Power Closer Installation

Power Closer demo version 3.2 and later are generally a good test of compatibility of the paid program. See also All versions of Power Closer, and the pages listed above.

Installing the update from Power Closer 3 to 4

Licensed users of Power Closer 4 can download the update in our Updates Area. The update from Power Closer 3 to Power Closer 4 requires that an earlier version of Power Closer be already installed on the computer. By default, Power Closer 4 installs in the same program folder as the earlier version. Installing Power Closer 4 does not remove the earlier version. Power Closer Updates lists and describes the updates.

The first time Power Closer 4 is installed, it is a new program distinct from Power Closer 3. It may need attention to (1) database location and sharing of the database, and (2) options, and (3) monitor resolution. There is no programmatic way to transfer data between the databases.

Database: The new Power Closer 4 database may be placed in the same folder as the older Power Closer's database. An easy way to do this, assuming that no data has yet been entered, is to right click on the shortcut startup icon for both versions of Power Closer, and copy the Start In location from the earlier version to Power Closer 4's icon. When you start Power Closer 4, if it does not find its database in the designated location, it will create a new, empty database there. If networking, verify that all users can see all closings. For more, see Database.

Setting Power Closer 4 options: A good strategy in many situations is to open both the old Power Closer and Power Closer 4 at the same time, select the Options menu in both, and copy settings from the old Power Closer to Power Closer 4. For more, see Setup.

1024 x 768 monitor resolution: If you do not see the right-hand scroll bar on the main Power Closer screen, or the Power Screen does not fit in your screen width, then your monitor resolution is set to less than the required 1024 by 768.

Licensed users of Power Closer 4.0 should install free updates available by download from our website.

For general information about installation, see the rest of this page.

All versions of Power Closer (Demo/Jr./Std./Multi-user):

Always install Power Closer at each workstation as if it is to be run standalone, even if you plan to network it. If networking, share only the closing database file CDB.MDB. In other words, each user should run a separate copy of the program executable file located in its own separate program folder.

The paid product must be installed in a different folder from the demo program and must use a different database from the demo database.

Choose a location for the closing database file CDB.MDB where it can be accessed across the network if applicable, and backed up easily. For details about choosing an acceptable location and setting up the new database location, see "Several users want to share the same database."

All versions of Power Closer can be networked to share the database over a Local Area Network (LAN) subject to the terms of the software license. Power Closer Jr. Single User and Power Closer Standard Single User are limited to one user at a time. Make sure that you have a stable and fast network with solid network connectivity.

Install one or more printers by visiting Power Closer's Workstation Options at each workstation. See Install one or more printers.

All paid versions of Power Closer
(Jr./Std./Multi-user):

Power Closer is generally licensed to a named real estate settlement agent or firm, for use at a single site by one user or a specified number of users. For example, several site licenses may be required when a database at one site is accessed from other sites. Your license may vary. You may contact us to verify what is permitted and what additional license may be needed.

Provide a method to back up the closing database file CDB.MDB on a regular basis. Test the backup to be sure it works. The Power Closer database should only be backed up when the database is not in use. Power Closer version 3.2.20 and newer can detect that the database is not in use and start to back up the database when the last user exits. You may turn this option on in Site Options if desired. For more about the Power Closer database backup feature, see the Power Closer User Guide.

You don't need to uninstall Power Closer before re-installing or updating it. Power Closer reinstallation and update are designed to preserve existing data and site options and to correct a previous installation. Update all Power Closer workstations at the same time to the same version of Power Closer.

Moving Power Closer to a new computer

Power Closer is not installed by copying the program from the old computer to the new computer.

Install any currently licensed version of Power Closer 3 or 4 using the gold CD or other media. You may find the CD in the back of the Power Closer User Guide. If you cannot find the CD, you may have to purchase an Update CD.
Set up the closing database in one of these ways:
- If the closing database was on the old computer, you may move it to the new computer.
- If the closing database is shared on a network, connect Power Closer to the shared database.
- You may simply use the new, empty database.
Download and install a Power Closer update if appropriate, or use a newer version of the gold Power Closer CD to update Power Closer if appropriate. The newer Power Closer update will update both the program and the older database if applicable. This may be required because an older version of the program may not work properly with a newer version of the database, and vice versa. If the database is being shared, all workstations should be updated to run the same version of Power Closer.
Set the workstation options. If you are starting to use a new, empty closing database, also set the site options.
Phone support is available.