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Memorandum to Schools 84/2009

30 July 2009

VASS Release Version 8_20 – a new version of the MeadCo Software

The 8_20 VASS release will upgrade the current version of the MeadCo ScriptX Advanced software from the version currently in use (6,5,436,6) to the new version (6,5,439,12). This release will also allow users to log into VASS using Windows XP and VISTA, Internet Explorer 8.0. 

This upgrade will occur at midday TUESDAY 4 AUGUST. 

All VASS users are requested to log out before midday on Tuesday 4 August and not attempt to log in again until 12.30 pm.

Once downloaded the MeadCo ScriptX software is located in the C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files folder of the PC.  The version number should be checked to ensure that the upgrade to (6,5,439,12) has occurred.

 

A. For All VASS Users - Upgrading 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:

1. The first pop-up will contain the words:

User Account Control
Windows needs your permission to continue,
If you started this action, continue,
IE Add-on Installer
Microsoft Windows [Continue]

Click on the [Continue] button.

The next pop-up: ‘MeadCo Publishing Licence’ asks if you want to allow advanced printing. Click on the [Yes, allow] button. See Figure 1.

Figure 1: The MeadCo Publishing Licence

To test that the MeadCo software has been correctly upgraded

• VASS Administrators (VA) and Clerical (CL) users should run a Student Full Details Report (STUDENT ADMIN → Student Full Details Report). If the details of a student are displayed then the MeadCo software has been upgraded.
• School Statistics and Results Group (SSRG) users should go to menu (SCHOOL ADMIN → VCE Data Service → Reporting) and click on the Run VCE Data Service Reporting System button. If you are able to display any Data Service reports then the MeadCo software has been upgraded.
• Teacher Restricted (TR) and Teacher Unrestricted (TE) users should run a Class List Report (STUDENT PROGRAMAS → VCE Reports → Class Lists). If class list details are displayed then the MeadCo software has been upgraded.

 

B. Failure To Upgrade The Meadco Software

If the MeadCo software is not upgraded a script error will occur when trying to access VASS pages rendering VASS unusable. You will be able to log into VASS but go no further than browse and parameters pages.

An ‘Error on Page’ message will appear on the bottom left hand corner of the VASS window. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: The ‘Error on Page’ message

 

Click on the error message to open it. An ‘Internet Explorer’ message will appear. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: 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 4.

Figure 4: The error message indicating that the MeadCo software 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 ( School IT Network Administrator level account).

VASS Browser Setting
In Internet Explorer go to Tools →Internet Options and click on the Security Tab. Click on Trusted Sites then Custom Level.

• Scroll down to the ActiveX controls and plug-ins Section
• In the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section check that:
• ‘Download signed ActiveX controls’ is set to Enabled.
• ‘Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe’ is set to Enable.
• ‘Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins’ is set to Enable.
• ‘Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting’ is set to Enable.

 

Internet Explorer 8

A copy of the VASS browser setting for Internet Explorer 8 may be downloaded in VASS on Tuesday 4 August using the menu SYSTEMS ADMIN→ Downloads and is also available on the VCAA website via the following link: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/schooladmin/vass/iesettings.html .

 

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

 

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