Software Update Error: Essential Forms was not able to update its software components

Here’s what to try:

1.) Try and run the latest JC Update (efinstaller.exe) on that station getting the software update error. Everyone will have to be out of Essential Forms, since the installation does need to modify the shared data folder. If that doesn’t work, try #2.

2.) Most likely its permissions related. It probably means this station doesn’t have permissions to update the Software Modules files/folders in the Data folder to the current necessary version in the local Essential Forms program folder (under C:/Program files(x86)/CEB/Essential Forms folder). The user would need to be a local admin on the C: drive for those software updates to install automatically.

-Have the network admin log in once as administrator, launch Essential Forms, then have the user log-in with their normal credentials and see if it still gives the “software updates are ready to install” message.

-Try to right-click on the Essential Forms shortcut and select, "run as admin". Does that allow the software modules to get installed? It may ask to Select Data Directory and then the network data folder is not available. That’s a clear sign they do not have appropriate permissions to access the shared data folder as admins. If #3 doesn’t work, try #3.

3.) User doesn’t have a connection to the shared data folder. Check under File Explorer to see if the station can access the Network folder. Also, see if other users can open the program across the network. If that doesn’t work, try #4.

4.) The other option is go under File Explorer and navigate to the shared Essential Forms Data folder, then open the SoftwareModules folder. Manually copy by clicking, Select All (CTRL+A) +Copy (CTRL+C) all the files/folders from inside the SoftwareModules folder and then navigate back to the Essential Forms Program folder (most likely, under C:/Program Files(x86)/CEB/Essential Forms) and paste (CTRL+V). Go ahead and copy and replace for all file conflicts. That should allow the program to open without the software updates message.

Note: If it won’t let you copy and replace those files/folders (from SoftwareModules) in the Essential Forms program folder (C:/Program Files(x86)/CEB/Essential Forms) then you might have to paste those files in a brand new folder on the Desktop. Reopen that new folder on the Desktop and copy all the files/folders again and then try to paste in the Essential Forms program folder (C:/Program Files(x86)/CEB/Essential Forms). Go ahead and copy and replace for all file conflicts. That should allow the program to open without the software updates message.

5.) If the workstation in question only needs its program directory updated (in other words, someone else was able to update the data folder on the network), then rather than trying to get the installer to run, just copy all the files out of the \BIN folder in the latest efinstaller.zip folder (provided by tech support). Update and paste them into the Essential Forms program directory (most likely under C:/Program Files(x86)/CEB/Essential Forms). You should “copy and replace” for all files with the same name.

Note: If the process hangs in the pasting of the files make sure the Essential Forms Updater is closed in the system tray (right-click and click “exit” and “yes” you’re sure you want to close the updater). Those are the only files needed to update in the program folder, since the data folder has been updated already.

Once the copy/paste is finished go ahead and launch Essential Forms.