Saving Your Scenarios:

I recently did a regular, routine update of my operating system (Vista). Since then, every time I want to save a scenario, the folder list opens and program asks me to save the file under a different name, and then error messages are displayed.

If this happens to you too, here is a fix that worked for me:

1. Using your original user id and password, download and install the retirement calculator program again. It will now install in C:\ORC 2010b

2. Copy your existing scenario file which is SAA4DData.xls, from "C:\Program Files\ORC 2010" to C:\ORC 2010b

IMPORTING SCENARIOS FROM OLDER DATA FILE:

After installing the new edition... I try to import my scenarios from the earlier editions and it just hangs!

1. It may take a long time ( 2-3 minutes per scenario) to complete the import process. Please wait until it is totally finished. Do not uninstall any of the older versions before importing as doing so will erase all the old data files. 

2. There are several new input fields which did not exist in the 2009 edition. Here is a quick check: After importing scenarios, load an older scenario, look at the small chart on the Main page. Do the red, green and blue lines on the graph drop sharply to zero immediately? If yes, then go to VA page click on "Retrieve A" button (or any other VA button) to load all VA presets. Also, check if the correct asset allocation strategy (usually Strategic) is selected. Does the small chart on Main page look better? Click on "Resave This Scenario". If you have a few scenarios, repeat this for each scenario. If you have more than a few scenarios, then:

TROUBLESHOOTING:

1. I don't see the "Retirement" button on the command bar when I load the program:

If you are using Windows XP: That means macros did not load. Otar Retirement Calculator needs its macros to run. 

Probable cause #1

If your Excel macro security setting is "high" then the ORC program will load but the macros will not. Then the "Retirement" button on the command bar will not show and no calculation can be carried out. Set your macro security to medium or low (Tools, Macro, Security, Security Level, Medium, OK, then exit Excel and restart Excel).

If you set the security level to "Medium", next time the program loads it will ask if you want to enable or disable macros. Click on "Enable".

Probable cause #2

Depending on your Excel™ configuration, you might get the following message when you start the program:

If you clicked on "Disable Macros" then macros did not load. Exit the program, then restart, this time click on "Enable Macros".

Note: All programs are virus-checked prior to uploading.

In Windows Vista: The program runs in compatibility mode. You must allow macros to run. The "retirement" button shows on the "Add-In" ribbon.  

2. I get an error message during start up or when I click on the "Retirement" button an error message pops up:

You may be missing some library files. It happens sometimes when you install or uninstall some programs that modify or delete some of the .dll files. The solution is usually simple. Click here for a quick solution.

If you get any other error messages when you load the program, follow the same procedure: Uncheck all boxes that are next to "MISSING ....", compile and save. See if that removes the error message next time you start the program.

3. I don't see any spreadsheet tabs on the bottom of the sheet:

Modify your preferences in Excel. Click on Tools, Options, View and make sure the "Sheet Tabs" is checked. 

4, I change data, click on the radio buttons and check boxes and nothing happens:

Your settings do not link the programs. 

Solution #1: Set it as shown: Click on "Tools" on the command bar, select "Options", click on "Calculation" tab, click on "Update remote references" and "Save external link values",  click on "OK". Exit Excel and start again.

Solution #2: Depending on your default settings, each time you load the program, the program will ask if you want to update links. Click on the "update" button. See also next item (#5)

5, Each time I start the program, the program asks me several times if I want to link remote references. Can I get rid of this?

Solution #2: Depending on your default settings, e ach time you load the program, the program will ask if you want to update links. You can set the program defaults to link automatically. 

Set it as shown: Click on "Tools" on the command bar, select "Options", click on "Edit" tab, uncheck "Ask to update automatic links",  click on "OK". Exit Excel and start again.

6, When I print, I get huge letters/numbers printed across the printed pages!

Solution:  You have too many characters in your company heading. Click on  "Your Page-Heading Info" button on the Main page (below "Print" buttons) and type a shorter page heading info. 

Other Questions?