1. What are FreePOS's
limitations?
FreePOS is a great
software package if your business requires an
easy, well organized restaurant POS system.
Here are some applications that FreePOS would
not be a good choice for:
- v4.95 or
earlier: A hotel/restaurant
combo property that REQUIRES charge to
room ability. If charge to room is not
needed, FreePOS would be fine.
- v5.50 or
later:
Starting in FreePOS V5.5, a
powerful Hotel/PMS gateway is a
standard feature. This will allow you
to charge checks to a room folio in real
time.
- A retail
environment (i.e. 7-11 type store) that
serves "a little food".
- It should be
noted that starting in FreePOS V4.95E, a
self service ordering mode was added to
the program's standard features. If
your C-Store would like to let customers
place their own food orders, it is very
easy to implement. Your existing
retail POS can tender the self service
orders using either a barcode or manual
entry.
- Please keep in
mind that FreePOS is not designed for a
retail store. It is a hospitality POS
system.
2. If I install
FreePOS, will I have to call support often?
If FreePOS is
installed correctly onto battery backed
computers, it will be very reliable.
Expect to call during installation and
perhaps once a year for "hickups" due to
power, hardware, training, system changes,
etc.
3. I am not a
computer expert... can I install FreePOS myself?
Cabling, computer
setup, menu programming, macro scripts and
reliable backup storage are vital to the
long term success of FreePOS. If you need
assistance, we can log into your system
remotely and do the installation from
Virginia. Alternately, you can send us your
computers and we will install them for
you. We also sell complete systems that
are ready to plug in...
click here!
4. Can I use my
existing computer systems and just change the
software?
If your computers are
1500MHz or better, feel free to. If you
are coming from a proprietary hardware
platform (like Micros) you should
re-purchase.
5. Which is
better: All in one POS station or a mini-tower
w/ components?
For looks, the all in
one POS station is the best. For
reliability, low cost of ownership and long
term satisfaction, a Dell Dimension or
similar is best.
We also offer the
T-Series All-In-One which can even be
rebranded!
6. Should I get an
LCD, CRT or integrated touch screen monitor?
If you purchase an LCD
monitor, expect crystal clear images and a
higher initial cost. Often backlights fail
after 1-2 years of operation.
If you purchase a CRT
monitor, expect a crystal clear image and a
low initial cost. But plan for more
counter space. CRTs are very resistant to
"hard screen touches"... LCDs are likely to
have "pixels" burn out where the screen is
touched most often.
If you purchase an
integrated touch screen monitor, then if the
display or the touch panel dies, you will
have to repurchase the entire monitor.
If you purchase a
regular monitor with a touch screen add-on
kit, you can replace ONLY the part that
fails. TOUCH SCREEN ADD ON KITS are the
best way to go unless their cosmetic
appearance is an issue.
7. Which is
better: Thermal receipt printer or Impact
receipt printer?
Thermals are: fast
and require no ribbon.
Impacts are: slow and
require a ribbon.
Thermals are: not able
to print on carbon paper and their paper
will turn black around hot kitchen areas
(grills, ovens etc).
Impacts are: able to
print carbons and are not sensitive to heat.
Therefore:
IN A HOT KITCHEN,
use impact.
IN A SALAD/SANDWICH
AREA, use thermal.
FOR RECEIPTS, use
thermal.
FOR EASE OF LOADING,
use thermal.
FOR BEST
RELIABILITY, use thermal.
FOR "WORKS
EVERYWHERE SOLUTION", use impact.
The best solution
is usually a MIX of the two printers.
8. How should I back
up FreePOS?
Get a computer with a
CDRW drive. Copy the entire FREEPOS folder
to a CD each time you wish to backup.
During a backup, users MAY BE logged in
thanks to a unique data sharing system
implemented in FreePOS.
9. Can I edit my
credit card batches before I settle them?
Yes, use the card
software's back office program. We
recommend CreditLine from 911Software for
best results.
10. How long can
cables be?
Parallel printer
cables: 100 feet.
Serial printer
cables: 150 feet @ 9600bps
CAT5 network cables:
125 feet or less is best. Use 568B color
codes.
Wireless: Depends on
interference. 50 feet is usually best.
Video cables: 25 feet
or less.
* All figures shown
above are NOT the textbook answers. They
are the REAL WORLD numbers. Textbooks
often indicate longer distances are okay
when in fact random/weird problems occur
intermittently.
11. Is a "quick
service" mode available? I run a Fast-Food
restaurant and I want to bypass the seating
charts, table management etc.
Yes, FreePOS does
support quick service mode. When a
terminal is put into quick service mode, the
first thing the operator sees is the
ordering screen. When the order is SENT
to the kitchen, the "accept payment window"
appears and the receipt is automatically
generated. This is great for "rapid fire"
order entry. Quick serve terminals can be
mixed with table, bar, carryout and cashier
terminals if needed.
12. I want an entree
to print on 2 kitchen printers and the KDS at
the same time. How do I accomplish this?
You must register
FreePOS to get this feature. The
registered version includes a program called
MultiSpooler. It allows complex
printing/display tasks to be automated.
It also facilitates complex KDS chains often
used by the fast food industry.
13. Can I hire
Positive Feedback Software to come out to my
restaurant and do the installation for me?
Yes. However, it may
be more cost effective to just send us your
equipment. We can set everything up in
Virginia and UPS it back to you... usually
in less than a week. If you prefer, we
can arrive onsite. Expect a typical onsite
installation to cost $2,500 - $4,000
depending on the size of your system.
14. Which credit
card processor is best?
FreePOS works with
just about every processor in the USA and
Canada. Therefore, get the best discount
rate and local service. For convenience,
Positive Feedback Software, LLC has
arrangements with many banks across the
USA. We can take care of your entire card
setup needs.
15. Do you offer a
support contract?
Support contracts are
available, but not really necessary unless
you have more than 10 POS stations and a
couple locations. Please call for rates.
Most of the time, you're better off buying
support by the minute.
16. What does
telephone support cost?
Registered users pay
$60/hour. Unregistered users pay
$120/hour. Billing is in 5 minute
intervals. One hour pre-pay is
required. Receive a 5% discount on 10
hour blocks that are pre-paid.
TELEPHONE SUPPORT IS NOT REFUNDABLE unless
the unused portion is greater than $60.00
17. I haven't ever
used Paypal. Is it okay to send a check?
Sure... Please put
your order# on the check. Call us and
we'll get the order details in the computer
system and issue an order number. We also
accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American
Express over the phone.
18. I purchased the
registered version of FreePOS and I would like
to add more terminals.
No problem... you will
simply pay $99.95/terminal for each
additional license.
19. Can I return the
registered version of FreePOS for a refund?
No. Software is not
refundable under ANY circumstances. We
will gladly replace defective media,
however, if a license code was issued, the
software is yours. We offer FreePOS at no
cost for evaluation, so please be sure you
like it before you spend your money.
20. Can I be added
to your mailing list ?
Yes. Please send an
email with your name & address to
sales@positive-feedback.net Thanks!
21. When I click on
Modifiers, they do not select. Why?
Download the latest
version of FreePOS from this website. Many
shareware sites will download older versions
of FreePOS.
22. What should
cabling for a POS system cost?
A spool of cable is
less than $100 for 1,000 feet. However,
the installation time is usually billed out
by the hour. In general, multiply the
number of terminals you need connected by
$200 and that is your approximate install
cost. If you are able, run the cable
yourself and have your contractor put the
connectors on for you. This can easily cut
the costs in half.
23. Where do I
purchase ICVerify?
*NOTE We strongly
recommend using CreditLine from 911 Software
instead of IC Verify*
Go to
www.icverify.com or buy it on ebay.
Each copy of ICVerify must be registered, so
never purchase an "open box".
24. Why is FreePOS
free?
Simple. FreePOS is
building a user base by keeping entry level
product costs extremely low. When our user
base grows and expands, we know they will
buy our upgrade products. FreePOS is
becoming a huge force in the restaurant
automation industry because we are making
POS affordable. Other software vendors
don't like "mom 'n pop" restaurants. We
love them!
25. Does FreePOS
support Japanese Steakhouse style seating
charts?
Yes. Templates are
free for registered users.
26. How much does
FreePOS cost compared to other POS solutions?
|
Point Of
Success* |
Silverware* |
NextPOS* |
System3* |
Digital
Dining* |
ExecuTech* |
PixelPoint* |
Aloha* |
Micros* |
|
$500+ |
$600+ |
$600+ |
$600+ |
$600+ |
more |
more |
much more |
much more |
*
Approximate cost for software per station
for a typical 4 station system. Prices
vary by reseller and geographic area. Prices
listed should be used as a reference only... and
are intended to be good faith estimates.
Larger system purchases will result in lower
software costs per terminal. All software is
not created equally... so be sure to get a demo
to evaluate before purchasing a point of sale
package. FreePOS is free to download and
evaluate. Also, be sure to ask how much
telephone support costs. Some POS companies
charge per incident and some charge per hour.
FreePOS is $60/hour for registered users and
$120/hour for unregistered users. Some POS
software manufacturers require you use
their credit card processor and/or their
hardware. This can add thousands of
dollars of extra cost over the life of the
product. FreePOS works with any Windows XP
hardware and any card processor.
Register
FreePOS For 2+ Stations:
| Stations: |
1-2 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
| |
free |
$199.90 |
$299.85 |
$399.80 |
$499.75 |
$599.70 |
$699.65 |
$799.60 |
$899.55 |
27. How is data
stored in FreePOS?
FreePOS uses a
distributed "SQL-like" database server. It
was custom designed so that there would be no
license fees and zero administration. The
database server uses client processor time as
well as server processor time to remove the
slow downs associated with server-based SQL.
The database server also runs at the client
even when the server is down. This makes the
DB Server much more reliable than any SQL
database currently on the market. A
developer kit is available to resellers at no
cost.
28. How do I query
data in FreePOS?
At end of day, there are
databases exported to Foxpro DBF format. Use
a software package like Crystal Reports, Excel
or a freeware to do your queries.
29. Why is there a
blue background window when I run FreePOS in
1024x768 mode?
The blue background is a
desktop protector - it improves system
security by protecting the Windows XP desktop
from touch screen drivers that support Drag 'n
Drop operations. If your trons drag 'n drop
the seating chart window, it would be possible
to "see" the Windows XP desktop. The blue
desktop protector eliminates this worry.
FreePOS will only look "correct" in 800x600
mode. Other video modes are NOT
supported.
30. What is new in
V5.50 of FreePOS?
The V5.50 FreePOS
program is extremely close to the commercial
POS packages in terms of its capabilities.
It's the best POS program we've ever
released. Learn more by
clicking here.
31. What command do
I run to get my print spooler running?
Click START
Click RUN
Enter:
s:\freepos\prg\pspooler.exe
\freepos\spooler\SPOOL-NAME-HERE.spl
If you want to use a
Windows, IP or Serial Printer the command is:
Enter:
s:\freepos\prg\ipspool.exe
\freepos\spooler\SPOOL-NAME-HERE.spl
For the demo restaurant,
run:
s:\freepos\prg\pspooler.exe \freepos\spooler\REC1.spl
Or on station #2:
s:\freepos\prg\pspooler.exe \freepos\spooler\REC2.spl
Or to get the KITCHEN
going:
s:\freepos\prg\pspooler.exe \freepos\spooler\KIT.spl
RUN \FreePOS\PRG\WSSETUP.BAT
if you have Windows 2000, XPSP1 or SP2 and you
are using PSPOOLER.EXE
32. What command do
I run to get my software KDS system running?
Enter:
s:\freepos\prg\kds.exe \freepos\spooler\SPOOL-NAME-HERE.spl
Please keep in mind that
you should not have RECEIPTS go to a KDS
spooler. If you set KDS to bump to a
printer, be sure the printer is not backing up
to another KDS. Receipts sent to KDS will
NOT print or display.
For the demo restaurant,
run:
s:\freepos\prg\kds.exe \freepos\spooler\KIT.spl
If you have a
MicroPlus Hardware KDS, use this command:
s:\freepos\prg\mpkds.exe s:\freepos\spooler\KDS-SPOOL.spl
33. What IP
addressing scheme should I use?
Fileserver -
192.168.1.100
POS station #1 -
192.168.1.101
POS station #x -
192.168.1.100+x
Router - 192.168.1.1
(this will be your default gateway address)
DNS - obtain
automatically from your ISP
TCP/IP is the best
way to network POS terminals.
34. Can I test my
credit card system without transferring real
money?
ICVERIFY:
Yes, start the ICV
Multi-User requestor with the initialize
string of /dd
CREDITLINE:
** PREFERRED **
Download the free
edition of CreditLine and take all the
defaults during installation.
X-CHARGE
Support for X-Charge is
activated with a release file. Please call
for details.
35.
Can I transfer my sales
history to the corporate office?
Yes, simply send
MANIFEST.DBF to the corporate office using
FTP. This file is located in \FreePOS\Setup\
and is updated at End Of Day.
36. Can I put space
holders in my menu and category layout?
Use the name BLANK if
you wish to leave a space. Categories are
displayed top-to-bottom in column 1 then 2
then 3. The number displayed in the menu
editor is the location (i.e. 21 = column 2,
row 1)
37. Can I set all my
POS station clocks to the same time
automatically?
This must be done for
the time clock to work correctly.
Run this command on each
workstation at STARTUP.
NET TIME
\\SERVER-NAME
/SET
38. Which is
better: Vista, XP Home Edition, XP Professional
or XP Media Center?
If you are installing a
POS terminal, XP Home edition will be fine.
Vista is Microsoft's
latest OS (so expect service packs
regularly). If you are using Vista, be sure
to get HOME BASIC edition for your POS
stations. The other VISTA editions will NOT
provide any benefit to you for the purposes of
POS.
If you are installing a
POS server, XP Home is limited to 4 user
connections whereas XP Professional provides
10 user connections.
If you are using the
back office computer for graphics (i.e.
Desktop Publishing, web publishing,
video/audio editing, etc), then consider
putting Media Center ONLY on the back office
computer. Media Center is generally NOT
recommended for POS.
39. Can I use a
Windows 2000 machine as a server?
Yes. Set the file
system to NTFS however.
40. Can I run
software KDS on a cheap-o Windows 98 machine?
Yes. The spoolers and
KDS can be set up on Pentium II/400 or
better. Windows 98 is not recommended but it
should be OK.
41. Which product
should I use to backup FreePOS?
Copy the FreePOS folder
to a CDRW drive. Tape backup is yesterday
technology and is only used in situations
where the total amount of data exceeds 4.7
gigabytes.
42. Which is
better: Name brand computers or Clone
computers?
If you are a computer
guru, clones offer some benefits.
If you just want it to
work with the minimum effort, get a Dell.
43. How many Kitchen
Display Systems can be used? Can I make them
talk to each other?
KDS is unlimited... but
a practical limit is 100 screens (each of
which can handle 1,000 orders
simultaneously). Each POS station talks to
the KDS. Each KDS terminal can be
configured in "pass along" mode. In pass
along mode, the on screen orders follow the
plating assembly line. When each step in
the assembly line is completed, the line cook
hits "bump" and the order jumps to the next
prep center.
44. Can FreePOS
handle a Quick Serve environment?
Yes. Fast food
environments are easily configured. We have
some of the largest fast food chains in the
country using FreePOS in "test sites".
FreePOS has gotten a lot of recognition from
the major chains lately.
45. How do I start a
bar tab with a credit card?
Touch a bar stool.
Enter the tab name.
Ring in the opening item
or round.
SEND it.
Now click PAY
Swipe/Manually enter the
credit card.
Enter an amount of $1 --
or any amount less than the tab.
Click "Finish This
Later"
>> The card number will
be stored until the check is closed or until
you CLEAR the card. When you are ready to
finalize the tab, click NEW AMOUNT and enter
the amount to charge. After the signature
form prints, you may use the ADD TIP button to
enter gratuities.
46. Can FreePOS
reprint a credit card signature form?
Yes. Once the check is
FINALIZED however, a manager will use the
REOPEN CHECK function. Click MGR to get to
the REOPEN CHECK feature.
After the check is
re-opened, simply click PRINT on any of the
splits you wish to re-print. Follow the
prompts on screen... which default to "print
everything possible".
47. What is a
multi-spooler?
Multi-Spoolers are print
spoolers that send print/display jobs to
multiple destinations at the same time. Use
a multi-spooler when you wish an item to print
at one or more printers while at the same time
appearing on one or more KDS systems.
To run a multi-spooler,
you must register FreePOS.
48. Is there a way
to turn off the message "No kitchen printer
specified" ?
On version 4.X or
V5: Go to
POS-CFG / Utilities / Custom Settings. Put a
check in the "Don't show NULL kitchen printer
message" option.
In Version 1.x,
2.x & 3.x:
If you have not
specified a print location for your menu
items, FreePOS will notify you of this
potential problem. To change the
notification, simply create a file called
s:\freepos\setup\flagging.err
This feature is only available on the
REGISTERED version.
49. How do you run a
sales report on sales done at the quick serve
terminal(s)?
Quick serve checks are
stored in locations 901 - 964 (depending on
terminal#). Therefore, just run a sales
report by location range: 901 - 964
Obviously, you cannot
have tables, carryout, delivery or bar stool
locations numbered in this range or the
reports will be inaccurate.
50. Can I change the
receipt or kitchen chit formats?
They can be changed,
however, we do not have a graphic editor for
the process. Therefore, if you want a new
format, please call/email and we'll help you
out.
51. Can I use my old
serial interface printer?
You may. For full
featured support, register FreePOS and you
will receive our multitasking serial print
spooler (includes redirection). For basic
needs, you may use IPSpool - which is included
free with the download on this website. Up
to 6 serial printers may be driven from a
single POS terminal when you register.
For the most
professional installation, we recommend serial
printers. For the simplest installation
procedure, we recommend parallel printers.
52. Can I use my old
serial interface printer to trigger a cash
drawer?
Yes. You must register
to get this feature.
53. How does FreePOS
support Microsoft Office?
You may run all back
office reports and import them to Microsoft
Office. Starting in v4.x you may edit your
menus in Excel. We recommend supporting Open
Office which is a FREEWARE clone of Microsoft
Office.
54. Is there a way
to read an electronic scale?
Yes. Any NCI or A-Com
scale is supported over a serial interface.
55. Can FreePOS be
configured with custom prompts & button names?
Yes.
56. Can FreePOS be
configured for wireless "take an order at the
table" mode?
Yes. Starting in V4,
many options are available. Please call for
details.
57. How can I
quickly reorder a round?
The registered edition
of FreePOS has a reorder button..
58. I have a new
bartender. Can I have a "bar tender's guide'
pull up in order mode?
The registered edition
of FreePOS has a recipe button & a bar
tender's guide.
59. When I enter the
same item several times, can the POS consolidate
the items by increasing the quantity?
Yes, v2.3 was the first
edition to have this feature. In later
versions, this feature may be enabled or
disabled.
60. When I add
tables to the system, they are RED... why?
You must go to POS-CFG
and select System Settings... and then
Regenerate Tables anytime you add or renumber
tables, stools or touch zone locations. Be
sure to close all checks before doing this on
a live system.
61. Does FreePOS
have the ability to accept orders from a Server
Side Web App?
Yes. You will need to
purchase the developer kit.
62. FreePOS is
perfect except I want to change a few cosmetic
things: button names, currency symbol, colors,
disable a couple features etc. How do I
accomplish this?
The source code for
FreePOS is available. Licenses start at
$25,000. If you would like a few minor
changes made, please call for a quote.
Simple changes are usually easy to complete
for under $250.
63. How do I map
drive letter S:?
Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308582&sd=tech
for Microsoft's answer.
Go to
http://engr.oregonstate.edu/computing/accounts/110
for a tutorial.
PLEASE
REMEMBER you must run
S:\FreePOS\Prg\DBServer.exe
BEFORE Freepos1.exe or Freepos2.exe can run.
If the database server isn't running, the POS
system cannot be started!
64. I don't have a
receipt printer. Can I get my desktop printer
to emulate one? I want to see the "roll
printer" reports.
Step #1: Set a
printer to be the DEFAULT Windows Printer
Step #2: Run
this command:
\freepos\prg\ipspool.exe \freepos\spooler\rec1.spl
Step #3:
Startup FreePOS Station #1. Everything that
would normally go to your receipt printer will
print on the DEFAULT Windows printer.
* Note: If you
wish to see what is printing in the kitchen,
change REC1.spl (above) to KIT.spl If you
want to see what is printing in the bar,
change REC1.spl to BAR.spl Similarly, if
you want to see what is printing on the
receipt printer connected to Station #2,
change REC1.spl to REC2.spl. Last, to view
delivery packing printer, change REC1.spl to
DELIVERY.spl
65. When I first go
into FreePOS, my seating chart screen has a
solid white background. Why does this happen?
(1) XP PROCESS
FOCUS: FreePOS is a network
application. When you run the database
server on the same machine as the POS
Workstation software, sometimes the graphics
routines loose focus to the database server.
To fix this, go into POS-CFG and select
UTILITIES and then CUSTOM SETTINGS. Change
the check mark next to "Bypass dbServer
Diagnostics". This will prevent the database
server from running a long process during boot
up.
(2) VIDEO RAM
BUFFER SIZE: This problem has also
been linked to some video cards which do not
support large video buffers. If you have an
integrated video card (i.e. built into your
mainboard), change the RAM allocation to the
video card to 32MB.
(3) VIDEO DRIVER
PROBLEM: This problem has also been
linked to corrupted XP video drivers. If you
have tried the two suggestions above,
reinstall or roll-back your video driver.
66. When I run
FreePOS from my stand alone computer, it
loads/runs quickly. On a file server however,
it runs slower. What should I do?
FreePOS should be able
to run extremely fast on a Windows XP
network. Unfortunately, many networks are
missing a Size Request Buffer value
in the LAN Manager Server configuration.
This results in slow POS performance on
workstations. It also causes slow network
performance in other applications.
To fix this:
go to the machine which is hosting the SYS
share (the share that S: is mapped to) and
perform these actions (backup first!):
1. On the "Server"
computer, start RegEdt32.exe
2. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters
3. On the EDIT menu,
create a new REG_DWORD value called (case
matters!!!): SizReqBuf
4. Set the SizReqBuf
value to 14596 DECIMAL (not Hexidecimal)
5. Reboot the server
computer
See Microsoft article
Q177266 for more technical information about
why this makes
the file server faster.
67. How do I hook up
FreePOS on a network?
Run CATEGORY 5 ethernet
cable from each POS terminal to a 10/100
SWITCH.
Run SERIAL CABLES or
PARALLEL CABLES from a POS terminal to each
printer.
When purchasing cable,
verify whether PLENUM COATING is required.
68. How do I make my
own Null Modem cable?
Although we recommend
prefabricated cables for best results, here is
the information for those of you who like to
solder ends onto CAT5:

Note that pins 2 & 3 are
the critical pins that "reverse to each
other".
69. Can I use the
tablet functions with my touch screen?
Yes, but we recommend
you get a felt stylus (available at any office
store)... your image clarity will be much
better this way.
70. What is the
SET_CODE field for in POS-CFG?
These codes are used to
control station level settings. See the
manual for details.
71. What is the best
way to start accepting credit cards?
To accept credit cards
using the integrated FreePOS card server
program, complete these steps in order:
- Purchase the credit
card server program (CreditLine is
preferred)
- Order a merchant
account (Positive Feedback Software LLC can
do this for you)
- Send Positive
Feedback Software your processor setup
sheet. We prefer VITAL but FreePOS works
with almost every network out there.
- We will email you a
file with your processor data in it
- Run $1 on each type
of card you plan to accept
- Settle the card batch
- Verify the batch is
deposited correctly to your bank account
- Go live!
72. My printers
aren't working... what should I do?
If they were working and
have stopped, try rebooting the workstation.
If they have never worked, give us a call and
we can log into your system to help you setup
everything.
73. What kind of
connectors do I have?
If you are unsure,
consult the diagram below. Remember that
most serial printers require a NULL MODEM
cable to operate. They are available from
Positive Feedback Software, LLC if you can't
find them locally. Radio Shack sells NULL
MODEM ADAPTORS which allow any modem cable to
be converted.

74. What are the
ports on the back of my computer for?
Here is a typical Dell
computer you might be working with.

75. When I run the
Database Server the message I get is "The
database is corrupted".
This is most likely
caused by running the dbserver.exe from the
wrong folder. For example, if you attempt to
run
c:\sys\freepos\prg\dbserver.exe you will
get this message. If you map S: to SYS and
run
s:\freepos\prg\dbserver.exe you won't get
the message.
76. Why does my
printer hesitate before a receipt comes out?
This is caused by the
scan rate being set too low. By default
FreePOS sets up a scan rate of 1500mS. By
decreasing this to 500mS, the printer will run
faster in most cases.
(POS-CFG, Utilities,
Setup PSpooler & Setup COMSpool)
77. Why won't my
cash drawer open?
Is the cash drawer
connected to a PARALLEL PRINTER?
If so, you must run \freepos\prg\wssetup.bat
to copy needed DLL files
Did you set the
STATION SETUP to LPTX = 0?
If so, this means "No
cash drawer is connected". Change the 0 to
a 1,2,3 if the cash drawer is on a parallel
port or change it to A,B,C,D,E or F if it is
installed on a serial port (COM1=A, COM6=F)
Are you using the
proper DKD cable?
Depending on the type
of printer you are connecting the cash
drawer to, you may need a different cable.
STAR printers do NOT use the same cable as
an EPSON or NANOPTIX printer.
Is the printer ON?
If not, the cash
drawer cannot open.
Is the printer OUT
OF PAPER?
Sometimes this causes
the cash drawer not to open.
78. I have a table
that says, "The table is marked ready even when
the table is in use. Database corrupt. Call
tech support."
How To Fix The Problem
The problem is
localized to just the table you were
working on (the
table's database, not the system-wide
database)... so
avoiding use of that table is the
"work around" until
you complete the steps below:
What To Do:
1. Run End of day (if
you didn't already do this)
2. Go to the \FreePOS\Checks\
folder and delete any
checks that end in .CSH
3. Go to POS-CFG
4. Select System
Settings
5. Select Regenerate
Tables (this clears all checks, so be sure
no tabs are open when
you do it!!)
Why Did This Happen?
The cause of this
problem is the restart of the computer
during
the ordering
process. It usually happens during power
outage
or a hard drive
failure. Sometimes anti-virus programs
cause
this when files are
held for scanning.
79. Which Windows XP
settings should I set before deploying FreePOS?
1. Setup CLASSIC MODE (why?
FASTER OPERATION)
2. Setup CLASSIC MODE
START BAR (why? FASTER
OPERATION)
3. Right click MY
COMPUTER and select PROPERTIES then:
a. Turn OFF system
restore (why? FASTER
OPERATION)
b. Turn OFF automatic
updates (Remote tab)
c. Turn ON BEST
PERFORMANCE (Advanced tab, Performance)
4. Right click the
TASKBAR and select PROPERTIES, then:
a. UNCHECK "Keep task
bar on top of other windows"
b. UNCHECK "Autohide
the task bar"
(why?
RELIABLE OPERATION)
5. UNINSTALL NORTON (if
installed!) (why?
COMPATIBILITY)
6. UNINSTALL MCAFEE (if
installed!) (why?
COMPATIBILITY)
7. ALWAYS set
workstations to STATIC IP addresses (no DHCP)
(why?
DHCP leased addresses expire causing
DISCONNECTS)
8. DO NOT allow internet
access at any POS WORKSTATION if you have a
back office computer. To run credit cards,
the POS stations DO NOT need internet access.
(why?
SECURITY is improved)
9. DEFRAGMENT the C:
drive before putting FreePOS into live
operation.
(why?
FASTER BOOT and LOAD TIMES)
10. RIGHT CLICK the "S:\FreePOS"
folder & select PROPERTIES. Make sure the
READ ONLY BOX is UNCHECKED. (Copying from a
CDR sets files to READ ONLY)
11. UNINSTALL AOL
12. UNINSTALL BIG-FIX
(ships with Dell & Gateway machines)
13. SET VIDEO MODE to
800x600, 16 bit color
(why?
FreePOS IS ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH 800X600)
14. TURN OFF screen
savers
(why? NOT
NEEDED & CONSUMES MEMORY)
15. TURN OFF clear type
(if enabled)
(why?
SCREEN REDRAWS FASTER)
16. DELETE all scheduled
tasks
(why?
PERFORMANCE IS IMPROVED)
17. TURN OFF all POWER
MANAGEMENT
(why?
HARD DRIVES GOING TO SLEEP CAUSES LOCK UPS)
18. CLICK START,
Settings, Control Panel, Security Center then:
a. Click "Change the
way Windows notifies me"
b. UNCHECK all
notifications
(why?
NOTIFICATIONS CAN POP-UP DURING POS OPERATION)
19. MAKE THE REGISTRY
ENTRY (QUESTION #66 ABOVE) ON THE FILE SERVER
(why?
NETWORK SPEED WILL DOUBLE)
80. How do I change
the HIGHLIGHT BAR's color ?
Follow the instructions
below:

81. What codes
should I use for my Epson compatible printers?
Set up the ESC Codes
(POS-CFG / System Settings / ESC Codes) as
shown below:

82. I am getting
ready to purchase some kitchen & receipt
printers. What should I get?
Purchase EPSON TM88
thermal receipt printers and/or EPSON TMU200,
210, 220 or 230 impact printers if you are on
a budget. If you want the best printer
available for front of house operations,
for a little extra, you can get a NanOptix
Spill Proof printer.
83. How do I set up
a SERIAL printer (Do I have to register first ?)
Yes, you must
register FreePOS in order to use serial
printers.
Setting up
REC1 (receipt printer for station #1) on
COM2:
- Go to POS-CFG
/ UTILITIES / STATION SETUP
a) Make sure the
RECEIPT PRINTER is set to REC1
b) If you have a
cash drawer connected, make sure the DRAWER
is set to B (A=COM1, B=COM2, etc)
- Go to POS-CFG
/ System Settings / Print Spooler Setup
a) Make a line
that reads:
Spooler Backup Port Omit From
Station#
REC1 ______ B _____
____ = do not
type anything here
- Create a
short cut on the desktop:
\FreePOS\Prg\COMSpool.exe
\FreePOS\Spooler\REC1.SPL
Note the FULL
PATH to the COMSPOOL.EXE file is specified.
Note the FULL
PATH to the SPL file is specified.
- Verify
there are no other devices installed on your
computer using COM2
- Double
click the SHORT CUT you created and the
print spooler will start
84. Some of the
windows in FreePOS are not correctly formatted.
How do I fix this?
Double check that these
items are setup correctly by RIGHT clicking
the Windows XP desktop and selecting
PROPERTIES.

85. Everything is
set up correctly - but my printer won't print?
Remember that FreePOS
sends print jobs to the RECEIPT PRINTER that
is defined in the Station Setup screen (POS-CFG/UTILITIES/Station
Setup). If you have 2 records for the same
station or if you have not specified an REC
printer, reports & checks won't print. This
is an easy setting to overlook.
86. How
can I get a serial magnetic stripe reader to
work?
If
you have not yet purchased a reader, by all
means get a keyboard wedge or USB interface. If
you already have a serial interface reader, you
can:
1. Select Start, Settings, Control Panel.
2. Select Accessibility Options.
3. Select the General tab.
4. Check the Support Serial Key Devices
box.
5. Select the Settings button to enter the
device's Serial Port and baud rate.
87. I am getting the
message "Database server failed to synchronize."
Install the
latest version of FreePOS from this website.
The upgrade will fix the problem
automatically.
88. I am
getting an error message: "The database server
has timed out..."
This is
caused because the database server is not
running OR if multiple .CS files are in the \FreePOS\Shared\
folder. If you have more than 1 .CS file in
the \FreePOS\Shared\ folder, delete all of the
LOWEST numbered files and KEEP the single
HIGHEST numbered .CS file.
89. Does
FreePOS support large currency?
No, FreePOS
cannot support the currencies of countries
like Indonesia. The maximums are:
-
$9999 per
item
-
$99,999
per check split
90. I
can't get into the POS. It says, "User ID is
already working at another terminal."
This is
caused when FreePOS is closed while in order
entry mode. Usually, this happens when the
power goes out unexpectedly, but it will also
happen if you press CONTROL+ALT+DEL and do an
END PROCESS on the FreePOS program.
To fix this
problem, go to POS-CFG.EXE and select
UTILITIES. Next select RESET USER. Last,
enter the 5 digit user ID that is having
trouble. Remember that user ID's 1-99 are to
be entered as 70001, 70002 ... 70099.
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