MyPublisher hangs on startup

[elizabeth.wedding]

It just gets stuck at "Creating views...". Can I do anything about this? I've tried removing MyPublisher (and deleting the Application Data directory manually) and re-installing but it still gets stuck. I'm using Windows XP Pro.

(When it was working before, it also closed randomly every so often, especially when I'm working with text boxes, but I've heard this is a known bug.)

[mypublisher]

Hello Elizabeth,

Thank you for your business with MyPublisher, and we're sorry you're having some performance trouble with the software!

Please install a fresh copy of the latest release of our program, made available yesterday, at the link below.

Here's how:

Don't 'Uninstall' or 'Remove' the MyPublisher software, just follow the link below to download and reinstall the software over your existing copy. And don't worry -- this won't affect your saved books.

http://www.mypublisher.com/newGetStarted.php

Click 'Download Now!' and then 'Save.' Point the download to your desktop or downloads folder. Once the download completes, double click on the installer file, named bmsetup-USD-en-US. Select 'Run' from the dialog box that follows and accept the license agreement.

Once the installation is finished, delete the installer file (bmsetup-USD-en-US) to avoid confusing it with the MyPublisher icon. Then, you can launch the most current release of the MyPublisher software: 3.2.0.4655

Additionally, here are some general guidelines to help you get the best performance from the combination of your computer, our software, and the MyPublisher website and printing process.

1. Operating System

(a) We suggest that you have a minimum of 512MB (1GB or more is ideal) of available RAM (memory) and 500 MB of available space on your C: drive.

To find out how much available memory you have on your computer, double-click on My Computer, right-click on Local Drive (C:), and select Properties. The amount of used and free space is listed here.

(b) As a general operating rule, it may help to close all other software programs while you're working on or uploading your book. Since you may be working with large image files, we recommend that you run ONLY our version of your software for optimum performance.

(c) To ensure easy navigation and maximum functionality, store only those pictures you are currently working within the software. Photos you want to include in subsequent projects should be imported later when you are ready to work on those projects.

2. Internet Connection

Internet Explorer 7.0 is required. Our software uses IE's resources to display the HTML pages from our ShoppingCart.

(a) Use a high-speed internet connection (e.g. Cable, DSL) to ensure fast and easy uploads. MyPublisher can and does receive book orders via dial-up connections, but keep in mind that large files may take a long time to upload and sometimes this method may inadvertently abort the upload process due to common interruptions of dial-up service. Also, if you have trouble uploading using a wireless connection, you should 'plug-in' to your modem with an ethernet cable.

(b) The Adobe Flash Player 9.0 or higher must be installed. You can download this software for free. Here's the link to download the Flash Player: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

(c) Cookies must be enabled in IE 7.

(d) It's also imperative that you allow the software full access through your firewall as the program requires outbound access to the internet to function.

3. Optimizing Available Computer Memory

If you are working on large book files, or your computer has limited memory capacity, we recommend that you work on one book at a time. When creating multiple books, export the different books onto your desktop and access them one at a time as you need to work on them. Once you have exported your file, you can delete the file within the software to maximize your computer’s memory space available to you for the current book you wish to work on.

To export a book file out of, and then back into the software to order or edit, you can “export” and then “import” the file. Here's how:

(A) Export your .dime file from the software onto your hard drive.

- Go to File
- Select Export
- Select the directory (folder or desktop) where you want to save your book
- Name your book file
- The Save As type will auto select as a Dime package (a file with the extension .dime)
- Click Save

Alternatively, if you want to create a back-up of your book file onto a CD, open your CD writing software (such as Roxio, Easy CD Creator, or Record Now) and copy the .dime file from your hard drive to the Data CD as a Data file using this CD writing software. You can also copy your .dime file to a Thumb drive, Zip drive or other portable media.

(B) You can now delete the book if you need to (the one that you just exported) from the software.

(C) When you are ready to Import your book from your hard drive or from the CD, Thumb drive, Zip drive or other portable media back into the software, do the following:

- Go to File
- Click on Import
- Select the .dime file (your book) from your Desktop or Folder, or CD
- Click Open
- The file will be added to the software into your book library.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate your continued patience and understanding with this problem. We hope this information is helpful.

Please let us know if there's anything else you need:

Phone Support: (877) 411-6978 (available between the hours of 9AM-9PM EST, Monday through Friday);
E-mail Support: <customerservice@mypublisher.com>, available 24/7!

Best regards,

MyPublisher Customer Support

[elizabeth.wedding]

Sadly, this doesn't help. The newly-installed version still hangs at startup. Any other ideas?

Thanks.