Using HomeBase 2.3

 

 

Installing and using HomeBase 2.3

HomeBase 2.3 is our free inventory management software. You can work with it offline to catalogue and manage your books. It is easy to install HomeBase 2.3 and everything you need to know about how to use HomeBase 2.3 can be found on our HomeBase 2.3 User Guide. This includes how to add and edit books, how to manage catalogues, how to send your data to AbeBooks and much more. Below are our FAQs for HomeBase 2.3.

Download now the updated version of HomeBase 2.3

To install HomeBase 2.3 on your computer, close any open programs on your computer and proceed as follows:

  1. Go to the HomeBase 2.3 download page and click the [Download HomeBase] button
  2. Click [Save As] in the File Download dialog box
  3. Select an easily accessible location on your computer, such as your Desktop, and click [Save]
  4. Double-click the [HomeBase23_Multi.exe] icon on your Desktop, or in the location you chose to save the download file, and click [Run].  The HomeBase Installation Wizard will launch
  5. Select your preferred language for using HomeBase and click [Next]
  6. Read through the HomeBase Software license agreement and select the [I Accept the terms in the HomeBase Software license agreement] option
  7. Continue through all steps of the installation process using the [Next] button

Note that to automatically associate your existing HomeBase data with the updated version you are installing, you must choose the same destination location as your current version of HomeBase

  1. When the installation is complete, click the [Finish] button

You will be prompted to use the Setup Wizard the first time you use HomeBase 2.3. If you wish, you can skip the Setup Wizard and relaunch it at any time from the 'Tools' menu.

How do I send my book data to AbeBooks?

Once you have you have registered online and your bookseller account has been opened, you will need to enter your User ID and account password into HomeBase 2.3 before you send your first book list to AbeBooks. If you are not sure what your User ID is, you can check by signing onto your AbeBooks account and selecting [Your Personal Information] and then [Update Your Account Information].

Entering your User ID & Password into HomeBase 2.3:

  • Select [View] from the grey menu bar at the top
  • Then select [Options…]
  • Enter your User ID and re-enter password to ensure that it is correct
  • Click [Apply]
  • Then click [OK]

Once you have done this you will be able to send your book data to AbeBooks and update your online inventory.

Note: Once you have installed the update, HomeBase will only store your password ‘per session’.  This means that whenever you close the program, you will be required to re-enter your password the next time you open HomeBase to upload an inventory file. 

If you are unsure of your User ID, you can easily check it in the [Account Details] of your AbeBooks account. It appears at the very top of the page in capital letters. 

If you forgot your AbeBooks password, you can define a new one from the [AbeBooks Sign-on page].

Sending a full file to AbeBooks:

The first file that you send to AbeBooks should include all the books you have added to HomeBase 2.3. To send a file that includes all your books:

  • In the grey menu bar click [File] and then [Import/Export] and then [Export/Send to AbeBooks]
  • In the Send Data to AbeBooks box, select [Upload Books]
  • Clear the [Changes since last load date] option*
  • Select the [All Books] option*
  • Click the [Send] button
  • Click the [Save] button. A summary of the number of books sent to AbeBooks is displayed
  • Click [OK]. The data is exported to a saved file
  • Click [OK] in the export summary box
  • Click the [Connect] button. A message is displayed stating that "Connection to ftp.abebooks.com successful"
  • Click the [Send File] button
  • Click the [Exit] button when the message "Transfer complete, closing connection" is displayed

* To send only your updates, ensure the [Changes since last load date] option is ticked and skip step 4 above.

* To purge your books follow the steps above, during step 4 also tick the box "Purge".

This will ensure that the full file you send us replaces everything that you have online. This will correct any discrepancies and help keep your data up-to-date.

Once you have uploaded a file to AbeBooks, you will receive an email confirming the file has been received and additional details about the file. If you find that the number of books is not exactly as you uploaded, this may be due to the fact that our system counts the lines in your file as opposed to the books. With certain file types this may cause the number to be inaccurate, so please do check the changes online.

To check the details of your file:

  • [Sign On] to your AbeBooks.com bookseller account
  • Click [My Books] in the Members Menu
  • Select [Yesterday's Book Count]

As you can see below, you can use this page to check if we received your file. You can see how many books were in the file and when the file's status was last updated.

  Picture1


How can I manage sold books in HomeBase 2.3?

It is important to ensure that your online inventory is up-to-date, especially after your first orders have been processed. A book ordered via AbeBooks will automatically be removed from your online inventory. It is however; very important to update this also in HomeBase 2.3, marking that book as sold to ensure that in your future uploads the book is not accidentally re-uploaded.

Managing Sold Books:

To remove books from the AbeBooks online system using HomeBase 2.3, you are required to change the status of your sold books to [Sold] and then send these changes to AbeBooks.

Note: It is very important that you do not delete books in HomeBase 2.3. Your books will only be completely removed from your AbeBooks inventory if you have marked them as [Sold].

When you send a file of sold books, AbeBooks matches those book numbers against the ones already online. When our system reads that book #1234 is marked as sold it removes the listing from the AbeBooks websites. It is imperative that you send your sold book records to AbeBooks on a regular basis.

To mark books as sold in HomeBase 2.3:

  • Click [Books] in the red bar. The [Find Books] screen is displayed
  • Select the book you wish to update
  • Double click to open the book record
  • Select [Sold] from the Status list
  • Click the [Save] button and then click [OK]

Note: There is a shortcut for marking books as sold. On the [Find Books] screen, select the sold books. Right-click and select [Mark Selected Books as Sold].

The best way to keep track of sold books in HomeBase 2.3 is to create a "Sold" catalogue and move all of your sold books into it.

To create a Sold catalogue and move books into it:

  • Click [Catalogs] in the red bar. The [Catalogs] screen is displayed
  • Click the [Add] button. The [Add Catalog] box is displayed
  • Enter the catalogue name as "Sold" and enter a description (optional)
  • Click the [Save] button
  • Click [Books] in the red bar
  • In the Tools menu, select [Move all sold books to]
  • Select the "Sold" catalogue from the list. Click the [OK] button

All books marked "Sold" will now be moved into your "Sold" catalogue. You can now send your books to AbeBooks as you normally would.

Note: There is a shortcut for marking books as sold. On the [Find Books] screen, select the sold books. Right-click and select [Move all Sold books to] and complete step 7.

If you would like to find out more read the HomeBase 2.3 User Guide.

Associating Your Listings to the AbeBooks Categories

While many buyers use the search function to find the books they are looking for, many buyers also use browsing to find books. If you assign categories to your listings, your books will be more visible to those buyers who browse. If you do not, our system will attempt to match your books to the appropriate category. Please note that when you assign your own categories we will not add further categories to your listings

HomeBase 2.3 does not contain the AbeBooks Categories, however, you can easily categorise your listings via our Online Inventory Management system.

An alternative option for categorising your listings would be to use the latest version of HomeBase 3.0, where each book can be assigned up to 10 AbeBooks Categories.

HomeBase 3.0 uses different technology than HomeBase 2.3, so it is not an upgrade. This means that if you would like to download and install HomeBase 3.0 to take a look around before deciding whether to use it, it is safe to do so.

Further help with categories in HomeBase 3.0.


Trouble-Shooting Error Messages

0 & 3075 - Error 0 edit_click error

7 - Error in procedure: frmBooks.cmdAddCat_Click. Description: Out of Memory. Source: HomeBase

52 - Bad filename or number

91 - location module 1, main. error getting database version number 91. description object variable or with block variable not set. source: homebase

339 - "A file is missing or invalid" Homebase is missing one or more files that it needs to operate

429 - The Jet VBA file (VBAJET.dII for 16 bit versions or VBAJET32.dII for 32-bit versions) Failed to initialize when called

3051 - The microsoft jet database engine cannot open the file "C:\program files\hb2\hbdata.hbd" It is already opened by another exclusively by another user, or you need permission to view it's data

3075 - Activex component can't create object. Module 1, Main - Error opening database

3112 - "3112 record(s) can't be read; no read permission on <file path> hbdata.hbd"

3159 - Not a valid Bookmark

3197 - The Microsoft Jet database engine stopped the process because you and another user are attempting to change the same data at the same time

3204 - Module 1 Main Number 3204 Database already exists.DAO.Workspace

3343 - Unrecognised database format. This usually occurs when someone has turned off their computer when HB was still running

3446 - Jet VBA file[VBAJET.dll for 16-bit versions, or VBAJET32.dll for 32-bit versions] is missing. Try reinstalling the application that returned the error. Source: DAO.DbEngine

3447 - Error in procedure: frmReports.sammyhellprocjohn

3633 - Location: Module 1, Main - error opening data base

Binding type error

Descriptions trunctated when using Reports function

Error when starting HomeBase: *** record(s) can't be read; no read permission on C:\ProgramFiles\HB2\hbdata.hbd

Fatal Exception 0E Error Message

File 'oleaat32.DLL' is out of date

Illegal operation - HOMEBASE caused an exception 10H in module MSVBVM60.DLL at 017f:73444b1a

Increased prices after import

ISBN Lookup Error Messages

Missing lang.txt file

Mouse pointer disappears

Nothing to send

Recent changes default not working

Runtime Errors

UIEE Export Stops at ?%

Unable to print catalogue in selected order

Unable to view all the fields in Homebase 2.3

 


Quick Help HomeBase 3.0

Why am I unable to obtain an upload token?

Sending inventory to AbeBooks from HomeBase® 3.0 is done through our Web Service. The first time you attempt to send an update to AbeBooks, you will be prompted to log in with the email address and password. Please note HomeBase 3.0 requires your AbeBooks UserId and API key in place of the email address and password. Doing so will set a security token on your computer that will make logging in unnecessary for future uploads, unless:

  • Your bookseller account has been closed or suspended.
  • You have installed HomeBase 3.0 on a second or new computer.
  • You have removed and re-installed HomeBase 3.0.

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

Can I obtain a copy of my online inventory for import?

There is a two-part process for copying your book inventory from AbeBooks into HomeBase 3.0: Downloading and Importing:

 

Step 1: Downloading:

 

Step 2: Importing:

  • Open Homebase 3.0
  • Select "File".
  • Select "Import".
  • Select "Import from a different file type" and click on [Next].
  • Select "Import Listings" and click on [Next].
  • Use [Browse] button to locate saved import file and click on [Next].
  • Select the "HomeBase 3 download Report" file format and click on [Next].
  • Close window after import has been completed.

 

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

How can I send my full inventory listing?

In order to send a full inventory list to AbeBooks from HomeBase 3.0 you will need to force an update. Simply follow the instructions below:

 

  1. Open HomeBase 3.0 and clicking on the "Listings" tab.
  2. Highlight your whole listing (click on the first entry, press the Shift button on your keyboard, scroll to the bottom and click on the last entry).
  3. Right mouse-click.
  4. Select "Edit xxx items".
  5. On the "MultiEdit" window click on the "Statistics" tab.
  6. Tick the "AbeBooks Force Update" and "Send to AbeBooks" boxes.
  7. Click on [Save] button.
  8. When prompted to apply changes to all items click on [OK] button.
  9. Click on [Close] button.
  10. Select "Tools".
  11. Select "Upload Listing Changes".
  12. Once you have sent the data to Abebooks please repeat steps 1-5 and clear the "AbeBooks Force Update" and "Send to AbeBooks" boxes, and process with steps 8 and 9 again.

 

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

Why did some of my listings fail so send?

It is most likely that you have added custom terms to the Language field. If this is the case, you can resolve the issue by mapping your custom terms to one of the default languages in HomeBase 3.0. To do this open HomeBase 3.0 and follow the instructions below:

 

  1. Select "Tools" and then "Manage Lookup Lists" from the Tool Bar at the top of the screen.
  2. Select "Language" from the Lookup List drop-down box, and tick the "Show only custom items" box to the right.
  3. Click on the custom term in the "List Items" box. It will appear in the "Label" field to the right. Choose a language from the "Mapping" field just below that most closely matches the language you have selected. (Please note: the Custom Term that you have chosen will still be the term displayed with your listing on AbeBooks.)
  4. Click "Apply" and "Close".

 

If you continue to experience this issue, please upload your homebase.sqlite.db file to AbeBooks and our Technical team will be happy to investigate further. You can locate this file within the HomeBase 3.0 data folder:

 

If you are using Windows Vista, the file should be located here:

C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Homebase 3\data

 

If you are using Windows XP, the file should be located here:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\HomeBase 3\data

 

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

How can I resolve the First time Initialisation Failed error?

To resolve this error, simply locate and delete the homebase.sqlite.db file on your computer. This file is located in your HomeBase 3.0 data folder.

 

If you are using Windows Vista, the file should be located here:

C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Homebase 3\data

 

If you are using Windows XP, the file should be located here:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\HomeBase 3\data

 

Alternatively, you can search your computer for this file.

  

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

The incorrect search results in HomeBase 3.0

 

When searching through your inventory in HomeBase 3.0, the use of special characters can cause the search function to return inaccurate results.

 

For example, this can occur if you are using apostrophes in any of the fields, such as title, author or description. If you conduct a search using any special characters all listings will remain in the search results.

 

To avoid this happening and achieve accurate search results, you should add an extra apostrophe. For example:

  • O''Reilly

 

This will correctly update your search results.

 

We recommend avoiding punctuation and special characters like "&", "Œ", "[]" when conducting searches in HomeBase 3.0, using only words instead.

 

Why is my hbdata file not recognised during a migration import?

During the migration import of your book data from HomeBase 2.3 to HomeBase 3.0 this error is caused by some non-compatible content. This is likely to be contained in the description field of one or more of your book listings in HomeBase 2.3.

 

Non-compatible content is usually line breaks or any abnormal characters. You will therefore need to check your book descriptions to locate and remove these in order for your migration to be successful.

 

A tip for quickly examining all your book descriptions is to export a tab delimited text file of your inventory from HomeBase 2.3 and then open the file with Excel. You will need to ensure that any changes are made to the actual book entries in HomeBase 2.3. and not in the Excel spreadsheet.

 

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

Can I revert back to HomeBase 2.3?

If you wish, you can revert back to HomeBase 2.3 at any time. To ensure that your up-to-date inventory is sent back to HomeBase 2.3 simply follow these steps:

 

Step 1: Export your HomeBase 3.0 listing file:

  • Open HomeBase 3.0.
  • Select "File".
  • Select "Export".
  • Under "I want to export my:" select either:

    Listings, Wants, Clients, Catalogue Names or Invoices.

  • Click [Next].
  • Select "All".
  • Click [Next].
  • Select export format "HomeBase 2".
  • Click [Next].
  • Click on the "Desktop" symbol.
  • Click [Save].
  • Click [Finish].

 

Step 2: Download and install HomeBase 2.3 on your computer:

  • Click here:

    http://www.abebooks.com/books/homebase/main.shtml 

  • Then click on the red [Download HomeBase] button located in the middle of the page.
  • Click on [Save File]. (Download should be complete within 60 seconds depending on your connection.)

    Now simply follow these steps to install HomeBase 2.3 on your computer:

  • Go to your computer [Desktop].
  • Double-click on the [HomeBase23EN.EXE] icon.
  • Close any programs you have open and click [Next].
  • Read through the HomeBase Software license agreement and select the [I Accept the terms in the HomeBase Software license agreement] option.
  • Click the [Next] button.
  • To install HomeBase 2.3 to the default folder, click the [Next] button.
  • Select the [Yes] option button and then click the [Next] button.
  • Click the [Next] button.
  • Click the [Next] button to begin the installation.
  • Click the [Finish] button.

 

Step 3: Import the file you exported from HomeBase 3.0:

  • Open HomeBase 2.3.
  • Near the top left of your screen pull down the File menu and choose "Import".
  • On the "Book Import Control Panel" window, choose either the ""ZAP" option.
  • Click [OK]. An "Open" screen will appear.
  • Click on the Desktop icon.
  • Select the import file you saved and click [Open].
  • Click on the Desktop icon.
  • Select the saved import file.

    Note: HomeBase will process the file and display the number of books transferred.

  • Click [OK] to close the report screen.

 

Step 4: De-Install HomeBase 3.0:

  • Click on the Windows [Start] button.
  • Select "All Programmes".
  • Select "HomeBase 3".
  • Select "Uninstall HomeBase 3.0".

 

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

How can I move my HomeBase 2.3 data across?

To migrate your book data, including Wants, Client Information and Invoices simply follow these steps:

 

  • To download and install HomeBase visit the HomeBase download page.
  • Now download and install the software on the same computer that you have HomeBase 2.3 already installed on.
  • Ensure HomeBase 2.3 is not open, Then open HomeBase 3.0 and check that HomeBase 2.3 is not running.
  • Select "File".
  • Select "Import".
  • Select "Import from HomeBase 2" and click on the [Next] button.
  • Check that location field has "C:\Program Files\HomeBase\hbdata.hbd" and click on the [Next] button.
  • Default selection shows "Use my existing numbers." (And should not have to be changed at this stage). Click on the [Next] button.
  • Default selection shows "Merge" (at this stage you should not have added any new book data yet so either "Merge" or "Delete" options are fine). Click on the [Next] button.
  • Confirm import actions and click on the [Next] button.
  • Click on [Finish]

 

NOTES:

  • If you have an AbeBooks.co.uk buyer account under the same email address as your bookseller account please make sure that the passwords are different.
  • Once you have started to use HomeBase 3.0 your HomeBase 2.3 software should no longer be used for managing your inventory.
  • With HomeBase 3.0 there are some mandatory fields which, if not completed, are marked with an orange cross. A book entry is first valid when these fields have been completed and can only then be uploaded.

 

HomeBase 3.0 User Manual

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