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SERVICE PACKS MICROSOFT UPDATES
Microsoft Windows and Access Service Packs

Jet Database Engine 4.0 (SP8)

MDAC 2.8
How to check your operating system to identify if the above service packs have been downloaded and installed onto the workstation:

A. Microsoft Access
Open Microsoft Access, click on Help, About Microsoft Access. The version you are using will be displayed followed by numbers in parentheses. Within the parentheses you should also see SP-2, for example. This means service pack 2. Please consult the installation instructions from the most current revision to determine if you are up-to-date.

B. Microsoft Windows
Right click on your Start button, left click on Explore. Looking at the folders on Local Disk (C: ), scroll down to the Windows folder. Left click once on it so that it opens. At the top of your screen, click on Help, About Windows. The Windows logo will show you the version you are using. Below the logo and within the parentheses you should see service pack 2, for example. Please consult the installation instructions from the most current revision to determine if you are up-to-date.

C. Jet Database Engine 4.0 (SP8) & MDAC 2.8
If you are using Access 2003, SP2 or newer, these will be up-to-date. If you are using an older version, continue with the steps below.

Go to your desktop, Right Click on Start, select Search, and change the Look in to Local Disk C:
  1. To identify the version of MDAC 2.8 that is installed, type in the search field Msadox.dll and click on Search. The locations of this file will appear on the right. Place your cursor over the file name located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory for Windows XP users or C:\Winnt\System32 directory for Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000, and Windows NT users. The file information will display and the File Version should 2.8.1117.0 or higher.

  2. To identify the version of Jet Database Engine 4.0 (SP8) that is installed, type in the search field msjet40.dll and click on Search. The locations of this file will appear on the right. Place your cursor over the file name located in C:\Windows\System32 directory for Windows XP users or C:\Winnt\System32 directory for Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 or Windows NT users. The file information will display and the File Version should be 4.08618.0.

How to download and install needed service packs:
If you identify that any or all of these files are not up to date, you will need to go to the Microsoft Web Site at www.microsoft.com to download and install. If your agency does not have an IT person on staff, it may be confusing what to actually download. To assist you, select from the options below. Depending upon your version of Internet Explorer, the terminology and locations below may be slightly different.

D. Microsoft Windows and Access
If you are using Internet Explorer 7.0, select “Security & Updates”. If you are using Internet Explorer 6.0, select “Downloads and Trials”. Click on “Microsoft Updates”. Your computer will be scanned for needed updates and then you may select “Express Install” which will install all updates found or select which ones you wish to install. Not only should you select service packs but you’ll also need to download and install the critical updates.

E. Jet Database Engine 4.0 (SP8)
Select Downloads. On the Download Center Home Page, in Search ~ All downloads ~ Type in Jet Database Engine, click on Go. It will then display a list of Jet 4.0 (SP8) for each type of Windows operating systems. Select the one that applies to the workstation you are downloading to. Click on Download and click on Run to install it on your computer.

F. MDAC 2.8
Select Downloads. On the Download Center Home Page, in Search ~ All Downloads~ Type in MDAC 2.8, click on Go. It will display various MDAC components and you need to select the MDAC 2.8. Click on Download and click on Run to install it on your computer.

Recommendations:
The above steps should be followed on each and every computer using the GMS Accounting or Revolving Loan software.

Microsoft frequently releases critical updates that are also necessary to keep your computer running smoothly. To insure that your computer(s) stay up to date, we also recommend that you go to Control Panel, Automatic Updates and select one of the following:
  1. “Automatic” if you wish to set a time for updates to automatically download, install, and in most cases, reboot the computer. If you leave your computer on overnight, some time during the night is recommended.
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  2. “Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them” if you want to be notified that updates have been downloaded but you will install them when it is convenient for you during the day.
Be sure to Compact and Repair your database according to the schedule that has been recommended to you. At a minimum, this should be done weekly for accounting and monthly for RLSS. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact our Service Staff.

​Confirm your software is being backed up regularly and that someone knows how to restore it should the need arise.