From a client: I am having problems running reports. When I start a report, I get an error message...

Desktop Sales Manager requires the very, very latest operating system updates and fixes for the .NET Framework. This is especially true for reporting. For a number of reasons - including security and stability - it is always a good idea to keep your computer's operating system very, very current.

Windows Update
...yes, but I have the Windows automatic update service turned on...so my computer is current... Well, perhaps, but it is often the case that critical patches are not installed. Here are a few hints.

• From Internet Explorer choose Tools --> Windows Update. Once the scan is completed choose "Custom" rather than "Express". Express may skip some of the patches you need.
• Repeat this process until there are no important updates to install. This may even take rebooting your computer several times if you have a lot of updating to be done. It is worth it.

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
There is a required service patch for Microsoft's .NET Framework 1.1. called SP-1 (not to be confused with SP-1 and SP-2 for Windows XP...) Click here to go to Microsoft's .NET Framework 1.1 Service Patch 1 download page

While Desktop Sales Manager runs without this patch, it may end with an unexpected error.

The version numbers are:
1.1 Original Release 1.1.4322.573
1.1 SP1 1.1.4322.2032

If your computer already has this patch installed, re-installing delivers a polite message that tells you the patch is already installed...it may be a good idea to run Windows Update AFTER installing, just to be sure...

How can you tell which version of the .NET Framework is on your computer? Click here and choose Save and then Run for a utility program that will tell you which versions of the .NET Framework you have installed and are required for Desktop Sales Manager.