FARS Frequently Asked Questions

Q. - I recently installed my FARS update on a PC using Windows 2000. Why weren't the appropriate icons added to the Start menu?

A. - In some cases, the appropriate icons are not added to Start menu during the regular installation routine. To correct the problem, it is necessary to add the icons manually using the following procedure:

(Note: This procedure outlines the method for adding icons to the desktop assuming the default destination was accepted during the initial installation routine. If you have installed FARS to a directory other than the default, it will be necessary to modify the following procedure accordingly where specific destination drives are referenced.)

1. Verify that the FARS files have been successfully copied to the directory specified. Click on the My Computer icon, followed by (C:), Program Files, FINANCIAL ACCTG. FOUN, and Winfars4. The Winfars4 folder should contain (3) additional folders, ENU, Graphflt, and Nfo, as well as various .dll, readme, and .exe files. This is an indication that the information has been successfully copied from the CD-ROM.

2. To create the icons manually, right click anywhere on your desktop. Select New, followed by Shortcut. The Create Shortcut wizard will appear and will prompt you for the location of the item. Identify the appropriate location by selecting Browse, (C:), Program Files, FINANCIAL ACCTG. FOUN, Winfars4, and Views.exe.

Click OK.

Click Next to continue.

You will be prompted to type a name for this shortcut. Type FARS.

Click Finish to create the shortcut.

3. Return to your desktop and right click on the newly created FARS icon. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. Delete the entire Target: string and replace with: "C:\Program Files\FINANCIAL ACCTG. FOUNDATION\Winfars4\Views.exe" -cSoftware\winfars4 -iC:\PROGRA~1\FINANC~1.FOU\WINFARS4\NFO\FARSMENU.NFO (Note: This string must be typed exactly as shown)

Click Apply.

Click OK.

Q. - Do I need to keep my FARS discs from previous updates, or do the newest discs contain all of the old information?

A. - FARS updates are cumulative and contain all of the necessary information up to the issue date.

Q. - I just installed my new FARS update. When I open the program, why do I still see the old material?

A. - Whenever a new update is to be installed, we recommend that users uninstall all previous versions of the program. This will ensure the cleanest possible installation of the new material.

To correct the problem, you will need to remove any preexisting versions by using the uninstall feature in the Add/Remove programs section of the Control Panel on your PC.

When finished, proceed with the regular installation routine and you should be accessing the newest material.

Q. - I just received my FARS update and uninstalled the old version from our Network as recommend before installing the new version. Will I have to run Wsetup.EXE from each workstation again?

A. - No, if you install to the same network directory that the program was installed to previously, you will not have to run Wsetup.exe from each workstation again.

Q. - Is FARS compatible with Windows 2000?

A. - Yes, FARS has been tested and is approved to run with a Windows 2000 operating system.

Q. - Is FARS compatible with Windows XP?

A. - Yes, FARS has been tested and is approved to run with a Windows XP operating system.

Q. - What are the necessary system requirements to run FARS?

A. - To successfully run FARS, you will need an Intel®-compatible 486 processor or greater; 8MB of RAM; Microsoft® Windows™ 2000 or XP; fixed disk (hard drive) containing 75 megabytes of free disk space; VGA monitor; and a mouse or other Microsoft-compatible input device.

Q. - Will I receive any notification when my FARS subscription is about to expire?

A. - A few months before the expiration date of your subscription, we will mail you a renewal notice as a reminder to let you know the status of your subscription.

Q. - How can I check on the status of my FARS subscription?

A. - Any subscription-related questions can be answered by calling (800) 748-0659 or (203) 847-0700, x558, from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. EST.

Q. - How long does it take for my FARS CD-ROM to ship after I place my order?

A. - Most orders are shipped within 24 hours after payment has been received.

Q. - Can FARS be used on an Intranet?

A. - No, FARS is not designed for use on an Intranet.

Q. - Does FARS have the capability to run directly off the CD-ROM?

A. - Yes. Selecting the "Typical" installation type, during the initial installation routine, or following the setup instructions for a "Library environment" will install an icon on your PC, but the FASB material will remain on the disc itself. You may also call us at (203)847-0700 x575 for assistance.

Q. - What does the license agreement mean when referring to concurrent users?

A. - Concurrent usage simply means simultaneous use and therefore determines the number of licenses necessary. One license = one user accessing the software at any given time.

Q. - How is FARS pricing determined for a Network Installation?

A. - Pricing is based on concurrent usage. One license = one user accessing the software at any given time. Therefore, if you anticipate having more than one user access the program simultaneously at any given time, you need that number of additional user licenses. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to have a reasonable mechanism or process in place to assure that the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number declared for your network.

Q. - Is there an Internet-based version of FARS available?

A. - An Internet-based version of FARS is not available. Development of this version has been discontinued.

Q. - When was FARS created, and by whom?

A. - The Financial Accounting Research System (FARS) was created in the early 1990s by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) technical staff. After evaluating a number of delivery systems, the FASB engaged the Folio Corporation.

FARS was originally a DOS application, distributed on 5 1/4" floppy disks. It has since evolved into a 32-bit application, delivered on CD-ROM, and over the years has had a number of iterations.

Q. - Is there a FARS news service?