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Download Questions

I've downloaded the file but cannot open it to install the software. What could be wrong?

Make sure you have the WinZip utility available on the machine to which you are installing.

When will I get the Serial Number for my Campaign License?

Immediately upon completing your online purchase you will get an online receipt confirming your purchase. One of our sales representatives will review the purchase to protect you and Arial Software from fraud and release the serial number. If you purchase during non-business hours, the serial number may be delayed.

I've purchased the software, where is the CD box and the documentation?

Arial software progams are completely distributed online. Once you purchase you will be provided with a Serial Number. Simply input the Serial Number into the evaluation copy of your program. All documentation is located online.

I tried to install the software but got an error saying that I was not allowed to? What does that mean?

To install Campaign Enterprise or Email Marketing Director you need to have administrative privileges on your Windows user account. Some of the files are installed in the registry folder which require administrative access. Contact your network administrator to install or obtain administrator privileges.

Top | More on Downloading and Installing Campaign


Database Questions

Will Campaign read my Excel database?

Excel is not a true database but a spreadsheet and is not ODBC compliment. You will need to save your Excel file as a .csv (comma separated values) file. You would then select Text File from the drop down menu and select the DSN you created for .csv files. Read this article on how to do that.

Will Campaign read my ACT (or Goldmine) Database?

ACT and Goldmine are PIM's, Personal Information Managers, and are not ODBC compliant. You would need to export those records to one of the supported file types.

Why can't I see my fields in my text file?

You need to make sure you are using the proper format. See the text file article.

Why can't I find my local SQL database file when I click Browse?

You can only browse for MS Access files (.mdb or .accdb) other database types require you to connect using a DSN.

Can I connect to a query or view?

You can connect to certain types of queries and views. Be sure the query or view works in the given database before having Campaign attempt to use it. If you plan on updating fields in a query or view you must pay careful attention to query construction. If the query or view cannot be updated in the native database environment (using Group By, Outer joins, etc), then Campaign will not be able to either.

Can Campaign call stored procedures?

Yes, you can call a pre- and post-processing stored procedures in the Miscellaneous tab and selecting the advanced feature set. A stored procedure call or update/insert statement can also be used for any of the write back features in Campaign.

Can Campaign write back to a different table than the one to which it is connected?

Yes, you can use a SQL Select statement to pull data from multiple tables, and write back unsubscribes, opened emails, bounces etc. to a separate table.

Why don't I see any table/query names in the Table/Query box when I connect to my database?

Some databases like dBase and Paradox files do not have tables, the database is equal to one table. The table selection drop down field will remain empty when one of these database types is selected. Move on to selecting the email address field.

When connecting to databases with more than 500 tables, the drop down turns into a text field and you need to enter the name of the table or query, including the schema.

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Mail Server Questions

How do I find the name or IP address of the SMTP server to which I need to connect?

Contact your network administrator.

Can I send messages through my ISP's mail server?

Yes, this is possible. But your ISP may have restrictions on the number of emails you are allowed to send. Please contact your ISP for additional information. Eventually you may need to look into getting your own SMTP server.

Where can I get SMTP server software?

There a many options available when deciding on SMTP software (too many to list them all here), do a search online for "SMTP software". If you are using MS Windows 2000, 2003 or XP Pro you have SMTP software that comes standard with the operating system.

On what machine should I install the SMTP server?

SMTP software can run on any machine, of course the more robust the CPU and the amount of memory the better performance you will get. A "Server" machine usually refers to a machine with dual power supplies, dual processors, large amount of memory and backup systems that will keep the machine running in the event of hardware failure. Depending on your needs you can put SMTP software on a machine as described above or on a standard desktop or workstation.

Can Campaign, my database and my SMTP mailing system reside on the same server?

Yes, although this configuration could result in reduced performance. The load placed on one server to run campaign, access the database, merge the data and send out the messages is enormous. We recommend, at the very least, a separate server to be used as your SMTP server.

Why does my SMTP server keep disconnecting Campaign?

Contact your SMTP server administrator to see if there are any restrictions on the number of emails you can send through it.

I can send mail to other accounts on my LAN but not outside, what's wrong?

The SMTP server you are connecting to is not allowing you to relay email through it. Your network administrator should enable relaying for the machine that is running Campaign. For more information contact your SMTP server support.

What sort of incoming email processing does Campaign have?

Campaign will query your existing POP or IMAP accounts that you specify for bounces or unsubscribes. Campaign has no built in mail server capabilities.

Top | More on Mail Servers


Message Questions

Does Campaign software support multipart MIME?

Yes. This is a standard feature in the software.

How does Campaign software determine whether the recipient views the message in plain text or html?

Campaign does not determine the format that the recipient views. The format reviewed by the recipient is determined by their client email software. If the client software can read html, the message will be received in html format. If the receiving client software can view only text, then the recipient will see the text version of the message. It is recommended that you draft and send your messages in both plain text and html.

Will Campaign allow me to insert hyper links to web addresses and emails that can be clicked by the email recipient?

In a Plain Text message simply type the fully qualified domain name (FQDN), http://www.yourdomain.com or support@yourdomain.com. Most email clients will convert those into a hyperlink. For an HTML message you would use a standard anchor tag <a href="http://yourdomain.com">YourDomain.com</a>, or <a href="mailto:support@yourdomain.com">Support at YourDomain.com</a>. With the built-in visual HTML editor, creating a link is easy.

Why do I always see the little box with the x instead of my images?

Your images must reside on a webserver and the html code you created must point to that image. Example:
<img src ="http://www.yourdomain.com/images/yourimage.jpg">. In some cases, the image may not be optimized for the Internet and is too large (file size wise).

How do I merge my database fields into my emails?

When composing a message, you are able to enter field names from your database rather than the actual name. Example: "Dear {First_Name}" instead of "Dear Customer". You can do this in one of two ways:

  1. Enter the field names manually, surrounded by brackets, by typing out the field name in the location you would like it to appear. Be sure the field name matches your text exactly to ensure accuracy. Example: {First_Name}
  2. In Campaign, click on the view merge field list and copy and paste the merge field where you want it to appear. In Email Marketing Director you can insert fields from your database by double-clicking the field names. This is not mandatory, however. Many users find it easier to simply type the field names directly into the message. When the program is prompted to run the project, Campaign will merge the database with your text and allow you to view a sample of the outgoing message before the project is distributed.

Why aren't my database fields merging with the message?

The main cause of this problem is inaccurate field names written in the text of the message. For example, if your database field name is "First_Name and in the text of the message you enter "First_name", Campaign will not recognize the field name because of the un-capitalized N. To be sure that the field names match the message text, use the Merge Field Insertion box, or copy them from the View Merge Field list. Always send yourself test messages before you send your project to your clients. Find out more about message personalization here.

Why does my HTML message show random odd characters?

When working with html you should always produce clean code. Inputting code by hand is the most accurate but if you must use an html editor use a good one. Using the "save as html" function in Microsoft Word is not recommended as it tends to create excessive code which can cause problems. There are many formatting quirks that don't translate well to clean HTML code.

Top | More on Messages


Sending Questions

Why isn't my email project being sent out?

You must Run your project. Go to the Project screen and select your project then click Run. Click the confirmation button to begin the merging and mailing of your complete project.

Can I configure the campaign to send messages under one second apart?

In most cases campaign will send out several messages per second. If you want to slow down the sending you can specify the number of emails to go out in the Sending Tab. This field only accepts whole numbers.

How can I send an email late at night to minimize the load on our servers?

You can use the scheduler found in the main menu of Campaign Enterprise or Email Marketing Director. The program must be running, or running as a service in order for scheduled campaigns to be sent.

How does the scheduler work?

With Campaign Enterprise you can select a calendar day and enter the time, or enter a repeating schedule. In Email Marketing Director, you enter the exact date and time you want it to run, you can also repeat the campaign at the same time every day if you want.

Why does Campaign send out my emails everyday?

You may have specified that option in the scheduler. If the scheduled is enabled, you will see the date and time it is supposed to go next displayed on the main menu.

Can I preview the message prior to sending the campaign?

With Campaign you can see a copy of how the message will appear in the email prior to sending. In Campaign Enterprise you can click preview HTML in the message tab to see how the message will appear. With both products it is highly recommended that you send yourself an actual test message. That is the only way you can be sure that your message is going out as you intend.

Top | More on Sending


Bounce/Unsubscribe/Subscribe Questions

Is Campaign Enterprise IMAP compatible?

Campaign Enterprise can use IMAP email protocol for bounced message processing and unsubscribes. It also has SSL capabilities to check both IMAP and POP email accounts.

So how do I identify bounced emails?

A bounced email (also known as an undeliverable) will be sent back to you along the Return-Path address you specify in the program. If that is your regular email address, you will receive all of those bounces in your inbox. If you use the program's bounce handling feature, you can set up a separate bounce POP account and have the program monitor that account for you. Any emails entering that account will be identified and marked in your database.

Will Campaign catch all undeliverables?

Campaign will catch most, but not all, undeliverable emails. Some mail servers do not verify user accounts during the SMTP session. Campaign can only catch undeliverables that cause a rejection during the SMTP handshake. Fortunately, most mail servers will reject emails for which there are no user accounts, and Campaign will catch those.

Top | More on Bounce Handling


Performance Questions

I was expecting more performance from Campaign software. How can I optimize?

There are many reasons you may be suffering from less than optimal performance.

    • Poor performance could be a result of your system hardware configuration and/or bandwidth availability.

    • Keep your database local to your Campaign machine.

    • Keep the database clean. Make sure you remove any undeliverable or inactive accounts that Campaign is wasting time trying to deliver.

    • Do not attach large files to the outgoing emails. If you have a single document that is to be viewed by all recipients, put that document on a webserver and have a link to it from within the email.

How many projects can I define on Campaign?

You are able to define an unlimited number of projects with Campaign.

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Marketing/Miscellaneous

Does Campaign have a command line?

No

Does Campaign have a list server?

No

Can I purchase a list of emails from Arial Software?

Arial Software does not keep or sell such lists.

How can I make my email campaigns more effective?

The best characteristic of an effective message is to make sure its read, rather than deleted. Personalizing your emails by using first names, personal information, and "friendly" messages rather than a sales and business tone are excellent ways to effectively send your email.

Is your software a bulk-mailing application?

Campaign specializes in enterprise-level customer communications. Our customers use Campaign only with their existing in-house customer or prospect lists. The Campaign software feature set is only useful to end-users who have detailed information about their customers or prospects (names, dates, numbers, etc.). Although Campaign can handle large volumes of email, its primary focus is to send targeted email to the right recipients on the right day. That's why companies like Intuit, Dell, and AMD use Campaign software.

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Software Support & Guarantee

Do you guarantee your software?

Yes, we do. If you are not completely satisfied with your Campaign purchase, simply return it for a full refund within 30 days.

If I need to call for technical support, can I reach a human being?

Absolutely. We are a small, niche company staffed with real people, who really answer the phone. Although we have phone-tree support information available, if you need to speak with a technical person who can diagnose a problem or answer a detailed question, you can reach a person like that at Arial Software. Just ask for Campaign support.

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Purchase Questions

I've tried to make a purchase and the transaction won't go through.

  • Have you entered your previous serial number if you are a current customer?

  • Does the name on the card exactly match what you've input?

  • Does the address for the card exactly match the address where billing statements are sent?

  • Have you made a selection for a state? If you are an international customer please select Non-US Location.

  • Have you entered only four numbers into each card number box? If you are using an American Express please input only four numbers into each box.

  • If you continue to experience problems please contact our support department or call 1-949-218-3852.

Can I purchase Campaign with a PO or check?

Yes, we will accept checks for payment. Upon receipt of your check you will be emailed with the appropriate information to complete your Campaign purchase. If you need an invoice for your PO process send a request to our sales department with what version you want to purchase and how you would like the invoice forwarded.

When will I get the serial number for my Campaign license?

Immediately upon completing your online purchase you will get an online receipt confirming your purchase. Our sales team reviews the information and if everything looks correct, we will release the order and send your serial number.

I've purchased the software, where is the CD box and documentation?

Campaign software is completely distributed online. Once you purchase you will be given a serial number (this will be in the browser window), simply input that code into the registration box of your evaluation version.

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