Running TruckTrek requires that a version of Microsoft Streets and Trips (2004 or later) be installed on your machine. Microsoft Streets and Trips has its own set of computer requirements, and they are detailed here. Any computer that is able to run Streets and Trips can also use TruckTrek with only a additional 7MB of hard disk drive available; the only other additional requirement is for an Internet connection for use of the links that are contained in the database, in those cases where the version of Microsoft Streets and Trips being used doesn't require one itself.
The default install folder is "My Documents". That is the place where Microsoft Streets and Trips initially opens to locate any input files, so that is the obvious location to put your pushpins. However, it is possible to place them anywhere on your hard disk drive. Since you will want to keep the original copy of your file pristine and only use copies to work with (see Operations) you may desire to create a folder in "My Documents" called, perhaps, "TruckTrek", and install into that folder, and later copy the .est file from here to "My Documents" for use.
Due to an oversight in the design of Streets and Trips, it is unable to handle variables in naming a location to find the object HTML files. Therefore they have to be placed in a folder that is "hardwired" into the map data. We use the folder "C:\Trek". In that folder is placed a file tree of HTML files during installation which are necessary to perform the Internet operations of TruckTrek. It is not usually considered a good idea to hardwire such locations into an installer, but it is necessary in this case due to Streets and Trips's shortcomings.
Installation of TruckTrek is simple. After downloading the install executable, simply double-click it to cause it to run, and follow the directions on your screen.
After the splash logo, it will display the TruckTrek license. Read it; it's short and fairly non-legalese. If you agree to it, then click on I Agree.
TruckTrek is now installed and ready for use as described on the operations page.
TBD
Should you wish to uninstall TruckTrek, this is easily done by using Start->Settings->Control Panel->Add or Remove Programs. Scroll down the list to TruckTrek and click on the name:
Click the Remove button, and TruckTrek will be uninstalled.
Don't neglect to save a copy of your downloaded TruckTrek, preferably burned onto a CD-R disk. When you obtain an update for TruckTrek, that update is in itself a complete installer; you will not need any previous installer in order to use the latest.
TKE gives users who accept the software license this permission to make an archival copy of legally obtained installers for their own use only. Such copies may not be distributed to others except as the license allows.
TruckTrek and the contents of this help file are
Copyright©2006 by ThistleKeep Engineering; all rights are reserved.
Comments and suggestions, as well as support, are entertained at Lmc@ThistleKeep.com.
"Punch!" and other titles of Punch! operations are trademarks of Punch! Software L.L.C.
"Streets and Trips" is a trademark of Microsoft Inc.