Background

Focus Reports uses the Advantage Database Server to protect data from network-induced problems and to speed access to the data. Focus Reports software must discover the database server. To do this, a message is sent across the network to the other computers. The database server computer responds with information to allow Focus Reports to connect to the database server. If this response is not received, the 6420 error is generated.

Note: This error can be caused when multiple versions of MediSoft are installed on one computer.

Solution: Correct the Program Path in MediSoft's registry entries (HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/MediSoft/Patient Accounting/Program Path) to point to the right directory (one where the LastCon.cfg file is located). This can be done in one of two ways:

• Uninstall all versions of MediSoft and reinstall the correct version
• Edit the registry with the correct value for the MediSoft program files

Resolution

NetBIOS (a networking communication protocol) is used to send the discovery messages between Focus Reports and the database server. Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP to correct the problem.

On Windows XP: Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > Local Area Connection. Open the Properties window. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click the Properties button. Click the Advanced button and select the WINS tab in the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window. Select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and save this setting. Repeat on all computers on the network, restarting the computers when the change is complete.

On Windows 2000: Navigate to Start > Settings > Network and Dialup Connections. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties from the context menu. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button. Click the Advanced button, then click the WINS tab in the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window. Select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and save the setting. Repeat on all computers on the network, restarting the computers when the change is complete.

Additional Steps

If the preceding steps do not correct the 6420 error, try these additional steps. Test the result of each step by restarting all computers on the network and attempting to start Point of Success. If the error persists, proceed to the next step on the list:

1. Install the IPX/SPX/NetBIOS protocol on all computers on the network.
2. If you are using a firewall on your network (either firewall software or firewall hardware), it is possible that the firewall is blocking communication between the workstation and the database server. Open ports 1743 (TCP) and 47 (UDP) in the firewall.
3. The Advantage discovery process can be circumvented by using a manual configuration. See the Advantage help file for more information. Navigate to Start > Programs > Advantage Database Server > Documentation. Open the help file and search for ADS.INI.

Something else to try:

If the connection/discovery trouble persists, try using static IP addresses for each computer on the network.