FAQ: Getting Started
1.
1.1 How do I move my installation to another computer?
AstroPlanner stores most of its files in the same folder as the application, so move that folder and all of its subfolders to the new computer. If you stored your plan document files in another place, you will need to move those files too. Finally, you can file the preferences file ("AstroPlanner.prefs") and move that to the same folder on the new computer, but it's probably best to avoid doing that and let AstroPlanner recreate a fresh preferences file.
Of course, if you are changing to another platform (e.g. Windows to Macintosh) then you will need to download and replace the application file with a suitable version. All other files should be cross-platform compatible.
2. Installing and First Time Use
2.1 Installing AstroPlanner V1.x in Windows Vista
1. Download the zipped executable to the desktop.
2. From the "Start" menu, select the Documents folder
3. Right-click and use New→Folder to create a new folder. Rename it "AstroPlanner".
4. Double-click the file downloaded in 1. Copy the AstroPlanner application inside into the folder created in 3, by dragging it.
5. Double-click the the application to start it. You might have to give Vista permission to open the application.
6. If you like, create a shortcut to the application by holding down the right mouse button on the application and dragging to the desktop. Then choose "Create shortcut here".
Warning: Do not install this app anywhere else, or Vista might not like it.
You might also want to look at this step-by-step guide:
www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/VistaInstall/
2.2 The application is intimidating and I don't know where to start. What can I do?
When in doubt, read the user manual.
At least skim the first two chapters (Introduction and Installation) to figure out what you can expect from AstroPlanner and installation instructions. Assuming you installed everything OK, now read chapter 3 "Quick Start Tutorial". If you follow along you should get a feel for the basic operation of the application.
3. Preferences
3.1 How do I reset my preferences back to the "factory" settings?
You have two choices: either search for and destroy the "AstroPlanner.prefs" file on your hard disk, or hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while launching AstroPlanner. If you do the latter, you'll be asked if you want to reset the preferences (in case you hold down the Shift key by accident).
3.2 Where are the application preferences stored?
Since AstroPlanner is a cross-platform product, preferences are stored in different places on different platforms. If you search for the file "AstroPlanner.prefs", you'll discover where.
If you move the preferences file mentioned above to the same folder as the application, then that file will be used preferentially (no pun intended!).
4. Registration
4.1 I have a desktop and a laptop computer. Do I have to buy two licences?
As long as you (or a member of your family) is using the application, and you are the owner of the computer, you can install the application and files on it. Many users have a laptop for the field, but like to do their pre-planning on a desktop computer.
4.2 I just upgraded my computer from Windows/Mac to a Mac/Windows computer. Do I have to reregister? Are my plan documents and catalogues going to work?
No, you don't have to reregister. Just download the application for your new computer and replace the existing application file. All other files (plan documents, catalogues, etc.) are cross-platform compatible.
4.3 I ordered the CD-ROM. How long will I wait before I can get going?
You'll receive an e-mail confirmation including registration information, etc. This means you can get going immediately by downloading a few catalogues, even if you have a slow connection. The CD-ROM is sent by 1st Class Mail in the USA, airmail elsewhere. Hence it will take a few days to get to you. Delays due to customs might occur in countries outside the USA.
4.4 I registered and paid my fee. What happens now?
You'll receive an e-mail message from Kagi or PayPal, verifying your payment. We will also receive an e-mail telling us that you paid, and we'll send you an e-mail confirmation including registration information, etc.
If you don't receive any e-mail from us within a day, check your spam. If you don't find our response, please send us an e-mail message and we'll sort you out.
4.5 I thought I registered long ago. Why can't I download the version without nags and all the catalogues?
Up until c.2004 you were required to "register" in order to download the shareware version of the application. If you subsequently "paid" then you received access to all of the catalogues, etc. and the nags went away.
The requirement to "register" has now gone away and you can freely download the shareware application from the Download page. For that reason, "Registered" now refers to those who have paid.
If you feel that you did pay, and for some reason (hard disk crash, new computer, etc.) you lost the information, please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to resend the information to you.
4.6 I'm uncomfortable using PayPal to pay. What's this Kagi service?
Kagi is a highly reputable company we use to process payments. We've been using them for more than 10 years without incident. They accept all sorts of US and overseas payments, including checks and cash.
If you are nervous using either service, then you can mail a check or cash to the address on the purchase page. Unfortunately we cannot accept credit cards directly.
5. Uninstalling
5.1 How do I uninstall AstroPlanner?
Uninstalling AstroPlanner is relatively straightforward:
1. Delete the AstroPlanner folder containing the application.
2. If you created plan documents elewhere, you will need to delete those too.
3. Search your hard disk for the "AstroPlanner.prefs" file and delete it (it is stored in different places according to your OS).
5.2 I tried the beta version. How to I revert back to the previous release version?
Unless there's a warning message next to the beta release notice on the beta page www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/beta/, it should be safe to do this:
1. In the AstroPlanner folder you are using, delete the applcation and the "AstroPlanner Data" files.
2. Download the last release application from www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/reguserdl/, decompress it if necessary, and put the application file in your folder.
3. The first time you run AstroPlanner it will recreate the "AstroPlanner Data" file.