The FreeClaims Project Setup FAQ

  1. How do I get the compressed program file?
  2. What are the databases that make up the program
  3. What are the default file locations for the program?
  4. How do I run the system?
  5. What if I do not want to put the program at C:\Claims2001?
  6. Where do I find a tutorial?

How do I get the compressed program file?

Go to ftp://ftp.stormcentral.com and download the claims2003.zip file.    You must use a username of  claims2002 and a password of claims2002.  Both the username and password must be all lower case letters.  Make sure you know to where the file is being downloaded.  Extract the program using WinZip or any other archive program that can unzip files.

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What are the databases that make up the program?

Once uncompressed the system consists of 5 databases. 

Claims2003.mde is the executable database.  This contains all the forms, reports and business logic for the system.  

Sampledata.mdb is a database containing a sample claim.

ExportTemplate.mdb is the database used for claim upload and download.

Station.mdb is the local setup database.  It holds the system defaults and information on which databases contain the information in use at the moment.

Buildingdata.mdb and smalldata.mdb are price databases.  Smalldata.mdb is a small price database that lends itself to learning the database management techniques.  Buildingdata.mdb is a more extensive database that was developed over the course of several years by several people.  The prices in this database ARE NOT ACCURATE.  It is beyond my ability to verify the prices in the database.  I am of the opinion that only the local user can do this.  See my pricing rant.

If your computer is set up to hide file extensions, which many are, you may not see the .mde and .mdb extensions on the above mentioned files.  This is normal.

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What are the default file locations for the program?

As compressed, the program file, claims2003 should sit at the "C:\Claims2003" folder, along with the local setup database, station, ExportTemplate, and the claims data database, sampledata.  The price database files, buildingdata and smalldata should sit at the "C:\Claims2003\Data" folder.

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How do I run the system?

Assuming a licensed version of Access2000 is installed, run Access2000.  Click "Open an existing file" and OK.  Use the dialogue box to navigate to "C:\Claims2003", or wherever you have copied the files.  Open the Claims2003 database.  This will run the system and open the "Claims List" window.

The system has one sample claim already.  Click the "Input Accord" button to input another.  Select the "Lists" menu, to manage the list of Insurance Companies, Agents, Insureds and Adjusting Companies.

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What if I do not want to put the program at C:\Claims2003?

Just copy Claims2003 and station to the same folder.  Run Access2000, open the Claims2003 database.  The program should raise dialogue boxes allowing you to navigate to where the data databases are and attach to the ones you choose.  This allows you to choose any location you want to store the files.

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Where do I find a tutorial?

The program tutorial, in the primitive form in which it exists, is available here.  At the moment, it is very small, since I do this in my spare time.  See the Key Points for details.

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Copyright © 2003  Jeffrey B. Goodman. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 14, 2003 .