Technical Note 21
Windows Vista Compatibility
Windows Vista introduced a couple of changes that affected our software. First, Vista does not allow the "sendkey" function. Programs that use it to manage keyboard input will generate a fatal error that will cause the program to crash. Our programs use this function to enable the user to press the "Enter" key to advance the program focus to the next input or control after a value or setting has been entered. There is a workaround: you can use the "Tab" key instead of the "Enter" key and our programs should not crash.
The second problem involves the on-screen manuals that we provide with our programs. They are "hlp"-style help files but Windows Vista does not support them because there is a security issue whereby an evildoer can launch a malicious program from a "hlp" document. So Windows Vista does not include a "hlp" reader. There is a workaround: you can download and install a Vista-compatible "hlp" reader from Microsoft but we do not recommend it because then you'll be vulnerable to "hlp" exploits.
Vista-compatible updates
We are providing free maintenance updates of our programs to address both of these issues. They use a different keyboard handler that does not employ the "sendkey" function and we've rewritten our on-screen manuals as "html"-style help documents that are compatible with Windows Vista. Rewriting the manuals was an enormous task because of their size and extensive contents. These updates have the same features as their previous versions so there is no need to update a Harris Tech program until you migrate to Windows Vista.
Here are the versions that are compatible with Windows Vista:
Again, because the only purpose of these updates is to provide compatibility with Windows Vista, you do not need them if you are using Windows XP or an earlier version of Windows. They have the same features as the previous versions (BassBox 6.0.20 Pro, X•over 3.0.15 Pro, HT Merge 1.0.8 and BassBox 6.0.10 Lite). Windows Vista users should have "administrator" privileges in order to update one of our programs.
Installer compatibility
BassBox 6 Pro, X•over 3 Pro and BassBox 6 Lite use an industry-standard InstallShield installer. When you run one of their setup programs on their installation discs or you run one of their maintenance updates, you are running an InstallShield installer. So far, we haven't run into any compatibility issues with these installers under Windows Vista. Because we use an older version (in order to maintain backward compatibility with older versions of Windows), Vista will display a warning message when you run it that says "An unidentified program wants access to your computer." All you have to do is click on the "Allow" button and the installer will run.
If you have a problem when you run one of our program installers or updaters—the problem is probably not with the installer, itself. The most common problem is a lack of sufficient privileges. You need "administrator" privileges to run them.
If you're running the installer from a disc and you have a problem, the problem may be with the disc, itself. It should be checked with a different computer. If it still won't work then you will need to order a replacement disc from our Sales Department. (We manufacture our software on CD-R discs and they do not last as long as stamped CDs). If you're running an updater that you downloaded from our website and you have a problem, the problem may be with the file, itself. Sometimes a download will end before it should and you won't have the full file. Or one or more data packets may have been corrupted during download. In this case, check the size of the file to make sure that is matches the size listed on our website. You may need to download a fresh copy.
Another source of installation problems is over-zealous antivirus, firewall and/or anti-spyware software. If you're sure that your disc or download is okay, then try turning off all antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware software and re-run the installer. Don't forget to disconnect your computer from all networks, including the internet, while the protection software is off so your computer is kept safe. Turn it back on after the installation and before you reconnect to your network or the internet.
