Frequently Asked Questions

 When will the newest version of RailTrak 2000 be ready?  The newest version of RailTrak 2000 has been released.  It is available as a free download from this website to try out.  It can also be ordered as a CD installation.

 What Rail Unions Can Use RailTrak 2000?  RailTrak 2000 is designed to work for all rail unions at the local committee level.  It is specifically formatted for use by the BLE, TCU, and UTU Organizations.

 Why do I need to have Access 97 installed on my computer?  You do need a version of MS Access installed and running on your computer, however no longer needs to be specifically Access 97.  You can install a version of RailTrak 2000 that will run with any current version of Access up to and including Access 2002.

 Will RailTrak 2000 run with MS Access 2000 or later?  Yes. Our experience is that users running the Windows XP Operating System should run MS Access 2002.  Access 97 and RailTrak 2000 do not run on the Windows XP OS.

 Do I have to Use Access 2002 With Windows XP?  Not necessarily. Our experience is that Access 2002 runs faster and more reliably than Access 2000 does.  However, if you already have Access 2000 and do not want to upgrade to Access 2002 you can stick with Access 2000 provided that your computer is fast enough.  Contact the author for more specific advice regarding your situation.

 Can I Get Microsoft Access Through RailTrak Software Tools?  Yes.  We will help you get the software at the lowest price possible and help you install it if necessary.

 Can I run my copy of RailTrak 2000 on both my laptop and desktop computers?  RailTrak 2000 is licensed to the user of the program and not any specific computer.  You may install and run as many copies of the program as you desire - however they will all generate documents in your name.

 If I am using multiple computers, how do I keep the information current on each one?  RailTrak 2000 is a split database.  It also backs all information up to a BackUp.mde file.  You can simply move the BackUp.mde file from one computer to another using a fast removable storage media (such as a USB Memory Plug).  If your two computers are networked together, you can simply map to the BackUp.mde file on the second computer as the BackUp location and have both computers back up and restore from teh same file.  Contact the author more more information.

 What kind of letters or reports can RailTrak 2000 generate?  RailTrak 2000 generates appeal documents that can either be formal grievance appeal letters (SP Form 10 for former Southern Pacific trainmen), less formal conference documents, discipline appeal letters,  letters to any individual entered into the database, and claim reports to your members.  The reports to members can be sent via email as html attachments.

 My Login Password is too long.  Can I change it?  Yes and No.  You can easily change the logon password if you are running RailTrak 2000 Version 8.07.08 or later.  From the Main RailTrak 2000 Switchboard, simply press the "Shift + F5" keys on your computer keyboard.  You will be asked for your program Serial Number.  Then you simply enter the new password that you want to use and enter it again to confirm it.  Selecting the "Update Password" button will save your new password and return you to the Main Switchboard.  Next time you start RailTrak 2000, simply log in using your new password.

 How do I get my signature to work in RailTrak 2000?  RailTrak 2000 looks for a file named RTFONT.bmp in your C:\Program Files\Railtrak folder.  This should be a scanned copy of your signature converted to the Windows Bitmap format and saved in a size roughly 670 pixels by 195 pixels.  You should scan a signature written in dark ink or fine point marker.  You might have to experiment with several attempts at saving this signature file to get it just right.  If you are unable to create your signature file, send a relatively large copy of your signature written on high quality gloss white paper to RailTrak Software Tools.  We'll create the signature for you and send it back to you via email.

 Will this FAQ page contain more information in the future?  Yes.  I plan to add questions and answers to this page over the next few months on a continual basis.  If you have a question that you think should be posted and answered here, please forward it to me through this web site.

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