Configuring the Port Files (11-3-1)

The Port File settings, found in Astra menu 11-3-1, control how each workstation interacts with peripherals such as printers and cash drawers and with software applications such as Microsoft Office. To alter port file settings, you must have menu access granted through Astra security. IDS recommends that only the dealership’s system administrator make alterations to the port file settings.

1. Enter 11-3-1 to access the Enter/Update Port File screen.
2. Port No.: Enter the port number of the PC or terminal. The system automatically assigns this number when the device is first configured. It is located on the top left corner of that terminal’s screen after the account name.  PC’s start with “PC” and dumb terminals will be a number only. The number following the port number is the PID and is not part of the port number.
3. Normal User: The user name defaults.
4. Terminal Type: This is the first field that determines terminal emulation (character format and line drawing). This is typically set to V or VP for terminals or PTR for a system printer. If you are not sure of the correct setting, display a working terminal’s port file and use those settings or contact IDS Support for assistance.

Note: You must also enter the correct terminal type emulation for Desqtop, as follows:  From the Main Menu, enter 15 to open Desqtop. Enter O to access the Options screen, then 01 to update Options. At the Terminal Type, enter the terminal type being used by your Astra system or press the Home key to view terminal types.

5. Terminal Name: This is the second that determines terminal emulation. Typical settings are VIEWPOINT or VIEWPOINT/A2. For Sherwood dumb terminals using function keys, this field should be set to W50. If you are not sure of the correct setting, display a working terminal’s port file and use those settings or contact IDS Support for assistance.
6. Forms Queue: This field defines the default System printer that will be used when a report is printed to the System Printer. The number entered here corresponds to the printer number assigned in Enter/Update Printer File (menu 11-3-2).
7. Slave Printer?: Options:
   For PCs: Enter Y if the PC has a windows default printer.
   For Dumb Terminals: Enter Y if the terminal has a printer physically connected to it.
8. Printer Size: Enter the width of the printer in characters. Options:
   80        standard width printer
   132      wide carriage printer using wide paper (Graybar paper)
   40        parts receipt printer
9. Style:  If your slave printer is a laser printer or an inkjet printer that behaves like a laser printer, enter LASER at this prompt; otherwise, leave blank.
10. Drawer Code:  If you have an IDS supplied cash drawer connected to this port, enter one of the following codes:
    07        Ithaca 50 series receipt printer and dumb Cash Drawer
    150      Ithaca 150 series receipt printer and dumb cash drawer
    PAR    Intelligent cash drawer with a standard printer
    
    If you are not sure what type of cash drawer you have, contact IDS Support for assistance.

11. Accuterm Flag (Y/N): Enter Y if your PC is using Accuterm 97 or greater as its terminal emulation program; otherwise, enter N.
12. E-mail type: Enter your default e-mail type, DESQTOP or EXCHANGE. Exchange provides the ability to export a report as an attachment to an e-mail message and transmit the report to one or more recipients. Entering Desqtop removes the e-mail option for exporting reports.
13. SD Slave Ptr Path: Enter the path to the Scheduled & Delayed Slave Printer. This is used if the user wants to send scheduled reports directly to a printer instead of storing them in the users RPT inbox. The printer must be on-line and loaded with paper. Sending reports to the RPT inbox is the preferred method, which allows the user to print reports while watching over the printer.
14. Path to Excel.exe: Enter the local path on this PC for the Microsoft Excel executable program. Be sure to include the executable name in the path (i.e. EXCEL.EXE).
15. Path to Word.exe: Enter the local path on this PC for the Microsoft Word executable program. Be sure to include the executable name in the path (i.e. WINWORD.EXE).
16. Path to Web Browser:  Enter the local path on this PC for your web browser's executable file. Be sure to include the executable name in the path (i.e. IEXPLORE.EXE).
17. Path to Notepad.exe: Enter the path to your Notepad's executable file. Be sure to include the executable name in the path (i.e. NOTEPAD.EXE).
18. Path to IdsAstra: Enter the path to your IdsAstra folder. Be sure to include a backslash (\) after the folder name (i.e. C:\IDSASTRA\). If you neglect to enter the backslash, you will receive error messages when exporting to Excel or Word.

Note: Install the IDSDIR.EXE setup program either from the server or the Release CD. We recommend that the setup program be stored on the server in a shared folder. Users will have the ability to run the executable file from the server simply by double-clicking on IDSDIR.EXE. Once the program is run, the Idsastra folder will be installed on the user's PC's local drive.

19. OK To Update: Enter Y to save the information you have entered or updated. Enter N to exit without updating.