[Support Center] Most Popular Articles

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

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.

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.

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

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.

V3.5 - I Cannot Hear Sounds

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I cannot hear any sounds or the sounds will not play in version 3.5.

Solution: [In version 3.9 on Vista computers, be sure you have installed Vista Service Pack 1 -- that usually fixes this issue.]

In versions 3 and version 3.5 most of our sounds used compressed wav sound files so we could fit them all on the CD-ROM. These sounds must be decompressed in order to be played. Windows comes with Multimedia files that are used to decompress these sounds so they can be played. Occasionally, these Multimedia files can become corrupt, get uninstalled by other programs or sometimes they are not installed when Windows is installed.

1. Please make sure that your speakers are turned on and plugged in properly, that the volume is turned up, and if there is a mute button or switch, that it is not activated. Volume can be controlled from your computer screen AND probably from your speakers as well. Check both places. Make sure all speaker wires and cords are snuggly attached.

2. See if you can hear other sounds on your computer (with our program closed). Sounds normally are played when Windows starts and exits. Or use a program that you know has sounds that you have heard before, or try to play a music CD. If you can't hear any sounds at all, then you have a hardware, driver, or settings problem. You should seek professional help in fixing this problem. If you can't hear any sounds at all, even while out program is closed, then it is a problem on your computer and beyond our range of support.

3. You most likely have a small speaker icon by the clock in the lower right corner of your computer screen. Double-click this icon to open the expanded volume control window (a single-click will only open the master volume). Make sure all the volume controls are at least halfway up and that they are not muted. (The line-in control can stay muted or turned down.) The 'Wave' volume control is the one that is most likely to be turned down or muted. Please make sure that this one is turned up.

4. If you cannot hear songs for specific birds, such as Blackpoll Warbler or Cedar Waxwing, but you can hear other songs, the problem is not with the software or your speakers. Folks over 50 years old have trouble hearing these high-pitched sounds. It is perfectly normal.

5. If you got this far and still have not fixed your sound problem, then you probably need to install a new driver for you sound card. Check to see which sound card you have by clicking on Start in the lower left corner of your computer and then clicking on Control Panel. Then click on Sound Devices. Once you determine who made the sound card, go to their web site and check for free downloads. We have found that this fixes the problem 80% of the time -- and it will probably fix your sound problem as well.

6. As a last resort, you may need to remove, then reinstall, the Windows Multimedia options using the following steps (Note: you will need your Windows CD-ROM). You may want to get some help from a very knowledgable person rather than try the following steps on your own:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
3. Click the Windows Setup tab.
4. In the Components list box, if the Multimedia checkbox is checked, uncheck it and click OK to complete the removal.
5. Now re-install by double-clicking the Add/Remove Icon and selecting the Windows Setup tab again.
6. Check the Multimedia checkbox.
7. Click the Details button.
8. Make sure the Audio Compression, Video Compression, Volume Control, Sound Recorder, and Media Player checkboxes are checked. Check any others (like the Sound Schemes) if you'd like...your choice!
9. Click OK, then click OK again. Follow the on-screen directions. If the components cannot be found, you may have to look for them. Click the Browse button and select the ‘Win98’ directory (or the appropriate directory) on the CD.
10. Compressed sound and videos should now play.

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Multimedia.
3. Click the Devices tab.
4. Click the plus in front of Audio Compression Codecs to show the list of installed codecs.

The following codecs need to be added if they are missing:
Microsoft PCM Converter
Microsoft ADPCM Audio CODEC
If one or both of these codecs are missing, then use the Add button to install the missing codec(s).

5. Follow the on-screen directions.
6. Compressed sound should now play.

Which Version of the Program Do I Have?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: How do I find out which version of the software I have? Do I have the most recent version?

Solution: Here is how to see which version of the software you are running:

Start the program. Select "Help" and then "About eField Guide Viewer" This will display your version of the program.

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.

Each CD-ROM has an electronic version number as well. Free updates do not change the version number of the physical CD-ROM. To see the electonic version of your CD-ROM, insert your CD into your CD-ROM drive. Double-click the my Computer Icon from your desktop to open My Computer. This will display all of your drives. Look for your CD-ROM drive. The electronic CD Label will be displayed.

v3.1 - ISAM Error

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: The v3.1.2 program will not install because of an uninstallable ISAM or installable ISAM.

Symptom: During or after installation, a message appears that says one of the following:

Couldn’t find Installable ISAM.
(Error #3170) Form=frmEGuide ctl=datChecklistNoAliases This application has generated the following unexpected error: Ã‚Â“Error#:3170 Message: Couldn’t find installable ISAM. Location:modUtilities2:Sub LoadNameCombo_generic”

Solution: There are two different solutions depending on the version of Windows you have installed:

Windows 98/ME: This usually happens with the Language or Regional settings set to French or other non-English languages. Changing your Language or Regional settings to English (Untied States) should allow the program to work. This does not appear to be a problem with French versions of Windows XP.
Windows XP SP2: Download and install the latest Visual Basic runtime from Microsoft. The product ships with the runtime files for Visual Basic 6 Service Pack 5 which has been found to be incompatible with Windows XP Service Pack 2. The latest version, Version 6 Service Pack 6, seems to fix this problem.

You need 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.

I cannot find Common Snipe, Scrub Jay, Myrtle Warbler, Black-shouldered Kite, Common Moorhen, Louisiana Heron, Solitary Vir...

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:09:42 GMT

Problem: Common bird names I expected to see are not appearing in the program.

Solution: The name was probably changed by the AOU. The American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) is an organization of scientists that keeps track of the birds seen in North America. They are also in charge of the common and scientific names we associate with each of these species.

Every July they revise the list. It is normal for a few of these birds to be given a new common name each time the list is revised! When they do, birders have to learn new names, field guides have to be revised, and programs like Guide to Birds of North America have to be updated. In our program, we refer to these as older names as "alias" names.

Scientists may also "split" a species into two or more species. They may even "lump" two or more species into one species. These actions will also lead to changes in bird names. For example, if you try to find Solitary Vireo it will not be there. To make it appear, you need to tell the program to show alias names. To do this, click "Look & Feel" in v3.5 or click Tools and then click Options in v3.9 and select "Include aliases." In this way you will see that Solitary Vireo is now known as Blue-headed Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo and Cassin's Vireo.

Recent splits, lumps or name changes in North America:
Blue Grouse --> Dusky Grouse and Sooty Grouse
Common Snipe --> Wilson's Snipe
Scrub Jay --> Florida Scrub-Jay and Island Scrub-Jay and Western Scrub-Jay
Myrtle Warbler and Audubon's Warbler-->Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-shouldered Kite --> White-tailed Kite
Common Moorehen --> Common Gallinule (changed in 2012 back to the way it was 12 years ago!)
Louisiana Heron --> Tri-colored Heron
Northern Oriole --> Baltimore Oriole and Bullock's Oriole

Will the Program Run on a Mac?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: Can I run Birds of North America on a Mac? I have a Macintosh computer made by Apple Computer, Inc.

Solution: Yes. A Mac version was released on December 3, 2007. Please call 800-865-2473 to order or visit the Online Nature Mall.

There are free updates on our web site for the Mac program (v3.9.3)and you can click Help | Check for Updates from within the program as well.

v3.1 - I Cannot Install On Windows 2000

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: Version 3.1 of the program won't install or run on Windows 2000. I can't install or use the program as a user on Windows 2000. Or I use it a few times and then the program generates a Run-time error 380.

Solution: There is a problem with the privileges settings for users on Windows 2000 Pro. The program should work fine while you are logged in as administrator.

Log in as Administrator and install the program. Log in as Administrator to run program. You can use the program as a user, but the program must be installed and working under the Administrator account first. Then create a new user account and set the appropriate permissions and access.

The program will then work under a user account that is created after the program is installed. Currently, there is no way to make the program work under a user account that was created before the program was installed
.

You need 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.

v3.1 - Media Cannot Be Found

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: The program does not work. it says the Primary Path or Update Path is wrong or needs to be edited, or I get the Media Cannot Be Found error message.

Solution: The Primary Path tells the program where to look for the Media (Photos, Videos, Sounds, Maps, etc.). If this path is wrong, you will receive an error message.

This is often a difficult thing to fix. You will probably want to upgrade to the latest version of the software instead. 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.

The instructions below were written for the full version, Guide to Birds of North America Version 3. If you have FeederWatcher's Guide to Backyard Birds, Birds of My Region or any of the Our Birds Series, please replace any references to Guide to Birds of North America with your CD-ROM's title.

Typical Media Installation

The program requires the CD-ROM

Open the program. If you get the Media cannot be Found error, click 'Cancel' and the eViewer will open, but it will be empty.
Select 'Options', 'Thayer Birding Software Bird CD-ROM Settings'. Select 'OK'. This will open the eField Guide Settings window.
Edit the Primary Path to say e:media where the e: is the drive letter of your CD Rom drive. If it is different from e:, please replace the e: with your CD ROM's drive letter. Also, make sure that there are no spaces, that there is a : (colon) after the drive letter and that there are (backslashes) before and after 'media'. If you don't know what your CD-ROM's drive letter is, or if it is not working, click on the Binocular Icon at the end of the Primary Path Line. This will open an Explorer Window. Click on the + (plus sign) next to 'My Computer' to expand the items below it. Click on the + next to your CD-ROM drive to expand the items below it. It will say something like Gbna301(d:), Fgbb30001(e:), Ob311(d:) or something similar. Click on the Media Folder to highlight it in blue (not the + next to it, click on the word 'Media').
Click the 'Accept' button at the bottom. This will automatically change the Primary Path for you. The Primary Path should now read e:media
Select the 'Update' button. Select 'OK' to confirm that the changes have been made.
Close the eField Guide Viewer and the program.

Custom Media Installation

Full installation. CD-ROM is not required to run the program.

Open the program. If you get the Media cannot be Found error, click 'Cancel' and the eViewer will open, but it will be empty.
Select 'Options', 'Thayer Birding Software Bird CD-ROM Settings'. Select 'OK'. This will open the eField Guide Settings window.
Please use one of the following two methods to edit the Primary Path:

A . Click on the Binocular Icon at the end of the Primary Path Line. This will open an Explorer Window. Click on the + (plus sign) next to 'My Computer' to expand the items below it. Click on the + next to c: (local c: or hard drive) to expand the items below it. Click on the + next to the 'clo_cd' folder to expand the items below it. Click on the Media Folder to highlight it in blue (not the + next to it, click on the word 'Media'). Click the 'Accept' button at the bottom.

This will automatically change the Primary Path for you. The Primary Path should now read c:clo_cdmedia Select the 'Update' button.

Select 'OK' to confirm that the changes have been made. Close the eField Guide Viewer and the program. OR

B. Change the e: to c:clo_cd by clicking in front of the e:, pressing 'Delete' twice and then typing c:clo_cd The Primary Path should now read c:clo_cdmedia Please make sure that it is exactly like this with no extra spaces or 's. Please make sure that the path ends with a Once the Primary Path is correct, select the 'Update' button. Select 'OK' to confirm that the changes have been made. Close the eField Guide Viewer.

NOTE: The Media Folder contains four folders: Maps, Photos, Sounds, Videos. Occasionally the Media Folder is not there and the four sub-folders are just under the clo_cd folder. If this is the case, please make sure the primary path says: c:clo_cd You can leave off the media

If you get an error message say that there is an invalid Update Path, please edit or delete everything in the Update Path Field, the third field below the Primary Path. The Update Path is only used if you have applied the June 2002 Media Update (the 108 free photos update). If you had applied this update, then you need to edit the path. If you have not, then you can just delete everything in this path. To delete everything in the Update Path Field, click anywhere in the Update Path Field and then use the 'Delete' or 'Backspace' key on your keyboard to delete the entire field.

If you had applied the June 2002 Media Update, then please edit the Update Path Field by changing it to this: C:Program Files\Thayer Birding Software\eViewerupdatemedia OR C:PROGRA~1THAYER~1eViewerupdatemedia This path needs to be exactly like one of these. It doesn't matter which one you use, they both point to the same place. Capitalization doesn't matter either, but it is very important to make sure that the spaces and other characters are correct. If you cannot get the path correct or to work, you can delete the entire Update Path and then re-apply the June 2002 Media Update.
Once the changes have been made, select the 'Update' button. Select 'OK' to confirm that the changes have been made. Close the eField Guide Viewer and the program.
Double-click the desktop icon to start the program. The program should now work properly.

v3.1 - I Forgot My Password

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I have version 3.0 or 3.1 and I forgot my password.

Solution: Go to the ThayerBirding.com web site and download the small program for v3.0 and v3.1 users called Easy Registration & Activation. This program will automatically register your software. You will no longer need a password. If you do not have Internet access, please call 800-865-2473 (M-F 9:30am - 4:30 pm eastern time) to get your password.

Version 3.5 and later versions do not require a password.

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.

Your list of birds starts with Ducks. My field guide starts with Loons. Why?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: The birds seems to be appearing in a "strange" order in the program when I select taxonomic order. Why aren't Loons shown first?

Solution: In the July 2003 issue of the Auk, the American Ornithologists' Union announced that the correct taxonomic order for birds in North America was to put Ducks and Grouse directly after the Tinamous. As a result, the American Ornithologists' Union as well as the American Birding Association now show Ducks first.

Yes, that really does mean that all your field guides are suddenly incorrect! But this is not something new. North American field guides from 1950 have the Parrots and Cuckoos listed first. As scientists learn more, these lists will continue to change.

v3.5 - eField Guide Drops to Start Tray. Progam Will Not Open.

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: After clicking on the icon on the desktop, the program appears to open for an instant and then it drops down into the bottom of the screen -- into the Start Tray. There is a small box that says eField Guide Viewer. Nothing appears on the Main screen.

Solution: Right-click inside the box at the bottom of the screen that says eField Guide Viewer. Then click on the word Maximize.

The program had last been saved in a minimized position. The program remembers the last setting when it was closed and opens in that "saved" position.

v3.5 - Error 380

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: In version 3.5 I got a Run-Time Error 380 when moving sightings and custom lists from version 3.1 into version 3.5

Solution: Install 3.5.4 to fix this bug. This free download is available at www.ThayerBirding.com. Then try importing your sightings again.

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.

No Sounds in the Screen Saver

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I am not hearing any sounds in the Screen Saver.

Solution: First, you must be using version 3.1.2 or higher for sounds to be heard with the screen saver. Then, you must build a NEW list to use as a screen saver and select the option to include sounds. Please note that installing the v3.1.2 update will not retroactively cause existing screen savers (built in v3.0) to have songs.

1. Start the program.
2. Select 'Help' and then 'About this eField Guide…' from the menu bar.
3. If the version number says 3.1.2 or higher, then you can include sounds with the screen saver. Select 'OK'.
4. Open the Custom List Manager. You can do this by selecting 'Quick Find' and then 'Custom List Manager' or by clicking the Custom List Manager Icon.
5. Select a List, or create a new list.
6. Click the 'Save As Screen Saver' button or in v3.9, click File > Save As Screen Saver.
7. Select 'Yes' to Include Sounds and then click 'OK'.
8. Patiently wait while it builds the screen saver. It will display a message stating that it is setup and ready to go. Click 'OK'
9. Exit or Minimize the Custom List Manager, eViewer, and any other windows that may be open.
10. With everything closed or minimized, right-click in a blank area of your desktop.
11. Select 'Properties' from the menu that appears to open the Display Properties Window.
12. Select the Screen Saver Tab.
13. In the Screen Saver field, use the drop-down arrow to select 'Thayer Birding Software' from the list of screen savers.
14. Select the 'Settings' button to make other setting adjustments like: How long to wait before displaying the next bird; Special Effects which changes how a photo transitions to the next one; and whether you want the sound to play once or 'Loop' which means it will continue to play until the next bird is displayed.
15. After adjusting your settings, you can set the amount of time your system must be idle before the screen saver will be displayed and you can preview the screen saver.
16. Select 'OK'
18. Wait the appropriate amount of time for the screen saver to become active and you should see the photos and hears the sounds.

v3.9 - Cannot Download Update - No Internet Access

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I can not download the latest Update because I do not have internet access or my connection speed to the Internet is very slow.

Solution: From a friend's computer, you can download the Update and have them copy it onto a recordable CD for you. Take this CD home and use it to install the upgrade on your computer.

If the computer needing the update is networked to a computer that does have Internet access, you can download the update to the network and then copy it to the computer that needs to be updated.

v3.1 - Run-time Error After Entering License Key

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I got a Run-time Error after entering my License Key.

Solution: This problem only occurs on systems with two different temporary folders.

The License Key subsystem passed decoded information back to the setup program via a file in the temporary folder. While the License Key subsystem will handle various temporary folder conditions, the setup program seems to have a problem with them if they're different.

If you are having this problem, you have a very old CD-ROM.

You need 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.

How Can I Sell Thayer CDs on My Web Site?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: We would like to sell the Thayer Birding CDs to raise money for our organization. How would we do this? Are there other nature-related items we sould sell?

Solution: OnlineNatureMall.com lets your organization create an online Nature Mall in a matter of minutes. Offer over 15,000 birding books, CDs, feeders, optics and more.

There is no cost to become an Affiliate. You will receive payouts of 10% of sales each month. Simply visit the mall and click on Become An Affiliate at the bottom of the page.

All sales at an OnlineNatureMall.com affiliate store benefit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as well as your organization. OnlineNatureMall.com is a division of Thayer Birding Software.

v3.9 - Change the Order In Which Birds Appear

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: How can we change the way the list of birds is displayed? I want to see them in alphabetical order and my wife wants to see them in taxonomic order.

Solution: In version 3.9 there are two boxes to the right of the bird's name. Use the first to select Common or Scientific name. Use the second to select Taxonomic or Alphabetic order.

In earlier versions the bird names appear in a drop-down list. The image below shows that a bird named Abert's Towhee has been selected. Click the small black arrow to the right of the bird name to see the entire list of birds. You can scroll up and down this list. Click on the bird name you want to see. You can also type a bird's name in the box to see a new bird.

You can arrange this list to display in six different ways.

1. Common Name, taxonomic
2. Common Name, alphabetic
3. Common Name, alphabetic by last name
4. Scientific Name, taxonomic
5. Scientific Name, alphabetic
6. Scientific Name, alphabetic by last name

To select from these six choices, click the small black arrow next to the icon that looks like a hand holding a piece of paper. Then click on your choice. The current choice will have a "->" in front of it.

Most folks prefer one of the first three choices. But if you teach ornithology at a university, you may want one of the last three choices! Go ahead, try them all. Then scroll up and down the list of bird names.

Common Name, taxonomic would show the birds arranged like this:
Eastern Meadowlark
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird

Common Name, alphabetic would show the birds arranged like this:
Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Screech-Owl
Eastern Towhee

Common Name, alphabetic by last name would show the birds arranged like this:
Meadowlark, Eastern
Meadowlark, Western
Merganser, Common
Merganser, Hooded

Note: Scientists have recently made MAJOR changes to the taxonomic list of North American birds -- and they are not through yet! Loons no longer appear first. Ducks now are first. (Yes, that does mean all your field guides are now obsolete! Sorry.)

Did you know that you can also have the Common Name appear in English, Spanish, French or German? Really!

Click the work "Options" in the Menu Bar along the top of the screen - it is between the words Filter and Windows. [In version 3.9 click Tools and then click Options.] Then click "eViewer Settings". Now click on the "Name List" tab. The drop-down list will let you select from the four different languages. If other choices appear, ignore them.

Select a language, click "Save" and then go back to see the list of birds. Their names now appear in the language you have selected. Click a name to see if you can guess what it is. Were you correct?

There is one other change you can make. Go back to "Options" and select "eViewer Settings" again. Click Name tab, but this time check the box that says "include Aliases in name list". Change the setting back to English and click "Save".

Now the list of birds will include the current names in bold and other names used in the past will appear below the bold name. Scroll through the list. Some birds have been known by five or more different names!

How Do I Ask Other Users For Help?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: Is there an informal place to go top ask questions about using the program? I do not have a big problem that requires a Help Desk Ticket -- I just need some guidance.

Solution: Go to www.Thayerbirding.com and click on the tab that says Forums. This is the place to ask your question!

Employees of Thayer Birding Software monitor the Forums and respond to your questions. Other folks that use the software will also help answer your questions. Many of them have used Thayer Birding Software products for years and have helped with testing along the way.

You may read the Forums without registering, but to post a question, you will need to log in to the Thayer Birding Software web site.

Petey the Parrot is annoying. How do I turn him off?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: How do I make the talking parrot go away?

Solution: You can hide Petey the Parrot at any time by right-clicking on Petey and selecting Hide.

v3.1 - Media Not Found After Update

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: There is an error message when using the eViewer: "Media (e.g. photos, sounds, videos, maps, etc.) cannot be located because the CD is not loaded in your CD-ROM drive or the folders on your hard drive have been changed. Please correct and click RETRY."

Solution: Possible causes: You applied an Update and you have done a custom media installation. Or, the wrong CD-ROM drive letter was selected during installation.
For eField Guide versions 3.1.0, 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, follow the instructions below. If you have version 3.0.0 or 3.0.1 there is another Knowledgebase article titles "Media Not Found" that you should read.

For a 'Typical' or 'Normal' media installation , put your CD in your CD Rom drive. Start the program. If the error message appears, select 'Cancel'. The eViewer will load empty, it will just be a gray window. From the menu bar, select 'Options' and then 'Thayer Birding Software Bird CD-ROM Settings'. Select 'OK'. The eField Guide Settings window will open. Change the Primary Path to the correct CD Rom drive letter and select 'Update'. If you are not sure what the correct drive letter is, select the Binocular Icon to the right of the Primary Path. This will open an Explorer Window. Under My Computer, look for your CD Rom drive. Select the Plus sign next to it to display the contents of that drive. Select the 'Media' folder to open it and then select 'Accept' and then 'Update'.
After your changes have been updated, select 'OK' and then exit completely out of the program. Restart the program. It should now work properly.

The Primary Path should be e:media where the e: is the drive letter of your CD Rom drive. If it is different from e:, please replace the e: with your CD Rom's drive letter. Also, make sure that there are no spaces, that there is a : (colon) after the drive letter and that there are (backslashes) before and after 'media'.

For a 'custom' media installation , start the program. If the error message appears, select 'Cancel'. The eViewer will load empty, it will just be a gray window. From the menu bar, select 'Options' and then 'Thayer Birding Software Bird CD-ROM Settings'. Select 'OK'. The eField Guide Settings window will open. Change the Primary Path to the correct path to the media folder on your hard drive and select 'Update'. If you are not sure where the media folder is, select the Binocular Icon to the right of the Primary Path. This will open an Explorer Window. Under My Computer, look for your c: drive. Select the Plus sign next to it to display the contents of that drive. Select the 'CLO_CD' folder and select the Plus sign next to it to display the contents of that folder. Select the 'Media' folder to open it and then select 'Accept' and then 'Update'.
After your changes have been updated, select 'OK' and then exit completely out of the program. Restart the program. It should now work properly.

The Primary Path should be c:clo_cdmedia where the c:clo_cd is the folder which you copied all the photos, videos and sounds into. If it is different from c:clo_cd, please replace the c:clo_cd with the correct folder. Also, make sure that there are no spaces, that there is a : (colon) and a (backslash) after the drive letter and that there are (backslashes) before and after 'media'.

You can test your Primary Path by selecting the Red Check-mark Icon at the right of the Primary Path field in the eField Guide Settings window. Once the test is successful, it is safe to update the information and exit the program.

You need 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.

v3.1 - Fatal Error Message When Entering a Sighting

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:16:27 GMT

Problem: I get an error message when I edit a sighting. I get a Fatal Error: "Could not load data for sighting id5 [or any other id __] Latest Error Properties 0= "

Solution: This bug only appears in CDs created before 2002.

You need 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.