R.O. Writer Updater tries to install file updates in the background through the Windows service first.
Windows Service Application
The Windows service is part of every version of every Windows operating system; it allows programs and updates to run in the background. The R.O. Writer Update Manager uses it to update system files in the background.
For more information about the Windows service, see https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/windows-services/introduction-to-windows-service-applications.
ROW Auto Updater Service in the Windows Service
When both R.O. Writer Client and R.O. Writer Server install, the ROW Auto Updater service is added to the list of services in the Windows service.
The ROW Auto Updater service:
- Runs in the background.
- Checks R.O. Writer Updater for file updates or software upgrades every 15 minutes.
- After a re-boot, the ROW Auto Updater service checks for file updates immediately and then every 15 minutes afterward.
- Downloads file update and software upgrade packages from the Updater Service in the R.O. Writer cloud.
- File update through the Windows Service; this process runs in the background and is not visible on the screen.
File Update Packages
File update packages are comprised of files that R.O. Writer requires to function correctly. For example, the ACES vehicle database needs to be updated regularly as new vehicles are added.
When file updates are needed, R.O. Writer Development deploys the file update packages.
File Update Package Contents
File update packages:
- Include the new files.
- Include instructions about where the file needs to be installed so that R.O. Writer can access it correctly.
- Are encrypted by R.O. Writer.
- This is done to make sure the correct files are sent and loaded on your computers. If the hash number is different than the one in the cloud, then it is the wrong file.
- Are moved to the C:\ProgramData\RowAutoUpdater\Pending\File folder if they cannot be installed in the background.
When the File Updates are Installed in the Background
The next time the Updater Service on the client workstation checks R.O. Writer Updater and notices that there are file updates, it begins installing the new files immediately. There is no notification that files are installing; it just happens.
- You do NOT need to close R.O. Writer while file updates are loading.
- The installation does NOT interrupt R.O. Writer.
- When the installation is successful, the updated files are available immediately. You do not need to close and re-open R.O. Writer to access them.
Whenever file updates install, R.O. Writer Updater
- Places the files in the correct location for R.O. Writer.
- Decrypts the name of the file to the name that R.O. Writer needs.
For example, the ACES database needs to be named "ACES.dbf" and located in the C:\ROWriterData\ACES folder. Otherwise, R.O. Writer Client cannot find it. When R.O. Writer Development posts the ACES database to the Updater Service in the R.O. Writer cloud, its name is encrypted by R.O. Writer Updater. When installed, the database is renamed to "ACES.dbf" and placed in the correct folder.
R.O. Writer Updates attempts to load the file updates only once. If the installation cannot be completed on the first try, the update file package is moved to the C:\ProgramData\RowAutoUpdater\Pending\File folder.
If the Update Files Cannot be Installed in the Background
There are times when the Windows service cannot install the update files in the background. For example, the folder where the file needs to be placed is locked for some reason and will not allow the Windows service to move any file into it.
If the update files cannot be installed automatically the first time, they are moved to the following folder on the hard drive:
C:\ProgramData\RowAutoUpdater\Pending\File
Inside the ...Pending\File folder:
- Each update has its own folder.
- Each folder's name is encrypted by R.O. Writer Updater.
- Each update folder contains the update files.
- Each update file name is encrypted by R.O. Writer Updater.
- To see what kind of file it is, you can check the Type column.
R.O. Writer Updater does not attempt to install these files again.
After files are placed in the ...Pending\File folder, they can be installed only when R.O. Writer Client is launched. For details, click the following link: File Updates During Launch.
Unhiding the ProgramData Folder
The C:\ProgramData folder is hidden by default in Windows operating systems. You need to unhide the ProgramData folder to see it and access it in Windows Explorer.
Complete these steps:
- On the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
- Scroll down to Hidden Files and Folders and select Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives.
- Click OK. The Folder Options window closes.
- In Windows Explorer, click your hard drive folder. The ProgramData folder is now there.
