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?

* 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:

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?

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:

1. Purchase the credit card server program (CreditLine is preferred)
2. Order a merchant account (Positive Feedback Software LLC can do this for you)
3. Send Positive Feedback Software your processor setup sheet.   We prefer VITAL but FreePOS works with almost every network out there.
4. We will email you a file with your processor data in it
5. Run $1 on each type of card you plan to accept
6. Settle the card batch
7. Verify the batch is deposited correctly to your bank account
8. 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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