AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1547           8-16-96 
 
 
 
TITLE: Contacts Data Base, Lotus Approach 96
 
 
SUMMARY 
 
   When adding an entry to the Contacts data base in Lotus Approach 96,
   the screen freezes and the scroll bars begin to flash.

   This issue applies to all systems using Lotus Approach 96.

 
ISSUE 
 
   When adding an entry to the Contacts data base in Lotus Approach 96,
   the screen freezes and the scroll bars begin to flash.  The only way
   to break out of the screen is to press the <CTRL-ALT-DEL> keys, 
   highlight Lotus Approach, and press End Task.  Wait for approximately
   60 seconds.  A screen will then appear asking for conformation that
   you wish to shut the program down.  Answer YES to this prompt.


BACKGROUND 
 
   Lotus is aware of the issue stated above and they will correct it
   in any future releases of Lotus Approach.  This issue is not limited
   to AST Computers.  Any computer that is running a video resolution
   of  640 X 480 is subject to this issue and may experience the same
   problem.  Lotus FAX document  #139391 addresses this issue.
   It is available at 800-346-3508 or at www.support.lotus in the 
   knowledge base.  Search using CONTACT.MPR.


ACTION

   Two workarounds are available at this time.  The first is the 
   easiest to perform and requires no future action.  The second one 
   incorporates the first workaround but allows the user to return to
   a video resolution of 640 X 480.

   1. A.  From the Windows desktop, choose Start, Settings, and click 
          on Control Panel.
      B.  Choose the Display icon, then the Settings tab.
      C.  Change the display and desktop size to 800 X 600.

   This may require that your computer be rebooted.  Save all open 
   documents before rebooting.  If no monitor type has been chosen, 
   it will require that you select one from the list in the 
   CHANGE DISPLAY TYPE area before changing the resolution.  See your 
   computer's users guide for further information on these changes.

      D.  Follow the on-screen instructions to save your new settings.

   With the video resolution set at 800 X 600, Lotus Approach 96 will
   not have a problem redrawing the Contacts template and will not 
   exhibit the issue addressed here.  This workaround will cause the
   display to be smaller.  If this is not acceptable, the following 
   may be performed at this time on an identified or selected database.  
   However, this will only affect the changed database and the issue 
   will come back if a new data base is created using the supplied 
   template, CONTACT.MPR.


   2. A.  After changing the video resolution to 800 X 600, launch 
          Lotus Approach 96.
      B.  Open the CONTACT.MPR file.
      C.  Switch to the ADD CONTACTS view 
      D.  Use the "Design" button to change to the design mode.
      E.  Click on  "View" and click on "Show Data" to turn off data
          mode.
      F.  A border of black dashed lines should now be around the 
          document.
      G.  Scroll down the page to the bottom of the document.
      H.  Select an object from the tool bar and draw the object so 
          that one side touches the border.
      I.  Choose File, Save Approach File to save the changes.

   Close Lotus Approach along with all other programs running.  
   Change the resolution back to 640X480 using the same steps used 
   above.


NOTES 
 
   If customers choose to use the second workaround, they should
   realize that the above procedure will have to be performed each 
   time a new contacts database is set up using the CONTACT.MPR 
   template.  The user will be able to add, edit, and delete entries
   into any database that these changes have been applied to without 
   any further adjustments.

   Obtain the document from Lotus through one of the following:

      Fax Document #139391  at   800-346-3508
      Search for CONTACT.MPR at  www.lotus.com


TAN 5300MH 
 
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