Product Q&A

All Products

Q. I copied a project by choosing Copy or Copy Database from the File menu. Now when I click the Open button, the new file is not listed. Why isn’t it there, and how do I open it?
A. When you click the Open button, the Recently Used dialog box opens. Since you have never actually opened the newly copied project before, it has not been ‘used’ on this computer. To open the project, click the Browse button. The standard Windows Open dialog box will open, allowing you to navigate to the new project, select it, and open it from wherever you have it saved. When you copy a project, remember to open the Project Summary Info dialog box in order to change the project name. An easier method might be to use your project as the template when you start a new project; this opens the Project Summary Info dialog box automatically, and you will remember to change the project name there.

Q. I want to move the software from one computer to another, but the access key won’t work. Why is that?
A. The access key you received when you installed the software is specific to the computer or server on which it was installed. To move the software to another computer, call Technical Support at 800-266-7732 for an Unpermit code before you remove the software from the first computer. Before you call, you can have the software already installed on the new computer, and once we get the Unpermit code, we can generate a new key for the new computer.

BSD SpecLink & PerSpective

Q. I have recently purchased the software and would like to learn how to use it. What options are available?
A. Several useful hyperlinks are available on our Website at the following location: http://www.bsdsoftlink.com/speclink/sl_subscribers.htm The “Getting Started” hyperlink has basic information that will assist you in becoming acquainted with the application. It provides a good starting point for learning to use the software. We offer free SpecLink Webinars twice a week on Tuesdays at 11 AM and Thursdays at 4 PM, Eastern Time. Please call 1-800-266-7732 to schedule the most convenient time and a technician will send you the information needed to register. We also provide on-site training or training at our office in Atlanta, Georgia. Please contact your salesperson to coordinate a time and location that is best for you.

Q. I am getting a message that it is time to install my update and that I must install it to gain access to the software. I just renewed my subscription, so why am I getting this message?
A. There are two different effective dates for the software. One is your subscription effective date and the other is the master database effective date. Your subscription expires once a year and the software master expires each quarter. The two dates are not related. To see both dates, close any open projects and click on File and then Registration and Settings. If you have not installed your update by the time that the master expires, then you will no longer have access to the software. Installing the update will allow you to use the software. If your subscription has expired and you have already renewed it, you need to enter the access key that you were emailed when you renewed your subscription.

Q. I printed my manufacturer listing report but it doesn’t include the manufacturers I have added. Can I get them on this report?
A. Paragraphs have to be tagged to appear on the various reports. You can add Tags to any paragraph. If the Tag (T) status column is not visible, on the View menu, click on Display Layout and then on Tags. Click in the paragraph that needs the tag, and from the Tags dropdown list on the formatting toolbar above the Document Panel, choose the appropriate tag (ML for Manufacturer Listing). When the paragraph with the tag is active and you print the report for the tag, the section will be listed in the report. For a list of Tags and their functions, search Help for Tags.

Q. I want to email my project to someone who does not have the software. How can I do that?
A. You can email an individual section, a division, or the entire project. To do that, click on the File menu and select Print. From the Reports dialog box, select Document as your Report to Print, and select Section, Branch, or Project as the Scope of Report. Click on the Export button on the right side of the dialog box. Select the folder where the files should be created. You will have an RTF (rich text format) file for each section. These can be emailed and/or opened in most word processors. If you are a meter customer, this option will not be available. If you have Adobe Acrobat Writer or Distiller installed, you can also create .pdf files. From the Reports dialog box, change your default printer to Acrobat PDF Writer or Acrobat Distiller and print as normal. Select the folder where the files should be created.

BSD Costlink/AE & BSD CostLink/CM

Q. I added a folder in the wrong place. How can I move it?
A. To change the placement of a folder in the Tree, with your right mouse button drag the misplaced folder to the folder that you want it to be above. When you release the mouse button, choose Move Above from the right mouse button menu.

Q. How can I email my CostLink/CM or CostLink/AE reports to someone who does not have CM or AE?
A. Export the report(s) to a PDF file. PDF files can be opened on any computer using Acrobat Reader and cannot be edited easily.

To export your reports, Print Preview a report that you would like to email. In the Print Preview window, click the export report button on the toolbar. Choose Acrobat Format (PDF). Follow the onscreen directions including entering a file name and location. Once the export is complete, you can email the exported file as an attachment.

More questions? Contact BSD Technical Support:

• Toll Free: 800-266-7732
• In Atlanta: 404-365-9226
• Email: support@bsdsoftlink.com