Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BoatExec on multiple computers?

Yes.  Your license information is recorded in the BoatExec database.  So, you can run BoatExec on any computer that is able to access that database.  You can move the database to another machine by putting it on a USB drive or Flash Card, and copying it from the USB drive to the C:\ directory on your other machine.  Once you are sure it is running on the other machine, you should rename or delete the original so you know which copy is the one you are actually using.  If you enter information into different database files, you will not be able to merge that information back together.

How do I find the BoatExec database?

The most common location for the BoatExec database is in the C:\ directory.  You can use the Windows Explorer to see if it is there.  The name will be BoatExec or BoatExec.mdb depending on whether you have told Windows Explorer to show you file extensions.  If it is not there, then you can search for "BoatExec.mdb" using the Windows Explorer search function.  But, first you need to go to the Tools -> Folder Options menu in Windows Explorer and select the View tab.  Then uncheck the box next to "Hide extensions for known file types".

Can I share the BoatExec database on my network?

Yes. Place the BoatExec.mdb file in a folder on the machine where the database physically resides.  Then share the folder on your network. When you start BoatExec on any machine and it cannot find its database, it will ask you to identify the folder it is in. Just point to the shared folder and you will be up and running.

How do I install the BoatExec application on more than one machine?

Just open your browser and enter the following address in the address box:  http://www.boatexec.com/setup.exe

Can I imbed files in the narrative, notes or instruction fields?

Several people asked for the ability to drag and drop files into notes and instruction fields. These files could be photographs, instruction manuals, drawings, etc. Because of the size limitation set by the database for these fields is 64,000 characters; we could not actually imbed them in the database. So, instead we gave you the ability to create a link to them. This link works just like a web link, however the appropriate application is activated to load the file instead of the web browser. So, if you drop a Word document into your maintenance schedule instructions, a link will be created that will launch Microsoft Word and load the file when you click on it.

Since some of you are moving your database between your home and your boat, we wanted to make it easy to move the files you have linked to. So, when you drop a file into a notes field, you will be given the option to create a copy in the C:\BoatExec folder and link to the copy. That way, all your linked-to files are in one place that can be moved when you move the database.