Memorandum to Schools 71/2008
21 August 2008
VASS Release Version 8_14 – a new version of the MeadCo Software
The 8_14 VASS release will upgrade the current version of the MeadCo software and allow users to log into VASS using Windows VISTA, Internet Explorer 7.0.
This upgrade will occur at midday, Friday 22 August. All VASS users are asked to log out before midday and not attempt to log in again until 12.30 pm
1. FOR NON VISTA USERS
VASS users who have Windows XP or earlier Windows systems must upgrade the version of the MeadCo ScriptX Advanced from the version currently in use (6,3,435,20) to the new version (6,3,436,14).
Users will need full Network Administrator rights to the school network or to the PC for this to occur.
Once downloaded the MeadCo ScriptX Publishing licence is located in the C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files folder. The version number should be checked to ensure that the upgrade to (6,3,436,14) has occurred.
2. FOR ALL VASS USERS - FAILURE TO DOWNLOAD THE MEADCO SOFTWARE
If the MeadCo software is not upgraded a script error will occur rendering VASS unusable. You can log into VASS but go no further than browse and parameters pages. An error message ‘Error on Page’ will appear on the bottom left hand corner of the VASS window. See Figure 1.
Figure 1: The ‘Error on Page’ message
Click on the error message to open it. An ‘Internet Explorer’ message will appear. See Figure 2.
Figure 2: The initial error message.
Click on the [Show Details>>] button. An information pane will appear containing the phrase ”Error: “top.factory..”. This indicates that the error on page is due to the absence of the correct Mead Software and Licence. See Figure 3.
Figure 3: The error message indicating that the MeadCo Licence is missing.
Click on the [OK] button to close the error message and log out of VASS. Nothing can be done until the MeadCo Software and Licence is downloaded.
The MeadCo Software and Licence can ONLY be downloaded if the person logged into the computer has sufficient network privileges (an Administrator level account).
3. FOR ALL USERS - DOWNLOADING THE MEADCO SOFTWARE
Each time a user logs into VASS the software searches for the MeadCo Software and Licence. If it is not present and the person logged into the computer is an Administrator then the MeadCo software and Licence will be automatically downloaded. Two pop-ups will occur after the entry of the VASS user ID and password and before the VASS Home page is displayed.
1. The first pop-up ‘Internet Explorer Add-on Installer – Security Warning’ asks if you wish to install the MeadCo ScriptX software. See figure 4.
Figure 4: The Internet Explorer Add-on Installer – Security Warning
2. Click on the [Install] button and the software will be downloaded.
3. The next pop-up: ‘MeadCo Publishing Licence’ asks if you want to allow advanced printing. Click on the [Yes, allow] button. This pop-up will not occur if the licence has previously been accepted. See Figure 5.
Figure 5: The MeadCo Publishing Licence
4. FOR VISTA USERS
A new version of the browser settings booklet for Windows VISTA, Internet Explorer 7.0 is available as a download in VASS using the menu SYSTEM ADMIN→Downloads (Keyword VISTA) and is also included with this memorandum.
The changes to the Internet Explorer settings and the downloading of the VISTA compatible version of the MeadCo software (MeadCo ScriptX Advanced version 6,3,436,14) and licence are outlined in the browser booklet.
Please Note: The browser changes and the downloading of the MeadCo software and licence can only be made by a person with the highest level of Network Administrator rights to the school network or the PC if it is not part of a network.
CONTACTS
Any queries regarding VASS should be directed to the Administrative Support Unit on 9651 4482 or 1800 827 721. Please leave a message on our Voice Mail service if we are unable to answer your call immediately. Alternatively, fax enquiries to 9651 4551 or email: vass.support@edumail.vic.gov.au
Attachment:
- VASS Browser Booklet Windows Vista IE 7.0 Version (PDF - 580KB)
