If your current version number is 4.3 or greater, FF&EZ will use this version of the update process.

Starting with version 4.3, the update process has been further automated by using an update "token," a string of text that looks similar to this:

[5g6BQDGâýþ&*flom/X€‚…] 

With the token, FF&EZ will perform all three steps if you have the needed user privileges. This version also has an option to use a web link address to locate the update file, however this isn't normally used unless you are upgrading to a different type of FF&EZ license.

The update utility appears below. As you can see, it includes a Backup button that you can use prior to processing the update file. We highly recommend using this option, which is preset to back up the files needed to restore your previous version (contact tech support for details). Note that this version of the backup creates a file named with your current version number instead of the date, to make it easier to identify. 

Using the Update Token

1. Close FF&EZ (this is important and makes sure data files are released by Windows).
2. Minimize all other software (the shortcut for this is to hold down the Windows key while you press the "D" key). This is important to make sure that you see any prompts that appear when the update and installation process runs.
3. If you are using the external backup procedure, you should run that before restarting FF&EZ.
4. Restart FF&EZ and from the main screen, select Utilities, then Update Software.
   
   
   
   If you do not see this screen as shown (with the three large buttons), you may be using an earlier version of the software. Check the version shown on the main screen, then see the explanation on the "Update Software" page to determine which update to use.
5. Select the first option for using an "update token." The utility will change to show this configuration:
   
   
6. If you have not used the "External Backup" option, run the Backup command to back up your current version and data. Take all defaults that are set for you, unless you wish to change the target folder.
7. Open the email you received with the update information. Although earlier versions of this process included the token within the email, as of 4.3.025, the token will be in an attached text file. Open this file by double-clicking it.
8. Highlight the entire token, including the square brackets that enclose it and select Edit> Copy from the Edit menu (or an equivalent shortcut like Ctrl-C).
9. Paste the token into the white field as shown (the token below is an example):
   
   
10. Click on the Process button.
11. Follow the prompts that appear. In this version of the update, these prompts simply explain what is about to happen, so you only need to click through them. FF&EZ will download the update file (this may take a minute), extract the contents and then attempt to run the installer.
12. On the final screen of the installer sequence, you will have an option to run FF&EZ. Whether you use this option or not, you will need to run FF&EZ to apply any final updates and changes.

Since we cannot predict whether your Windows configuration will allow FF&EZ to launch another executable like an installer, if an error occurs, the update utility should open the "Downloads" folder in case you need to run the installer manually. Note: Installer windows sometimes take a few seconds to appear on your screen. Be sure that the installer is not running before attempting to do so manually (this is why we recommend clearing the screen before starting).

Using the Web Link Option

You normally don't need this option, except if you purchase an upgrade from a FF&EZ Design single user license to multi-user or to FF&EZ Design/Purchasing. The token method only updates the software that matches the current license type and in these cases, you need a different installer type. Note: Prior to version 3.4.25, this option did not work for the Design version file, and the file needed to be downloaded for use with the third "I have downloaded..." option.)

1. Close or minimize all other software except FF&EZ (the shortcut for this is to hold down the Windows key while you press the "D" key). This is important to make sure that you see any prompts that appear when the update and installation process runs.
2. If you are using the external backup procedure, run that before starting FF&EZ.
3. From the FF&EZ main screen, select Utilities, then Update Software. Select the web link option. The utility will change to show this configuration:
   
   
4. If you did not already use the external backup procedure, run the Backup command to back up your current version and data.
5. Open the email you received with the update information.
6. Highlight the entire web address for the update file and select Edit> Copy (or an equivalent) from your email message menu.
7. Close or minimize all other software except FF&EZ (press and hold the "Windows" key + D). This is important to make sure that you see any prompts that appear when the installer runs.
8. Paste the web address into the white field as shown in this example:
   
   
9. Click on the Process button.
10. Follow the prompts that appear. In this version of the update, these prompts simply explain what is about to happen, so you only need to click through them. FF&EZ will download the update file, extract the contents and then attempt to run the installer.

Since we cannot predict whether your Windows configuration will allow FF&EZ to launch another executable like an installer, the update utility will attempt to run the installer, but it will also open the "Downloads" folder in case you need to run the installer manually. Be sure that the installer is not running before attempting to do so manually (this is why we recommend clearing the screen before starting). Installer windows sometimes take a few seconds to appear on your screen.

After installing an update to the software, we recommend that you do another full backup to a separate storage device. This will create a backup file that includes the new installer, which will be useful if you ever have a hardware failure.