Multiple paths for options package folders for ProFile

If your laptop is set to an Option package folder on a network, you’ll lose access to those packages when you disconnect and take the laptop home. To avoid this, you can set up ProFile to use a local group of Option packages stored on your laptop’s hard drive. ProFile first tries the network folder, and if it’s not available, it switches to the next folder in the list.

One situation where this can help is with the file locations set under Options > Environment. When your laptop is connected to the network, store your files there. If it’s not connected, set a default folder on the laptop itself. Keep in mind, having two different settings means you’re working with two separate databases. Files created while offline won’t appear in the network database.

This option is meant for offices with an established set of standard options. If you’re still setting up your standard options, you’ll need to save your option package both on the network and your laptop each time you update ProFile options. ProFile doesn’t sync changes between them.

1. Locate the Option package on the network. Make sure you have the full network path and the folder name for the Option package.
2. Go to Options > Options Administration.
3. Select Allow Multiple Option Package Groups. This expands the dialogue box so that you can set multiple options for package groups. By default, the path that was in the Option package directory field becomes the path for the option package group.
4. Select option 4.
5. Select once on Default under the Group Name column, and type a descriptive name for the group.
6. Select once in the path under the Folder column and then select [...]. Browse through My Network Places > Entire Network to the folder that contains Option packages.
7. Select New to create a new group.
8. Type a name for the group.
9. Select once in the blank field under the Folder column and then select [...]. Browse to the folder on your laptop that contains the Option packages. By default, ProFile stores option packages in C: Program Files > ProfileSettings.

10. Select OK to close the dialogue box and save your options.

ProFile will first check for Option packages on the network, then on your laptop. Make sure the network folder is listed above the local folder in the Option package groups. ProFile uses these groups in order, so if the local folder is above the network one, it will always use the laptop’s packages—even when connected to the network.

If you need to change the order of the groups, you can click and drag on an Option package group to move it. Or, you can use ctrl + up arrow or the ctrl + down arrow to move the selected Option package group.

Need more info on options configuration? See our article on using the ProFile Options Package.