Frequently Asked Questions
Can AutoVIP track items other than vehicles?
Does AutoVIP support multiple users on a network?
Can I get automatic program updates through my proxy server?
Is AutoVIP compatible with Microsoft Vista and Windows 7?
How do I get started using AutoVIP?
Is there an uninstall option available?
I use a desktop and a laptop. Can I synchronize AutoVIP between the two?
Can I run AutoVIP from a USB flash drive?
My hard drive crashed and I lost my fleet maintenance database. What do I do?
How to avoid overpriced dealer service packages
When should I change the engine oil?
Why not use a 'free' website to track maintenance?
I've already registered. Where is my activation code?
Is a maintenance log worthwhile?
The free download is free and tracks two vehicles. It does not stop working after 2 weeks or 30 days or some limited time period. The free download is intended to let you evaluate AutoVIP to see if it meets your needs.
Once you evaluate AutoVIP and determine that it meets your preventive maintenance management needs, then upgrade to a registered version in order to track multiple vehicles or equipment units.
AutoVIP is the value leader in fleet maintenance management software because AutoVIP is easier to install, it is easier to learn and there is no additional charge for advanced features like multi-user and network ready capabilities. The basic license fee is also less expensive than you will find elsewhere. So your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is lower.
According to David Thomas, executive director of the Software & Information Industry Association's software division, 'the trouble with software programs is that good ones often get overloaded with features demanded by "power users," such as big corporations or vocal individuals.'
So please beware of other higher priced software that may be bloated with features you will never use. Even if you never use those extra marginal features, they still mean more complicated menus, more learning time for you and your staff, more calls for support and higher software prices, resulting in a more expensive TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
For current pricing on registered versions, check the Register page.
Yes. AutoVIP can also track aircraft maintenance, marine maintenance, stationary equipment, building maintenance and anything you have in mind that needs to be scheduled and tracked in either miles, kilometers, hours or fixed calendar intervals. Download the free version and evaluate it for the application you have in mind to find out exactly how it will meet your needs.
Yes. This is a standard feature with AutoVIP! Once you download AutoVIP, read the installation notes in the online help Appendix for recommendations on network configuration. We also suggest installing the free demo version on your network to verify compatibility with your network configuration.
Tip: If you encounter the 'Open File Security Warning' when launching AutoVIP from your network, try this procedure in Internet Explorer:
Yes. This is a standard feature with AutoVIP! Once you download AutoVIP, read the installation notes in the online help Appendix for recommendations on network configuration.
Yes, once you do a one-time setup as follows: run wupdate.exe located in your installation folder and check the box for proxy server. Then enter your proxy server settings.
Yes, AutoVIP is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7. Two key things to look for regarding Vista/Win7 compatibility are whether the software requires administrator access for regular users and whether the online Help system works with Vista. Our Help system works with Vista. Some others don't.
As with most software installations under Vista, if you have User Account Control turned on, you need to allow administrator access for the installation to proceed.
Once installed, AutoVIP does not need administrator access to run. Some other programs require regular users to always have administrator access which can be a security risk.
Download it, run the installation package and then launch the program. AutoVIP will immediately guide you through adding your first vehicle and scheduled tasks of your choice. Once you've added the tasks you want to track, then post the most recent completion dates and AutoVIP immediately forecasts the next due dates and mileage markers while retaining the service history you just posted. The online User's Guide explains each screen and menu option in the program. Simply click the Help button or press the F1 key anywhere in the program.
You can easily remove AutoVIP from your computer by using the Add/Remove programs feature in Windows Control Panel. In Windows 7 and Vista this option is now called Programs and Features within Control Panel.
A great way to do this is to install and run AutoVIP from a USB flash drive and simply move the flash drive from machine to machine as needed. See next question for more on this option.
Yes, AutoVIP can be installed and run from a USB storage device such as a flash drive. Since the USB device drive letter sometimes changes when moving the flash drive to a different computer, you might want to launch AutoVIP directly from the AutoVIP folder on the flash drive instead of using a desktop or menu shortcut. (For that same reason, AutoVIP may not always be able to provide automatic service reminders at boot up if the drive letter changes or if the flash drive is not connected when the computer starts up.)
Please note that since flash drives are easily lost and the data can be easily corrupted, it is extremely important to back up flash drive data often and to another media or to Mozy.com.
We believe it is important for you to try our software without obligation. To that purpose, we make available to you a free download version of our software you may use without cost or time limit so you can verify that it meets your needs. However, once you have purchased a license for a registered copy of AutoVIP, we cannot offer a refund.
We have the easiest recovery process in the business. Download a fresh copy of AutoVIP from this website and reinstall. Then simply copy your AutoVIP or FleetVIP database backup file into the installation folder and rename it vip.tps. That is all there is to it.
For a more detailed explanation of these steps, open the program and under the File menu option, click Backup/Restore and then click the Restore button.
If you prefer, we can even arrange a tech support appointment with you and we will use remote control software to access your PC and restore the database from your VIP backup file.
Since AutoVIP automatically reminds you to backup and actually does the backup when you click OK, you should have a recent backup available. Please make sure to backup often and to a different device such as a flash drive, USB hard drive, CD burner, network drive or a physically different hard drive so you will be prepared if a hard drive problem arises. We also highly recommend Mozy online backup at right. (They even offer a free basic backup plan up 2 gigabytes.)
In the event you do not have a backup of your AutoVIP database, then simply download a free copy of the program from this website and reactivate the software using your activation code. If you have not saved your activation code, please contact us and we can reissue an activation code at a 70% discount from our current license fees.
-Use your Owner's Manual and AutoVIP to set up and track your maintenance schedule
Find the maintenance schedule that came with the vehicles you need to track. This is usually in the Owner's Manual. Or look for it online at the manufacturer's website. Or get a copy from the dealer. Now setup a scheduled maintenance program in AutoVIP using the manufacturer's required maintenance specifications. Often there are a number of Owner Checks and Services and Periodic Inspections in addition to Scheduled Maintenance. These should all be posted in AutoVIP. Doing so will put you in the driver's seat!
It is important to do this homework because some car dealers and repair shops recommend 'packages' at certain mileage intervals that include extra-cost items not actually needed to maintain your vehicle or warranty. The optional, extra-cost items can easily add hundreds of dollars to your visit! And sometimes work that is required is not mentioned. And the mileage intervals of these dealer packages may be more frequent than the manufacturer requires. So you could end up doing unneeded work and not doing required work. The worst of both worlds - higher costs while possibly voiding your warranty. That is why you need to be in charge and informed!
According to the AAA Auto Club, "Much of this confusion and neglect can be attributed to a lack of specific knowledge about what the car manufacturer recommends in the service schedule included in the owner's manual. To make matters worse, some service shops have their own set of service guidelines that call for more frequent service than is recommended by the manufacturer. So, what's a car owner to do? Following the service recommendations in the owner's manual is best..."
Example: I recently received a service reminder in the mail from a reputable, trustworthy independent shop I use advising that my car is due for its 50,000 mile service and that the automatic transaxle fluid and automatic transaxle filter needed to be replaced. But my car did not need a 50,000 mile service since it is closer to 40,000 miles. And the manufacturer does not recommend the fluid and filter change unless I use my car as a taxi or do frequent trailer towing. So I did not need to do these items. Plus, the manufacturer's required maintenance at 5 years (or 150,000 miles) does require a coolant flush and no mention of this was made on the service reminder card! So I easily could have paid for unnecessary work while overlooking required work. Don't let this happen to you. Take charge with AutoVIP. That's why I developed the program.
Another Example: I received a GM Goodwrench service reminder in the mail from a General Motors dealer advising that my vehicle was due for its regularly scheduled maintenance visit which was described as the '48000 Mile Service'. However, there is no '48000 Mile Service' required by General Motors or by Mr. Goodwrench or by anybody! In fact, there is nothing, nada, zilch required at 48,000 miles. Yet this dealer would have me believe that this '48000 Mile Service' was required by Mr. Goodwrench when in reality it was not. These are just a couple of examples of why I wrote AutoVIP and why you should use it.
According to AAA auto club: "One of the most beneficial things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle is change the oil regularly. But, regularly does not mean "frequently." The old rule of thumb of changing the oil every 3,000 miles may not apply to today's advanced engines. Technologically improved lubricants are capable of lasting longer while still doing a good job of protecting your engine.
Under normal driving conditions, the oil-change schedule can be extended to 7,500 miles, and several luxury imports can go as high as 20,000 miles. The trick to determining the best oil-change schedule for your vehicle is understanding what kind of driving you do. Severe conditions may require you to change oil more frequently. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's definition of different types of driving conditions and the recommended schedule and type of oil for each condition."
Here is a Q&A from General Motors on their Oil Life System (OLS) which extends oil changes up to 12,000 miles in a best-case situation.
As you can see, when it comes to preventive maintenance, there is a lot of room for confusion and for ineffective use of your time and money. (But you probably knew that.) So why not have AutoVIP give you an automatic oil change reminder based on your specific vehicle use?
With AutoVIP tracking your maintenance requirements, you will be much better informed and better able to discuss with your service advisor at the repair shop what is required and what is optional. And you can readily verify that all work required to maintain your warranty is performed when it should be.
Obviously, there may be some tasks not required by the manufacturer that you decide to have done. With AutoVIP on your side, if you decide some optional work is a good idea, you will be clear in your mind that it IS optional. And if you agree to do some optional work, that will be an informed choice rather than a misunderstanding about what is actually required by the manufacturer.
Activation codes are automatically emailed out within minutes of receiving payment. If you have not received your activation code within 1 hour of registering, your pc mail program or internet mail provider probably has an over-active spam filter and has blocked our email to you. Check your screened mail folder for it. If you use an email address for your business, your company IT department probably blocked our email to you. This is the most common explanation. Also, make sure your payment actually posted by checking your payment processor - either PayPal, Google or your credit card account. If you used Google Checkout, login to your Google account and verify that your credit card was charged. We wait until Google has actually charged the credit card which in rare cases takes several hours.
Also, please make sure to check the email box for the actual address you used when you registered, especially if you have multiple email addresses.
If you still can't find your activation code, no problem. Simply email us with your name, an alternate email address and your phone and fax numbers and transaction id so we can find your info and get the activation code to you. Type 'Support Question' as the subject of your email so our spam filter lets it through.
Free websites come and go. Would you want your maintenance database to just vanish overnight in the Internet cloud? Of course not.
Automotive service reminder websites can lose your data. This happened to me several years ago when using a major manufacturers website. They modified their website and permanently lost all the info I had entered. This doesn't have to happen to you. Because AutoVIP stores your data on your own computer, you are not subject to website malfunctions. And AutoVIP has built-in data backup for protection you can't get on a freebie website.
'Free' websites are offered for marketing reasons, so you will have to contend with advertising and possibly unwanted email arising from your use of a 'free' site.
Service reminder websites are very limited and may only track a few scheduled maintenance tasks.
Automotive websites can be very slow plus the internet connection can be slow.
Websites have to remind users via email. If you change your email address without telling them, you miss the reminders. Likewise, if your spam filter deletes the reminder emails.
Unlike those freebie websites, AutoVIP does not even require that you connect to the internet.
Bottom line - AutoVIP is quicker, easier, more flexible, and more secure than using automotive websites. Get the Free Download now and you will be up and running in a few minutes.
AutoVIP and FleetVIP are compatible with Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP/NT operating systems.