CreditNow! CN-3000 FAQ
System Requirements
CreditNow! CN-3000 AutoProcessor can run just about anywhere Windows NT4, 2000, or XP runs. We recommend 512 MBytes of RAM. If you are planning to run large batches (over 20,000 transactions per batch), then 1G of RAM will help processing speeds.
CreditNow! Requires 30 MBytes of disk space for installation. Total amount of disk space consumed will depend heavily on batch size and how much information you import for each transaction.
Processor speed will also depend on the size batches you are processing. We have had people processing 20,000 transaction batches on 500 MHz machines. Quicker machines will help the processing time of the relational database. We recommend you download our demo version and test with some sample batches.
Difference between the Demo and Live versions?
The Demonstration/Evaluation version that is available for download is the same in every function except for one. The demo version simulates the actions of communicating with the Processor.
The demo version returns random Address Verification responses. All transactions ending in an even penny amount will be Authorized. All transactions ending in an odd penny amount will be declined with a random decline code.
This allows people to test integrating the AutoProcessor into their test environments before going live with their merchant processor.
What is CreditNow! CN-3000 version?
CreditNow! CN-3000 AutoProcessor is the latest release of the fully-automated, high-volume, batch-processing transaction processing software from Auric Systems International.
CN-3000 is a native Windows application built on top of an embedded relational database for long-term data integrity.
I've ordered CreditNow!. Now what do I do?
You need to contact your processor representative and let them know you have ordered CreditNow! software. They will generate your individual ID numbers and passwords and deliver them to you for entry into the software.
How do I get information into CreditNow!?
The CN-3000 AutoProcessor is designed as a conduit between merchant applications and your processor. This is a completely "hands-off" process. For the import/export function in both versions, a delimited text file needs to be generated for the process to work.
What is CreditNow! CN-3100?
The primary difference between CN-3000 and CN-3100 is that CN-3100 supports Frame Relay communications with your processor. There may be other processor-specific features in the CN-3100 as well.
How does CreditNow! AutoProcessor tell the difference between checks and credit cards in the import file?
The key to distinguishing between checks and credit cards in an import file is the Routing Number field. Records with a value in the Account field and a blank Routing Number field as a Credit Card. Records with a value in the Account and Routing Number fields are treated as a Check. This makes it very easy to mix check and credit card transactions in the same import file.
What are some common import problems?
There are several common file import problems you should check:
- Make sure you have a comma or tab between each and every field in the record (comma or tab delimited text).
- Put double-quotes around each field in the record. This is not required. However, sometimes data can contain unexpected commas (such as in "Smith, Jr.").
- Make sure each line ends with a carriage return/line feed. This a frequent problem when the import file has been generated on a mainframe or mini computer.
- Do not add extra spaces around data.
- Remember that dollar amounts must have a decimal point and two digits to the right of the decimal. 101 is wrong. 101.00 is correct.
- Do not include currency symbols or commas in dollar amounts. $1,000.00 is wrong. 1000.00 is correct.
- Check your import template. You should not be able to see double-quotes in the field view in the upper-right of the import dialog. If you see double quotes, check the Has Double Quotes box.
What type of modem do I need?
CreditNow! CN-3000 supports US Robotics modem (except WinModems).
Why do you only support one brand of modem?
Our goal is for you to get your money in the bank and go home to sleep at night. We also like to sleep at night. US Robotics produces a consistently excellent and compatible modem that let's us do that.
Why external modems?
External modems provide you with a significantly greater level of control than internal modems. During testing, you are better able to follow the call's progress. You can see if data is flowing properly by checking the send and receive lights. And, if communication problems should occur, you can reset the external modem by simply turning it off and on. With an internal modem you must reset your entire computer.
In general, we've found external modems are easier for customers to set-up and configure. Initial testing times with external modems is usually shorter than with internal modems. We want you to start transmitting credit card transactions as quickly and easily as possible.
I've installed one of the modems you require and it still won't connect. What now?
First look in the Configuration menu. Go to Communications Setup. Check to see that the rate is set to 9600 and you have selected the correct Port. This should correct the problem.
What if it doesn't?
If you are communicating through a PBX system, it may be causing problems. For best results, you should be communicating through a direct phone line that does not go through a PBX.
If you are using a PBX, make sure you add the proper dialing prefix required to gain access to an outside line. Typically the two characters nine-comma (9,) are sufficient. Some Centrex systems require this pair to be repeated (9,9,).
It is possible that you don't actually have a V.32 modem. Some older 14.4 Kbaud US Robotics modems use the HST standard rather than the V.32 standard. Check your modem carefully.
In very rare cases you may have a bad modem. This is extremely rare, but we have had it happen more than once.
I connect to my processor and they seem to start receiving data. Then the modem either hangs up or the received data is garbled.
The most common cause of this problem is the use of a serial cable without hardware handshaking. Cables with and without hardware handshaking are indistinguishable. It is important that you specify a hardware handshaking cable when you order your modem.
