Age & Growth Test on Windows 7 (problem)

You may have problems getting your Age & Growth .mov files to work on your new Windows 7 machines.  To get the file to work you will need the Quicktime player installed on your machine.  The current reader version is 7.7.2(1680.56). I used IE 8 to download the software.  The Quicktime plug-in will not help you so don't install it.  The following link will get you to the website that has the correct player for you. If you are not on the wan please VPN before clicking this link.
https://gofish.tpwd.state.tx.us/FishNET/Apps/Age/Default.aspx



Click Download Quicktime

Uncheck the Keep me up to date box.  Click Download Now.

Click Run

Choose the defaults on the subsequent screens.  The only box I unchecked was dealing with automatically updating all my Apple software.  That box I left unchecked.

Once the install is successful to open a .mov file right click on the file in windows explorer and choose quicktime to open the file.  You may get a window asking you to associate .mov files with quicktime and choose yes.

It now works on my windows 7 machine.  As a note I did not have any versions of quicktime installed on my machine.  If these instructions don't work you may want to uninstall quicktime, reboot, and go thru these instructions again.  If you have any problems please call me.

Dan

Problem 1:

If you get the following error try below:

Install all quicktime, itunes, or any other apple software.

Download and install the software from the following link:

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package ATL Security Update

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=766a6af7-ec73-40ff-b072 -9112bab119c2&displaylang=en#filelist

Download for 32bit machines this file vcredist_x86.exe.

Reinstall Quicktime and other apple software.

Problem 2:

If during the install the installation hangs on "Publishing Product Information" then the following link may help to resolve this problem.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2361274?start=0&tstart=0

Problem 3:

There are times that reason you are having problems with the quicktime install is because you have had some Microsoft Windows updates failed to install properly.  If this has happened call the help desk for help on correcting these failed updates.  Some of these updates can cause additional problems which will cause you more problems with will cause you to have to reformat your computer.  Please back up all data before calling the help desk.

Last Effort Fix:

Right click on the quicktime player that was emailed to you originally and choose properties.  Then choose the Compatibility tab.  Within that tab select the Compatibility mode "Run this program in compatibilitiy mode for:"  then select Windows XP.  Apply then OK.  Know test your mov file to see if it will work.

Thanks,

Dan

Creel Zipcode Error

Sometimes when you run a creel zipcode report from the SAS Portal you may get an error.  Here is something to check before you call me to look into your error.  On the main Creel tab there is a SAS program called "SP_CreelLakes".  Double click on that stored process.

Once you double click the link a report will open up in a new window that will show which lakes have been creeled along with their creeled dates and if the schedule has been verified. 

Make sure the zipcode report you are running contain the correct begin end date without any skip quarters. Also, you should be able to run a report on a unverified quarter.  This will allow you to check for data errors.

Please call me if this does not fix your error.

Thank you,

Dan 

How to register for a Free Skype Account

I wanted to take a few minutes to share a tool I use daily to get me job done at TPWD.  Some of you may be already using skype for you phone calls and if you are that is great.  If you are not then look below and I will take you through the registration process so you can get started in making Free calls with skype.

Skype free calls are only from one registered skype user to another registered skype user.  You can make as many calls as you like and talk as long as you want.  This works great for long distance calls and also out of country calls. It cost nothing to use this type of service.   If you want to call someone on a cell phone or land line then you will need a skype subscription.  I have the subscription to US and Canada which allows me to call anyone in the US or Canada for on $2.99 flat fee per month. You can also choose a "by the minute" type usage.  I use skype at work all the time with my headset (In fact I am using right now while I create this blog.)  Using monthly subscripton, Skype just deducts if from my credit card each month.  You can also create a phone book for ease of calling that contains not only registered skype users but non-registered users.  I have also downloaded the skype software to my android phone so I can make wifi calls from my cell phone using skype.  All this for only $2.99 a month.

If you would like to receive calls through skype, I caught a special of $30 (regularly $60) a year which gets you a telephone number where people can call you and it will ring your skype cell phone or your computer.  My current cell phone is a wifi only cell phone so for $66 a year I have a wifi only cell phone.  It has been a great way for me to cut my cell phone bill.

Once you have installed skype make sure that it is loaded as a service.  In the your task manager you should have an image of a green cloud with a white check box in it.  Also it is helpful if you allow skype to load as a add-on to your web browser.  This will allow phone numbers that are displayed on webpages to be clickable and dialed from skype.  Next month I will talk about my google voice number and how I use it with my skype phone.

Skype Registration

click on "join skype" in the top left corner.

Fill out the required fields.  In the question that asks "How do you intend to use Skype" select mostly personal conversations.  Click I agree - Continue when done.

Choose Not now, Thanks then hit continue.

A new window should open up with download informtion.  Follow the steps on the screen by choosing run to complete and log into skype.  

Once you have logged into skype click Tools - Options to modify options to fit your preferences.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Dan