Update Information
Question: How do I get the free 2010 update?
Answer: Please note - the 2010 update will only work if you have a legitimate copy of AutoTech installed on your computer. The 2010 AutoTech update file can be downloaded by clicking here. After you click on this link, make sure you choose "Save" when prompted (do not choose "Run" or "Open"). We suggest saving the file to the "Windows Desktop". Once the download is complete, simply double click on the downloaded file's icon (the icon will be on your "Windows Desktop"). Make sure you install the update in the same folder where AutoTech is currently located (the default is c:\autotech ).
The update will not affect any data you have already entered into AutoTech (eg. profiles, service records, etc.). NOTE: The next update (ie. 2011 update) will be available on this same page on December 31, 2010.
Technical Support
Question: During the installation of AutoTech, the screen remains "frozen" with AutoTech "wallpaper" everywhere (ie. the installation doesn't exit). What should I do?
Answer: The following solutions assume you have already rebooted your computer...
If you have Windows XP, Me, 98, 95, NT, or 2000: Double click on "My Computer". Then double click on your hard drive ie. your "C" drive, it also may be called "Local Disk". Next, double click on the "AutoTech" folder. Then, find the file named, "autotch.exe". This file will have a little blue car icon next to it. To run AutoTech, simply double click on this file. You may want to add a shortcut to this file and put this shortcut on the Windows Desktop. Then, whenever you want to run AutoTech in the future, you can simply double click on this shortcut. For instructions on how to create a shortcut, please refer to Windows Help.
If you have Windows Vista: Click on the "Start" button and go to "Computer". Then double click on your hard drive ie. your "C" drive, it also may be called "Local Disk". Next, double click on the "AutoTech" folder. Then, find the file named, "autotch.exe". This file will have a little notepad icon next to it. To run AutoTech, simply double click on this file. You may want to add a shortcut to this file and put this shortcut on the Windows Desktop. Then, whenever you want to run AutoTech in the future, you can simply double click on this shortcut. For instructions on how to create a shortcut, please refer to Windows Help.
Question: A few of the AutoTech windows seem to be cut off on the right side. How can I fix this?
Answer: The problem you are experiencing is related to the font setting in Windows (if you have Windows Vista, see below). You can fix this by doing the following: Click on the "Start" Button. Select "Settings". Select "Control Panel". Double click on the "Display" icon. Click on the "Settings" tab. Click on the "Advanced" button. Change the font setting to "Normal Fonts" and reboot (assuming it was set to either "Large Fonts" OR "Custom Font"). But... if it's already set to "Normal Fonts", switch to "Large Fonts" and reboot. Then first check AutoTech, and then repeat the above procedure, setting the fonts back to "Normal Fonts" (from "Large Fonts") and reboot. We know it sounds like an odd solution but it does work. Please note: If you are using Windows 95, 98, or Me, "Normal Fonts" is known as "Small Fonts". If you have Windows Vista, go into "Control Panel". Double click on "Personalization". On the left pane under "Tasks", click on "Adjust font size (DPI)". Make sure either "Default scale (96 DPI)" or "Larger scale (120 DPI)" are selected, then click the "OK" button. This should fix the display problem you are experiencing.
Question: When I try to create a vehicle profile, the "OK" button doesn't work. How can I fix this?
Answer: When creating a vehicle profile, make sure that both mileages are entered and that something is checked for each of the fields (either "Yes", "No", or "Don't Know"). The "OK" button will then become enabled.
Question: I get a "16-bit MS-DOS subsystem" error when trying to install AutoTech. What should I do?
Answer: If you have either Windows XP or 2000 installed, do the following to correct this error: download this file sp2_fix.bat and save it to your Windows Desktop (or wherever you usually save downloaded files), then double click on this file and it will repair "autoexec.nt" (which is what's causing the error message). AutoTech should then install without any errors. For further information, please call our tech support line at 1-213-628-8625 (7 days, 8AM - 10PM PST) or email us at support@metacog.com.
Question: I am still having problems installing or running AutoTech. What should I do?
Answer: If you have any programs running in the Windows system tray (eg. Norton, Zone Alarm, McAfee, Symantec, etc) temporarily disable them one at a time (ie. turn them off), reboot and make sure disabled program is still disabled, and see if this resolves the problem with AutoTech. Occasionally one of these system tray programs can conflict with AutoTech and cause problems. IMPORTANT: Only DISABLE each system tray program - DO NOT uninstall the program. You can usually disable a system tray program by right clicking on it's icon in the system tray and choose "Disable" or "Turn Off" or "Settings", etc.
Question: Why does AutoTech sometimes say it can't reach a diagnosis when I answer a question with "Don't Know"?
Answer: Because in that particular instance, AutoTech really needed a firm "Yes" or "No" in order to proceed. Occasionally, AutoTech will make an assumption when you answer a question with "Don't Know" but only if it can be fairly sure about that assumption.
Question: My vehicle has a diesel engine, can I still use AutoTech?
Answer: You can use all the features of AutoTech except the diagnostic module (only gasoline powered vehicles are covered).
Question: If I delete one of my profiled vehicles, will the service records I entered for that vehicle also be deleted?
Answer: Yes. Please make sure you print out any service records you've entered before you delete the vehicle.
For additional technical support, contact us in one of the following ways:
Phone: 1-213-628-8625, 7 Days, 8AM - 10PM (PST)
E-mail: support@metacog.com
Tips On Using AutoTech
Tips On Using The Diagnosis Module - To narrow the list of problems, choose one of the stacked buttons below the word "Display" in the "Perform Diagnosis" dialog box. This of course assumes that you have some idea as to the area or vehicle system where the problem lies. Try to avoid answering questions with "Don't Know" unless you really do not know the answer to a question. The more you answer questions with either "Yes" or "No", the better AutoTech's ability to generate a diagnosis. It may be helpful to scan the list of problems for more than one which describes the problem you are experiencing. Then, choose each problem in turn and compare the diagnoses reached.
Tips On Using The Records Module - After entering information in the "Service Records" grid, make sure you click on the "OK" button to save your entries to disk. Also, in the "Description" column of the grid, try using short, concise descriptions of the service/work performed. Incidentally, the records tables print in such a way that there is ample room for a three hole punch. This allows you to keep your records tables in a notebook for quick reference. Plus, don't forget to click on the "Latest" button to register the latest dates of common services. If you don't care to be notified of a future need for one or more of the common services, simply leave the appropriate field blank. For each field left blank, a corresponding "?" will appear in the "Notice Of Common Services Needed" dialog box. In order for the "AutoRemind" feature to work properly, your computer's system clock must be correctly set. Please refer to your Microsoft Windows manual for information on setting the system clock.
Tips On Using The Purchase Module - To print out the ratings tables, set your printer for "Landscape" orientation. Refer to AutoTech's help system for more information on making this setting. Also, the tables print in such a way that there is ample room for a three hole punch. This allows you to keep the ratings tables in a notebook for quick reference. Also, if you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, don't forget to use the purchase and lease calculators to help you make a decision.