following.


Option 1

If your device pops up with a window named Opening setup.exe saying Save File or Cancel, select Save File. Then open File Explorer and go to Downloads. At the top of the list you should see a setup Application file approx. 790KB. Double left click on the setup file, this should start the SoloAssist installation process with a window prompting you to select Install.

opening_setup_application_file.jpg

Option 2


1
Ensure your device meets the minimum SoloAssist Requirements to operate.

2
Ensure your Internet connection is active and stable.

3
Turn off and unplug your modem for 10 + seconds then restart your computer. Ensure to close all applications before shutting down your device.

4
Turn off your anti-virus firewall, this could be stopping your computer from accessing SoloAssist to download or activate.

5
Setup a anti-virus firewall rule that allows SoloAssist to access your computer for downloading, license activation and future software updates.

6
As your last option, try the following steps. This will remove any stored ClickOnce SoloAssist files that may have been corrupted during a previous installation attempt on your computer.

Step 1 - Ensure SoloAssist has been uninstalled from your computer.


Step 2 - Open File Explorer and select the View (tab), then go to Show/Hide in the toolbar and select Hidden Items.


Step 3 - Go to: This PC ► Local Disc (C:) ► Users ► Your Name (Folder) ► AppData ► Local ► Apps


Step 4 - Go to Search Apps (top right-hand corner), type in Solo then delete all folders and files found from the search.


Step 5 - Try installing SoloAssist again.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist won't install or update, and is showing an 'Application Install - Security Warning'.

Another application on your computer has modified the registry settings, preventing SoloAssist from installing or updating. To fix the problem, try the following.


Step 1
Right click on the following Registry Fix File Link and save the file to your computer. Registry Fix File Link

Step 2
Once the install_registry_fix file has been saved to your computer, double click on the file and select Run, then when prompted, click Yes.

Step 3
Restart your computer, then uninstall SoloAssist. To uninstall SoloAssist, go to Windows SettingsAppsApps & features ►Scroll down the list to SoloAssist, then select it with one left click, then select Uninstall. Now double check it has been removed from the Apps & features list.

Step 4
Now reinstall SoloAssist from your SoloAssist Download email. Then try opening a quote file.

Hopefully this fixed your computer's file association problem.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist Activation Unsuccessful?

Read all options below first, then try the appropriate option to resolve the issue.


a) Check your Internet connection is stable.


b) Check your Activation Key is entered correctly from the email we sent you.


c) You may need to add SoloAssist to the allowed applications list of the anti-virus / firewall protection software. Or temporarily disable any anti-virus or firewall protection software which could interfere with the SoloAssist activation process.


d) Remember, you have 2 device activations only per user Activation Key. Have you already activated SoloAssist on 2 other devices? If so, you'll need to submit a user request from the SoloAssist website Contact page > User Request > Change Devices, New Activation Key. We will then reset your device activations and send you a new Activation Key.


e) This issue is common.

If you've installed SoloAssist onto a new computer, reformatted your device, or newly installed a Microsoft Windows O/S. Then your Microsoft O/S Windows 10 or 11 regional settings are probably set incorrectly. To check this, go to your Windows Start menu ► SettingsTime & LanguageDate & timeRegion & language. Then ensure the following Windows Settings have been set correctly. See below, After changing any of the following Settings, Restart Windows for the new changes to take affect. Then try opening SoloAssist again from your desktop icon, and enter the SoloAssist Activation Key.


Time & Time Zone
On / Automatically

Country / Region
Australia

Regional Format
Recommended English (Australia)

Windows Display Language
English (Australia)

Preferred Languages
English (Australia) ← Add language if not displayed.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist updates are failing to complete?

Try the following to resolve the issue:


1
Restart your modem/router by disconnecting the power for 30 seconds, reconnect, then open SoloAssist to activate the update.

2
Some anti-virus and firewall software can block SoloAssist from downloading the latest update. Temporarily disabling these applications may allow SoloAssist to update.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist keeps asking for my Activation Key? - Option 1

In the event, SoloAssist keeps asking to reenter your Activation Key. After opening a job file (.quo) from File Explorer directly, and when open the same job file it works correctly through SoloAssist Open Job. Then the following steps should fix this issue:


Step 1) Close SoloAssist


Step 2) Open File Explorer, right-click on a SoloAssist job file (.quo), and select Properties from the menu.


Step 3) In PropertiesGeneral tab ► go to Opens with: ► click Change.


Step 4) Select the default app as: ClickOnce Application Deployment Support Library, then select Save or Set default.

SoloAssist keeps asking for my Activation Key? - Option 2

If when opening SoloAssist it keeps asking for your Activation Key, you may need to manually clear the old Activation Key from your device.

Try the following to resolve the issue.


Step 1
a) First, test to see if SoloAssist opens correctly from clicking the SoloAssist icon on the desktop.

b) Second, ensure SoloAssist is closed, then try opening SoloAssist by double-clicking on a quote (.quo) file from its saved location on your device. It should open SoloAssist automatically. If the license agreement and Activation Key keeps popping up in both a) and b), then continue to Step 2.


Step 2
Close SoloAssist, then open File Explorer, select the View tab, then tick Hidden Items to show your hidden folders and files.

Step 3
Navigate to This PC Local Disk (C:) ProgramData IsolatedStorage z4qthrfb.asa o5whoxgi.33n StrongName.x5ocrov0fq43zgyjhpfbe25h3ayaojif AppsFiles and delete the identity.dat file.

The exact file path location will slightly differ to the example shown above. Folder names, letters, and numbers will vary on each computer. There should only be one or two folders that you need to check to delete the identity.dat file. Check the neighbouring folders, as sometimes there are 2 identity.dat files that need to be deleted. After the identity.dat file has been deleted, close File Explorer.


Step 4
Open SoloAssist and follow the prompts to enter your Activation Key.

Step 5
If the problem still persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling SoloAssist.

Step 6
Go to the SoloAssist website Contact page, and request a new Activation Key and download link. However, this may not solve the issue but its worth a try if all else fails. If you have already tried this, then it won't be the issue.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist won't open? - Option 1

If SoloAssist is not opening after selecting its desktop icon, then try the following:


Step 1
Close SoloAssist

Step 2
Open File Explorer

Step 3
Go to: This PC ► (C:)

Step 4
In (C:) drive, if there is a folder called SoloAssist delete it.

Step 5
Try opening SoloAssist again.

If the above steps didn't work, try Option 2.

SoloAssist won't open? - Option 2

If SoloAssist is not opening when you click on its desktop icon. Then the issue might be caused by your device user permissions not allowing SoloAssist to open. Try the following steps to resolve the issue.


Step 1
Open File Explorer, go to Windows (C:) drive.

Step 2
Find the SoloAssist folder. If the SoloAssist folder is not in Windows (C:) drive, check in the Program Files folders. Then right-click on the SoloAssist folder and select Properties.

Step 3
Select the Security tab.

Step 4
Select the Edit button. Then select the Add button.

Step 5
Enter Everyone into the text box. Then select OK.

Step 6
Select Everyone in the list. Then beside Full control tick Allow. Then select Apply, then OK.

Step 7
Try opening SoloAssist again.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist won't open? - Option 3

If SoloAssist is not opening when you click on its desktop icon. Then try the following to fix the issue.


Step 1
a) Check the SoloAssist website Help Centre What's New Software Version, for the latest software version number.

Click here https://www.soloassist.com.au/help-centre/whats_new#software_version


b) Go to Windows Settings Apps SoloAssist and check it's showing the same latest version number. A single click on SoloAssist in the Apps list will show the SoloAssist version number.


c) Then in the side menu, select Default apps, then select Choose default applications by file type. Scroll down the Name column to .quo / SoloAssist and to its right-hand side in the Default app column it should say: ClickOnce Application Deployment Support Library. If its blank, select it. Once it's showing correctly, proceed to Step 2.


Step 2
Check your Windows Security Settings, and or your 3rd party Antivirus/Firewall software isn't constricting SoloAssist from opening. Try turning them all 'OFF' then try opening SoloAssist again. If that didn't fix the issue, you may need to reset the Windows Security back to its Factory Default Settings. If this doesn't work, uninstall the 3rd party Antivirus/Firewall software on your computer. Then try opening SoloAssist again. In between trying the mentioned fixes, reboot your computer and check the security settings again before opening SoloAssist.

Once you have successfully opened SoloAssist, reinstate all your Antivirus/Firewall protection.


Step 3
a) If a popup window is showing 'The application cannot be started. Contact the application vendor?'

b) or SoloAssist won't open?


Uninstall SoloAssist then reinstall it again. Check your email history for the SoloAssist email we originally sent you with the SoloAssist Download Link & Product Key for activation. Then see Software Setup above on how to uninstall and reinstall SoloAssist.


To install SoloAssist, click here Download


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

SoloAssist won't open, but is showing in the Task Bar?

To fix the problem, try the following.


Option 1
If your computer has been disconnected from additional screens or monitors, your computer could still be trying to open SoloAssist on the disconnected screen. So check your computer Display Settings and screen/s video ports are correctly plugged in.

Option 2
Try uninstalling then reinstalling SoloAssist. Hopefully this will reset your computer settings for opening SoloAssist onto your main screen.

Option 3
You may need to delete the SoloAssist Settings folder to remove a previous setting causing SoloAssist to open on another screen previously but now not showing. If this is the case, close SoloAssist, then open File Explorer, go to DocumentsSoloAssist (folder) and delete the Settings (folder). Then reopen SoloAssist again. SoloAssist will automatically recreate a new Settings folder.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Plans won't open, but is showing in the Task Bar?

If your computer has been disconnected from an additional screen or monitor, your computer could still be trying to open Plans on the disconnected screen. In this case, open SoloAssist, go to Home menu, select Options, go to Default Layout and select Reset. Then close and reopen SoloAssist.

Plans won't open, and is showing a message 'You do not have any Plans activations remaining'.

plan_scan_won_t_open.jpg


To fix the problem, try the following.


Step 1
Ensure SoloAssist is closed before proceeding.

Uninstall then reinstall SoloAssist by going to Windows SettingsApps ► Scroll down the list of Apps to SoloAssist, then right-click on it to uninstall.


Step 2
If you search your email for SoloAssist, you should find a SoloAssist Download link and Activation Key.

After reinstalling, open and close SoloAssist a couple of times to make sure it's working properly.

If the issue is still not resolved, try Step 3.


To reinstall SoloAssist, click here Download


Step 3
Ensure SoloAssist is closed before proceeding.

Open File Explorer, select the View tab and tick Hidden Items in the Show/hide section.

Navigate to This PC Local Disk (C:) ProgramData IsolatedStorage z4qthrfb.asa o5whoxgi.33n StrongName.x5ocrov0fq43zgyjhpfbe25h3ayaojif AppsFiles and delete the identity.dat file.

The exact file location path will slightly differ from the example shown above. Folder names, letters, and numbers will vary on each computer. There should only be one or two folders that you will need to check to delete the identity.dat file. After the identity.dat file/s have been deleted, close File Explorer.


Step 4
Open and close SoloAssist a few times. It should prompt you to enter your Product Key.

Step 5
If the steps above did not work, go to the SoloAssist website Contact Us page, select Technical Support and submit the problem.

My Recent list has disappeared?

My Column widths aren't saving?

This means your SoloAssist user settings aren't saving. Your SoloAssist user settings folder is saved to: This PCDocumentsSoloAssistSettings

My Column widths are too narrow or wide?

Use the column header dividers to widen or shorten each column width.

If you are unable to adjust the column widths using the heading bar dividers, go to the Home (menu) ► OptionsDefault Layout ► select Reset. Then adjust the heading bar dividers to suit each column's content.

My Suppliers.sdb, PriceList.sdb, PlanScan.sdb file associations are set to the wrong Application Type?

If your SoloAssist Suppliers.sdb and PriceList.sdb files are set to open with the wrong application type. E.g: Adobe Acrobat / Reader or other? This means somebody or another application on your device has changed the application Type used for the file association.

To fix the problem, try the following.


Step 1
Open File Explorer, go to the SoloAssist Databases folder with the Suppliers.sdb and PriceList.sdb files in it.

Step 2
With a single right-click, select the Suppliers.sdb or PriceList.sdb file, then select Properties in the popup menu.

Step 3
In Properties, select the General tab. Go to Opens with: and select the Change button.

Step 4
In the Apps popup window, select Notepad from the default app selections. After selecting Notepad, you should immediately see the Properties Opens with: change to say Notepad and the file Type change to say SDB File in the File Explorer window beside your SoloAssist database files. If so, you have fixed the issue. These files should now work again in SoloAssist.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

My quote file won't open SoloAssist when I double click on it. - Option 1

If your quote file (.quo) won't open SoloAssist when you double click on it, or it opens the SoloAssist Terms & Conditions to 'I Agree' and asks you to enter the Product Key again. This problem is caused by a file association problem on your device.

To fix the problem, try the following.


Step 1
Open Windows Settings

Step 2
Select Apps

Step 3
From the side menu, select Default apps

Step 4
From Default apps, select Choose default applications by file type

Step 5
A heading should now be showing: Associate file types with specific applications

Scroll down the list to find the quote file extension .quo, it should say SoloAssist Quote File underneath it, as shown below in the image.


Step 6
To the right-hand side of the file type .quo, it should say: ClickOnce Application Deployment Support Library as shown below. If its not displayed, click on it and change it to the correct application. Once its set correctly, ensure SoloAssist is closed, then double click on a quote file to test it opens in SoloAssist again.

If this fixed the problem, you are now an IT genius!


The image below shows the correct file type association with application setting.

Due to your Windows 10 personalisation colour settings, the colours below may vary.

soloassist_windows_file_association_setting_.jpg


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

My quote file won't open SoloAssist when I double click on it. - Option 2

This problem is typically an incorrect file association. This means that in the past, somebody on your device has tried to open a SoloAssist quote file with another program such as 'Adobe' and reset the file association. To fix the problem, try the following.


Step 1
Right click on the following Registry Fix File Link and save the file to your computer E.g. Desktop, Documents, etc.

Registry Fix File Link


Step 2
Once the file_registry_fix file has been saved to your computer, double click on the file and select Run, then when prompted, click Yes.

Step 3
Restart your computer, then uninstall SoloAssist.

To uninstall SoloAssist, go to Windows SettingsAppsApps & features ► Scroll down the list to SoloAssist, left click on it, then select Uninstall. Once Uninstalled, double check it has been removed from the Apps & features list.


Step 4
Now reinstall SoloAssist from your SoloAssist Download email. Then try opening a quote file.

Hopefully this fixed your computer's file association problem.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Time, Date, Language or Currency are showing incorrectly?

Your computers' regional settings are incorrectly set. Go to Windows Start menu ► SettingsTime & LanguageDate & timeRegion & language. Ensure all the 'Australia' and local settings are selected.

Text is showing too big or small?

Your computer's display settings are incorrect. Go to Windows Start menu ► Settings System Display. Ensure your Scale and layout is set to 100% (Recommended).

Suppliers are showing different between computers?

Ensure each computer's database has the same folder location set up in SoloAssist.

The default location for the supplier's database file can be found in Documents SoloAssist Database. To share this database file with other computers, copy the file to a shared location. Go to the SoloAssist Home (menu) Options, then go to Databases and select Browse and change the Databases Folder Location to the new shared location. Restart SoloAssist for changes to take effect.

How do I restore a quote file backup?

If you are using files saved to OneDrive, Dropbox, SharePoint, Google Drive, etc, you will be able to log into your account and find the file version history to restore it back to a previous version before the problem started.

NOTE: Each time you close SoloAssist it will automatically create another backup copy that overrides 1 of the 5 time spaced backup files. Take care to not override the backup copies with the incorrect or corrupted file. Always fix any file problems as they arise and resave the incorrect file with a different file name to prevent it auto-saving over a good backup file. This way the SoloAssist time spaced backups will not override the original backups.


See Auto Save Backups to learn more


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Can I view old quotes or jobs in SoloAssist if my license becomes deactivated?

Sorry, no you cannot. You need to have an active SoloAssist license to view any previous quotes or jobs.

It's good practice to save all Quotes, Jobs, Purchase Orders, Variations, Sales Invoices, etc, into PDF's as you go. This helps you keep a good history log which can be viewed at any time in the future without an active SoloAssist license.

If you need to renew your SoloAssist license, just go to the SoloAssist website Pricing page, and select Renew License.

Windows 10, Error Messages, OneDrive, Backups

Unable to save Settings Location.

If a message window is showing (1) of the below messages. It's probably created by your devices user permissions. To fix the issue, try the following steps.


Unable to save Settings Location.

Access to the path 'C:\ SoloAssist \ Settings.xml is denied.

or Access to the path 'C:\ Program Files \ SoloAssist \ Settings.xml is denied.

or Access to the path 'C:\ Program Files (x86) \ SoloAssist \ Settings.xml is denied.


Step 1
Open File Explorer, go to Windows (C:) drive.

Step 2
Find the SoloAssist folder. Then right-click on the SoloAssist folder and select Properties. If the SoloAssist folder is not in Windows (C:) drive, check in the Program Files folders.

Step 3
Select the Security tab, then select the Edit button, then select the Add button.

Step 4
Enter Everyone into the text box. Then select OK.

Step 5
Select Everyone in Groups or user names, then select the Full control tick box to Allow.

Then select Apply, then OK.


Step 6
Cross your fingers, then try opening SoloAssist again.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Unable to locate or create Program Directory.

Mmmm, something fishy is happening on your computer.

Try the following, to resolve your issue.


Step 1 - Close SoloAssist


Step 2 - Open File Explorer


Step 3 - Go to This PC, then open Windows (C:)


Step 4 - Check to see if you have a SoloAssist folder in (C:). If not, then create a new folder called SoloAssist.


Step 5 - Try opening SoloAssist again.

The path to your databases does not exist.

If SoloAssist is showing an error message saying:


To resolve the issue, try the following.


Step 1
Close the SoloAssist software.

Step 2
In the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, select the OneDrive cloud icon. Then select Help & Settings. Then select Settings in the popup menu.

Step 4
Select the Back up tab. Then select the Manage Backups button.

Step 5
Under the Documents heading, turn off the backups by selecting Stop back up.

Step 6
Reopen SoloAssist. It should now be fixed.

If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

File may not exist, maybe corrupt, or may not be a quote file?

If you see the error:

SoloAssist could not open the selected file.

OR

File may not exist, maybe corrupt, or may not be a quote file?


This indicates, it may not be a SoloAssist quote file, or the quote file has been corrupted. This may have been caused by a system crash, power failure, virus, etc.

To recover a backup file, check the automatic time spaced backups in: (C:) DocumentsSoloAssistQuotes & JobsBackups folder. Additionally, if you are saving files into OneDrive, Dropbox, Sharepoint, GoogleDrive, etc. Then you should be able to log into your account, find the file and restore it to a previous version.

For more information, see How do I recover a backup of my quote/job files?

How do I recover a backup of my quote/job files?

SoloAssist automatically creates time spaced backups while you work. These backups are stored in Documents SoloAssist Quotes & Jobs Backups folder on your computer.

To recover a backup quote file, open File Explorer and navigate to the above location on your computer. In this folder are backups of each SoloAssist quote (.quo) file. Each quote file will have a timestamp attached to the end of its name e.g: 100 Pineridge Rd_15min or 100 Pineridge Rd_v1850.

If you were working on an unsaved quote, look for files with the name Untitled.quo. Once you have located the correct file, open the quote file and check the data is correct. Select Save As in the menu and save the file over your original file.

Warning: Do not work on quote/job files from inside the SoloAssist Backups folder. Save the files back into your job folder before using them in SoloAssist.

The specified path, file name, or both are too long.

too_many_characters_in_file_path.jpg


This is not a SoloAssist software problem.

This 'Unhandled exception' (error message) is caused by the file path location (directory length) exceeding the maximum number of characters allowed to open or print a file. By default, your Windows 10 operating system is set to a maximum of 260 characters for a file path location (directory length) to open or print a file. This error message indicates the (directory length) of sub folders to the save location of your file/s is too long.

In some cases, if your (directory length) is on the edge of the maximum number of characters, you'll be able to open your file, but not be able to print a report. Some files you'll be able to open and some files you will not be able to open.


To fix the problem, try the following.

Shorten the file path location (directory length) to the save file location. Make it under 248 characters. It seems you have gone a little overboard with setting up a long directory of sub folders to save your files into. It's time to simplify your folders and filing system.

Keep it simple.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.

Files are duplicating in OneDrive?

Please note, this is a OneDrive issue not a SoloAssist issue.

If your SoloAssist quote or database files are duplicating in OneDrive, it could be caused either by 2 or more people using the same file at the same time, or it could be a OneDrive Cached Credentials issue.


How to refresh your OneDrive Cached Credentials

If a file is duplicating in your OneDrive with your computer name added to the filename, it could be time to refresh your credentials. Follow the steps below to refresh your OneDrive cached credentials. Hopefully this will stop the issue in the future, but if the following steps do not resolve your issue or remove the duplicate files, then you will need to remove the duplicate files manually.


1) Select Start, type into the search field 'credentials' then select Credentials Manager.


2) Select the Windows Credentials tab/box.


3) Under Generic Credentials, look for any entries containing 'OneDrive Cached Credentials' and remove them.


4) Log out of OneDrive then log back in, then check it's behaviour.


If you require assistance, please contact your local IT technician.