CARCare - Automotive Maintenance Software

CARCare
Title: HOW TO: Move CARCare to a New PC

Background:
If you have been using CARCare on one PC and want to place it to a new PC, you will need to install CARCare on your new PC and then copy your prior database file ("CARCare.db") to your new PC. This will enable you to continue using your prior data. The instructions below assume you are using the default database filename ("CARCare.db").

Do Not try to copy the CARCare software from your prior PC to your new PC. You will need to Install it using the download link on the Download page of the CARCareSoftware.com Website.

NOTE: If your database file is on a file server, simply install CARCare on your new PC and use the File | Database | Open... menu function to open your database file on your server. You may skip the remainder of this document.

Ensure that you have installed the latest release of CARCare from Download page of the CARCare Website, onto your new PC. Do not start CARCare on your new PC.

On Your PRIOR PC:
Start CARCare, click Help | About..., note your Build Number and your 16-Digit Registration Key, then close CARCare.

Start Windows Explorer. If your PCs are not networked, use a USB drive or similar storage device to copy your database file from your Prior PC to your New PC following the information below. You will only be copying your database file. You will be replacing the 'sample' database that was installed on your new PC when you installed CARCare. This is expected.

If Your Prior PC is Running Windows XP or Earlier
	If you have CARCare Build 92 or Later, copy your database file
			From: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

	If you have CARCare Build 91 or Earlier, copy your database file
			From: C:\Program Files\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

If Your Prior PC is Running Windows Vista

	If you have CARCare Build 92 or Later, copy your database file
			From: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

	If you have CARCare Build 91 or Earlier...
		Right-click your CARCare icon on your desktop, choose properties, then click the Compatibility tab. Note whether the "Run this program as an administrator" box is checked (do not change it), and then click Cancel. You will need to know this prior to continuing.

		If Admin was Checked, copy your database file
			From: C:\Program Files\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

		If Admin was Not Checked, copy your database file
			From: C:\Users\<yourusername>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

If Your Prior PC is Running Windows 7 or Later

	If you have CARCare Build 92 or Later, copy your database file
			From: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

	If you have CARCare Build 91 or Earlier, copy your database file...
			From: C:\Program Files\CARCare on your Prior PC
			To: C:\Users\Public\CARCare on your New PC

Once you have copied your database file to the C:\Users\Public\CARCare folder on your new PC, start CARCare on your new PC, enter your name and Registration Key, and then click OK.

If your see 'sample' vehicles rather than your actual vehicles, that means that you were previously using a database filename other than the default "CARCare.db" filename. To remedy this, click the File | Database | Open... menu function to open your actual database at that location.

Important:
Be sure to click Options | Preferences... in CARCare to change the Backup Path to an external device such as a USB Drive or an external hard drive. If the hard drive in your PC fails, you will be able to rely on the backup copies of your database on the external device. Be sure to read the document entitled "HOW TO: Use Backup Copies of Your Database" in the event you need to rely on a backup copy.

If you need additional assistance, please write us:
support@CARCareSoftware.com