ChrisBaran.net Technology Thoughts

Note: This Is Unfinished

It would seem that the only officially support method of sending e-mail from Softdent is though a MAPI client.  This is going to require an e-mail application be setup on the computer before mail can be sent.  Their support seems to favour using Outlook Express for the MAPI client.  The following post will explain how to setup outlook express with Time Warner’s Road Runner Business Class as a suitable MAPI client for Softdent.

Setting up Outlook Express

Step 1: Open Outlook Express

1. Click on the start menu
2. Click All Programs
3. Click the Outlook Express icon – not to be confused the the Outlook icon [golden]

[May Not Appear] Step 2: Cancel The Wizard

This wizard will be run but we’re going to defer it to later in the instructions.  This step may not appear on your screen.

Step 3: Options Menu

1. Click on the Tools Menu
2. Click on the Options… Menu

Step 4: Verify [or set] Outlook Express as the Default Mail Program

If this is the screen you see on the options window reads “This application is the default Mail handler,” then you are all set.  If not:

1. Click Make Default
2. Click OK

Step 5: Accounts Menu

1. Click on the Tools menu
2. Click on the Accounts… menu

Step 6: Add Mail Account

1. Click the Add button
2. Select Mail… from the list

Step 7: Display Name

1. Type in the name [not the address] that the e-mail will come from.
2. Click Next

Step 8: E-mail Address

1. Type the e-mail address that was created through Road Runner.  It will end with @centralny.twcbc.com.
2. Click Next

Step 9: E-Mail Servers

1. Verify that this pull down is set to POP3
2. We are going to be using pop.biz.rr.com referenced by this support page.
3. We are going to be using smtp.biz.rr.com referenced by the same support page.
4. Click Next

Step 10: Login and Password

1. Enter your account name.  This will end in @centralny.twcbc.com.
2. Enter your password
3. Make sure the Remember password box is checked
4. Click Next

Step 11: Finish Wizard

Step 12: New Account Properties

1. Click the Mail tab
2. Select pop.biz.rr.com in the list of mail accounts (this should be the only one)
3. Press the Properties button

Step 13: Outgoing Server Authentication

1. Select the Servers tab
2. Check the box My server requires authentication
3. Hit the Settings… button

Step 14: Verify Settings

Make sure Use same settings as my incoming mail server is bubbled in and hit OK.

Step 15: Close Servers Properties

Step 16: Close Internet Accounts

Step 17: Pat Yourself On The Back!

You are now setup to be able to send out e-mail from Softdent.

How To Send From Softdent

In Softdent, select your patient and then go to the Internet menu and select Compose E-Mail.

In this tutorial we setup Outlook Express (the free client included with windows).  Since we are not using Office Outlook we need to use MAPI Client button instead of the Send button.  I’m concluding that either Softdent used an Extended MAPI call for the send button or they have a bug in their implementation.  The Send button will not work with Outlook Express.