Can't get into the program
I downloaded the latest version and now I can't get into the program. When I click the desktop icon it goes to a DOS screen. Help!

When doing an upgrade, it is important to precisely follow the directions given on the web page for the upgrade that you are performing. Don't worry... after you do a few upgrades, you should get the hang of it.

For the 'Executable Only' release, you need to do the following:

1. Download the 'Executable Only' file from our website. The file is named csdszip.exe. Do NOT rename it to csds.exe. Move the csdszip.exe file into the CSDS installation folder (c:\sqdata).
2. Go into folder c:\sqdata, and run csdszip.exe. This is a self-unpacking zip file, which contains csds.exe and (sometimes) sqlists.upg. csds.exe is the executable program for CSDS; sqlists.upg is the upgrade to the Lists Database. If you are prompted as to 'overwrite' csds.exe, answer 'y'.

You should now have the latest version of CSDS.

By the way, whenever you do an upgrade, it's a good idea to first rename the existing csds.exe, so that if something bad occurs during the upgrade process, you can always go back and rename the good executable file to csds.exe.

Changing CSDS activation

Is there a way to change activation in CSDS? I'm selling the laptop I use for CSDS to {name withheld}, whose machine died a horrible death. We've already exported and imported her music database, and she's created quick lists, etc, so don't want to uninstall/reinstall unless necessary. I'd just like to pull out the registry key (or whatever it is) that holds my licensing info so that I can replace it with hers.

Within CSDS, go to 'System | Enter user key'.

In the registry, the user key is saved at HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Software | VB and VBA Program Settings | CSDS | Startup | UserKey

Complete.exe -- Nothing happens
I find complete.exe in "C:\Documents and Settings" What happens when I try to run it is that I get that black DOS window for a second or so but then it goes away and nothing happens. Nothing is unpacked.

If you are unable to find these 3 files, try moving complete.exe to a different folder and then running it from there.

Complete.exe -- Trying to download
I tried downloading the latest CSDS release (complete.exe) 3 times. I typed my name, and clicked "Start Download". I expected to get a dialog box in which I could type "C:/Temp" in order to save the zip file, but nothing happened.

Therefore, the problem probably lies with your browser. Perhaps it is a configuration or security setting, or perhaps there is a problem with your internet connection? You might try using a different browser.

The CSDS upgrade is an executable (.exe) file. Perhaps there is a firewall that won't let you download executable files?

Try typing the following URL into your browser: http://www.ceder.net/csds/ftp/complete.exe

Complete.exe -- Unable to run
I have downloaded the complete release of CSDS to my new laptop but I can't run the program. Do you know what could be the problem. When I try to open it nothing happens.

For the complete release,

1. download complete.exe into a temporary folder (e.g., C:\TEMP);
2. run it (double-click on complete.exe). A small black DOS window will appear for a few seconds, and 3 files will be extracted to the temporary folder (setup.lst, setup.exe, and csds.cab);
3. run setup.exe to install CSDS.
4. delete the 4 files: complete.exe, setup.lst, setup.exe, csds.cab.

Error - C:\SQDATA is in the setup source files directory
I tried to install the newest complete version to a new notebook, but I was not successful. I got the message: "The specified directory: C:\SQDATA\ is in the Setup source files directory. Please type a different directory." But even with brand new directory names the same message popped up. Can you help me, please ?

To solve the problem,

1. Move 'complete.exe' to a temporary folder such as C:\TEMP.
2. Delete 'complete.exe, csds.cab, setup.lst, and setup.exe from C:\SQDATA.
3. Go to folder C:\TEMP and run 'complete.exe'.
4. Run C:\TEMP\SETUP.EXE

Error - can't create csds.exe
Computor dummy here! Downloaded system upgrades, now Windows repeatedly asks if I would like to overwrite csds.exe y/n I've replied y "can't create csds.exe" The program doesn't open and the same screen continues in a circle. I'm sure this is an operator error, but I don't know how to fix?

The following should fix your problem:

1. Rename csds.exe to csdszip.exe.
2. Run csdszip.exe -- this will create csds.exe.
3. Run csds.exe (to verify it works).
4. Delete csdszip.exe.

Error - Can't show non-modal form
I Loaded 1.11.04, but when I try to enter the user key - I get 'RUNTIME ERROR '401' - CAN'T SHOW NON-MODAL FORM WHEN MODAL FORM IS DISPLAYED

Hence, it sounds to me like you still have a previous version of CSDS on your system. Before running CSDS again, run the Windows File Explorer, right click on the csds.exe file, select 'Properties' and locate the version. It should be 1.11.xxxx. If it isn't, you are running the wrong file. If it is, then double-click on the csds.exe file to run it. If it runs fine, then your desktop link or Windows Start menu link refers to another version of CSDS.

Error - source file could not be read
I'm not able to download the latest version. Here is what I get: C:\Document~1\Joseph~1\temp\TL5VH73VM.EXE Could not be saved because source file could not be read. Am I doing something wrong? Any ideas?

Which browser are you using? You might try a different browser.

What kind of connection are you using. If dial-up (i.e., not DSL), the connection might not have been good, or you might not have waited long enough for the download to complete.

So... my suggestions are:

1. Try again (a few times)
2. Try a different browser
3. Try a different computer

If you persist in having problems, you can send me a check for $25 and I'll mail you an installation CD of the latest version.

Executable only upgrade didn't work
I download the executable only release, copied it to C:\SQDATA\ and ran it. A little DOS window popped-up then disappeared. I then ran CSDS, but it was the same version!

1. Open a DOS window
   1. Go to the Windows Start | Run...
   2. Enter 'cmd' or 'command.com' then click OK
2. Change the drive and folder to C:\SQDATA
   1. Type 'C:' then press the Enter key
   2. Type 'CD \SQDATA' then press the Enter key
3. Run file CSDSZIP.EXE
   1. Type 'CSDSZIP' then press the Enter key
4. If you receive an error message of the form The name specified is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file then you are either not in the C:\SQDATA folder, or the CSDSZIP.EXE file does not exist in the folder.
5. If you receive an error message saying Error in Zip - Use PKZIPFIX then this means that the CSDSZIP file is incomplete or corrupted. You need to download the CSDSZIP.EXE file again from the web.

Extra icons on my desktop
I downloaded the latest executable, ran it in SQDATA as required. For some reason there is an icon on my desktop for the program (along with setup.exe and the CSDS cabinet). If I click on that, it gives me a fatal error and is looking for userinfo.dat in a place I never asked it to be. If I go to the PROGRAMS area and run it from there, it just brings up the old version of CSDS again.

Delete the setup.exe and CSDS.cab files from your desktop.

Move file csdszip.exe into folder c:\sqdata (or whereever you installed CSDS). Use the file explorer to go into c:\sqdata then double-click on csdszip.exe to run it. It should bring up a DOS window, and prompt you whether or not to overwrite csds.exe.

Fatal Error - Parse Database not found
After I downloaded the new version and put in my user key this is what I got: fatal error parse database does not exist C:\mydoc\sqparse\sqparse.dat. What do I do next?

Whenever you do an upgrade, it is very important to first move the downloaded file (csdszip.exe or complete.exe) into the CSDS installation folder (usually C:\SQDATA) before you run it!

To fix your problem (i.e., CSDS is unable to locate the parse database since the executable file (csds.exe) is in the wrong folder), move file c:\mydoc\csds.exe to c:\sqdata\csds.exe.

Folder should contain fewer characters
This year I tried again to upgrade CSDS2 to the new version 2.33. I followed the list down on this side until step 6. Then an error occures: "Folder should contain fewer characters (less than or equal to 50 characters)". I select the folder for Csds2 data files. The error occures again. What can I do?

Please select a different folder name, such as C:\CsdsData

I still have the old version!
I downloaded the update last night and applied it as instructed, but my screens still say version 1.15. What else do I need to do?

See http://www.ceder.net/faqdb/view.php?section=1&category=2#rec469

Other possibility is that CSDS was somehow installed into two different folders. The default folder is C:\SQDATA. To find out which folder version 1.15 is in, you can right-click on the menu item or icon from which you start CSDS and select 'Properties'. The 'Start in' field should say 'C:\SQDATA'. If it does, then you didn't do the installation correctly.

Is the upgrade successful?
How do I know if the download ('executable only release') has been successful? I think I have downloaded the new data and I thought I sent it to the "CSDS" program but when I opened it, it showed the same version, not the new one. What can you tell me?

To install the upgrade, I recommend the following steps:

1. Rename your existing CSDS executable (c:\sqdata\csds.exe) to another file (e.g., c:\sqdata\csds_old.exe). This step is optional, but it is a good idea in case something goes wrong, or in case there is some hideous bug in the new version of CSDS -- you can always revert back to your previous version of CSDS.
2. Move the downloaded file (csdszip.exe) into the CSDS installation folder (c:\sqdata).
3. Run the downloaded file from the CSDS installation folder. (e.g., from the Windows File Explorer, double-click on c:\sqdata\csdszip.exe). This will create file csds.exe, which is the CSDS executable.
4. Now double-click on c:\sqdata\csds.exe, and verify that you have the latest version.

Lack of communication
Since purchasing the product, I have never received any communication about the availability of an upgrade.

If you are a caller, one way to make sure that I have your contact information is to verify that you are listed in our Caller and Cuer Database.

For major CSDS upgrades, the latest version of CSDS is placed on our web site, and an E-mail message is sent to all registered users. Users may then download the latest version at their convenience for free, or may contact me to send them a CD for $25 USD.

For minor CSDS upgrades, check the CSDS | Download Files section of our website.

Notification of new releases
Do you still inform us when you have a new release CSDS?

To receive this notification, make sure that I have your current E-mail address.

Notifications are only sent to registered CSDS users (DEMO users and loathsome pirate users are out of luck).

Old versions still reside on my hard drive
I have recently downloaded and installed the latest version and all works well. I notice however that versions 1.15 and 1.14 still reside on my hard drive. Is it safe and advisable to remove the earlier versions in order to save drive space?

It is perfectly safe to 'remove' the old versions -- they shouldn't be there anyway, and any data files created via CSDS will not be affected.

PKZIPFIX error
Your new release did not self extract. The message was that I needed to use pkzipfix, but that doesn't work either. Other suggestions?

To solve the problem, re-download the file from the web and try again.

Reformatting my drive
I need to reformat my drive. I do not want to lose the records I have added to the databases. Can I download and install the latest version of CSDS and then use my databases by replacing the ones in the download or should I export them to a disk before I reformat and then import them to the program after I install it?

1. Make a backup copy of the CSDS installation folder (usually C:\SQDATA).
2. Reformat the disk.
3. Copy the CSDS installation folder back to the computer.
4. Install the latest version of CSDS.

Installing CSDS over an existing version does not wipe out any of your databases. It simply "updates" the information that I have modified, and it does not touch any information that you have updated or added. Database records have a "user ID" field, which allows the update process to know who created the record. Hence, the update process only changes the records that have "Vic Ceder" in that field. Your data will not be affected.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your music files located outside of the CSDS installation folder will also need to be copied to a backup before reformatting the disk or they will be lost as well!

Small black screen
I still haven't figured out how to get my program up. All I got after down loading the newest version all I get is this small black screen that doesn't have alot on it. I can't use the program at all now.

The 'small black screen' indicates you are running the 'pre-setup' program, csdszip.exe or complete.exe instead of the CSDS program, csds.exe.

To run CSDS, click the Windows Start button, select 'Run...', enter 'C:\SQDATA\CSDS.EXE' (without the quotes) and click OK. This should run CSDS.

Please tell me which version of CSDS you have, and I will advise you on your next step.

Also, how are you currently trying to run the program? Please be as specific as possible, so I have a clue what happened.

Uninstall or not?
when I receive the CSDS upgrade CD and go to install it should I have it overwrite existing files or should I delete/uninstall the existing version and then start from scratch? If the latter will I lose previously written materials?

No. Your sequences, music, getouts, lists, cue sheets, etc. are saved in folders created by CSDS - the install remover has no clue about these folders - the install remover only removes the exact files that it installed in the first place.

Upgrade CD #2
When a CSDS upgrade occurs, do you send out a CD with the new version to all owners of CSDS? Is there any cost for the upgrade?

For major releases of CSDS, an E-mail is sent to all users who have purchased the full version of CSDS. The E-mail gives all details pertaining to the upgrade.

For minor releases, no E-mail is sent, unless I have specifically fixed a bug or added a new feature that *you* suggested.

The latest version of CSDS can always be downloaded from http://www.ceder.net/csds/csds_ftp.php.

Upgrading CSDS2
Where should I look for a way to update to the latest version? The link at the bottom of the csds main page "Download the latest version of CSDS" takes me to a page discussing upgrading to Csds2 which I have already done. ????

1. Make sure you're connected to the web;
2. Run CSDS2;
3. From the main menu, select 'System | Upgrade program from web'.

--------------------------------------- <> If for some reason you don't connect your CSDS2 computer to the web, or have other issues, you can try the following steps:

1. Get CSDS2 version 2.28 here...
   https://www.ceder.net/csds2/csds2_2.28.exe

You need to replace your current csds2.exe file with the one above:

2. Run CSDS2;
3. Select 'Help | About Csds2';
4. Press the 'Open EXE Folder' button;
5. Close CSDS2;
6. In the file explorer window opened by step 4 above, rename csds2.exe to something else, just in case this rocedure fails. e.g., csds2old2.27.exe;
7. Open web browser, and go to https://www.ceder.net/csds2/csds2_2.28.exe;
8. Save the file to the opened folder. Make sure to save the file as csds2.exe, not csds2_2.28.exe;
9. Right-click on the downloaded file, and select 'Properties'. Make sure 'Read-only' is not checked. Additionally, there might be some other attribute such as 'downloaded from web' or something like that. I forget the exact name. You should also turn that bit off. I think there's a button or something to do that nearby.
10. Double-click on the csds2.exe file to run it. You should now have version 2.28. If a virus scanner or such pops-up, you may need to tell it that the file is okay.

---------------------------------------

If you still have issues, you will have to uninstall the version you have, then re-install a later version.

The latest FULL version of CSDS2 is always located somewhere on this page: https://www.ceder.net/csds2/

E.g., the current FULL version is csds2publish225.zip You would be expected to download, unzip it, install it, run it, then proceed as given in the first set of instructions above. I.e., 'System | Upgrade program from web'

Upgrading from DEMO to Full Version #1
I called a dance last night using cards I had written using the demo version of CSDS. I felt good about the overall result. If I decide to buy the program would I get a CD with the update on it?

When a new version of the program is installed, it upgrades itself without destroying any existing sequences, getouts, or changes made to any databases. The upgrade process takes advantage of the fact that all database records have a user-id (i.e., author) field. On a program upgrade, existing records created by 'Vic Ceder' are removed and replaced with the new records created by 'Vic Ceder'. In this manner, any record created by yourself or others (such as user 'DEMO') are neither modified nor deleted.

User Key - never asked for it
I downloaded the latest version this morning and it seems to have installed okay; However it never asked me for my user key. Does it search automatically and verify this or can anyone download free?

The user key is stored in the Windows system registry. It only needs to be entered once. You are only prompted to enter the user key if any of the following are true:

1. The User Key entry in the registry does not exist.
2. The User Key entry in the registry is invalid.
3. The CSDS.INI file does not exists.

CSDS only requires a user key when you upgrade to a new version, or install the program on a new computer. After you enter the key, it is saved in the system registry and you are not prompted for it again.

User Key - where is it?
I have forgotten or missplaced my "User Key". Would you send it please or tell me how to find it.

Your user key is a unique 12-letter text string (of the form ABCD-EFGH-IJKL) that is assigned to you when you purchase CSDS. It does not change between versions of CSDS.

Version number didn't change
After doing an upgrade from the internet - should the CSDS show the latest version as it appears on the screen?

For a successful upgrade, it's important to exactly follow the steps listed on the download page.

For the executable only release,

1. Download csdszip.exe to C:\SQDATA. It must be downloaded into this folder, and it must be named csdszip.exe
2. Run csdszip.exe. Assuming you haven't renamed your current version of csds.exe for a backup, running csdszip.exe prompts whether or not to overwrite csds.exe. If you don't get this prompt, and if you don't reply 'y', you won't successfully complete the upgrade.

For the complete release,

1. Download complete.exe to any folder other than C:\SQDATA. Using folder C:\TEMP is a good choice.
2. Run complete.exe. This will unpack 3 files into the current folder.
3. Run setup.exe to install CSDS.
4. Run CSDS to verify that the version number has changed.
5. Delete the files from C:\TEMP.

Where are the help files?
I downloaded the latest on CSDS & it appears that nothing has happened when I run CSDS HELP! What am I'm doing wrong? I followed the instructions.

The help files may be accessed online at http://www.ceder.net/csds/help/csds_index.html

Winamp, Windows 7
I am having nothing but trouble getting winamp, CSDS, or itunes to work on my new computer with windows 7. Changing over the address worked but it still says over 100 songs are not attached....addresses are correct and they play from the folder but CSDS does not recognize them.

When switching computers, the problem is usually with the folder portion of the file pathname (e.g., "D:\" instead of "C:\"). Also, the default folder for music files in Windows 7 is in a different place than previous versions of windows.

First, make sure the CSDS music files folder is properly set:

1. Start CSDS;
2. Select 'System | Settings';
3. Select the 'Folders' tab;
4. Set the 'Music files' folder to the folder where most of your music resides.

Then, find 'bad' files within the music database,

1. Start CSDS;
2. Select 'Music | Edit Music Database';
3. Select 'Tools | File pathnames | Find non-existent files';
4. A dialog box entitled 'Find non-existent files' appear. Do not check any checkboxes. Press the 'OK' button.

   CSDS seaches then displays a results list of non-existent files. These are the music database items that need to be corrected. Look at the file pathnames, determine what's wrong and fix them.

This morning I fixed a bug concerning the Windows 7 interface between CSDS and Winamp. The fix will appear in the next version of CSDS, 1.32.00, which hopefully will be released within a week.

If you still encounter problems (before uploading the fix in CSDS 1.32.00), change the CSDS music player to 'Windows API' or 'Direct Show'.

Wiping out my database
I downloaded the latest version and it wiped out my database.

You probably either installed CSDS into a different folder, or you explicitly deleted the CSDS folder.

CSDS is generally installed in C:\SQDATA. If you've changed that to a different folder, then each time you upgrade, you must make sure to use the changed folder instead of C:\SQDATA.

Try searching your computer for the file 'music.dat'. If you have more than one of these files, you probably installed CSDS into a different folder.