[Support Center] Most Popular Articles

Error 1330 and Error 272 (or 266) - Digital Signature

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:51:40 GMT

Problem: When installing v5.0 of the eField Guide Viewer application on Windows 2000 or when installing v3.9 or higher on other Windows versions, you may encounter an error related to the digital certificate used to digitally sign the installation files. The error message will be similar to the following:

Error 1330. A file that is required cannot be installed because the cabinet file D: \Help.cab has an invalid digital signature. This may indicate that the cabinet file is corrupt. Error 272 (or error 266) was returned by WinVerifyTrust.

Solution: [This solution for the Gold edition may be easier than following the steps below: First, make a folder on your desktop called ThayerBirding. Then copy the contents of BOTH DVDs into the ThayerBirding folder on your Desktop and then double-click setup.exe to begin the installation. The ONE folder should NOT include sub-folders called Disc 1 and Disc 2 - just copy the entire contents of each disc folder into the new ThayerBirding Desktop folder you create.]

Here is another solution:
Please complete the following steps to fix this error.

1. Open Internet Explorer by right clicking and selecting the “Run as administrator” menu.
2. Select the Tools->Internet Options... menu option
3. Select "Content" tab
4. In the "Certificates" group, click "Certificates..." button
5. Select "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" tab
6. Select "GlobalSign Root CA" from the list (you may need to scroll down. If you do not see it, read the solution below.)
7. In "Certificate intended purposes" group, click "View" button
8. Select "Details" tab
9. Click "Edit Properties..." button
10. Under the "Enable only the following purposes" radio button, check the box for "Code Signing"
11. Click OK
12. Click OK again
13. Click Close
14. Click OK
15. Install Thayer Birding Software's eField Guide Viewer

In Step 6 above, if your computer does not have the GlobalSign root certificate on your computer, do this:

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Go to www.ThayerBirding.com and click on the Get help tab -> Free Downloads -> GlobalSignRootCertificate. Then save the file to your desktop. Close the Thayer Birding website.
3.Select the Tools->Internet Options... menu option
4. Select "Content" tab
5. In the "Certificates" group, click "Certificates..." button
6. Select "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" tab
7. Click the "Import..." button to start the Certificate Import Wizard
8. Click Next
9. Select the certificate file (GlobalSignRootCertificate.cer) that you downloaded to your desktop in step 1 (please unzip first.)
10. Click Next
11. Make sure "Place all certificates in the following store" is selected
12. Make sure the certificate store is "Trusted Root Certification Authorities"
13. Click Next
14. Click Finish
15. Install Thayer Birding Software's eField Guide Viewer

Here is another solution that should be used only by very experienced computer users:

This morning I stumbled on a solution (which works for Windows Vista) for Error #1330 ==>"file cannot be installed because cabinet file H:\Help.cab has invalid digital signature. This may indicate cabinet file is corrupt. Error 266 was returned by Win Verify Trust" . So I was finally able to install the new DVDs for the Birds of NA Gold edition you sent me! (Great Birding software -- Even better than the previous outstanding versions!)

If anyone else has the same problem I had in trying to install the Gold Edition for Windows Vista, here is the solution that worked for me:
Temporarily set the non-driver signing policy to silently succeed by doing the following steps before installing the Gold edition:
(1) Click on Start
(2) Type regedit in the Start Search box
(3) Right click on regedit.exe
(4) click on Run as Administrator
(5) In the Registry, click on the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Non-driver Signing
(6) Take note what the current value is for the Policy Binary Value.
[Mine was 01 and is used here in this example]
(7) Right click on the Policy Binary value and then click on Modify.
(The value will then appear in this format: 0000 01)
(8) Delete 01
(9) Then type 00 so that the current Policy Binary Value in the Registry will now appear as 00
(10) Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
(11) Install Birds of NA Gold Edition
(12) Repeat Steps (1) through (5) to change the Policy Binary Value from 00 back to the original value noted in Step (6)

Finally, you may want to try this:
Copy the contents of the DVD (or for version 5, BOTH DVDs) into ONE folder on your hard drive and then run setup.exe to begin the installation from your hard drive. We think it is easiest to make a folder on your desktop called ThayerBirding so it is easier to find. The setup.exe file will be in this folder. Just double-click on it to start the installation. This will often bypass the digital signature issue.

v3.5 - Will this run on Vista?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: My version 3.5 CD-ROM will not run properly on my new Vista comuter.

Solution: Older versions of our birding software such as version 2.5, 3.0, v3.1 and v3.5 are NOT Vista-compatible. They are also not Windows 7 compatible. You cannot run these older programs on newer computers.

These versions were written well before Vista or Windows 7 were released by Microsoft. These older versions of our software will all work perfectly on Windows XP and the other operating systems listed on the box.

Our latest version, v3.9.8, was released on July 31, 2009 and is Vista and Windows 7 compatible and works on 32-bit as well as 64-bit computers. (It also works very well on Windows XP.)

We were forced to totally rewrite the program from the ground up when Microsoft released Vista. It was impossible to create an upgrade path due to the massive changes in Vista vs. XP.

There are many new features in this version. You can learn all about the improvements we have made by visiting: www.ThayerBirding.com and clicking on the "v3.9 Features" tab there.

As an owner of an earlier version, you are entitled to a 10% Loyal Customer discount. Just go to www.ThayerBirding.com or directly to www.OnlineNatureMall.com to buy the CD. When you check out, on the second page, enter coupon/promotional code Loyal for your 10% discount.

v3.5 - Error 339

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I see Error #339 when I try to run the program.

Solution: If you see Error #339 and your computer is running the new Vista or Windows 7operating system, you need to upgrade to version 4.0. Earlier versions of our software such as v3.5 or v3.1 were not designed to run on Vista or Windows 7 operating systems. You may want to upgrade to the latest version of the software. Visit the Online Nature Mall to order. During checkout, use the promotional code Loyal to get the 10% loyal-customer discount.

If you just installed the program on a computer with Windows XP or Windows 2000 and you see error #339 with a message that includes the name of a file that it can't find (such as comdlg32.ocx or mscomctl.ocx), you have an installation problem.

The file the error message refers is one that should be installed on all Windows systems but, for some reason, our program can't find it or there's a conflict with another program.

To get the comdlg32.ocx file or the mscomctl1.ocx file, click here. If this link does not work for you, go to ThayerBirding.com and click Get Help and then click Free Downloads and then Click Error 339.

One user told us: "I searched for Comdlg32.ocx on my old HP's hard drive (which I now have connected to my Dell) and found it. All I did was copy it and paste it to C: > Windows > System32. When I re-installed the birding software, it worked like a charm."

If you are running Windows XP and are an expert at computers, try this:

Click "Start"
Click "Search"
Click "All files and folders"
Type "COMDLG32" in "All or part of the file name"
Click "Search"
If none exist, install a copy from our CD.

Follow the "How to install an individual file from the setup disk" instructions below, installing COMDLG32.OCX into your
Windows System32 folder (probably C:WindowsSystem32").

Follow the "How to manually register a file" instructions below, register the same file.
If more than one exist, install the most recent version in a place where all programs can use it, including ours.

For each file found, get the file's version number (Right-click the filename, click "Properties", click "Version").
Rename all but the most recent version to something else, like ORIGINALFILENAME.XXX. (Right-click filename, Click "Rename",
type new name, press Enter.

MOVE the most recent version to your Windows System32 folder. (Right-click drag the file from the original folder to
the Sytem32 folder and click "MOVE" when the context menu appears).
Unregister and register the file. (Follow the directions in "How to manually register a file").

How to find a file's version number.
1. Press (Windows Key)+E to open Windows Explorer.
2. Using Explorer, find the file in question.
3. Right-click the file name and click "Properties".
4. Click "Version".

How to manually register a file.
1. Click "Start"
2. Click "Run..."
3. Type "CMD" in "Open" and click "OK"
4. Type "CD " and the folder where the file is located and press Enter.
5. Type "REGSVR32 " and the name of the file you wish to register and " /U", then press Enter (e.g. "REGSVR32 COMDLG32.OCX /U").
6. AT the "unregisteration was successful" message, click "OK".
7. Type "REGSVR32 " and the name of the file you wish to register and press Enter (e.g. "REGSVR32 COMDLG32.OCX").
8. At the "registration was successful" message appears, click "OK".
9. Type "EXIT" and press Enter.

How to install an individual file from the setup disk.
1. Load the CD in your CD drive. If the program automatically starts, close it.
2. Click "Start"
3. Click "Run..."F;
4. Type "D:setup.exe /X" in "Open" (substitute "D:" for your CD drive letter) and click "OK"
5. When setup displays a list of files, select the file you want to install and click "OK"
6. In the "Save As" dialog, select the folder you want to install the file into and click "Save".
7. Remove CD from CD drive.

The best way to fix this problem is to upgrade to version 4.0. Call 800-865-2473 to order or visit www.OnlineNatureMall.com. There is a 10% loyal customer discount available.

v3.9 - Type Initializer Threw an Exception

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:14:04 GMT

Problem: When installing, I see this error message: The type initializer for Thayer.Birding.Applicationsettings threw an exception.

Solution: You almost certainly have a 64-bit operating system on your computer. You will need to download and install the free 64-bit update on our web site. Go to www.ThayerBirding.com and place you mouse over the "Get Help" tab. Then scroll down to "Free Downloads" and then click on "64-bit computer update".

To check to see if you are running a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System:
click Start (circle in lower left of your screen)
click Control Panel
click System and Maintenance
click System
Then look in the System section for the System type.

This problem was solved beginning with v3.9.8 and v5.0.2.
If this solution does not work for you, please send us $15 (to cover shipping and handling costs) and your old disc (v3.9, v3.9.1, v3.9.5, v5.0 or v5.0.1 only) and mention that you got an error that says "Type Initializer Threw an Exception."

Mail to:
Windows disc swap
Thayer Birding Software
12650 Colliers Reserve Drive
Naples, Fl 34110

Importing Your Sightings From an Older Version

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:14:43 GMT

Problem: I got a new computer and installed the new version of your software on it. Now how do I move all my Sightings, Custom Quizzes, Observers, Comments and Hall of Fame information from the old program into the new program?

Solution: First, make sure you are running the latest version of the software. To get free updates, open the program and click Help. Then click "Check for Updates." You will need to do this two separate times in order to get all of the updates.

Then the solution is fairly straightforward:
1. Open the new program and in the top menu Bar click File. Then click "Import from Previous Version..." [NOT Restore Back Up]
2. Click the Browse button (it looks like a black binocular) and, on Windows computers, locate the file called database.mdb. On Mac computers, locate the file called Birding.db [See instructions below]
3. Click Import.

Finding the database.mdb file or the Birding.db file in step two and moving it to your new computer can be a challenge. You should also be aware that backups you made while using version 3.0 or 3.5 will not be able to be imported into a Vista or Windows 7 computer -- so you will need to find the original database.mdb file.

If Your Old Database is on a Vista or Windows 7 Computer:

On Vista and Windows 7 computers there appears to be a database.mdb file in TWO different locations! But Vista and Windows 7 do not allow data in the Program File to be altered -- so they created something called "Virtual Store" to keep databases that had been changed (by adding sightings, for example.)
If you are trying to import a version 3.x, v4.x or v5.x database, then the file you want is in the "Virtual Store" location:

C:/Users/YourNameHere/AppData/local/VirtualStore/ProgramFiles/ThayerBirdingSoftware/eViewer 3.x (or 4.x or 5.x)\Database

You might also try using the Windows Search function to find database.mdb on the hard drive of your old computer.

If Your Old Database is on a Mac Computer:

1. Open a Finder window and go to Applications and then double-click the Thayer Birding Software folder.
2. From there, while holding down the Control key, click the eViewer icon.
3. Then click on "Show Package Contents"
4. Double-click on "Contents", then double-click on "Resources".
5. Scroll down to Birding.db.
6. Copy the contents of that file.

If Your Old Database is on an XP Computer:

On your old XP computer look in:
C:/Program Files/Thayer Birding Software/eViewer 3.5/Database/database.mdb or in
C:/Program Files/Thayer Birding Software/eViewer 3.9/Database/database.mdb or in
C:/Program Files/Thayer Birding Software/eViewer 4.0/Database/database.mdb

For version 3.0 or 3.1 this file is in C:/Program Files/Thayer Birding Software/data

If it is not there, try C:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/Thayer Birding Software/eViewer 3.x/Database/database.mdb

I Found The Correct Database...Now What?

Once you find the database.mdb file or the Birding.db file, you will need to copy it from your old computer and place it on your new computer. We suggest just placing it on the desktop so it is easy to find.

The database.mdb file is fairly large, so you may need to burn a CD-ROM or use a memory stick to copy this file. Then install this database.mdb file on the desktop of your new computer.

The new birding program installed on your new computer can then be used to import everything you need from the old database. Just click File in the Menu Bar and then click Import from Previous Version.

Plan B:
Some backup files made using version 3 or version 3.5 will not work because the file structure changed between versions. If you have a backup file with the extension tbsbu and you already got rid of your old computer, all is not lost. You will need to install the old birding program on a friend's XP computer and then use the tbsbu file to restore your sightings, etc. Then copy the database.mdb file from your friend's XP computer and move it to your new computer.

You may also see a message such as: "An error occurred importing the database: The Microsoft Jet database engine cannot find the input table or query 'MDF'. Make sure it exits and that its name is spelled correctly."

This error message indicates that the MDF table cannot be found. You are probably trying to import a backup file of your sightings that was created by an older version of our software. This file is probably named backup.mdb. Backup files from older versions of the software cannot be import into v3.9.x, v4.0.x, or v5.0.x. The backup files from older versions are mdb files, but are not the same format as the application database. We only support the import of the application database from older versions. The easiest solution would be to restore the backup into the older version and then import the application database.

Note to version 4.0 users: Since the new version 4.0 has fewer species in it than version 3.0, 3.5 or 3.9, it is possible that some of your sightings will not be imported into version 4.0. This will only happen if the bird is not physically on the v4.0 disc. About 250 very rare and accidental birds are now found only in the Gold edition (version 5.0). If this is a big concern to you, we suggest upgrading to version 5, rather than to version 4.

Since you obviously care a great deal about your sightings, we would like to strongly suggest that you consider using our favorite Listing and Recordkeeping Program called Birder's Diary. This is a FAR more robust program than our listing program and is designed for active listers and recordkeepers - especially those that travel outside the U.S. and Canada.

Birder's Diary - North American edition

Birder's Diary World edition.

The Installation Starts But Never Finishes

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I started the installation, but after 20 minutes nothing seemed to be happening so I gave up. What do I do now?

Solution: This is rarely seen on Mac computers because the eViewer (Thayer Birding) program is installed first and then the Raven Lite program is installed later on.

On Windows computers the Raven Lite and the Thayer Birding eViewer are both installed together during the initial installation. Unfortunately, the Raven Lite installation screen can cover up the Thayer eViewer installation screen and prevent the program from continuing the normal installation.

The Windows installation begins by asking you to accept the licensing agreement and enter your 16-digit license key. The Thayer Birding eViewer installation then pauses to install Raven Lite. This is a separate program provided free of charge by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Raven lite lets you see the patterns of bird songs and manipulate bird songs in very interesting ways.

The Raven Lite installation screen MAY BE HIDDEN BEHIND ANOTHER SCREEN during the installation process. This will happen fairly early during the installation. The install program just seems to stop. In fact, it is waiting for you to click "OK" but you cannot see this screen! You should drag the top screen sideways to see if there is another screen behind it. When you see the other screen, just click the OK button and things should proceed normally. Or you can also click Alt-Tab to scroll through your open screens. Or you can see the open screens by looking at the icons at the bottom of your computer screen, to the right of the Start icon. If your computer seems "frozen" just click on the Raven Lite installation icon down there and finish installing it. The Raven Lite icon will then disappear and you can click the eViewer screen to continue the full installation. (The installation of Raven Lite takes about one minute or less.)

The installation of the entire birding program will take 15-40 minutes, depending on the speed of your computer. Remember, all the photos, songs, maps and videos are being copied to your computer's hard drive. We have noticed that towards the end of the installation, it is common to hear a "grinding noise" coming from the DVD drive or the computer's hard drive and the progress bar seems to freeze. THIS IS NORMAL. There is nothing wrong. Your computer is just copying a LOT of videos to your hard drive and it is working like crazy! Please go away and come back in half an hour and everything will be fine! Trust me!

During installation there are actually three different things that may be installed: the .NET framework, Raven Lite and the birding program.

In very rare cases the program may need to install an entire .NET framework on your Windows computer. This is a new underlying computer structure used by almost every software program written for Vista or Windows 7. If you have not installed any new software in a very long time, our birding software may be the first that requires this. This can take up to 20 minutes to install.

We did hear from one person who had trouble installing the program. He tried again, but the second time he selected "Custom Installation" instead of "Full Installation." He then installed the spectrogram (Raven Lite) and then the eViewer (the main program.) He reported that this worked perfectly!

Unexpected License Error on 64-bit Computers

Thu, 19 May 2011 16:45:05 GMT

Problem: After successfully installing my v5.0.0 (or v3.9) program, I get an "Unexpected License Error" message when I try to open the program. I am using Windows 7 and I have a new 64-bit computer.

Solution: Version 5.0.2 and version 3.9.8 of our software (released in July 2009) will run without any problems on a 64-bit computer. Earlier versions need to install the free update from our web site.

To get this free update from our Home page, click the Get Help tab and then select "Free Downloads" and then click on "64-bit computer update." Select the update for either version 3.9 or version 5.0. Follow the instructions on that web page to install.

After you do this, you should open the program and click "Help" and then click "Check for Updates." Download and install the free update. Then do this AGAIN. The second update is larger than the first update. This will bring your program up to v5.0.2 or v3.9.8.2

Please try the solution listed above first. If that does not fix the problem, please mail us your v3.9 or v3.9.1 or v3.9.5 or v5.0 or v5.0.1 disc (plus $15 to cover shipping and handling costs.) We will mail you a new disc. Tell us if you need v3.9.8 or v5.0.2 and include a copy of your 16-digit license key. Send only your discs - do NOT send us the case the disc came in that contains your license key. You will need your license key to reinstall the new disc.

Send it to:

Windows Disc Swap
Thayer Birding Software
12650 Colliers Reserve Dr.
Naples, FL 34110

If you currently have a version 3.9 disc, you may prefer to just buy the new version 4 -- there are hundreds of additional videos and new, detailed range maps plus lots more. You can get this at www.OnlineNatureMall.com. During checkout, enter the promotional code LOYAL to get the 10% loyal-customer discount.

v3.9 - I Can See Only 25 Birds

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: When I open the version 3.9 program, I can only see 25 bird species. How do I fix this?

Solution: Update to version 3.9.8 (released July 31, 2009). Or get the quick fix now by clicking Here.

This is what our latest Newsletter had to say:

If you currently have Windows version 3.9 or the Gold Editon version 5.0, new updates are now available. These free updates will install version 3.9.8.1 or Gold version 5.0.2.1 on your computer. The free updates include new code for 64-bit computers and a fix for a problem a few folks had that caused only 25 birds to appear. Also, ten new songs are included (including multiple songs for some birds such as Fox Sparrow) as well as other minor corrections to range maps and species descriptions.

To get the free update, open the Thayer birding program, click Help and then click Check for Updates. Do this twice. The first time you do this, you will download and install the update program. The second time you will be downloading and installing the actual changes and additions to the program.

Gold Edition Exclusive: The v5.0.2.1 update adds a link that lets you grab free quizzes from our web site.

Mac Users Update Now Available!
A Macintosh update, version 3.9.8.1 is now available. Ten new songs are included as well as a fix for a problem a few folks had that caused only 25 birds to appear. The screensaver feature has also been improved.

To get the free update, open the Thayer birding program, click eViewer in the Menu bar and then click Check for Updates. Do this twice. The first time you do this, you will download and install the update program. The second time you will be downloading and installing the actual changes and additions to the program.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Program

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I have a problem with the program and have been instructed to uninstall and reinstall the program. How do I do this?

Solution If your program is not working correctly, and you cannot find a similar case in this knowledgebase, you should Open A Ticket in the Help Desk. If the problem is not fixed by the latest free update, then the first thing to try is to uninstall and reinstall the program. This will often correct many errors that occurred from incomplete installations or files becoming corrupt or missing.

To uninstall the program in Windows you will need to do the following:

1. Make a current backup of your data and save it in a secondary location such as a CD-R or in your My Documents folder. To do this, open the program and click File and then click back Up. The backup file will have a name like Thayer Birding Backup (2009-08-25).xml. You can skip this if you do not have any custom lists you want to keep and if you have not added anything to My Sightings, My Comments or My Media. Results for the Quiz Hall of Fame will also be lost if you do not backup your data.

2. Open the ‘Control Panel’ (Usually, select ‘Start’, ‘Settings’, ‘Control Panel’ or select ‘Start’, ‘Control Panel’).

3. Select ‘Add/Remove Programs’ to open the ‘Add/Remove Programs Properties’ window.

4. This will show all of the programs installed on your computer. The list is in alphabetical order.

5. From the list of installed programs, select the name of the program (For version 3.0 or v3.1, look for "CLO Guide to Birds of N.A. v3." For version 3.5, look for "Guide to Birds of N.A. v3.5." For version 3.9, v4.0 or v5 look under Thayer eFieldGuideViewer). Then select the ‘Change/Remove’, ‘Add/Remove’ or ‘Remove’ button.

6. You may see a small window asking you to choose which program to uninstall. Select the program you want to uninstall and click continue. If you don’t see this window, don’t worry. It only appears under certain circumstances.

7. Use the ‘Automatic’ settings and then click Next and then Finish to complete the removal of the program.

8. If asked to remove unused shared files, we suggest selecting 'Yes To All'. If you are using version 3.9 on a Vista computer, you need to know that there is a "mirror" location that also needs to be deleted to completely uninstall the Thayer birding program. Look for this in the virtualized database file at "C:\Users\{your user name}\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Thayer Birding Software\eViewer 3.9\Database\database.mdb". Note: Removing any files in this manner is done at your own risk.

9. Go into the files and delete any remaining files related to the Thayer Birding program. You may also want to clean out your Recycle bin at this time. Now restart your computer.

10. Close all programs and Disable all system utilities and system monitoring programs like Norton's Utilities, System Doctor, Crash Guard, Clean Sweep, personal Firewalls, etc. You should also disable all virus protection software.

11. Proceed with the installation.

9. When finished installing the program, re-start your computer, even if it does not prompt you to do so.

10. Apply the latest update.

12. Restore your data.

To uninstall eField Guide Viewer on a Mac, do the following:

1. Delete /Applications/Thayer Birding Software folder (eViewer.app is installed in this folder)
2. Delete eViewer.pkg in /Library/Receipts folder

v3.9 - This Version Will Not Install On My 64-bit Computer

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: The v3.9 CD-ROM does not work on my 64-bit computer - I get an error about "Throwing a Type exception". What should I do now? How do I know if I have a 64-bit computer?

Solution: If you have a Vista 64-bit Operating System, you should install the program on your computer. Then download and install the free 64-bit update from our web site. Go to www.Thayerbirding.com, place you mouse over the Get Help tab and scroll down to the Free Downloads section. Then click on 64-bit Computer Update and follow the insructions.

To check to see if you are running a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System:

click Start (circle in lower left of your screen)
click Control Panel
click System and Maintenance
click System
Then look in the System section for the System type

Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) - Program Will Not Install

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I cannot get my program to install or operate properly on my Mac computer. I am using Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6)

Solution: Our Mac birding program version 3.9 runs fine when using the Operating Systems listed on the package: OS X 10.3.9 (Panther), 10.4 (Tiger) or 10.5 (Leopard).

Version 3.9 will not run on Snow Leopard. We reported this problem in our eNewsletter on August 29th, 2009.

Our new version is called v4.0 and was released on March 14, 2010.

You can get the new version 4.0 Mac disc for $15.

Send us your old Mac disc that says v3.9.1 or v3.9.3 or v3.9.8.1 on it. We will mail you back the new v4.0 disc.

This new disc will work on Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6), Leopard (OS X10.5) and Tiger (OS X 10.4) operating systems. Version 4.0 will NOT run on Panther (OS X 10.3.9)

Be sure you keep your v3.9 license key. You will need this to install version 4.0 on your computer.

Mail your Mac disc and $15.00 to:

Mac v3.9 Swap
Thayer Birding Software
12650 Colliers Reserve Drive
Naples, FL 34110

Do NOT send Windows discs. This offer is ONLY for Mac discs.

v3.9 - License Already Exists

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:12:06 GMT

Problem: When installing on my Windows computer, I get a "license error" upon installing the new v3.9 software on my new computer with Vista. After installing when clicking on the desktop icon an error message comes up with "License error: license xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx already exists." Upon hitting "OK" nothing happens. The license number shown in this error message is identical to the license number on the inside of my plastic case that contains the CD-ROM.

Solution: Please mail us your Windows disc (version 3.9, 3.9.1 or 3.9.5 only) and $15 to cover shipping and handling. We will mail you back a v3.9.8 disc that will fix this issue.

Mail your disc to:
Windows Disc Swap
Thayer Birding Software
12650 Colliers Reserve Drive
Naples, FL 34110

However, we think that a much better solution is to buy the new version 4 -- there are hundreds of additional videos and new, detailed range maps plus lots more. You can get this at www.OnlineNatureMall.com. During checkout, enter the promotional code LOYAL to get the 10% loyal-customer discount.

Error 2738

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:48:30 GMT

Problem: I installed version 3.9 on my new Dell with Vista Business. It got all the way through installation and ready to install when I got this:
Error 2738. Could not access VBScript run time for custom action. I tried to install it twice but got the same message the second time.

Solution: For 32-bit Operating Systems, this is an issue where the vbscript.dll file is not properly registered on your computer. Note that this file is not part of the Thayer Birding Software installation and should already be on your machine. The following steps should fix the problem:

The VBScript engine can be quickly registered by following these steps:

1. Run Command Prompt as administrator
2. Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories
3. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
4. If you have a 32-bit version of Windows do this: Type cd %windir%\system32 into the Command Prompt and hit Enter.
5. If you have a 64-bit version of Windows do this: Type cd %windir%\system64 into the Command Prompt and hit Enter.
6. Type regsvr32 vbscript.dll into the Command Prompt and hit Enter

NOTE: If this does not fix the problem, then that means you probably have the scripting engine registered under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, and you need to make sure that you remove that registration and re-register it under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. You can use the following steps to unregister it from HKEY_CURRENT_USER:

1. Click on the Start menu > All programs >Accessories
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
3. To unregister the VBScript engine, run this command:
reg delete "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{B54F3741-5B07-11CF-A4B0-00AA004A55E8}" /f then hit Enter
4. Next, you must also type the following command: c:\windows\system32\regsvr32 vbscript.dll, then hit Enter. [Note, if you have a 64-bit computer, insert \Wow6432Node\ before CLSID in the above string font>

NOTE: If you have a Vista 64-bit Operating System, you need to be running version 3.9.8 or later. We released a 64-bit update in February, 2009. To get this update, please visit our web site and click on Get Help and then click on Free Updates. Or send us your old version 3.9 disc and $15 to cover shipping and handling and we can send you a new version 3.9.8 disc. [send to: v3.9.8 swap, Thayer Birding Software, 12650 Colliers Reserve Drive, Naples, FL 34110 ] Or you may prefer to get the new version 4 DVD. At www.OnlineNatureMall.com just enter the promotional code LOYAL during checkout to get a 10% loyal-customer discount. There are a lot of new features in version 4, including hundreds of additional videos and much more detailed range maps.

To Check to see if you are running a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System:
click Start (circle in lower left of your screen)
click Control Panel
click System and Maintenance
click System
Then look in the System section for the System type

Upgrading from older versions

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I Own Version 3.1.2 Of Thayers Guide to Birds of North America. How can I get the latest version?

Solution: You may want to upgrade to the latest version 4 (or the Gold edition) of the software. Visit the Online Nature Mall to order.

Sign up for the Thayer Birding Software eNewsletter to be notified of new versions, free updates and special seasonal discounts.

Read about the changes since v3.1.

Read about the changes since v3.5.

Read about the changes since v3.9.

v3.9 - Installing a Mac CD-ROM

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: The paper installation instructions accompanying the CD bear no resemblance to what happens on screen when I insert the CD.  Let us start:
1.  "Wait for "the Folder" to appear."  No "Folder" appears.  A CD entitled "eViewer 3.9" appears.
2.  "Read the Installation Instructions.txt file."  There is no such file on my IMac or if I click on the eViewer 3.9 CD.
3.  "Double Click and Open eViewer.mpkg":  If I double click on the eViewer 3.9 CD it opens to display 24 possible folders or icons.  None of them read "eviewer.mpkg."   If I click on most of them it advises me that there is no default application available to open them.  Needless to say I cannot reach "Welcome to the eViewer installer." Please help!

Solution: For newer Mac computers, please follow these instructions:

1. Close all open programs
2. Place the CD disk in the CD drive (picture side up)
3. Wait 20-30 seconds for the Mac eViewer icon to appear on the screen
4. Double-click the eViewer icon.
5. Click on the file named "Installation Instructions.txt" and read it
6. Double-click on the file named eViewer.mpkg and then click continue
7. Follow the instructions on the "Welcome to the eViewer Installer"
8. The Raven Lite program will also install during the installation. When this has finished installing, the Thayer Birding installation will continue
9. When installation is complete, click Finder - Applications. Then click the arrow in front of Thayer Birding Software and then double-click eViewer

If the icon on your desktop just bounces up and down and nothing happens, you may need to download a free update from Mac 3.9.3 Update

Exporting Songs and Photos to an iPod

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:48:54 GMT

Problem: I am having problems exporting songs and photos to an iPod.

Solution: In version 3.5 you can export songs to an iPod. In version 3.9, version 4 and version 5 you can export songs and photos to an iPod or MP3 player.
(A few birds do not have sound recordings, so these will not be exported to your iPod or MP3 player.) There is a video tutorial on our web site that will show you exactly how to do this.

The User's manual in the program also has detailed instructions. Open the program, click Help and then click Contents. Now look for the topic "Export to iPod/MP3". Click the plus sign in front of this and double-click "iPod Instructions"

You will also want to read this FAQ:
Fix Images in iPod

v3.9 - Unknown License Error: Access to the Path Denied

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: About 2 weeks ago I purchased and installed a Birds of NA version 3.9. I have been using it with no problem for the last 2 weeks. Today when I tried to open it from my desktop I got the following error message: "Unknown License Error: Access to the Path 'C:\Program Files\Thayer Birding Software\eViewer 3.9\eViewer.lic' is denied." The program does not open at all.

Solution: It sounds like you are trying to run the program using a different user account. If you are, that should work, but you will need to make sure that that user account (or any user account for that matter) has read/write privileges to the eField Guide Viewer installation folder and all the files contained in it. The error message you are reporting is clearly a file permission/privileges issue.

To change the permission settings for the Personal account, try something like this:
While in the Administrator account, right-click the Thayer eFieldGuide icon on your desktop.
Click Properties.
Click the Security tab (it may say permissions in some versions of Windows)
Click on the Group or User name you want to change permissions for
Click the Edit button.

From here you can Allow or Deny permissions for the Personal account.

Follow-up Comment From User: I have the program installed on my agency-issued computer. I had to have "administrative privileges" to install it. Last night after I submitted this ticket I thought that I'd try to get admin privileges again then try to open the program. It worked. It looks like this is something that I have to work out on my end. Thanks so much for your rapid response.

Everyone should do this: update to v3.9.8 or at least get the new license.dll file and replace the old file.

Installing the Program on a Different Drive

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: How do I install on a different drive (not the C drive)?

Solution: The setup program allows you to change which drive you want to install the program on. One of the steps allows you to choose the drive and location where you would like to install the program.

On the Choose Destination Location window, if you want to select a different location or drive, select 'Browse'. This will open a Select Destination Directory explorer window. You can then select the folder you want to install the program in, change the drive letter at the bottom, or type the full path to the location you want to use in the field at the top. Then select 'OK'. Complete the rest of the installation as normal.

v3.9 - Error: Type initalizer for 'Thayer.Birding.ApplicationSettings' threw an exception

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:22:55 GMT

Problem: I am trying to load my birding program on my new laptop and I cannot open the program. I get the following message. The type initalizer for 'Thayer.Birding.ApplicationSettings' threw an exception.

Solution: If you have a 64-bit Operating System, you should install the program on your computer. Then download and install the free 64-bit update from our web site. Go to www.Thayerbirding.com, place you mouse over the Get Help tab and scroll down to the Free Downloads section. Then click on 64-bit Computer Update and follow the instructions. (Quite a few folks find that this solution does not work for them... see alternate soltion below.)

To check to see if you are running a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System:

click Start (circle in lower left of your screen)
click Control Panel
click System and Maintenance
click System
Then look in the System section for the System type

Alternate Solution: If this does not work for you, please mail us your v3.9, v3.9.1 or v3.9.5 disc and a check for $15 to cover shipping and handling.
We will send you a v3.9.8 disc to install. That should fix this issue.

mail to:

Windows Disk Swap
Thayer Birding Software
12650 Colliers Reserve Drive
Naples, FL 34110

Do NOT send any disc unless it says v3.9 or v3.9.1 or v3.9.5 on the face of the disc.
Or you can get the new version 4 disc at www.OnlineNatureMall.com. During checkout enter the promotional code LOYAL to get the 10% loyal-customer discount.

Installing Two Thayer CDs on the Same Computer

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: Can I install two or more Thayer CDs on the same computer?

Solution: The short answer is, YES. The better answer is "Yes, but why?" It might make sense to install two of the Our Birds CD-ROMs. For example, you may want Our Birds - Florida and Our Birds - Michigan if you spend a lot of time in both places. However, installing three or more state/province CD-ROMs does not make sense since, for less money, you can simply get the full Guide to Birds of North America and see all 925 species. With the full version installed, you can look at birds from any state or province (excluding Hawaii) using the "Filter" feature.

If you buy and install one of the "Our Birds" series, and later want to see all 925 species, you can purchase an upgrade of the same version for $44.95. Call 800-865-2473 to order. Be sure you know which version of the CD you have. The new license key you will receive after you upgrade will "unlock" the rest of the CD-ROM and let you see all 925 species.

It does not make sense to install the Guide to Birds of North America plus one of the "Our Birds" series on the same computer. Everything in an "Our Birds" CD-ROM is already in the Guide to Birds of North America. So you will want just the Guide to Birds of North America installed.

v3.9 - Server Error in '/dnn' Application

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I was in the program and I clicked Help and then clicked Web Links:Tutorials. The web page I was taken to says Server Error in '/dnn' Application in big red letters. Below that it says Configuration Error followed by a Source Error with line 48 in red. What do I do now?

Solution: Unfortunately, this error may be seen when clicking many links within the program, not just the link you mention.

When you see this error it is being displayed in your web browser. The top of the browser will display a link to a web site. It begins with http://www.thayerbirding.com/dnn/whatever

Just click on this link and delete the letters /dnn then press the Enter key on your keyboard. In the example above you would delete /dnn and then you would see http://www.thayerbirding.com/whatever

If you see the error message from within the program's User's Manual and there is not a link at the top of the page, then right-click on the error message and click properties. Copy the long Address(URL) that starts with http://www.thayerbirding.com/dnn/...
Then paste this into a web browser. Then delete the /dnn and hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

We changed our web sites in September 2008 and this was a residual problem that we fixed. You may still have some old links saved as favorites on your computer that need to be updated.

v3.9 - Cannot Install Program - "Administrator Account" Required

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I have Vista and I cannot install v3.9 on my computer. There is an error message telling me I need an Administrator account -- whatever that is.

Solution: This is easy to fix: You have more than one user account set up on your Vista computer. But only one is the administrator account. When you reboot the computer or click "switch users" you will see each user's name and icon. You have one, your spouse may have one, there may be some for the kids and there may even be one called Guest.

In Vista you MUST install ANY NEW software using the administrator's account. So, just log in using that account and install the program. The program will then be available to anyone with an account on that computer.

This is a security measure introduced by Microsoft to prevent kids from installing things when parents are not there to supervise. In fact, even if your computer only has one user, Microsoft recommends that an Administrator account (with password) be created and then a second account be created. They recommend that the non-Administrator account be used for daily work.

Copying Sounds From The DVD

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: Is it OK if I copy sounds from the DVD I own and put them on my iPod?
Can I copy these sounds and play them in the field?
Can I copy the sounds and place them on my web site?

Solution: The sounds on the DVD are all owned by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You may not use these for any reason, other than your own personal use. So you can never put them on your web site. You may not give them to a friend.

But you can use the sounds for your own use. You can move them to your iPod or record them on tape or a disk and play them in the field. [Please be aware of the Birder's Code of Ethics when playing songs in the field].

To copy songs to an iPod or other MP3 player, go to Custom Lists and click the "Prepare for iPod" button or click "File | Prepare for iPod". There are detailed instructions in the Help file. Click Help and then click Custom Lists and then select iPod instructions. Of the 957 species on the DVD in version 5.0, 708 have sound files. These sounds will be able to be transfered to your MP3 player or iPod.

Sounds are in a media folder on the DVD in a folder called sounds. In version 3.9, 4 and 5 the files are named using common names of each species. In earlier version the names are more obscure. Click on the sounds folder and you will see the first sound recording is called: bna000077so01.wav. You can see that this is a recording of the Red-Throated Loon by looking at the list of 708 sound files on our web site.

You could copy these .wav files by playing them on your computer and recording them on another device. Or you could copy them directly from the DVD into an MP3 player, if you have the proper software and hardware.

In version 3.9, 4.0 and 5.0 an image is imbedded in the sound file and will appear as "cover art" in your iPod.

To ask about using the songs in a commercial product or for use at your Nature Center or on your web site, please contact the legal owner of these recordings: Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

You may also want to look at over 50 audio CDs and cassettes available from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The recordings on these other Cornell products are much longer cuts than those used in the Thayer DVDs. Click here to see Bird Song CDs and cassettes

Fix For Wrong Image in iPod or iPhone

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I followed your instructions in the User's Guide: Help >Export to iPod/MP3 >iPod Instructions to copy over 700 songs into my iPhone. Here is what I did: I made a Custom List, clicked File > Prepare for iPod/MP3 and then I made a few folder called TBS Birds and selected Last, First name. All the bird songs were created as mp3 files in this new folder. I then dragged and dropped the folder from my desktop into my iTunes Music. I then made a new playlist in iTunes and dragged 700+ birds from my Music section of iTunes into the new Playlist. I then synched my iPhone with iTunes. However, when I use my iPhone, about 60 of the 700+ birds have the wrong image associated with the song. The songs are all correct. How do I fix this and what happened?

Solution: This is a problem that is caused by a bug in the export from iTunes into an iPod or iPhone. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the files that are exported from the Thayer Birding Software program into iTunes. Apple will need to be the one that fixes this bug -- but we have a work-around that will work for you.

Begin by opening iTunes (we are using version 10). Then click the icon in the upper right corner circled in red in the image below. Then scroll down until you see the list of 700+ birds. Now click on any bird's name. You should see the embedded image in the lower left corner. If you do not, click the small triangle that is circled in red in the image below.

You can now click on the first bird in the list and use your down arrow key on the keyboard to scroll through all your images. You will see that each file has the correct bird image associated with it. These are the files that you exported from the Thayer Birding Software program.

At this point, you will create a playlist or multiple playlists in iTunes. You can then download the new playlist to your iPhone by synching iTunes and your iPhone.

With the new playlist, you can use the iPod feature on your iPhone to play bird songs. However, as you already found out, there are approximately 40 to 90 birds that do not have the correct image in your iPhone -- even though you just saw that they are all correct in iTunes! There are no obvious patterns to help identify which bird's will have the wrong image -- it changes on each computer and even when downloading from the Thayer birding program into iTunes on the same computer!

The problem is that Apple's programming did not expect to see 700+ individual songs with individual images. It is "choking" on a number that large. This issue needs to be addressed by Apple and we urge you to contact them and encourage them to do so!

In the meantime, here is something you can do to fix this problem:
Identify the images that are appearing incorrectly. You may need an experienced birder to help you -- but many of the incorrect images are fairly obvious -- a Duck appears instead of a Sparrow, for example.

Write down each bird's name. Then go back to the list of birds in your Music master list. Right-click on the first bird with an incorrect image. You should see this:

Click "Get Info" and you should then see the image below:

Now click the "Info" tab at the top and enter a period in the box under the word "Album" and click OK at the bottom of the screen.

Continue doing this for about 10-15 birds. Then synch your iPhone with iTunes. Now come back and do the same thing with the next 10-15 birds.

WARNING: If you correct everything in the list and then synch after you are all done you are still very likely to have incorrect images -- so synch in smaller batches.

Special Commendation: We at Thayer Birding Software are extremely grateful and indebted to Mr. David Scarbo for spending over six hours on the phone with Apple technical support and countless hours with his iTunes and iPod in order to get the correct images to appear. He is the one who has brought this work-around to our attention. Thanks David!!!

v3.5 - Error -2147220968 (80040218)

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: Run-time error '-2147220968 (80040218)': LTMM Error: No combination of filters could be found to render the stream.

Solution: The codex for either the compress or uncompress wave file (sound file) is missing. You may want to search the Internet for newer drivers.

You may want to upgrade to the latest version of the software. Visit the Online Nature Mall to order.

Sign up for the Thayer Birding Software eNewsletter to be notified of new versions, free updates and special seasonal discounts.