TsTopFAQ.htm

Top Frequently Asked Questions

This page was created to provide you with the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Please review it carefully as these are the exact same answers that are sent out to our users that describe the following experiences and error messages. After reviewing these answers, if you are still in need of assistance, you can either continue searching through the Knowledge Base, or you can send us an email to moresupport@bidplus.com and we will make every effort to get back to you with a solution as quickly as possible. When you write to us for additional assistance, please try to provide as much information as possible about your situation, as well as the history that leasd up to it.

1) Connection Trouble
2) Java Virtual Machine
3) Unexpected File Format
4) Update Profile Loop
5) Installing or Reinstalling BidPlus
6) Bidding - Searc Produces Zero Lines
7) Reserve Lines - BidPlus DisPlays Appears To Not Match Papers LOFs

1) Connection Trouble: (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: Cannot make a connection through BidPlus, Server date format error, network access failure 080389, requests to update profile

Here is the short answer to most connection problems.

Be sure to double check the settings on your anti-virus program. Generally, 99.9% of the time the problem is due to the settings changing and not allowing the connection to proceed. This can happen whether or not you made any changes to your computer. The problem is that your anti-virus program automatically updates itself regularly. When it does so, it changes the settings in an attempt to give you more protection. The downside is that it also makes it that certain programs, like BidPlus, can no longer connect. Basically, go to your Norton or McAfee antivirus software and turn it off. You can do the same with your Windows firewall. Then try your connection again and you will see that it works. Then go back to your firewall and your antivirus software and start adjusting the settings until you able to use it and BidPlus at the same time. In both instances, you can go into the settings of the software and tell it which software or web sites that you want to specifically allow it to access or connect through. Otherwise, everything that it sees is generic and it won’t let it connect because it doesn’t know if it is friend or foe. Sometimes you have to tell it specifically to allow connections to BidPlus.com and AOL.com, and also to allow connections from the BidPlus software and/or Internet Explorer. Additionally, delete your cookies and empty your temp files. Also, update your JVM by clicking Terminal, and then click OptionsàUpdate JVM.

2) Java Virtual Machine (JVM): (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: Inability to connect to Unimatic, stuck on "accessing connection", error message that reads - "unable to create terminal window", could not locate INF file 'java.inf", It's possible the version of Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is out of date, When you check if JVM is installed, you are told it is and everything is up to date and working.

Java Virtual Machine

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***Hey Look!!***: If you are having trouble installing through the Options menu for whatever reason, you can also download the JVM file by clicking this link: http://www.bidplus.com/msjavx86.exe.

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JVM is a Microsoft program that allows you to use the Terminal functions, such as connecting to Unimatic. If you have a relatively new computer, or you have recently had to reformat your hard drive, then you may not have JVM installed as the Terminal functions are relatively old technology. And sometimes it just needs to be reinstalled after an upgrade of BidPlus. It is best to uninstall it first, and then reinstall it as opposed to installing it again over itself.

Please note: This is different then that JRE (Java Runtime Environment) that is required for you to access Unimatic using something other than BidPlus. Also, this is NOT the latest JVM. This is the JVM from years ago that UAL and AOL require us to use.

To uninstall the JVM, click on the Options menu at the top, and then choose Uninstall JVM. Once that is complete, reboot your computer. This is a must!

To install the JVM, click on the Options menu, and then choose Install JVM. Then reboot your computer. This is a must again!

Then give the connection another try.

Please Note: The problem with the Java Virtual Machine is that it is very old technology, and it is required by UAL and AOL, not BidPlus. So even though you may have the latest JVM installed, actually it’s the version that is more than 10 years old that you need.

3) Unexpected File Format (Error message): (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: When you click the Terminal button, you receive the error message "Unexpected File Format".

Unexpected File Format

The error message "Unexpected File Format" indicates that your Communications document has become corrupted. It's hard to say why it happened, but the fix is quick and easy.

You will need to go into your Windows Explorer and either change or remove a couple of files. The files are in the BP2K folder. The files will have a BP logo which is different from the other files, and they are named after your first name and last name (e.g.: Jim Smith.ucd, Jim SmithBAK.ucd. You may also have Jim SmithBAK.bcp, but you can ignore or remove it). If you cannot see the file name extension (ucd), click on the View menu at the top, and then choose the Details menu item.

If you have some important information such as an enote that you want to save, then you will need to change the name of the file extension from *.ucd to *.bcp. To change the name click ONCE on the desired file so that it is highlighted. Once it is highlighted, click ONCE again so that the highlight is flashing. Now click ONCE again at the end of the file name so that you have a flashing cursor. Then carefully backspace until the "ucd" is gone, then type "bcp" in it's place. Once that is complete, hit the Enter key on your keyboard. Now repeat this with the other file. Once both file names have been changed, you can close Explorer and return to the program.

If you do not have any important information, or you do not want to try and change the file names, then you can simply delete them. Simply click once on the desired file to highlight it. Once it is highlighted, hit the Delete key on your keyboard, and then answer yes to the question.

Instructions for accessing your Windows Explorer:

Basically you can click on the Start button, and then choose Programs, and then look for one of the last programs listed. Or, depending on which version of Windows you have installed, click Start->Programs->Accessories->Windows Explorer. Simply click on it. Once in Windows Explorer, look down the left side at all of the yellow folders and locate the one called BP2K. Click on it once so that it is highlighted. You will then see all of the files that it contains displayed on the right side. To delete a file, click once on the one to be removed so that it is highlighted, and then hit the Delete key on your keyboard.

The next time you attempt to access Unimatic, including uploading your bids, you will get a message that a new communications document has been created. Just click OK and continue as normal. That should do it.

4) Update Profile Loop : (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: You are requested to update your Profile. However, each time you do, you are presented with the same request again and again.

Update Profile Loop

In BidPlus, click Options-->Internet Options. Under the General tab, go to Temporary Internet Files, and then click the Settings button. Notice the 4 settings choices at the top of that screen under the "Check for newer versions of stored pages" heading. Be sure the choice that says "Every visit to the page" is selected.

5) Installing or Reinstalling BidPlus: (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: Trouble and/or questions concerning a fresh installation of BidPlus, or a re-installation of BidPlus on the same computer.

Installing BidPlus

To install the program on a second computer, or to re-install it on the same computer, you will need to download it from our web site at http://www.bidplus.com/download.htm. There are no additional charges for additional downloads. There are two ways to download. The first automatically installs the program on your computer. But be sure to read those instructions very carefully. You need to either choose the option in the download dialog box that says "Run” or ""Save". We recommend saving it, and then installing once the file has been downloaded. That choice simply downloads a file that you will need to locate in order to double click and start the installation. The advantage is that you will always have this file on your computer (unless you delete it). So if a reinstallation is ever required, you would not have to download it again. The choice is up to you. But the first option is easier. The correct download page is http://www.bidplus.com/download.htm

Once the program has been downloaded and installed, go ahead and make your connection to the Internet. Now click on the Profiles menu at the top, and then choose Create/Update User Profile. You will be prompted to type in your 6 digit file number, and your Millennium password. Then click on the Log On button. The program will then connect to our database, verify that you already have an active account, and then it will present you with your profile. It will also give you a message that your profile is now active on this computer. Next, click on the Update Profile button at the bottom. You will then be presented with a message that says your profile has been updated. Then click OK. That will take you to our online Home page.

6) Bidding - Search Produces Zero Lines: (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: No matter what combination of criteria that you select, when you click "Search", the result is always zero lines in your Bank.

Keep Coming Up With Zero Lines In Your Search

Please look down at the Tools button at the bottom. Do you see the words "Restricted Search" in red? If so, that means that something has been restricted, and you will not be shown all of the lines in a search. Please click on the Tools button and look at the Configuration box. The program will only search for those items that are checked. If nothing is checked, then nothing will be produced in your search, and the result will be zero. You should have everything on the right checked, and you should also have the 'No Qualification' checked on the top left. Now when you click OK, the message "Restricted Search" will be gone. To set things correctly, just click the Reset button.

7) Reserve Lines - Appear Not To Match The Paper Bids: (Top)

Symptoms and Error messages Include: The Reserve Bids in BidPlus do not appear to match the reserve bids that are printed in the LOFs.

Reserve Bids Do Not Appear To Line Up With The Printed Bids

This is a common problem for those that don't bid Reserve with BidPlus very often. Our display has been this format for over 15 years.

Be sure that you are reading the Reserve line numbers in BidPlus correctly. The line number is at the bottom of the particular line display, not the top. It is a common mistake if you are using the RSV screen. You should use the Unselected Lines and scroll down to the desired Reserve line and see if you still think that they do not match what is being displayed in AOL or in the paper bid package. Be sure to pay close attention to the boundry lines that divide the displayed LOFs.