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Awhile back we posted THIS which described how to fix the error message shown below.
While that fix worked for the vast majority of users experiencing the message, there still was a small amount of folks who had the message persist after making the changes.
Last week Microsoft released Update Rollup 9 and in the accompanying KB article, they also posted the following tidbit:
The Internet Explorer team released a cumulative update on 1/21/2010. This cumulative update is recommended for customers that use Microsoft CRM. It will resolve issues caused by the popup blocker when using the CRM Client. It will also help resolve formatting issues when using the CRM web client submenus in an Internet facing deployment.
The IE8 cumulative update can be obtained from Microsoft Update. More information about this update can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978207.
IE8 users experiencing the pop-up blocker issue should download and install the update recommended by Microsoft above.
We have recently run into an interesting bug while trying to install update rollup 8 and 9.
The actual error file in the ur log file was:
“Cannot insert the value NULL into column ‘InvoiceNumber’, table”
And/or
“column does not allow nulls. UPDATE fails.”
In addition Update Rollup 9 seems to be stuck in a loop, generating lines and lines of log files.
After looking at the database and verifying all was ok including all invoice rows of data having an InvoiceNumber we found a potential workaround, but not an ideal one. Our work around was to delete all data from the Invoice and InvoiceDetail tables. Then installing UR 8 or UR 9. After the system was updated, the same synchronize method as before was used to re-add the invoice data.
If a better workaround is found, we’ll post it here.
PowerObjects is always building new and cool features to add value to Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Whether you are implementing Sales Force Automation or building a custom xRM application we want to give the users the most efficient interface for working with the system. A while back I started designing an interface to create one view of all communication with a Lead or Account or Contact. Of course the process is slightly different for Leads as apposed to Accounts and Contacts, but the concept is the same: I want to see one view off all communication. Seemed like an easy challenge, but what we learned was we needed to develop some xRM framework before we could build our new Lead entity One View. We needed custom xRM filter controls, Toolbar, Grid, JumpBar and of course a cool Reading Pane. Each of these elements took time to develop, but allow PowerObjects team to develop new robust custom CRM and xRM screens better and faster than the competition. Our xRM solutions run on-premise as well as in PowerObjects
Hosted CRM.
(click for a full size image)
Putting controls to use in One View allows PowerObjects to pull all activities (open and history) as well as notes into one view. Now instead of having to jump between 3 or more view users can see all communication in One View (this was a hard feature to name). Now from one view we can easily see all communication, add additional Activities or Notes as well as quickly view any data in the reading pane. In the standard interface a user would have to navigate to multiple interfaces and open up multiple windows to view all this data. With the reading pane the user can simply arrow up and down the list of records and view detail in the reading pane instantly. No popup windows, just one view. In addition to the reading pane we added an attachment icon to the list so you can quickly identify if an activity or not has an attachment right from one view.
The last cool feature I have to mention is the reading pane is 100% customizable. From with in CRM you can define what fields in the CRM you want to map to the reading pane items. You can define the Subject, Regarding, as many named pairs of attributes as well as a description and whether or not to append all notes to the end of the description (great when looking at related entities in Accounts and Contacts). To add value to the end user we need to create a consistent look and feel as well as give the user intuitive interface to access and input data. From one view a user can view a record, add records or double click to open the record.
One View is just an example of the value PowerObjects 100% Focus on Microsoft Dynamics CRM brings to its clients. We have a team of experts that are 100% focused on adding value to any Microsoft Dynamics CRM or xRM solution.
I recently ran into an issue with one of my clients who have an integreation between one of their custom entities and a SharePoint document library. The integration is pretty basic: for each record that is created in this new entity, we create a folder in SharePoint to store the documents related to the record. We expose the SharePoint folder in CRM via a simple IFRAME.
The integration has been working wonderfully–up until a few days ago when I got word that when the client attempted to open some of their documents, they were greeted with an Error 404: File Not Found.
This was a confusing issue: I could see the file that wouldn’t open in the IFRAME and I could see it in SharePoint Explorer. I was also able to see the file that would not open when opening the folder in SharePoint via Windows Explorer. Obstentisbly, nothing appeared to be wrong: the file had a size and the file name AND folder name did not include any of the fobidden special characters: : / \ : * ? < > | ” # { } % & ~
What could it be? Why can’t this file be opened? The likely culprit was a corrupt file, but it seemed odd that these corrupted files had a size, as most corrupt files I have seen have a 0KB size. The real cause of the issue soon revealed itself to me.
Through a ton of Trial-and-Error I was able to determine that the real cause of the issue was that there was a ‘+’ in the file name (i.e: a file named A+B.pdf).
While Windows allows you to name a file with a plus sign (+), SharePoint bugs out when trying to open the file.
The cause is this:
I can open a file locally on my PC called A+B.pdf.
However, when I open a file on SHarePoint, I am actually opening it from http://mysharepointsite.com/A+B.pdf The PLUS sign in the URL is the real culprit here. Plus signs in a URL are a No-No.
I was able to fix this issue by replacing any files with a (+) in their name with dashes (-). Once the offending plus signs were removed the file opened as normal! A simple solution to a seemingly complex problem!
We recently ran into an interesting issue. During a rollout of the outlook crm client on various workstations running both vista and xp, we had one workstation where we simply could not configure the outlook crm client. The errors were “Mandatory updates for Microsoft Dynamics CRM could not be applied successfully” and in the actual log file “System.Configuration.ConfigurationErrorsException: Unrecognized configuration section system.serviceModel. (c:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\Config\machine.config”
The interesting sections of the configuration log file are:
15:07:32| Error| Microsoft.Crm.Setup.Common.SetupException: Mandatory updates for Microsoft Dynamics CRM could not be applied successfully. Try running the application again.
at Microsoft.Crm.Config.Client.UI.ServerUrlPage.CheckForUpdates(ClientConfigInfo configInfo)
at Microsoft.Crm.Config.Client.UI.ServerUrlPage.InitializeServerInfo(Uri discoveryUrl, Uri extranetDiscoveryUrl)
at Microsoft.Crm.Config.Common.UI.ServerUrlPage.ServerUrlPage_NextClicked(Object sender, NavigationEventArgs e)
at Microsoft.Crm.Setup.Common.UI.WizardPage.RaiseNextClicked(Object sender, NavigationEventArgs e)
at Microsoft.Crm.Setup.Common.UI.Wizard.NextButton_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.PerformClick()
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
at System.Windows.Forms.TextBoxBase.ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PreProcessMessage(Message& msg)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.PreProcessControlMessageInternal(Control target, Message& msg)
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.ThreadContext.PreTranslateMessage(MSG& msg), Error, OK, Option1
11:48:10| Error| Configuration exception.System.Configuration.ConfigurationErrorsException: Configuration system failed to initialize —> System.Configuration.ConfigurationErrorsException: Unrecognized configuration section system.serviceModel. (c:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\Config\machine.config line 146)
at System.Configuration.ConfigurationSchemaErrors.ThrowIfErrors(Boolean ignoreLocal)
at System.Configuration.BaseConfigurationRecord.ThrowIfParseErrors(ConfigurationSchemaErrors schemaErrors)
at System.Configuration.BaseConfigurationRecord.ThrowIfInitErrors()
at System.Configuration.ClientConfigurationSystem.EnsureInit(String configKey)
— End of inner exception stack trace —
After trying all the usual fixes, including burning incense, the fix was to remove Dot Net Framework 3.5 SP1. After removing dotnet 3.5 Sp1, the client was able to configure the outlook crm client right away even without a reboot.
Sporadically we keep receiving reports of folks with the outlook crm client where they cannot open any new windows such as accounts, contacts,etc. They receive an error “there was an error while executing action for this menu item button”.
This seems to only happen with windows vista + Internet Explorer 8 + some hot fix or specific installation order + a bit of bad luck.
The work around we have found is to disable the ‘user account protection’. Some people may say that disabling this may make your system a bit less secure as many annoying and irrelevant warnings will be suppressed. My take is that the sheer number of warnings in an out of the box vista system desensitizes most users where clicking ok and continue is an automatic reaction to those pop-ups.
Anyway….here’s the work around.
- From the run menu, enter: MSCONFIG
- Click on the Tools tab. Scroll down till you find “Disable UAC” . Click on that line.
- Press the Launch button.
- A CMD window will open. When the command is done, you can close the window.
- Close MSCONFIG. You need to reboot the computer for changes to apply.
The above will disable the ‘user account protection’.
Let us know if the above works for you.
Alex F.
We often get asked if the Outlook CRM 4 client works OK with Terminal services. The official answer is yes. Our answer is yes, but there can be minor issues. Below are some of the tips and trips we have learned in running the Outlook CRM Client in a Terminal Services Environment.
- Install the Outlook CRM client and latest update rollup in terminal services.
- Don’t enable auto patch for the end users as the terminal services administrator should be rolling out updates.
- Some potential issues are described here in KB950100
- To remove the ‘configure’ option from certain users (in case where not outlook users will be crm users) use these registry keys:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins\crmaddin.Addin\LoadBehavior DWORD 2
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\Excel\Addins\crmexceladdin.Addin\LoadBehavior DWORD 2
- What memory consumption on the terminal services closely. If memory usage is very high, add this registry key stated in KB956527
- If terminal services is setup in a farm with multiple boxes, don’t round-robbin the users logging in. Setting up affinity so users login to the same box.
- If the outlook crm client becomes slow or glitches happen, recreate the user’s profile. This is the fastest way of getting a user back on.
Good luck with Terminal Services. Lets us know if you have any questions.
Alex F
Whether you’re planning to implement Microsoft Dynamics CRM or bring new users up to speed, you’re looking for the best place to get trained and get started. Here is a list of recommended training resources and other sources to bring your organization up to speed as quickly as possible.
Partner Training
Especially for those who are on a short timeline, the fastest way to learn is to get training targeted to your needs. A certified Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner like PowerObjects is a must-have resource for you at this time.
Partners can deliver training with a specific emphasis, such as the Sales area or Service area. However, the most beneficial partner training incorporates your specific processes into the training. It turns out the hardest things to learn when using Microsoft Dynamics CRM are not the clicks. It’s really more about teaching users how their clicks fit into the overall processes in your organization including when and why your company needs the data.
Partner training also allows you to train “outside of the box. ” For example, the Marketing area of CRM is difficult to learn in a classroom. It is often is better to begin with introduction to the functionality in a class and follow-up with one or two coaching sessions to guide users through what they are hoping to accomplish.
Click here for some sample training agendas for partner training you might find useful.
Classroom Training
The benefit of learning in a class environment is that you typically go through the material very thoroughly, uncovering features you had perhaps overlooked. In addition, interacting with people at other companies during training can help spark ideas for how you can use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to improve your business. Not to mention, getting out of the office is always an inspiring change of pace!
Most major cities have classroom training available for users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers for example, offers classes in the basic Sales, Marketing, and Service areas, as well as classes on Administering CRM. Contact your local office
Online Training (a.k.a E-Learning)
E-learning allows users to study up on Microsoft Dynamics CRM without the time commitment or expense of classroom training. Users can work at their own pace as they have time, and they may find that doing hands-on exercises slowly gives them more insight into how the program works than getting an overview in a class.
The best source for online learning is to start with CustomerSource on Microsoft’s website. In order to access CustomerSource, you will need your Microsoft Dynamics ID and your legal company name. You will to use an existing Windows Live ID or create a new one to use CustomerSource.
Once logged in, visit the E-Learning area where you can select from many choices. You can even create a list of courses called “My Learning” and work through them at your own pace. This is a great way to set a new employee on a track to learn Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
Training Yourself
There are a ton of great books out there on Microsoft Dynamics CRM for users who prefer to train themselves. The best part is that these books are written by experts who have been working with Microsoft CRM in hundreds of difference company environments since the early days of 1.2. You can’t go wrong having one or two books on hand as reference for you and each office using CRM.
Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4 in 24 Hours by Anne Stanton
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) by Joel Scott, David Lee, and Scott Weiss
Microsoft® Dynamics(TM) CRM 4.0 Step by Step by Mike Snyder, Jim Steger, Kara O’Brien, and Brendan Landers
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Unleashed by Marc J. Wolenik and Damian Sinay
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Unleashed by Marc J. Wolenik and Damian Sinay
Working with Microsoft Dynamics(TM) CRM 4.0 by Jim Steger and Mike Snyder
Greetings CRM’ers
We came across an interesting issue with the client side install of the recently released Update Rollup 8 today.
After starting AutoUpdate from my Outlook Client I saw that I had 1 update available for install: Update Rollup 8. I installed the update and then was prompted by AutoUpdate that I would need to Reboot my PC for the install to complete. Nothing out of the ordinary so far.
However, after rebooting my PC, I went to ‘Update’ and AGAIN I was asked to install Rollup 8 even though I had installed the update and restarted my PC. Perplexed, I installed the update again and once again I rebooted my PC. After reboot was complete I once again went to ‘Update’ in the start menu and had the same behavior: the system was not seeing Update Rollup 8 as installed.
I checked my Add/Remove Programs area in the Control Panel and saw that Update Rollup 8 was not recognized as even being installed!
 Update Rollup 8, Where are you??? I was unsure if this was an issue with patching via AutoUpdate or something inherent to Update Rollup 8 itself, so I downloaded the UR8 client patch directly from Microsoft’s corresponding KB article. After installing and restarting in this manner I was able to see UR8 as an installed update.
We’re going to investigate this issue a bit further, but have any other CRM administrators had a similar issue? There appears to be an issue with UR8 and AutoUpdate but i’m not entirely sure where this issue lies: something on our end or something on Microsoft’s end.
We’ll keep you posted on our findings in the next few days…
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