MasterCook 5+ Installation

Backing Up Your Files
Version 5.x/6.x Combining SierraHome Products
Version 5.x Updates/Patches
Version 6.0 (SierraHome)
Version 6.0 (SierraHome) Uninstall and Reinstall
Version 6.2 (ValuSoft)
Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging ALL SierraHome/ValuSoft Versions 5.x/6.x Products
Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging MC Versions 4/3/2/1 Products into ValuSoft MC 6.2
Version 7.0 (ValuSoft)
Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Adding/Restoring Cookbooks, Menus, Meal Plans and/or Collection Folders
Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Merging Ingredient Lists and Tips
Windows 2000/XP
Windows Me
Windows NT

1. Backing Up Your Files

What do we mean by back up? Copy your files from your hard drive to another location. If you can, it is better to copy them to a floppy disk or other media you can remove from your computer (zip disk, super disk, CD-RW, etc.). If your group of files is too large to fit on one diskette, you can copy one or two cookbooks on one diskette, then go to the next set. Still too big? Divide a large cookbook into two or more cookbooks or use file compression, like WinZip.

By backing up to removable media like floppies, your cookbooks will survive even a hard drive crash. If you would rather not do this, you can move them to another folder on your hard drive, preferably a folder you have created for just this purpose.

For even more security, make a second set of backup disks, too. First back up to set one, and the next time, back up to set two. That way, your files will not be totally inaccessible if there is a glitch in the copy process or if your diskette goes bad on you.

IF you are backing up to uninstall/reinstall because of a problem with a particular personal cookbook or other file you have customized, you should back it up, too, but do *not* overwrite any backups of that cookbook or file that you made previously, just in case the problem was with the cookbook or file itself, and not the program.

What files do I back up for MasterCook?

Generally, you only need to back up those files you have added to the program, like cookbooks to which you have added recipes, or customized in some way. Be sure to back up these files regularly, especially when you are about to uninstall or install another MasterCook product or patch your MasterCook. Here is a checklist of many kinds of files you might have customized:

In the Collection Folders:
.pln - meal plans
.mnu - menus
.MC2 - cookbooks
.MCX - picture files
.MCZ - search index files in v6.x (these can be regenerated by MC)

In the Program folder:
address.LST - e-mail addresses for recipe exchange
userdic.tlx - words added to dictionary for spellchecker

In the MC Tools folder:
.mcd - print designs
.mcp - paper definitions
.sl - shopping lists
.pl - pantry
.el - equivalents
.bl - substitutions
.src - saved search criteria
MC Ingredients.ing - ingredient file (if you edited it)
MC Prep Methods.mtd - prep list
MC Alt Sources.mtd - alternate source labels
MC Alt Times.mtd - alternate times labels
MC Wine List.wl - wine list
MC Favorites.mfv - favorites
MC Tips.mtf - Tips file (if you edited it)
MC Tips.mcx - Tips pictures (if you edited Tips file or added a picture)

How do I copy the files?

Let's take backing up your personal cookbooks as an example: To back up your personal cookbooks, first exit MasterCook. Then use Windows Explorer to go to your cookbook folders. The default installation folders are:

for the ValuSoft 7.0, C:\Program Files\MasterCook 7\My Collection (or other collection folder);

for the ValuSoft 6.2, C:\Program Files\MasterCook\My Collection (or other collection folder);

for the Sierra 6.0, C:\Sierra\MasterCook 6(or 5)\My Collection (or other collection folders you have added).

Copy the *.mc2 and the associated picture files (*.mcx) to a floppy disk. Your files relating to meal plans (*.pln) and menus (*.mnu) are also in this folder, and you can copy them at the same time. The *.mcz files (search indexes) can be backed up as well, or, if space is at a premium, you can regenerate them later on if the cookbook needs to be restored.

How do I reinstall my backup files?

To reinstall them, again exit MasterCook. Use Windows Explorer to copy them back to the same MasterCook folder they came from. Then start MasterCook. While viewing your list of cookbooks, press the F5 key on your keyboard to refresh the file list. If you added new collection folders, use Tools > Manage Collections to ADD these folders.

When should I back up my MasterCook files?

To be absolutely safe, you should back up any file after you have made a change in it. If you just added a lot of recipes to one particular cookbook, you don't need to back up "all" of your files, just that one cookbook. Many people just set an arbitrary schedule for themselves, like once a week or once a month, depending on how frequently they work with their cookbooks. Routine backups are totally your decision.

Using a CD to Back Up

Files you have backed up on a CD will probably have the read-only attribute. This means that you will not be able to edit or otherwise alter them, even when you copy them back to your program, unless you change their file attributes. Use Windows Explorer to copy them from the CD to an empty folder on your hard drive. Highlight all the file names, choose Properties from the File Menu, and un-check the Read-only box. (You can select many files at once and then change their properties at the same time.) Then move them to the proper location within your MasterCook folder. For additional information on backing up to CD's, see "Cookbooks - Backing up Cookbooks on CD" in this cookbook.

IMPORTANT!!! You should *ALWAYS* back up your cookbook and other files before: (1) uninstalling and reinstalling your original MasterCook program or other MasterCook product, or (2) installing a patch to a MasterCook program.

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2. Version 5.x/6.x Combining SierraHome Products

Q. What if we buy more than one set of cookbooks with MasterCook 5.x/6.x? Do we use the "install" application for each one? Is this the only way to get the glossary links and movie tips. (See the mastercook.ini file and sections for [PicturePacks] and[VideoLists])

Also, what happens to the ingredients that I added if I install the Cooking Light version "on top of" the Betty Crocker version?

What does SierraHome recommend? Does copy from CD give us all the ingredients and menus and extras?

Q. In MasterCook 4.06 I used the Merge Wizard to add the Graham Kerr and MasterCook Deluxe to my Cooking Light. I can not find any reference to a Merge Wizard in the 5.x/6.x manual. What do I do?

A. MasterCook 5.x/6.x can use the same application directory to store all content releases such as Betty Crocker, Cooking Light, Deluxe. In other words the entire application can live in a single folder instead of multiple folders throughout your hard drive. Each content release will have a Collection folder such as Betty Crocker Collections, Deluxe Collections and Cooking Light Collections (which are the extent currently of the 5.0 releases). The same executable is used for all products.

After you install a new content release such as Cooking Light in conjunction with Deluxe the following things will have happened.

1. You will have a new collections folder with the content that belongs to that release.
2. You will have a merged tips file with new videos/etc.
3. The Cookbook Browser screen will have all cookbooks from all products displayed.
4. Your branding (Splashscreen, watermarks, etc.) throughout the program will change to the last installed product. For example if at first you had Betty Crocker installed then later installed Cooking Light then you will have all the artwork for Cooking Light instead of Betty Crocker.
5. New Menus and Meal plans should be present.

NOTE: The only upgradeable files from 4.0 are Cookbooks and the USER.ING file. All other files (menus/meal plans, shopping lists, print layouts, etc.) are non-upgradeable items from 4.0 and will have to be re-created.

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3. Version 5.x Updates/Patches

First, check to see what MasterCook version you have. The version number printed on your box, CD, or manual may not be totally accurate. Check the version number by looking in Help>About MasterCook from the main menu in MasterCook itself. This will determine which of the patches you will need, so don't leave this step out.

The latest version of MasterCook 5 is 5.05. The patch downloads are free.

IMPORTANT!!!

IF your installed version shows version 5.0 through 5.02, you will need to apply the 5.03 patch BEFORE applying the 5.05 patch.

IF your installed version shows version 5.03 or 5.04, you will need to apply ONLY the 5.05 patch.

IF your installed version shows version 5.05 or if you have the Best of MasterCook title, you do NOT need to apply ANY patch.

How do I get the patch(es) and which ones should I get?

If you have version 5.00 - 5.02 installed, you will need to first download mc503.exe (you will also need to apply it first, before applying the 5.05 patch) -- then download the 5.05 patch as well.

If you have version 5.03 - 5.04 installed, you will need to download mc505pat.exe.
Go get your patch or patches at the location below. The URLs are directly to the ftp site. You should get a window that asks what you want to do with the file. You should choose to save it to your computer.

PATCH Version 5.03

DESCRIPTION: This patch will update MasterCook 5.0 Cooking Light, Deluxe, Food & Wine, and the Complete Suite to version 5.0.3.0. This patch can be applied to any 5.0, 5.01, and 5.02 version of MasterCook. To find out exactly which version number you are using select About MasterCook from the Help menu while inside the program.

http://mastercook.cdkitchen.com/

PATCH Version 5.05

DESCRIPTION: This patch will update MasterCook Cooking Light, Deluxe, Complete Suite, and Food & Wine versions 5.03 and 5.04 to 5.05. If you do not have one of those two versions you will have to update to 5.03 in order to install this patch. To find out exactly which version number you are using select About MasterCook from the Help menu while inside the program.

http://mastercook.cdkitchen.com/

Note: Always download to a file on your computer. Do not try to execute or run the file in the download process. If you need to download both patches, you will need to do this one at a time.

How do I apply the patch?

IMPORTANT: Back up your personal cookbooks and personalized files before applying the patch. See Backing Up Your Files above.

After the file(s) is/are downloaded, exit all running programs, including MasterCook. Make sure that your antivirus program is NOT enabled. (Sometimes, you can do this by right-clicking the program's icon in your systray and choosing from a menu; other times you will need to open the antivirus program and disable it from a menu there.) Also check to see that Norton's CrashGuard, First Aid, and similar programs are NOT enabled.

You can (and should) double-check to see what programs are running by pressing ctrl-alt-del on your computer. If you can find out, perhaps from your computer manufacturer, which programs you can safely end task on at this stage, you should. During the installation process, many programs ask you to shut down extra programs that load when your computer starts up. It makes sense to try and identify those you can live without and still maintain basic functions (like mouse drivers). Do NOT End Task on Explorer or Systray.

Now use Windows Explorer to go to the folder where you downloaded the patch file and doubleclick on the file name. (Remember, if you need to apply both patches, apply the 5.03 patch first.) The patch will install automatically.

Restart your computer.

If you need to apply both the 5.03 patch and the 5.05 patch, you can open MasterCook after applying the first patch to make sure it "took." Check the version number shown in Help>About MasterCook. The version number in Help>About MasterCook should show version 5.0.3. Can you open cookbooks? Can you search? Then close MasterCook and follow the same procedures to apply the second patch. Don't forget to turn off all those extra programs again.

When you are finished with the patching process, you should restart your computer. This will clear your resources and give Windows a chance to update its own records. After you restart, all the programs you ended task on will again be active. The patch file(s) may be deleted after installation if you like, but you may leave it in place or transfer it to a zip disk, super disk or similar media to keep in case you need to reinstall MasterCook at a later time.

Did you get an error message while patching? If you apply the wrong patch, you WILL get this error: "RTCDLL.DLL is not a valid previous version." If you get this error, it would be best to uninstall and reinstall everything.

Some of the Things That Were Addressed in Version 5.03:

	Sierra fixed the issue with importing recipes if there are brackets in the alternate source field.
	Embedded recipes now export.
	We can sort cookbooks by collection now.
	The MasterCook 4&5 export is now a true version 4 format, the lines are now truncated to support MasterCook 4's smaller text fields. (MasterCook 5's text fields sure are better -- love those longer fields.)
	A blank row now gets inserted between exported direction cells.
	We now have a category template, although, I still prefer to use my "dummy" cookbook with all the categories set and colors and fonts I want for my newly created cookbooks.
	Now it prompts to delete empty categories.
	When you open a new recipe, the title is now highlighted, making it easy to type in the title.
	We can now edit the ingredients and directions in the Edit Design window.
	There is new right-click functionality of the MasterList.
	The MasterList has been redesigned to open in its own window.
	Search speed has improved.
	When doing an advanced search and selecting to search for Ingredients to Use, you no longer have to drag the ingredients that you select from the list up into the Ingredients to Use box. They are automatically added to this box as you use the Ctrl key when selecting more than one from the list.
	The Import Assistant window is more intuitive.
	The Copy to Cookbook button (in the Import Assistant) has been changed to Move to Cookbook. This way when you are moving parts of the recipe from the Import Assistant into the Recipe Editor, you can see what you have left to move.
	Online Help is more extensive.
	We can delete recipes from the Search results.
	When we import our MasterCook 4 cookbooks, the recipe pictures are no longer unmatched.
	Cookbook files now compress when recipes are deleted.
	Scaling of Recipes has been improved; units of measure will no longer convert -- going from 2 cups will result in 4 cups.
	Copying a duplicate recipe to a cookbook now results in a prompt of what to do -- rename, overwrite, etc.
	Auto-numbering directions is added as a global setting from the Preferences.
	Recipes added to Menus and MealPlans will retain their original servings.
	There are new buttons for the shopping list - Check All and Uncheck All.
	If you don't have any items in your shopping list checked, you will get prompted that a shopping list won't print since you don't have any items selected to print.
	Categorization of Wines
	Linking of tips to entries in the Wine List
	New fields are available in the Wine List: quality, availability, pricing and source
	Sorting of Wines by alphabet, availability, category, price, quality, region, source and wine name
	Category/Cuisine/Rating template now available when creating New Cookbooks
	Introduction to MasterCook
	Contextual Help is available by pressing F1

Some of the Things That Were Addressed in Version 5.05:

	In Categories/Ratings, when modifying categories or ratings for multiple recipes, inadvertent reset of cuisine no longer occurs.
	In Cookbooks, cookbooks marked as READONLY or located on READONLY media (e.g. CDROM) can now be opened.
	In Alternate Source Label editing dialog, label changed to indicate list is global and not cookbookspecific.
	In Alternate Times Label list, adding a new time label no longer results in it being put in list twice.
	In Export, when mailing a recipe via SMTP, the Date Sent will now be correct.
	In Export, when mailing a recipe via MAPI (Client Enabled), the client (e.g. Outlook) address dialog will now be opened.
	In Export, when mailing a recipe, multiple addresses in the "to" field no longer causes address corruption.
	In Find and Replace, replacing a recipe title with that of an existing recipe no longer causes a fatal.
	In Find and Replace, the Next Recipe button no longer skips over recipes.
	In Import Assistant, cancelling out will no longer generate an erroneous 'Low Resources' warning dialog.
	In Ingredient List, entering a fraction will no longer return an ‘INVALID INTEGER´ warning.In MasterList, copying a recipe to another MasterList will now carry over the original recipe's categories too.
	In MasterList, deleting 'Uncategorized' will no longer cause a fatal (note that this is just a placeholder and cannot really be deleted anyway).
	In MasterList, ESC key no longer disables the left and right panes.
	In Meals, deleting a MealPlan while one of its Menus is open no longer causes a fatal.
	In My Categories, removing a category, cuisine or rating no longer causes a fatal.
	In Printing, Dietary Fiber is now available on the Nutrition Summary print out.
	In Printing, whenever you select 'PRINT CATEGORY INDEX', category titles will now print.
	In Printing, a MealPlan will now include the date of the meals on the print out.
	In Print Design, arrowing through combo box lists will no longer cause processing until a selection is made.
	In Recipe Display, Alt+X will now launch the recipe ratings dialog.
	In Recipe Editor, Alt+K will now launch the recipe scaling dialog.
	In Recipe Editor, New Recipe will reset the cursor position in ingredients and directions table to the first item.
	In Recipe Editor, tabbing out of the fastfill ingredients field no longer causes cursor to "stick".
	In Recipe Editor, inserting a video from a network location (e.g. /\server) no longer fatals.
	In Recipe Editor, Modify Category/Cuisine/Rating dialog will now open to selected tab (e.g. cuisines).
	In Recipe Editor, Menus or MealPlans, opening up the ingredient list will open to the highlighted ingredient.
	In Recipe List, opening the first recipe (in title order) to a new window no longer causes a fatal.
	In Search, the 30recipe limit on copies from Search Results has been removed.
	In Search, the cuisine list will no longer appear to be empty when a recipe with a blank cuisine exists.
	In Search, ingredient searches thru MealPlans now works correctly.
	In Search, any combination of source, alternate source, author and copyright may now be searched.
	In Search, subtitle searches thru recipes where first ingredient is a blank line no longer causes a fatal.
	In Search Results, the Delete key will now delete the selected recipe from its cookbook as well as from the list.
	In Search, selection of search criteria for Time and Nutrition ranges is better behaved.
	In Search, changing search target type (e.g. from cookbooks to menus) will now reset all search criteria.
	In Shopping and Ingredient Lists, improved accuracy of computed costs to the nearest penny.
	In Substitutions and Yield/Equivalents, general behavior of editors and list displays improved.
	In Substitutions and Yield/Equivalents, adding a new item to an empty list no longer cause a fatal.
	In Wine List, keyboard shortcuts for cut & paste now work in editable fields.
	In Wine List, the current selection will be preserved when changing sort order.
	In Wine List, when sorted by region, adding a new wine will no longer cause a fatal.
	In Wine List, when sorted by category, changes to a wine's category will display in the wine list as expected.
	Vast speed improvements in Search and MasterList.
	MCX (cookbook picture) files will now shrink to recover excess empty space from deleted pictures.
	Checked items are now displayed at the top of the category list for a recipe.
	Prompt to delete empty categories will now only be displayed if an empty category is detected.
	Arrow keys now work in combo boxes.
	ENTER key behavior corrected in many places (advancing cells in edit tables, default button activation etc.).
	CTRLENTER key will once again add a carriage return into an editable table cell (recipe editor, shopping, etc.).
	Delete key will now work as expected in Import Assistant, Shopping, Favorites and Search views.
	Delete key will now work as expected in dialogs launched from Shopping, Favorites and Search views.
	Refresh (F5) will now always correctly update document lists in noncookbook/nonrecipe views.

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4. Version 6.0 (SierraHome)

Basic Install Guidelines

1. Back up your files. Before installing ANY MasterCook product or patch, you should be sure to back up all of your existing MasterCook files.

You may want to review Backing Up Your Files to make sure you have your backups in order.

2. Exit all running programs, including MasterCook. Make sure that your antivirus program is NOT enabled. (Sometimes, you can do this by right-clicking the program's icon in your systray and choosing from a menu; other times you will need to open the antivirus program and disable it from a menu there.) Also check to see that Norton's CrashGuard, First Aid, and similar programs are NOT enabled. Many people have had corrupt installations of MasterCook because antivirus or crash guard programs were left running during installation.

3. During the install process, MasterCook 6 will search your hard drive for preexisting user.ing files from MasterCook 4. (This is the file that contains the information on ingredients you have added or amended for your ingredients list.) If you do NOT want these files incorporated into your v6 installation, you should do a thorough search of your entire hard drive to locate them and rename them with a distinctive file extension such as *.temp. Otherwise they will be automatically incorporated into the MasterCook 6 MC Ingredients.ing file. After MasterCook 6 is installed, go back and rename them to their original name.

Version 6 Install Options

These different options are set out because MasterCook 6 installs somewhat differently than the other MasterCook products you may have installed in the past. It should default to installing over the top of your existing MasterCook 5, essentially replacing it. This was designed into the program so that it could incorporate your personalized ingredient lists from prior versions, both 4 and 5. This is a great feature, but, if you do not want to merge versions 5 and 6 now, other install options are available.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to get the result you want, be sure to note the folder the installer states will be used and direct it elsewhere if necessary.

1. Default Install: Allow (or direct) MasterCook 6 to install itself in your MasterCook 5 folder. It will update your version 5 to version 6.

During the installation it will merge your v4 user.ing file and v5 MC Ingredients.ing file. If it finds duplicate ingredients you will be prompted about what to do. At the prompt select "Yes" *OR* "Yes to All" and it will keep your existing ingredient values. If you select "No," the ingredient list from the v6 CD will install.

Note that your shortcuts will still read as they did for the version 5 program, but the version 6 program will open when you click on them. If you want to change the wording of the shortcut, right click the shortcut with your mouse and choose Rename from the menu. Press the right arrow key one time so the current wording will stay visible, then edit the name. Press Enter to accept the new name.

If you choose this option, you should be sure that your version 5 installation has been updated with all applicable patches to the latest version, 5.05.

2. Version 6 Only Install: Uninstall MasterCook 5 using either the Uninstall utility from the Start>Programs>Sierra menu or the Add/Remove Programs from Start>Settings>Control Panel. Manually delete the v5 directory from Windows Explorer, taking care that your files are backed up elsewhere, and delete any shortcuts from Start>Programs or your Desktop.

Reboot your computer to reset system resources and update Windows. Disable your virus scanner and close all running programs (see the Basic Install Guidelines above) and install version 6. This will NOT merge your v5 ING file since it can only do this during an installation over the top of v5.

If you want to use this option and still want to merge your v5 ingredients file into v6, use Windows Explorer to create a folder named MasterCook 6, and create a subfolder called Mc Tools within it. Place your v5 ING file inside of the Mc Tools folder you created, then direct the installation to the new MasterCook 6 directory you created. This will merge your v5 MC Ingredients.ing file with the MC Ingredients.ing file on the v6 CD. During the installation, you will be prompted about what to do if it finds duplicate ingredients. At the prompt select "Yes" *OR* "Yes to All" and it will keep your existing ingredient values. If you select "No," the ingredient list from the v6 CD will install.

3. Keep Version 5 on Your Computer: You can keep version 5 and version 6 on your computer at the same time, but you CANNOT have them open at the same time. To do this, use Windows Explorer to create a folder named MasterCook 6. If you want to use your v5 MC Ingredients.ing file, create a subfolder called Mc Tools within the new MasterCook 6 folder. Place a COPY of your v5 ING file inside the Mc Tools folder you created, and then direct the installation to the new MasterCook 6 folder. (Be sure to follow the Basic Install Guidelines above and turn off your antivirus, and running programs.) This will merge your v5 MC Ingredients.ing file with the MC Ingredients.ing file on the v6 CD. During the installation, you will be prompted about what to do if it finds duplicate ingredients. At the prompt select "Yes" *OR* "Yes to All" and it will keep your existing ingredient values. If you select "No," the ingredient list from the v6 CD will install.

IMPORTANT NOTE: IF you decide to keep both version 5 and 6 on your computer, you *cannot* have them open at the same time. They will "share" cookbook files. For example, if you open an existing v5 cookbook with v6, it will create a "shortcut" to that cookbook on the v6 Cookbook Browser (opening a v4 cookbook would cause v5 or v6 to make its own copy), so don't delete that cookbook unless you want it to disappear from both versions.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR VERSION 4 USERS: If you have MasterCook 4 on your computer when you install version 6, you can remove v.4 later, if you like, without affecting the version 6 installation. To do this, use the MasterCook 4 "Setup & Uninstall" shortcut in your Start>Programs menu. If you have created a subfolder in the Sierra Start>Programs menu for version 4 shortcuts, make sure that the Setup & Uninstall shortcut is in the main Sierra shortcut subfolder. (Your shortcut "path" should be Start>Programs>Sierra>Setup & Uninstall).

If your Setup & Uninstall shortcut is in an MasterCook 4 or other folder or subfolder, move it: right click the Start button, and choose Explore from the menu. A Windows Explorer window will open, showing you the Windows\Start Menu\Programs structure. Click on the + next to Programs (in the left pane) to expand it, and scroll down to Sierra. Arrange your view of the files and folders so that you can see the Setup & Install shortcut in the right pane and the Sierra folder in the left pane. Drag the Setup & Install shortcut on top of the Sierra folder and drop it there. Any MasterCook 4 shortcuts in other shortcut subfolders will need to be removed manually after the uninstall has taken place and you have rebooted.

If the MasterCook 4 uninstall shortcut is not in the main Sierra folder, the uninstall will remove the entire Sierra shortcut folder and you will lose the shortcuts only to all your other MasterCook installations, except for the desktop. The MasterCook 4 uninstall will only remove its own program files. Your other MasterCook programs themselves will not be affected, and you can create new shortcuts from the exe files if you need to, but you can avoid this extra step if you follow the procedure outlined above.

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5. Version 6.0 (SierraHome) Uninstall and Reinstall

BACK UP YOUR FILES!

See Backing Up Your Files above. It contains instructions on how to back up your cookbooks and other files. If you are uninstalling MC 6.0 because of a problem with a particular cookbook or other customized feature, do not overwrite any backups you had made of that file before you started having the problem.

NOTE: If you installed MC 6.0 over the top of your MC 5, your folder and shortcut names may still say MC 5. You will need to use uninstall for whatever version shows up in the Add/Remove Programs list. To reinstall in the same configuration, you should reinstall MC 5 first, patch it to 5.05 if necessary, and then reinstall MC 6.0 over the top again.

UNINSTALL Sierra MC 6.0

To uninstall, use either the Uninstall utility from the Start>Programs>Sierra menu or the Add/Remove Programs from Start>Settings>Control Panel.

If you receive a message asking whether to uninstall shared files (*.dll files), choose to remove them.

Restart your computer. This will reset your resources.

Using Windows Explorer, go to the folder where you originally installed MC 6.0, and delete the MasterCook 6 subfolder and all of its contents. If you used the default installation folder, this will be in C:\Sierra\. NOTE: If you are sharing your computer with other members of your family and have different Windows User Profiles, you will want to make sure to remove any instances of MasterCook for each user. Using Windows Explorer you can find them in a directory like this: C:\WINDOWS\PROFILES\your name\START MENU\PROGRAMS

You MUST delete the MasterCook Folder and all its contents

Delete any MC 6 shortcuts on your desktop or Start>Programs menu.

Empty your recycle bin.

INSTALL Sierra MC 6.0

Restart your computer to reset resources (if you did not just do this as part of the uninstall process).

Exit all running programs, including MasterCook. Make sure that your antivirus program is NOT enabled. (Sometimes, you can do this by right-clicking the program's icon in your systray and choosing from a menu; other times you will need to open the antivirus program and disable it from a menu there.) Also check to see that Norton's CrashGuard, First Aid, and similar programs are NOT enabled.

Install MC 6.0 by placing the CD in the drive and clicking on "Install."

When installation is complete, restart your computer to reset your resources and let Windows update its records.

If you are installing multiple Sierra MC 6.0 titles, restart your computer between each installation (and don't forget to turn off all those running programs, antivirus, CrashGuard, etc. EACH time you restart.)
If you are installing multiple Sierra MC 6.0 titles one over the other, the splash screen that displays when you open your program will belong to the last MC 6 title you installed, so you can keep this in mind when you reinstall your version 6.0 products.

Replace Your Backed-up Files

When you have completed the installation and patching and have tested to make sure your MasterCook is working properly (can you open cookbooks? add a recipe? search?), close MasterCook and, using Windows Explorer, copy your backed up cookbooks and files to the appropriate folder (see the How to Back Up FAQ). Then open MasterCook to the cookbook browser window (where all the cookbook titles are listed) and press F5 so MasterCook can refresh its file list. If you added collection folders, you will need to use Tools>Manage Collections to add them to MC.

If you are restoring cookbooks and files you have backed up on a CD-R or CD-RW, the files and cookbooks may have the read-only attribute. This means that you will not be able to edit or otherwise alter them, even when you copy them back to your program, unless you change their file attributes. Just so you don't lose track of which files are involved when you want to restore them to your program, use Windows Explorer to copy them to an empty folder on your hard drive. Highlight all the file names, choose Properties from the File Menu, and un-check the Read-only box. (You can select many files at once and then change their properties at the same time.) Then you can move them to the proper place in your MasterCook folder.

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6. Version 6.2 (ValuSoft)

Back up Your Files

Before installing ANY MasterCook product or patch, you should be sure to back up all existing MasterCook files you want to use in the new installation.

You may want to review "INSTALLATION: Back Up Your MasterCook 4 Files" and/or Backing Up Your Files above to make sure you have your backups in order.

ValuSoft Install Basics

The ValuSoft MC 6.2 will install into a different folder than Sierra programs on your hard drive, C:\Program Files\MasterCook. Unlike Sierra programs, we are not to install the ValuSoft program on top of (in the same folder as) an existing MasterCook MC 5/6.0/6.2 program. (You can combine the content of prior installations in a separate step, see below.)

If you have both the ValuSoft Complete Suite with Betty Crocker and the ValuSoft Deluxe titles, uninstall the Deluxe title and install only the Complete Suite (Betty Crocker), which contains all the same content as the Deluxe. UNinstall ValuSoft MC 6.2 by using the uninstall shortcut in your Start > Programs menu (Start > Programs > MasterCook > Uninstall MasterCook). (But be sure you have backed up your files!)

Restart your computer. Use Windows Explorer to verify that any previous MasterCook folder has been removed; if not, remove it manually and empty your Recycle Bin.

Basic Install Guidelines

Exit all running programs. Make sure that your antivirus program is NOT enabled. (Sometimes, you can do this by right-clicking the program's icon in your systray and choosing from a menu; other times you will need to open the antivirus program and disable it from a menu there.) Also check to see that Norton's CrashGuard, First Aid, and similar programs are NOT enabled. Many people have had corrupt installations of MasterCook because antivirus or crash guard programs were left running during installation.

Install The ValuSoft MC 6.2 program by inserting the CD in the drive and following the instructions that appear on the screen. Note that you should use the default installation folder for the install (C:\Program Files\MasterCook) if you intend to use the ValuSoft Merge Tool.

Restart your computer.

Merge Tool:

If you have MasterCook content from previous Sierra MasterCook titles that you would like to add, download the ValuSoft Merge Tool.

Execute the file you downloaded by double-clicking on it. Then restart your computer so the Merge Tool will be available to you.

IF you are RE-installing your MasterCook, you will need to execute the file again by double-clicking on it and restarting your computer. If you do not do this, you will still see the options on your right-click menu, but clicking them will not do anything. You need to double-click the MasterCook Tools.vbs file again so the choices will become active.

To merge Sierra MC 5/6.0 program content see Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging ALL SierraHome/ValuSoft Versions 5.x/6.x Products which sets out in detail how to add MC 5/6.0 content to your ValuSoft MC 6.2 installation.

To merge MasterCook 4.x program content see: Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging MC Versions 4/3/2/1 Products into ValuSoft MC 6.2.

Useful Tip: If you are converting a lot of MC 2/3/4 cookbooks, it would be a good idea to make a backup copy of the new *.mc2 files. Then if you should later need to reinstall, you won't have to go through the conversion process again; you can restore the converted files just like any other *.mc2 cookbook file.

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7. Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging ALL SierraHome/ValuSoft Versions 5.x/6.x Products

Do you have multiple titles of MasterCook 5.x and 6.x, including a v6.2 ValuSoft title? Would you like to combine them all into one program? This discussion explains how to combine the 5.x and 6.x titles with your ValuSoft MC 6.2 title. (Procedures for combining the content of MC versions 4 and below is covered in Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging MC Versions 4/3/2/1 Products into ValuSoft MC 6.2.

With the SierraHome v5.x and v6.0 titles we were instructed to install them over the top of each other (in the same folder) for content to be merged. With ValuSoft's v6.x titles we are NOT to do this. Instead, we are to install the ValuSoft title and then merge the content of prior SierraHome titles in a separate step.

IMPORTANT: BACK UP FILES FIRST

Before proceeding further back up all your current MasterCook files (cookbooks, menus, etc.) See Backing Up Your Files.

Uninstall prior versions:

1. Uninstall your various MasterCook 5.x or 6.0 programs. You can use the ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS window from the Control Panel in Windows. Or, you can use the uninstall shortcut in your Start > Programs menu: Start > Programs > SIERRA > MasterCook 5 [or 6] > Uninstall [name of your title, like Deluxe Collection]

2. Restart the computer so that Windows can update itself.

3. Delete any MasterCook folders that remained behind after the uninstalls. (DON'T delete your backed-up stuff though!)

4. If you have a program such as Norton's WinDoctor, you can run it at this point to find and "repair" any leftover keys in the Windows Registry. (This step is not necessary.)

Install the ValuSoft MC 6.2

1. Now install your ValuSoft v6.2 title. (The Betty Crocker title contains all the Deluxe content as well. So, if you have both, just install the Betty Crocker title.) Follow the directions in "Installation - Version 6.2 (ValuSoft's)" in this cookbook, and DON'T forget to disable your virus scanner first!

2. Restart your computer to let Windows update itself again.

MERGING COOKBOOKS/MENUS

If you have any existing MasterCook 5 or 6 programs on your computer, you can use the MANAGE COLLECTION window in MasterCook 6.2 to ADD those collections to MasterCook 6.2. Open the MANAGE COLLECTION window and navigate to the collection folders in your other MasterCook directories on your computer. Highlight each collection folder and then press the ADD button to add them to MasterCook 6.2. (Note: MasterCook will not add a collection if you already have a collection by that same name added to MasterCook. For example, if MasterCook 6.2 has a DELUXE collection, it won't allow you to add the one from a previous title.)

If you don't have your previous versions of MasterCook installed on your computer, don't worry. You can do the following instead.

NOTE: Perform the following with your MasterCook program closed and virus scanner disabled.

1. Use Windows Explorer to create a collection folder for each of your other products or your own cookbooks (such as Food & Wine, and Cooking Light). For example: C:\Cookbooks\Food & Wine Collection and C:\Cookbooks\Cooking Light Collection. (You can name the folder what you wish and put them where you wish. You don't even have to use the word "collection" in the title.)

2. Manually copy the cookbook files, cookbook picture files and menus to the collection folder(s) you created in the previous step. With the Food & Wine CD inserted into your CD drive (assuming it is assigned to the letter D) you will find the cookbook (*.mc2) and picture files (*.mcx) located here: D:\system\cookbooks. You will find the menu files (*.mnu) located here: D:\system\menus. Copy/paste all the *.mc2, *.mcx, and *.mnu files to the collection folders you created in the previous step.

3. Remove the read-only attribute from all these files. After they are pasted into the folder you created in step #1 above, SELECT ALL the files and choose PROPERTIES from the File menu in Windows Explorer, remove that checkmark for READ-ONLY, and place a checkmark in the box for Archive. (If you leave the setting read-only you will not be able to make changes to these files while using program.)

4. Now you can launch the program and use the Collection Manager to ADD the collection folder to your MasterCook program. Launch MasterCook and choose MANAGE COLLECTIONS from the Tools menu. Navigate to the collection folder you created in step #1 above, highlight it and select the ADD button. Now that folder will be registered with MasterCook, and the content will be available to you inside the program. Do this for each collection folder you added. (From now on MasterCook will check these folders to see what you added/removed outside the program when you press F5 or select Tools > Refresh File List.)

Perform the same steps using your v5.x or v6.0 Cooking Light CD. If you are using v6.0 you will also find search index files (*.mcz) to copy over for each cookbook.

For adding cookbooks from MC 4 and below, see Installation - Merging MasterCook Versions 4/3/2/1 Products into ValuSoft MC 6.2.

MERGING THE TIPS FILES

NOTE: Perform the following with your MasterCook program closed and virus scanner disabled.

1. Download the ValuSoft Merge Tool. Execute it after it is on your computer (double-click on the VBS file.)

Restart your computer to activate the Merge Tool. DISABLE your virus scanner, etc., again.

2. Using Windows Explorer navigate to the existing MC TOOLS folder for your previous MasterCook titles and locate these two files:

MC Tips.mtf
MC Tips.mcx

Right click on that MC Tips.mtf file and choose MERGE MASTERCOOK TIPS from the pop-up menu. It will merge them with the version 6.2 tips.

If you don't have your previous versions of MasterCook installed on your computer, don't worry. You can do the following instead using your product CDs. I'll use MasterCook 5 Food & Wine as an example below.

1. Using Windows Explorer navigate to the D:\system\Tools folder on the Food & Wine CD.

2. Copy these two files to a temporary folder on your computer:

MC Tips.mtf
MC Tips.mcx

3. Remove the read-only settings from these files. (Right click on them and choose PROPERTIES. Remove the checkmark from the read-only box.) This step is important.

4. Right click on that MC Tips.mtf file and choose MERGE MASTERCOOK TIPS from the pop-up menu. It will add the Food & Wine tips to your program. You can verify this by checking the MasterList after launching the program.

5. You can now safely delete both files (MC Tips.mtf and MC Tips.mcx) you copied to your computer.

Perform the same steps using your v5.x or v6.0 Cooking Light CD.

ADDING VIDEOS TO HARD DRIVE

If you wish to continue inserting the CD into the drive to view the video tips then you can just ignore this section.

1. Close MasterCook.

2. Use Windows Explorer to copy the contents of the VidTips folder on a CD (you might choose the v5.05 Best Of MasterCook CD since it already contains the most *.mov files.) to your hard drive somewhere. Create a new folder named C:\VidTips and then paste all the *.mov files to your new folder. Remove the read-only attributes for all these *.mov files.

3. Remove the CD from the drive.

4. Find and delete the MC World.mcw file on your computer. It can be found inside the ValuSoft v6.2 folder here: C:\Program Files\MasterCook\Mc Tools.

5. Launch MasterCook and go to the Tips screen.

6. Select/highlight a tip that has a video, like "Adding Fat to Flour." Double click where it shows the picture.

7. You will then get an error message stating it can't locate the video file. Select the BROWSE button and navigate to a video tip in the folder you placed on your hard drive in step #1. All the tips will refer to that folder from now on.

MERGING THE INGREDIENT LIST

NOTE: Perform the following with your MasterCook program closed and virus scanner disabled.

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate your backed up copy of the v5/6 ING file (MC Ingredients.ing).

2. Right click on the MC Ingredients.ing file and choose MERGE MASTERCOOK INGREDIENTS from the pop-up menu. If you have edited ingredients that were in the original Ingredient List (such as by adding prices or changing the nutritional values), you will receive a message that there is a duplicate ingredient and you will be asked what to do. Answer NO or NO TO ALL to keep your edited version of the ingredient. If you select "Yes", the existing ingredient in your MC 6.2 Ingredient File will be used.

Now your v5/6 ING file is merged with the v6.2 one. (Keep this file backed up from now on.)

If you have version 4 or below, see Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging MC Versions 4/3/2/1 Products into ValuSoft MC 6.2.

OTHER MC 5/6 FILES

Now all you need to do is finish copying over the other backed-up files to their proper homes, i.e. shopping lists, substitutions, print designs and any others that you personally edited. Backing Up Your Files will tell you how to restore them.

CHANGING THE BRANDING FILE TO CHANGE LOOK

If you prefer to have a different "look/watermark" throughout the program, just replace the MC Branding.mbf file that is found inside the \MasterCook\MC Tools folder on your computer. If you wish to have the Food & Wine look, locate that MC Branding.mbf on the CD and overwrite the one in the \MasterCook\MC Tools folder on your computer. Remove the read-only settings for the file after copying it over. If you'd rather have the Cooking Light look, use the MC Branding.mbf from its CD instead.

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8. Version 6.2 (ValuSoft) Merging MC Versions 4/3/2/1 Products into ValuSoft MC 6.2

Do you have MasterCook titles from version 4 and below that you would like to add to your ValuSoft MC 6.2 program? This discussion explains how to do accomplish this.

Install your ValuSoft MC 6.2 program, following the steps in Version 6.2 (ValuSoft). DON'T forget to disable your virus scanner first!

If you have not already done so, download the ValuSoft Merge Tool.

Execute the file you downloaded by double-clicking on it. Then restart your computer so the Merge Tool will be available to you.

To convert cookbook files: Locate your previous MasterCook version cookbook files on your computer (*.mcf). Then right click each *.mcf file in turn and choose Convert MasterCook 4.x Cookbook. The cookbook will be converted and placed in the My Collection folder of your MC 6.2 installation.

NOTE: Cookbooks in the MC 2/3/4 *.mcf format can also be converted for use in ValuSoft MC 6.2 by opening MC 6.2 and choosing File > Open from the main file menu. Direct MC to the folder where your *.mcf cookbook files are located. You will be asked if you want to create a new cookbook. MC 6.2 will convert the cookbook, leaving the original cookbook unchanged.

To convert the MC 4.x user.ing file: Locate your previous MasterCook version USER.ING file. Then right-click on user.ing file and choose Convert MasterCook 4.x Ingredients.

To merge MC 1/2/3 program content:

Cookbooks in the MC 2/3 format can be converted using the same procedures described for MC 4 cookbooks, above. Cookbooks in the MC 1 format must first be converted to MC 2 format (opened into MC 2); then the resulting MC 2 cookbook can be converted as any other MC 2/3/4 cookbook.

The user.ing files from MC 2/3 can only be converted if they are first converted to MC 4 format; then the amended MC 4 user.ing file can be converted as described above. [To convert to MC 4 format, place the user.ing file from the MC 2/3 installation in the MC 4 directory (C:\SIERRA\MCOOK4, C:\SIERRA\CKLT4, etc.), then reopen MC 4.] The user.ing files from MC 1 can be converted to MC 2 format only by installing MC 2 on top of MC 1; the resulting MC 2 user.ing must then be converted to MC 4 version, as above.

Useful Tip: If you are converting a lot of MC 2/3/4 cookbooks, it would be a good idea to make a backup copy of the new *.mc2 files. Then if you should later need to reinstall, you won't have to go through the conversion process again; you can restore the converted files just like any other *.mc2 cookbook file.

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9. Version 7.0 (ValuSoft)

How to Install v. 7.0

Back up your files. Before installing ANY MasterCook product or patch, you should be sure to back up all existing MasterCook files you want to use in the new installation.

To make sure your backups are in order, you may want to review INSTALLATION: Back Up Your MasterCook 4 Files and/or Backing Up Your Version 5+ Files to make sure you have your backups in order.

ValuSoft Install Basics

The MasterCook 7.0 will install into a different folder than other ValuSoft or Sierra programs on your hard drive, C:\Program Files\MasterCook 7. Unlike Sierra programs, we are not to install the ValuSoft programs on top of (in the same folder as) an existing MasterCook MC 5/6.0/6.2 program. (You can combine the content of prior installations in a separate step, see below.)

Basic Install Guidelines

Install the MC 7.0 program by inserting the CD in the drive and following the instructions that appear on the screen. Note that you should use the default installation folder for the install (C:\Program Files\MasterCook) if you intend to use the ValuSoft Merge Tool.

Important Note re VBS File Warning: During The installation you may receive a warning from your antivirus program about a "malicious script." The File identified will be C:\Program Files\MasterCook 7\MC Tools\MasterCook Tools.vbs. You should authorize this script. You are receiving the warning because some viruses use vbs scripts to spread damage. However, this file is what will allow you to merge other MasterCook products into your MC 7.0 after it is installed. You ONLY need to use this tool if you have an Ingredient List you would like to merge/convert, or if you have tips from a previous MC 5/6.x title you would like to merge.

Restart your computer.

To add saved cookbooks or cookbooks/collections from prior versions, see Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Adding/Restoring Cookbooks, Menus, Meal Plans and/or Collection Folders below.

To merge/convert Ingredient Lists from prior versions, see Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Merging Ingredient Lists and Tips below.

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10. Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Adding/Restoring Cookbooks, Menus, Meal Plans and/or Collection Folders

MC 5/6.x/7.x Cookbooks

Perform these steps with MasterCook closed.

If you are adding/restoring your own cookbook files from MC 5/6.x that you backed up yourself and if you want them to be contained in the My Collection folder, simply copy them from their backup location to the My Collection folder in MasterCook 7. You should also copy/paste in any backed-up copies of menus (*.mnu) or meal plans (*.pln).

If they were backed up on a CD, remove the read-only attribute. SELECT ALL the files and choose PROPERTIES from the File menu in Windows Explorer, remove the checkmark for READ-ONLY, and place a checkmark in the box for Archive. (If you leave the setting read-only you will not be able to make changes to these files while using program.)

Then open MC and, from the cookbook browser window, where all your cookbook names are listed, press F5 to refresh your file list. Your cookbooks will now be available to you.

MC 4/3/2 Cookbooks

If the cookbooks you would like to add are from MasterCook 4/3/2, OPEN MasterCook 7. Then from the main menu at the top of the screen, choose FILE > OPEN. You will be asked if you want to create a new cookbook. MC will make its own copy of the cookbook, leaving the original book untouched. If you are converting a lot of cookbooks, you should keep the MC 7 copy backed up, even if you do not intend to revise it, to save time if you need to restore it later on.

NOTE: Cookbooks from MC 1 need to be converted to MC 2 format (opened into MC 2); then the resulting MC 2 cookbook can be converted as any other MC 2/3/4 cookbook.

MC 5/6.x Cookbooks/Collections from Other Titles, or Adding a Collection

Use Windows Explorer to create a collection folder for each of your other products (such as Food & Wine, Cooking Light) or your own cookbooks. For example: C:\Cookbooks\Food & Wine Collection and C:\Cookbooks\Suzy's Collection. Or you could create the folders inside the MasterCook 7 folder, such as C:\Program Files\MasterCook 7\Suzy's Collection. (You can name the folder what you wish and put them where you wish. You don't even have to use the word "collection" in the title.)

Manually copy the cookbook files, cookbook picture files and menus to the collection folder(s) you created in the previous step. With the Food & Wine CD inserted into your CD drive (assuming it is assigned to the letter D) you will find the cookbook (*.mc2) and picture files (*.mcx) located here: D:\system\cookbooks. You will find the menu files (*.mnu) located here: D:\system\menus. Copy/paste all the *.mc2, *.mcx, and *.mnu files to the collection folders you created in the previous step. If you are adding a new collection folder for your own files, include your menu files and meal plans (*.pln) as well.

Remove the read-only attribute from all the files that were on a CD, even your own backup copies. After they are pasted into the folder you created in step #1 above, SELECT ALL the files and choose PROPERTIES from the File menu in Windows Explorer, remove the checkmark for READ-ONLY, and place a checkmark in the box for Archive. (If you leave the setting read-only you will not be able to make changes to these files while using program.)

Now you can launch the MC 7.0 program and use the Collection Manager to ADD the collection folder to your MasterCook program. Launch MasterCook and choose MANAGE COLLECTIONS from the Tools menu. Navigate to the collection folder you created in step #1 above, highlight it and select the ADD button. Now that folder will be registered with MasterCook, and the content will be available to you inside the program. Do this for each collection folder you added. (From now on MasterCook will check these folders to see what you added/removed outside the program when you press F5 or select Tools > Refresh File List.)

Perform the same steps using your v5.x or v6.0 Cooking Light CD. If you are using v6.0 you will also find search index files (*.mcz) to copy over for each cookbook.

For Information on merging Ingredient Lists and Tips, see "Installation - Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Merging Ingredient Lists and Tips" in this cookbook.

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11. Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Merging Ingredient Lists and Tips

Activate the Merge Tool

If you have a personalized Ingredient List from an MC 6.x/5/4 program that you would like to merge, or if you have tips from a previous MC 5/6.x title you would like to merge, you will need to activate the Merge Tool.

NOTE: Perform the following with your MasterCook program closed and virus scanner disabled.

Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to go to your MC Tools folder (C:\Program Files\MasterCook\ 7\MC Tools). Make sure your antivirus is disabled.

Execute the file MasterCook Tools.vbs by double-clicking on it. Then restart your computer so the Merge Tool will be available to you.

IMPORTANT NOTES: When you use the Merge Tool, close MasterCook and disable your virus scanner. When you use the Merge Tool, make sure the file you are merging is on your hard drive and does NOT have a read-only attribute. (Copy the file(s) to a spare folder on your HD, highlight all of them, right-click, and remove the checkmark from read-only; add a checkmark by archive.)

To merge MC 5/6.x Ingredient Files

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate your backed up copy of the v5/6 ING file (MC Ingredients.ing).

Now your v5/6 ING file is merged with the v6.2 one. (Keep this file backed up from now on.)

To convert MC 4 user.ing Files

1. The user.ing file contains ingredients that you have added from the ground up, not those that you have revised or added prices to. It is the ONLY ing file that can be converted. Using Windows Explorer, locate your backed up copy of the v4 user.ing file.

2. Then right-click the file name and choose CONVERT MASTERCOOK 4.X INGREDIENTS from the pop-up menu.

Ingredient Lists from MC 1/2/3

The user.ing files from MC 2/3 can only be converted if they are first converted to MC 4 format; then the amended MC 4 user.ing file can be converted as described above. [To convert to MC 4 format, place the user.ing file from the MC 2/3 installation in the MC 4 directory (C:\SIERRA\MCOOK4, C:\SIERRA\CKLT4, etc.), then reopen MC 4.] The user.ing files from MC 1 can be converted to MC 2 format only by installing MC 2 on top of MC 1; the resulting MC 2 user.ing must then be converted to MC 4 version, as above.

Merging Tips from Other MC 5/6.x Titles

If you still have the other MC 5/6.x title installed on your computer, you can skip to step 4.

1. Use Windows Explorer navigate to the D:\system\Tools folder on, for example, the Food & Wine CD.

2. Copy these two files to a temporary folder on your computer:

MC Tips.mtf
MC Tips.mcx

3. Remove the read-only settings from these files. (Right click on them and choose PROPERTIES. Remove the checkmark from the read-only box.) This step is important.

4. Right click on that MC Tips.mtf file and choose MERGE MASTERCOOK TIPS from the pop-up menu. It will add the Food & Wine tips to your program. You can verify this by checking the MasterList after launching the program.

5. You can now safely delete both files (MC Tips.mtf and MC Tips.mcx) you copied to your computer.

6. Perform the same steps using your v5.x or v6.0 Cooking Light CD.

For information on adding/restoring cookbooks, menus and meal plans, see Version 7.0 (ValuSoft) Adding/Restoring Cookbooks, Menus, Meal Plans and/or Collection Folders.

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12. Windows 2000/XP

We've heard from quite a number of people who have installed MasterCook (various versions) on their XP computers and have reported that the program works just fine. One key to success is to be sure to install your program as set out in the Cooking Forum's FAQ and Tips folder for your version. Be sure to turn off ANTIVIRUS and other running programs. Be sure to say NO when the MasterCook 4 installer asks to do a system test.

Installing

There are some general tips on installing programs on XP here: Software Installation Guidelines for Windows Users

It includes tips on installing older 16 bit programs and those that require 256-color and/or 640x480 resolution support enabled, such as MasterCook 4 and below and tips on compatibility issues.

Additional tips on compatibility issues in installing can be found here: Windows XP Application Compatibility Technologies

Post-install issues

IF, after following the instructions above, you are still having problems with running your program, first make sure that you are NOT using a "Limited User Account."

For more information, see WINDOWS XP USERS PLEASE NOTE .

IF you still have a problem and you are using MasterCook 6 you should consider obtaining and applying the Windows XP Application Compatibility Update available from Microsoft. MS describes it as "a package of software updates that address common application issues, helping Windows XP either to support these applications or helping to avoid common issues users may experience with these applications" [including MasterCook Suite 6.0 (Sierra On-Line, Inc.)].

For more information on the compatibility update from MS, see Windows XP Application Compatibility Update.

Printing

IF you have problems printing, be sure you have installed a local printer on the machine you are trying to print from, whether or not a printer is physically attached to that machine, and select it as the default printer before attempting to print.

1. Add a local printer even if it's not physically connected to the machine. Just use the same one as networked printer for ease of installation. UNselect "print test page" as part of the installation process to eliminate an error message that will occur when install can't find the local printer.

2. Select local printer as "default" from printers folder.

3. Print from MasterCook, selecting the network printer in the print dialog box.

The key is to make sure the local printer is selected as default before attempting to print. You can do this before or after MasterCook has been started.

IF you have problems printing, be sure you have obtained and installed XP drivers from your printer manufacturer. The drivers that install automatically with XP may not support anything but basic printing. Without the proper drivers, you may not be able to edit your print design or print the way you like. Some printer manufacturers have stated that drivers for Win 2000 are appropriate for using in XP, so you may want to try installing those drivers. But your printer manufacturer is where you need to go for that information.

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13. Windows Me

Win Me is not listed on the box as a supported platform for MasterCook 6.0. We contacted Tech Support, and their official stance is that they "will certainly try to troubleshoot any issues you may have with techniques we know work in Windows 95 or 98." But, because MasterCook 6.0 has not been "officially tested" with Win Me, they cannot go beyond that, to specific issues involving drivers, for example. So they are definitely willing to work with you.

One of Sierra's volunteer moderators is using Win Me and MasterCook together fine, and others have reported that was their experience, too.

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14. Windows NT

Q. Has anyone successfully used MasterCook 3 or later with NT 4.0? MasterCook II works just fine, but I've had trouble getting MasterCook version 3 to work (keep getting GPF errors).

A. Yes, MasterCook 5.0 was compiled on NT, but the only bad point is that Tech Support won't support MasterCook on NT platforms, so it is all up to the user to diagnose problems. It works fine with the exception of the icon coloring in Windows Explorer - for some weird reason the icons look a little garbled on NT. You also need to set up a local printer. See this recipe for more info: Printing - Windows NT.

Update -- A Win NT 4.0 (SP5/SP6) user states the icons look garbled with MasterCook 5.0; however, after updating to MasterCook 5.05 they look much better. MasterCook 6.x works/looks great as well.

Printing

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