Installing and Updating IEP Writer "2001" on a network

Microsoft operating systems and networks are the most reliable for this program, since it is created with Microsoft tools. Here's how to do the install or update:
 

1.     The data and the program files run on the network server machine. Therefore iep.mdb (the data file) and the program files (iep2001_XP.exe, iep2001_2K.exe, iep2001_97.exe, depending upon the user's MS Office version) should be copied to the server. (Note the change of program file name as of 05/03). This simplest  way to install or upgrade is to run the iep_setup.exe or upgrade (iepver4x.exe) on the server. Alternatively, you may do this on a local machine by first copying the server application directory to a local machine; doing the update at the local machine; and then copying the updated local application directory contents back to the server. That would be the contents of "c:\program files\iep writer 2001\". You will definitely need to use the alternate method of copying down the network app directory to your local machine, if your server does not have Microsoft Word installed. This is because the program checks for the existence of Word as it starts and will not allow you to continue on to do the Update Student data, which is necessary to complete the update.  If I were you, I would make a backup of the "Iep.mdb" file and put it somewhere else, so it doesn't accidentally get trampled if you make an error. Note also that you do not need to copy down the sub-folders, iep and iepdata. Just leave them on the server. You only are  altering the application folder "..\iep writer 2001".
 

2.     If it is a new install, then each client machine must also run the iep_setup.exe procedure, so that all the supporting library files are copied into the client machine’s Windows\system folder.
 

3.     If it is an upgrade and not a new install, then follow the steps in this link, Updates.htm,. Since administrators don't usually like to work at the server, because it interrupts production of their network, I suggest copying down the application directory to a local machine; doing the updates on the local machine and then recopying the changed directory in its entirety back to the server. All users must be off the IEP program during this procedure.
 

4.     For updates (not new installs)- you will need to upgrade each client machine for activeX controls that have changed since the prior version. Currently there are 3 self-expanding zip files, RegDllXP.exe, RegDll2K.exe, and RegDll98.exe, which contains the updated library files and a batch file that will register them on the client machine.  It does the registration for you automatically. Use the file with the suffix that matches your operating system( ME is 98, NT is 2K).  This isn't necessary for new installs, since all activeX controls are automatically registered on the reboot after the install.
 

5.     On each client,  make a Shortcut icon pointing to the iep2001_??.exe file that is on the server. You would need to “Map a Network drive” to each client machine, naturally. 

6. Then you will need to change the target of the menu or desktop icon from "iep2001.exe" to "iep2001_??.exe".  The difference between these 3 programs is that the Win2000 version looks specifically for Microsoft Office 2000 or version 9, while the iep2001_97.exe looks for the prior version of Word, version 8 or Office 97, and  iep2001_97.exe looks for the Word, version 10 or Office XP.

7.    Users must have full permissions to the application folder and its sub-folders. Otherwise they will not be able to run all aspects of the program.

8.    Older networks, like Novell or Lantastic may not respect spaces within path names nor 40 character file names. So be alert to that.