Frequently Asked Questions

Arclab® MailList Controller

Pre-sale and License

 

Installation and Updates

 

List Synchronization

 

Message Editor

Mailing Issues

 

Could not send message ... Send failed

 

Import - Export - DB

 

General

 

Newsletter Templates // Tutorial

comment  What's the difference between free, light, professional and extreme version?

 

The free version supports 1 list with max. 50 contacts, light version 1 list with max. 500 contacts, professional version 10 lists with max. 10000 contacts per list and the extreme version supports unlimited lists with unlimited contacts. All other features are the same.
See also: Version comparison

comment  How long can I use the software?

You can use the software as long as you want.

comment  What means free updates for 12 months?

 

The license includes free updates for 12 months. There is no obligation to purchase an update after the free update period has expired. You can use the purchased version (or the updates included in the 12 months free update period) as long as you want.

comment  Are there any monthly fees?

No, it's a one-time payment.

comment  Is the database hosted by Arclab Software?

No, the database is stored on your computer.

comment  How many mailings can I send?

As much as you want - there is no limit on the number of mailings sent using the program.

comment  Can I upgrade to a larger license later?

Yes, you can upgrade from light to pro and from pro to extreme. The price for the initial purchase plus the upgrade equals the price of the larger version.

comment  Do you have a demo version?

The free version equals the demo version. You can use or test it as long as you want. There is no registration required to use the free version.

comment  Where do I find the user manual?

MailList Controller User Manual

comment  Where do I download the software after the purchase?

 

It's not required to download the software again if you already have installed the free version (we use a single download for all versions).
The license can be activated by entering your license key. See below ...

comment  How do I enter my "License Key" to upgrade the free or licensed version?

 

Click on "File -> Update & License Manager", enter your "License Key" and click on "Validate License".

Syntax: AMLC12-123456-123456-123456-123456

Important: If the program does not accept your license key, then please make sure, that you have entered the code exactly as delivered.
If it still won't accept the code, then exit the program; right-click on the desktop icon;  select "Run as Administrator" and retry.

 

Enter license key

comment  Setup Error: "Setup files are corrupted"

 

Please clear your browser cache and retry to download the software. 
It could be a transmission error over the net.

You can also use our alternate download (zip-compressed setup) or our alternate download server.
In some cases it also helps if you rename the new download file, e.g. to amlc2.exe.

If you get this error message for every application you try to install, then the windows installer on your computer might be damaged.

comment  Where can I download an update or fix?

 

The latest version including all updates can be downloaded from our download page.
Previous versions can be downloaded here.

comment  How do I install an update?

 

If you are using version 9 (or newer) then you can simply download and install the latest version.
Important: Do not uninstall the old version.

comment  I am no longer qualified for free updates. How can I update to the latest version?

 

We can offer you 50% discount if you want to re-new your license.
You can purchase an update here.

comment  How to update MailList Controller 6/7/8 to 9/10/11/12/13++?

 

  • The following steps are required only if you are currently using an older version (<9).
    If you are already using version MailList Controller 9 (or newer), then you can simply download and install the latest version.

  • Export all your contact lists before going further !!!
    Select the list and click on "Export" for each list.

    It's also recommended to save/export the message drafts (if you want to re-use any draft created with version 6, 7 or 8).
    Open the old message draft and click on the disk icon in the lower part of the editor to save the message as HTML or text file.

    Warning:
    The new version uses a different database and file format, which is not compatible with the old version 6.x/7.x/8.x!


  • Uninstall the old version and reboot your computer.

  • If you want to free disk space, then you can remove the old data-directory folder:
    Warning: This will remove everything, including all lists, messages drafts,...

    Make sure, that you have exported all lists before!
    Version 6.x, 7.x and 8.x: (Public Documents)
    Windows XP: C:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Documents/Arclab/MailList Controller/data
    Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10: C:/Users/Public/Documents/Arclab/MailList Controller/data

  • Install the new version and allow the Setup to "Run MailList Controller" after the setup was completed.

  • Use either the "Express Setup" or the "Custom Setup".
    (If you are using a custom data storage directory (e.g. on a networked drive) and you have changed the user permissions for the mails service before, then you should check the user access permissions of the mail service after you have installed the update!)

  • Click on "File -> Update & License Manager", enter your new "License Key" and click on "Validate License" if you want to unlock the free version.

comment  How can I move all my lists and settings from one computer to another?

 

You can either:

  • Export your lists using the "Export" function, re-create your lists on the new computer and import the contacts from the export files.
  • Copy the complete "data" folder from the old computer to the new one

 

The program stores all lists and settings inside the "data" folder. All your mailing (internal, non-linked) lists are stored inside the internal database. Please note, that all contacts from linked (external) lists are not stored inside MailList Controller. You also need to copy the external database files to the new machine.

 

  1. Locate the "data" directory on your old computer.

    Please start the program on your old machine and click on "Program Options" or "Options" for the location of the "data" folder. If you cannot run the program on the old computer anymore, e.g. after a system crash, then you need to search for the "data" folder.

    Version 9, 10, 11, 12, 13++: (Public Documents)
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Arclab MailList Controller\data
    Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Arclab MailList Controller\data

    Version 6, 7 and 8: (Public Documents)
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Arclab\MailList Controller\data
    Windows Vista, 7 and 8: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Arclab\MailList Controller\data

    Version 5: (Program Files)
    C:\Program Files\Arclab\MailList Controller\data

    Its also possible that the data-directory is on a different location, e.g. if you have updated from version 5 to 6 before or if you used a custom data folder location. Please double check the data-directory before going any further. The db.mdb (Version 7 and 8), db9.mdb (Version 9 and 10), amlc.accdb (Version 11++) inside the folder contains the main database and the "last modified" date should reflect the latest changes. So if the date is very old, or the db.mdb file is very small and you have large managed (internal) lists, then the location might not be correct.

  2. Install the software on your new computer.
    We provide free updates for 1 year. Download | Previous Versions | Purchase an update

  3. Run the program once on your new computer.
    Use "Custom Setup" and select the database you want to use.
    Important: Select "Use old MailList Controller database" if the database was created with version 9 or 10.

  4. Locate the data folder on your new computer.
    Please click on "Options" for the location of the "data" folder.
    This can be a different location as on your old computer!

  5. Stop the mail service (click on "Service") and exit all program parts on the new computer.

  6. Stop the mail service (click on "Service") and exit all program parts on the old computer.

  7. Copy the complete "data" folder (located in step 1.) from the old machine and replace the complete "data" folder (located in step 4) with its contents. Its important, that the mail service is not running, otherwise the files cannot be copied!

  8. Start MailList Controller on the new computer. Now you should see your lists on the new computer.

comment  How can I re-start from scratch?

 

Please export all your lists, message templates, ... before going any further.
The following steps will remove everything and reset the configuration to a blank-installation!

 

WARNING: This will permanently delete all lists and contacts!

 

  • Locate the data-directory (data storage directory on your PC).
    Go to "Options" and search for the location.
    The default location is:

    Version 9/10/11/12/13++: (Public Documents)
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Arclab MailList Controller\data
    Windows Vista, 7 and 8: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Arclab MailList Controller\data

    Version 6/7/8: (Public Documents)
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Arclab\MailList Controller\data
    Windows Vista, 7 and 8: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Arclab\MailList Controller\data

    Version 5: (Program Files)
    C:\Program Files\Arclab\MailList Controller\data

  • Make sure, that you have a copy of your license key! (or go to File->Update & License Management and write it down)
  • Close the program and uninstall using the uninstaller.
  • Reboot (required if you have not closed the tray monitor of if the service was running during the uninstall)
  • Remove the data folder on your HD - double check, that you have exported everything before !!!
  • Re-install the software.

comment  On how many computers can I install the software?

 

  • If you have purchased a single license, then you can install it on a single computer (1PC).
  • Client/Server Installation: You can install the program on your server and on a single PC in "Client Mode" using a single license.
  • Multiple Installations: If you want to install the software on multiple computers, then you need one license for each installation.
  • If you have upgraded from the professional to the eXtreme version, then you still have a single license. The professional license + the upgrade from professional to eXtreme equals a single eXtreme license.

comment  Problem: Task "canceled"

 

The following reasons are possible, if the program does not send the mailing and shows "cancelled" in the "Sent Messages" section:

 

a) Mailing List (default, non-linked)

The list does not have any contacts or does not have any contacts with status "Subscriber". The program sends messages to "Subscribers" only!

 

b) Linked List "The mail service cannot access the external database."

The mail service (which runs as windows service) cannot access the external database.
This sometimes happens if the external database is located on a networked drive.

 

If you use a mapped network drive (with a drive letter):

Use an UNC instead of the drive letter, if you want to use a database on a network drive.
Sample: \\myserver\share\folder\database.xlsx (instead of g:\folder\database.xlsx)

 

Change the user/permissions for the mail service:

The mail service runs with the user permissions "local system", of the machine on which it is installed.
You can change the user in the "Options" -> "Core Settings" -> "Start MailList Controller Core Setup" -> "Custom Setup" -> click "Next" until you see "Run Service as User" and check it. Enter the username and password and click on "Finish".

If the user has no permissions to "Log on as a service" or if you have other problems, then you change the service permissions (user access privileges of the mail service) directly in your system (windows) configuration: 

Go to  Start->System->Administration->Services
Select "MailList Controller" and open the "Properties".
On the properties windows go to "Log On" and select "Log on as" ... "This Account".
Click on "Browse" and enter your login name. (retype the password, even if its already filled in)

The username has the following syntax:
HOSTNAME\username or .\username
DOMAINNAME\username

comment  Problem: Task does not start

 

This problem can have several causes:
Either a problem with the ODBC driver (A) or the mail service does not have access to the data folder (B).

 

Problem A) ODBC Driver

It is possible that the ODBC driver has become corrupted or there is a problem after a system update.
In this case, please restart the computer and reinstall the software (without uninstalling).
Check the "Install and repair MS Access Database Engine" option in the setup program, if this option is available.

 

Repair MS Access Database Engine

 

 

Problem B) No Access to the "data" Folder

The mail service (which runs as windows service) cannot access the "data" folder.
This sometimes happens if data folder is located on a network drive.

 

1. Specify the data-folder using an UNC

Use an UNC instead of the drive letter, if you want to use a network folder on a different computer.
Sample: \\myserver\share\folder instead of x:\folder

 

2. Change the user/permissions for the mail service

The mail service runs with the user permissions "local system", of the machine on which it is installed.
You can change the user in the "Options" > "Core Settings" > "Start MailList Controller Core Setup" > "Custom Setup" click "Next" until you see "Run Service as User" and check it. Enter the username and password and click on "Finish".

 

Custom Folder

 

 

If the user has no permissions to "Log on as a service" or if you have other problems, then you change the service permissions (user access privileges of the mail service) directly in your system (windows) configuration: 

Go to  Start->System->Administration->Services
Select "MailList Controller" and open the "Properties".
On the properties windows go to "Log On" and select "Log on as" ... "This Account".
Click on "Browse" and enter your login name. (retype the password, even if its already filled in)

The username has the following syntax:
HOSTNAME\username or .\username
DOMAINNAME\username

comment  Where do I find error messages?

 

You will find detailed information about the mailing and error messages in the "Log File". Please click on "Log File" to open the current log file or use "File -> Explor Log Files" to browse the log files by date. The program creates a new log file each day.

comment  Limited Mail Accounts

 

Errors:
421, "4.7.0", Try again later, closing connection
451 You have exceeded your messaging limits
553 Sorry, over your daily relay limit
"bad_address"
"No valid recipients"

 

If you receive one of the above (or a similar) error message from your mail server (after you've sent out some messages), then you have reached a limit on your mail server (or email account). This means your mail server will not accept any further messages until you waited some time.

Note: No mail software can send more messages as your mail server (or email account) allows. It's a limitation of the used email account and not a program limit or software bug. Please contact your mail administrator or mail provider for further details on your account limits for SMTP mail (outgoing messages).

If the used email account is too restrictive, use a different email account (and mail server) instead. It's recommended to use an email account from your own domain (website), your company mail server or a business email account. In general a business account should have less mailing restrictions than a free account.

 

Your mail account might have one or multiple limitations:

  • Daily mail limit, e.g. max. 2000 messages per day
  • Hourly mail limit, e.g. max. 500 messages per hour
  • Message submission rate limit

 

Daily mail limit:

The email account allows only a specific number of messages per day.
You can use the "List Settings" > "Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)" > "Limit" feature to adjust the program to your daily limit, e.g. 2000 messages in 24 hours.
The mailing will stop after the limit was reached and will be re-scheduled to continue 24 hours later.

Hourly mail limit:

The email account allows only a specific number of messages per hour.
You can use the "List Settings" > "Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)" > "Limit" feature to adjust the program to your hourly limit, e.g. 500 messages in 1 hour.
The mailing will stop after the limit was reached and will be re-scheduled to continue 1 hour later.

Message Submission rate limit:

It's required to add a pause between 2 messages or after a specific number of messages.
You can use the "List Settings" > "Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)" > "Pause" feature to add a pause, e.g. 5 seconds after 2 messages.
The mailing will run until it's completed, but the mailing speed (submission rate) will be reduced.

comment  "bad_address"

 

"bad_address" means that the mail server for outgoing messages (SMTP) has rejected the specified recipient.
In most cases an invalid authentication method or typo is the reason for this error message.
If you get this error after you have sent out some messages, then you might have reached a limitation on your mail server.

comment  How can I backup my lists and settings?

 

You can either export your lists and drafts using the export functions, or backup the complete "data" folder (this works only when using an internal database, it will not work when using an ODBC database!). The program stores all lists and settings inside the "data" folder. The default location is inside the "public documents" or "shared documents" system folder. Please take a look at the "Options" for the exact data folder location or use the function "File->Misc->Explore Data Folder".

We recommend to backup or export your lists on a regular base to avoid any data-loss!

comment  How do I import a MS Excel or MS Access database?

 

Select the list and click on "Import". The program installs the required ODBC drivers during the setup.

Please make sure, that the first row of your MS Excel sheet contains the field names, e.g. Email.
Check the sheet for invalid cells (e.g. with ####### in it) and for too large texts if you have problems using the import function.

comment  How do I import plain text (CSV) files?

 

Select the list and click on "Import".

The plain text .csv (Comma Separated Values) file should have the column names (field names) in the first line and one record on each line.
Fields divided by a comma ",".

e.g. file: database.csv (rename the file extension to .csv if you have problems with .txt)!

"Email","Name"
"support@yourdomain.tld","Support"
"office@yourdomain.tld","Office"

Please visit Wikipedia for more information about the csv file format.

comment  How can I import email addresses from Microsoft Outlook?

 

Export the email addresses from Microsoft Outlook to CSV - Comma Separated Values (Text) and import the CSV (Text) file to your mailing list.
Please note, that you can import data to a "Mailing List" (non-linked list) only. A "Linked List" is linked to an external database file - if you want to add contacts to a linked list, then you need to add the new contacts to the external database.

comment  The program does not start when I run it as limited user

 

If you can start the program as power-user or administrator-user, used the express setup option (no custom data folder) and you try to start the program using a limited user account, then you might get the error message: "Open Database failed".

 

The program uses the public documents system folder by default as the data-directory.
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Arclab\MailList Controller\data
On some systems the limited user accounts have no ODBC access to files in this folder.

Solution: 

  • Uninstall and re-install the program. 

  • Now select "Custom Setup" in the Core Settings.

  • Change the data-directory to a different location, e.g. use c:\MailListControllerData or d:\data

    Important: 
    Don't use a folder inside the "Program Files", "Windows" or "Users" system folder!
    The system uses UAC virtualization and the mail service will not be able to access the files!

  • You can leave all the other options unchanged.

comment  How can I change the charset?

 

You don't need to care about the charset.
The program is written in unicode and messages will be sent out utf-8 encoded, which includes all charsets and languages.

comment  What email accounts are support? Can I use IMAP?

 

MailList Controller supports SMTP (SSL/TLS), POP (SSL) and IMAP (SSL/TLS).
This means you can use it with most mail accounts.

If you use MS Exchange, enable IMAP access in the exchange configuration first.
How to connect to a MS Exchange Server

 

Authentication is only possible via user name and password. Web-based authentication, XOAUTH2 or "MS Modern Authentication" cannot be used because the program does not have a web service or backend.
If your account does not allow access via user and password, please use another account that allows access via user and password, e.g. from your web space provider.

comment  Can I use the program with my local MS Exchange server?

 

Yes, you can use it with your MS Exchange server. Please make sure, that IMAP is enabled on your MS Exchange server.
Enter the name of your server as server for incoming and outgoing messages and select the authentication (SSL/StartTLS), if required).
See also: How to connect to a MS Exchange Server

comment  Does the software send in TO, CC or BCC mode?

 

MailList Controller sends one separate message for each recipient (TO mode) - this means each subscriber get his own message message with only ONE email address in it. It's NOT possible to see the email addresses of other subscribers. The privacy of your subscribers is not at risk.

If your list has e.g. 1000 contacts, then the software sends 1000 messages - the same way as if you would send a message to each subscriber by hand.

comment  Table / background-images and other issues in MS Outlook 2007/2010++

 

If you are missing table background images in MS Outlook 2007 ...

Previous versions of MS Outlook use IE to render html messages ...
MS Outlook 2007 uses the MS Word rendering engine instead of the IE engine.

This means:
- no background images in TABLE cells
- no background images in DIV tags
- no animated gif's
- no nested background colors
- no FLOAT attribute in DIV tags
- no POSITION attribute in DIV tags

The following page contains details about the MS Word 2007 support for HTML and CSS:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa338201.aspx

Please test each message before sending a mailing to your subscribers.

comment  Why does the List Synchronization (Sync) take longer and longer?

 

If you have sent out a large mailing, then it's normal that there will be a lot of returned messages and unsubscribe requests, so it could take some time to download and process all the messages ... but if you have not sent out a mailing and the synchronization takes longer and longer each time you synchronize, then there might be a problem with your settings for non-list messages.

A non-list message is anything which could not be processed automatically by the program, e.g. spam or a question/reply to your newsletter.

If you have selected to "Leave non-list messages on the server", then you need to take care of this messages by yourself! If you don't process and remove the messages from the mail server, then the number will increase and at some point you will have so many non-list messages on the mail server that the program cannot work any longer.

Please take a closer look at the service log file (click on "Log file") after a "Synchronize" if you think that it takes too long. The program adds details about all incoming messages and remaining messages on the mail server to the log file.

comment  POP3/IMAP Login failed

 

Please make sure, that you enter the correct POP/IMAP Server. The POP/IMAP server is the server for incoming mail. In some cases the servers for incoming and outgoing messages are different. Please take a look at the mail settings for POP3/IMAP on the help pages of your mail provider.

Please also make sure, that the user  is correct. The username is in some cases identical with the email address, but can also be different. You should get this information from the help pages of your mail provider.

comment  Error: AMSG2MIME failed

 

  • This error occurs if you try send an attachment, which is currently opened (or locked) by another application.
    Please close the file (attachment) in the other application and retry.

  • One of your file attachments was removed or renamed.
    Please check your file attachments.

comment  The fields of the "Subscribe" message are not recognized

 

Please verify the syntax of the subscribe message:

The message should have the following format.

 

From: someemail@somedomain.tld
To: your-list@your-domain.tld
Subject: Subscribe

Message-Body:
Email: members-email-address@somedomain.tld
Name: John Smith

 

The field-names are case sensitive, so "NAME" is not the same as "Name". If you have checked all the fields and have not found any problem, then please try to send a test subscribe message using your mail client.

comment  Can I use a web form for subscribe/remove?

 

The program has a built-in tool to create a web form for subscribe/remove.
There is no manual coding required - it will generate the form and php-script automatically.

It's not required to use the built-in tool. Any form mailer, which sends a subscribe/remove message will work.
Please take a look at the user manual for details.

comment  The mail service won't start anymore - how can I fix it?

 

Click on "Options" -> "Core Settings" -> "Start MailList Controller Core Setup" to install/setup the mail service again. Please make sure, that you use the same setup type, data folder and user as before. Complete the wizard and start the mail service.

Alternate: Uninstall the program and re-install the same version!

comment  Can I use an external HTML editor to edit the message?

 

Step 1: Click on "New Message" in MailList Controller to open the editor.

Step 2: Click on "HTML Source"

Step 3: Check "Source Mode - Disable Rich-Text (HTML) WYSIWYG Editor".
This ensures, that the html source code will not be changed by the internal editor.

Step 4: Create the newsletter message in the external editor and save the .html file to your hard-disk.

Step 5: Go back to the MailList Controller Editor and select "File -> Import HTML" or click on the "Open" icon.

comment  How do I import a HTML file or purchased template?

 

Click on "Import -> HTML File" in the editor.

or

Click on "Templates" use "Import Custom Template".
Check the source mode if the template should be imported without changing the HTML source code.

comment  What should I enter as POP/IMAP and SMTP server?

 

The SMTP server is the mail server for Outgoing Messages and the POP/IMAP server is the mail server for incoming messages.
Please refer to the information provided by your mail administrator or provider.
See also: A List of SMTP and POP3 Mail Servers (Mail Server List)

comment  IMAP: How does it work?

 

The program will create a (sub) folder with the name "MailList Controller" the first time you synchronize the lists.

The folder will be created either at top level with the name "Inbox.MailList Controller"
or as sub folder of the Inbox folder with the name "MailList Controller" - depending on your mail server.

The program will move all processed messages (like Subscribe/Remove) from the folder "Inbox" into the folder "MailList Controller". You can use this folder as storage or backup. Please clean the folder if your account goes over quota - the program only moves processed list messages from the inbox to the storage folder - other messages like question or replies will be left in the "Inbox" folder.

comment  What means [LMOS] and [NLM] in the log file?

 

[LMOS] = Leave Message On Server (when using POP3)
[NLM] = Non List Message (when using IMAP)

comment  When I send a test message the personalization in To: does not work

 

The program replaces the personalization fields with values from the database when you check the option "Fill personalization fields with values taken from the first record of the list". This affects the subject, the message-body and also the friendly name part of the To-field.

The TO-line contains a combination of the friendly name and the email address.  "Friendly Name" <email@sampledomain.tld>
The email address used in the TO-line will be the email address of the test message recipient and NOT the email address taken from the first record of the list! (the test message should be sent to the specified test message recipient)

comment  The php subscribe/remove form seems to be working, but no email will be sent

 

Some hosted web servers require that you define a default sender email address in the web server configuration, before you can use any php form mailer. You need to define the default sender in the web server configuration - not inside the program or the php form! The php-script should work fine after you have defined a default sender. Please also take a look at the help pages and FAQ of your web hosting service.

comment  Error: Could not start Service: Error 193: 0xc1

 

This error occurs when you have a file with the name "Program" on the system drive. e.g. c:\Program
or if the service file amlcSVC.exe was damaged.

comment  Nothing happens when I try to load a template

 

It is possible that the ODBC driver has become corrupted or there is a problem after a system update.
In this case, please restart the computer and reinstall the software (without uninstalling).
Check the "Install and repair MS Access Database Engine" option in the setup program, if this option is available.

 

Repair MS Access Database Engine

comment  The editor does not save the changes when I click on "Save"

 

Please install all available updates for your operating system and the latest version of MS Internet Explorer.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/download-ie

comment  Using McAfee Virusscan and MailList Controller

 

By default McAfee VirusScan blocks all outgoing messages sent by any program that it does not recognize. To solve this problem you need to tell McAfee that amlcSVC.exe (MailList Controller mail service) and amlceditor.exe (internal editor - if you want to send a test message) is a 'trusted' program for sending emails. (Optional: If you want to run the connection test in the new list wizard, you should also add nlw.exe.)

1. Right click on the McAfee icon in the task tray
2. Select "Virus Scan Console"
3. Double-click on "Access Protection"
4. Click on the "Port Blocking" tab
5. Select "Prevent mass mailing worms from sending email" and press "Edit"
6. Add  "amlcsvc.exe, amlceditor.exe" in the "Excluded Processes" edit field.

comment  Error 100 "Function required" when trying to add a hyperlink to an image

 

We added a custom "Add Hyperlink" dialog in Version 12.5 to avoid the error.
It's recommend to update to version 12.5 (or newer).


You will get Error 100 "Function required" when you try to add a hyperlink to an image, which is currently in resize mode.
Please make sure that the image is selected (not in resize mode) before adding a hyperlink to an image.

Error 100

comment  Deleted contacts shown in linked list when using MS Office BCM (Business Contact Manager)

 

For some reason a ODBC/SQL query to BCM sometimes includes deleted contacts.
Please clear the "Deleted" folder in BCM to solve this issue.

comment  Important notice for Windows XP and Windows 7 users!

 

comment  ODBC Driver issues on Windows 64bit

 

The program installs the required ODBC driver "Microsoft Access Database Engine" (32bit) during the program setup.
If you get an error during the setup or if the mailing fails with an error message like "No ODBC driver found":

  • Try to re-install MailList Controller using the latest version

  • Uninstall all versions of "Microsoft Access Database Engine" from your system.

  • Download the latest version of "Microsoft Access Database Engine (2010)" here:
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13255
    Important: download the "AccessDatabaseEngine.exe" (not the _x64 version!)

  • Install the ODBC driver and retry.
    If you cannot install because there is a 64bit component blocking, open a command prompt and run the installation using:
    "AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /quiet"

comment  The program does not start any longer

 

Please download and re-install the program (it's not required to uninstall the software before as long as you don't use an outdated version < 9 ).
If you have installed MS Office 16 (365) also take a look at this page.

comment  Error: Socket operation time-out

 

There are several reasons for this error message:

  • If you receive the message immediately after creating a list, the information about the mail server or "Authentication" will most likely not be correct.
    See also: How to fix outgoing mail (SMTP) settings

  • If you find this error message in the log file, but the sending process continues, then it is a classic timeout in which the mail server did not respond within a specified time. In most cases you do not have to do anything here.

  • This can also be a failure of the internet connection, the connection to the mail server or the mail server itself. In these cases it is advisable to wait a bit and try again. If the task has been canceled, you can continue it at a later time under "Sent Messages" by using the "Retry Mailing" function. This function continues the mailing without sending duplicates.

  • Another possible cause is that the mail server used rejects the connection to you or your IP address. This can happen if you have exceeded a send limit on the mail account. In these cases you should be able to adjust the speed of the program to the mail server. Please note that you should first wait until your mail account accepts further messages. See also: Limited mail accounts

comment  Can I use MS Access Database Engine 2016 instead of 2010?

 

MailList Controller should work with any ODBC driver.
If you have installed the 32bit version of MS Office (365) then it's not required to install any additional driver.

You can install the 2016 version as follows:

  • Uninstall Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 (32bit)
  • Download Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 (32bit) - don't download the x64 version!
  • Run AccessDatabaseEngine.exe
  • If you cannot install because there is a 64bit component blocking, open a command prompt and run the installation using:
    AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /quiet

comment  Error: Cannot open job database file

 

The program cannot send because the job/work database with the recipients cannot be created or the file is locked by another application.

 

This can occur when the program's data directory (see Options > Core Settings) is in a shared folder.
If you use Dropbox or a similar program for sharing, please stop sharing before sending or exclude the directory accordingly.

 

It is also possible that the ODBC driver has become corrupted or there is a problem after a system update.
In this case, please restart the computer and reinstall the software (without uninstalling).
Check the "Install and repair MS Access Database Engine" option in the setup program, if this option is available.

 

Repair MS Access Database Engine

comment  How to connect to a MS Exchange Server

 

Outgoing Mail:

In order to be able to send messages from an MS Exchange Server, SMTP must be activated on the Exchange Server.
We recommend using an SSL/TLS encrypted connection.

 

For SMTP you need the following information:

  • Server Name
  • Authentication: TLS, SSL, SMTP Standard (not recommended), POP before SMTP (for legacy support)
  • User name
  • Password

Please contact your mail administrator if you do not know the account data.

 


 

Incoming Mail:

In order to be able to retrieve messages from an MS Exchange Server, IMAP must be activated on the Exchange Server.
Important: This information applies if you operate an "MS Exchange Server" yourself and not for the online services "Exchange Online" or "Microsoft 365".

 

Please note, that IMAP or POP3 access is only required if the program should process incoming messages!
If you don't want to process incoming messages, simply leave the section "POP/IMAP" empty.

 

For IMAP or POP3 access you need the following information:

  • Server Name
  • Server Type: IMAP, IMAP SSL, IMAP TLS, POP3 or POP3 SSL
  • User name
  • Password

Please contact your mail administrator if you do not know the account data.
We recommend using an SSL/TLS encrypted connection.

 

How to enable IMAP on an Exchange Server:

 https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients/pop3-and-imap4/configure-imap4?view=exchserver-2019

 

Authentication:

  • Authentication is only possible via user name and password.
  • If you use MFA (multi-factor authentication), you can use an APP password that enables IMAP access without MFA.
  • Web-based authentication, XOAUTH2 or "MS Modern Authentication" cannot be used because the program does not have a web service or backend.

 

Alternatives:

If access to your Exchange account via IMAP or POP3 is not possible, you can use another email account, e.g. from your web space provider, which allows normal IMAP access via user/password. In this case, you must then redirect or send the messages to be processed to this alternative email account.

comment  Does the Program support XOAUTH2 or "MS Modern Authentication"?

 

  • No, authentication is only possible via user name and password.
  • Web-based authentication, XOAUTH2 or "MS Modern Authentication" cannot be used because the program does not have a web service or backend.
  • Some providers allow you to create a special app password that allows access via IMAP and SMTP without using XOAUTH2.
    In this case, use the app password you created instead of your normal password.

comment  Microsoft 365 Email Accounts (IMAP/POP)

 

From October 1st, 2022, MS 365 will no longer allow normal logins for IMAP/POP (SSL/TLS), only logins with "MS Modern Authentication". This is a web-based authentication method. The program is a standalone application without a web service and unfortunately cannot use this authentication method.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/deprecation-of-basic-authentication-exchange-online open_in_new

 

warning This means that MS 365 email accounts will no longer work with the program.

Please note that this only affects email accounts hosted by MS 365 (Exchange Online). If you run your own Exchange Server, you shouldn't be affected by this.

 

info_outline Alternatives:

We therefore recommend using a different email account instead, e.g. from your web space provider (or domain), for the automatic processing of emails with the program. Please note that this must be an email account that allows normal access via IMAP (or POP). Email accounts that require "MS Modern Authentication" or "XOAUTH2" will not work. Your web administrator should be able to create a suitable email account for you on your web server.

comment  Gmail Email Accounts

 

In order to be able to use a Gmail account with the program, you must first set up an "App Password".

 

warning Important: Use the "App Password" in the program instead of your normal Gmail password!

 

Here you can find more information about the "App Password":
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833?hl=en open_in_new

comment  Install and Repair ODBC Driver (MS Access Database Engine)

 

It is possible that the ODBC driver has become corrupted or there is a problem after a system update.
In this case, please restart the computer and reinstall the software (without uninstalling).
Check the "Install and repair MS Access Database Engine" option in the setup program, if this option is available.

 

Repair MS Access Database Engine

comment  Not found an answer to your question?

Contact Arclab Support