"I'v upgraded my VarAC and now it is broken. Now what?". About folder permissions issues.

You might have experienced this yourself or heard someone else expressing frustration about it.

"Broken", indicated by any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of all settings, reverted to VarAC defaults.

• Numerous error messages regarding the inability to read certain VarAC files.

• Complete loss of history.

  
  

These symptoms share a common root cause: your VarAC is unable to access its configuration/DB files due to permission limitations at the folder level.

Allow me to elucidate why this occurrence can occur and provide a simple solution to remedy it.

VarAC can be installed in two different ways.

• An Installer (exe file)

• A package (Zip file)

In 99% of cases where people complain about upgrade failures, it's usually related to the installer version (exe).

Now, let's delve deeper into this issue.

By default, the VarAC installer suggests installing it in the C:\VarAC directory upon the first installation. This is because in Windows, installing software into the C:\Program Files\ directory comes with permission limitations that may result in errors, such as a failing upgrade at a later stage. It's likely that during your first installation, you overrode VarAC's suggestion, leading to permission issues.

Similarly, the VARA modem itself defaults to the C:\VARA directory for similar reasons—to prevent numerous issues.

So, in 99% of cases where an upgrade using the installer leaves you with a "broken" VarAC, it's often because you initially installed it under "C:\Program Files" instead of "C:\VarAC".

If you prefer to keep VarAC in the "Program Files" directory, feel free to do so at your own risk, but ensure you run the VarAC installer as an administrator (Right-click -> Run as administrator).

However, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you make the effort to move VarAC to a location where it can provide you with years of quiet, safe, and smooth upgrades.

Here are the steps to safely move your VarAC to a new permanent home. It's important to read through all the steps before you begin to familiarize yourself with the process:

1. Backup your VarAC directory content aside. I mean copy all the files to a different location.

2. Uninstall VarAC. There is an "Uninstall.exe" file in the VarAC directory. Simply run it. This will remove all traces of VarAC from your computer.

3. Now Download a fresh Installer from the VarAC website

4. Run the installer and make sure you Install it under C:\VarAC when asked.

5. DO NOT LAUNCH VarAC (Just yet) after the installation.

6. Now Restore ONLY the following files from your backup (taken at step #1) to your new VarAC home (C:\VarAC):

- VarAC.db

- VarAC.ini

- VarAC_alert_tags.conf

- VarAC_frequency_schedule.conf

- VarAC_frequencies.conf

- VarAC_cat_commands.ini

- VarAC_auto_qsy_allowed_frequencies.conf

Now run VarAC. If you followed these instructions precisely - you should be good to go.

Next time you have a VarAC update - it will lead you automatically to the C:\VarAC directory and will save you from the troubles you have encountered before.

I highly advise running VarAC upgrades as Administrator every time. Simply right-click and select "Run as administrator." This precaution will help you avoid potential issues and streamline the upgrade process.

Good luck!

4Z1AC Irad, and the VarAC team.