FAQ
Please read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) below for possible solutions (Chico = special issues Child Control).
 | First of All: Check the current release! |
Start the application using the Start menu, enter your password, and go to the Help/About menu. Next to the copyright notice, you will see the version and release numbers of the application you are using, and possibly those of the timer or DLL. If the release number that you see there is less than the current version (see Download area on the website fort he current version numbers), you can update to the latest release without charge. To do this, use the Help/Online update menu item, or go to our website, and just install the current release on top of the one you have. Any license information or serial numbers will remain the same, and they do not need to be entered. Please make sure that you are using the current release before contacting Support. If you are using an older major version of the application (such as Child Control 2004 instead of Child Control 2005), please take note of the provisions for obtaining an upgrade at reduced cost.
| Installation of Windows XP SP3 (Servicepack) fails. What to do? |
Windows SP3 for XP will fail if Child Control or User Control is currently running. To install SP3 follow these steps: 1.) Reboot your PC and login to Windows with an administrative account. 2.) Start the settings program (of Child Control or User Control) and select the File -> Stop Surveillance menu. 3.) After this install SP3. If finished reboot your PC again and our software is (automatically) turned on again.
| What if I have forgotten the password for one of your applications? |
You need the password that you chose the first time that you started the application to change settings or for a possible uninstall. If you have forgotten it, you can reset it yourself. In that case, please do as follows: In the trial or demo version: Enter 0000-1234-0000 to delete the password. You should then see a notice stating that the password has been reset. You can then enter a new password, or if necessary, uninstall the application. Important Notice: This procedure applies only to the trial version. In the licensed version (full version): If you are using the full version, you may enter the serial number of the application in place of the password. You will find it on the CD that we sent you, the license certificate, or, if you downloaded the application, in the email that we sent you. When you enter the serial number, the password will be deleted, and the application will end. You should then use the Start menu to start it again and enter a new password. If you suspect misuse: By the way: if you suspect that your users have the serial number and have used it to reset the password, we will be happy to send you a new serial number. This can easily be installed using the Edit/Enter serial number menu item. In this case, please send your complete address along with the purchase date by email to support@salfeld.com.
| Are registered versions or licenses only useable on specific hardware? |
No, but if you want to use an application on more than one computer, you must obtain a multiple-user license. Otherwise, you need only a licensed user name and and a serial number to user the registered version.
| Does your software require a subscription? |
No. When you purchase one of our software products, you are granted an unrestricted right of usage. The registered version of the software has no expiration date. However, we continue to develop new versions of our software. Upgrading to a new version is free of charge for at least 6 months. Subsequently, you can upgrade at a reduced price of 50% off.
| Is activation required after my purchase? |
No, but in certain situations, such as online updating, we reserve the right to verify your serial number. However, we neither save nor ask for personal information in this case.
| I have no Internet access. Can I still use your software then? |
Yes. You do not need Internet access in order to use our software. If you would like to run one of our trial versions, just download it from the Internet, then burn it on a CD or a USB stick, and install it on the PC that does not have Internet access.
| How do I decide between Win Control, User Control and Child Control? |
Win Control can secure just about any internal Windows function in order to prevent changes to a PC's configuration. Win Control makes it possible to prevent changes to the desktop wallpaper, something that users often replace for frivolous reasons with another image that might be more attractive or perhaps less appropriate. With Win Control, you can also explicitly control which applications can be run and which cannot. In sum: Win Control is the ideal tool for preventing changes to your computer. What Win Control does not do is monitor use of the Internet, such as prohibited keywords, sexually-oriented websites, or specified prohibited URL's. If you have a need to monitor Internet usage, User Control is the perfect complement. User Control's purpose is to block very specific applications and subjects as determined by the user (for example, games and applications that the user has downloaded). User Control offers only about 30% of the system controls available with Win Control. If you have a need to limit the use of Internet Explorer, User Control can recognize certain prohibited keywords or event prevent access to specified pages, or allow access only to authorized pages. User Control is compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Netscape Navigator Versions 7.1 and up. Child Control is the ideal software when it comes to setting time limits of any kind. PC use time and Internet time can both be restricted. Various limits, such as a daily, weekly, and monthly time allotments, can be in effect at the same time. It is also possible to define specific times when either PC use or Internet activity is not allowed. Child Control can regulate Internet activity through either keywords or a whitelist. You can also specify which pages are prohibited or authorized. The product also offers a detailed log of PC activity(what was done when, and by whom), and a few system restrictions, such as the ability to limit access to specified directories.
| Chico: Child Control no longer tracks time correctly? |
In a few exceptional circumstances, Child Control's database can become corrupted through external causes. In 90% of these cases, this can be corrected by uninstalling and reinstalling the application. Please proceed as follows: Go to Child Control's File/Uninstall menu. After you completely uninstall Child Control and restart Windows (note that a restart of Windows is required), please download the current version from the Download section of this website.
| Chico: Times are counted wrong / Chico slows down the PC |
see Fast User Switching issue
| Chico: Problems caused by "Fast User Switching" |
Windows XP supports Fast User Switching, which can sometimes cause logoffs, program shutdowns and expired time limits. When you fail to log off a Windows user correctly, but instead just click "Switch User," the previous user remains active (in the background). This means that any time allotments applicable to that user continue to be used up (for example, if a CD was being burned in the background). If a time limit for such an "inactive" user is used up, it is possible that the PC may shut down, even if the current user has not used up his time.To avoid this sort of problem, be sure to use "Log Off User" rather than "Switch User" to end your Windows session.
| Chico: My kids have Administrator rights. Can I still use it? |
Yes, all Child Control settings and limits can be applied even to users who have Administrator rights.
| Chico: A directory is still locked! |
As a first step, please make sure that you are using the current release of the application. If you are running the current release, proceed as follows: Start Windows in Safe Mode (press F8 during booting sequence and select Safe Boot in the menu) and log on as the „Administrator“ user (applies to 2000, XP, and NT only). Then start Child Control's Settings dialog and select Help/Service Code from the menu. Enter service code 9000. You will then be asked to enter the name of the blocked directory. Enter the name without the final backslash ("\"). When you click OK, the directory should appear again. It is possible that a restart of Windows will be necessary.
| Chico: How can I run Child Control on a network? |
If you have one server in the network, which is running 24/7 and the usernames on all clients are the same, you may use the shared database feature in settings section (define database on a shared server folder and make sure its accessible from all users/clients). In this case time limits are counted, regardless which PC is used. Using the shared database requires at least a multi-licence.
| Chico: Can a user uninstall the application through Control Panel? |
No, that will not work. Even if a user has Administrator rights, Child Control can only be removed through the access password that you set up when you installed the application.
(c) www.salfeld.com