Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does VisualWRAP run on Windows 11?
A: Yes, it does 🙂
VisualWRAP will install smoothly onto Windows XP. Later versions of Windows (eg Win7..Win11) treat some shared files in a different manner. As a result some tweaks are required to get Vizwrap installed correctly on these later versions of Windows. Please note – you will need to disable “S mode” if you are running this on your machine.
How to disable “S mode”
Q: How do I get the tweaks applied to allow Vizwrap to run on versions of Windows later than XP?
A: You can either apply the tweaks yourself, or you can seek assistance to get the tweaks applied on your behalf using a remote logon service.
Q: How do I apply the tweaks myself?
A: Firstly, install VisualWRAP onto your machine by running the VisualWrap.msi file. Then follow the instructions below. You will need to be fairly confident at following instructions and making some changes to your PC for this to be successful.
Download the support files onto your desktop. The files are in a zip archive, located here:
Extract the archive into its own folder on your desktop.
Here is an overview of the next steps:
- Replace the VisualWrap.exe file and associated ini file with newer versions
- Set correct permissions
- Unregister any required files using the new batch file
- Fix any shortcuts
Details:
Replace VisualWrap.exe:
Locate the original VisualWrap.exe file on your hard drive. It is typically in C:Program Files (x86)VisualWRAP. You may have to do a search to find it. Delete this original VisualWrap.exe from your hard drive and replace it with the equivalent file from the tweak files you downloaded.
Set Permissions:
Right-click on the replacement VisualWrap.exe file and click Properties.
Go to the Compatibility Mode tab. Select the “Windows XP SP3” mode.
Under Privilege Level, check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator”
Replace VisualWrap.ini:
Locate the original VisualWrap.ini file on your hard drive. It is in the Ini folder beneath the VisualWRAP folder. You may have to do a search to find it. Delete this file and replace it with the equivalent file from the tweak files you downloaded.
Run the tweaks batch file as an Administrator:
In the support files there is a file called “vizwrap_regX.bat”. Move it onto your desktop. Right-click on this file and choose “Run as Administrator”. It is very important to run this as administrator otherwise the tweaks will not apply properly.
Fix shortcuts:
Check that the VisualWRAP shortcut in the Windows Start menu (or desktop) works OK. If it diesn’t, right-click on VisualWrap.exe and drag a shortcut onto the Start menu (or desktop). Run VisualWRAP and confirm that no error messages appear.
This completes the basic tweaks required to allow VisualWRAP to run on a Windows machine. The tweaks batch file and folder can now be removed.
Q: How do I seek assistance in getting the tweaks applied?
A: Email support@visualwrap.com and request remote assistance. Please advise me what your VisualWRAP serial number is from your download voucher, or let me know when you purchased the software online.
I will respond to your email (typically same day) and we arrange a mutually convenient time. At the agreed time I send you a link which will install a remote assistance program on your machine. You send me the code generated by the program, and I can then log onto your machine to carry out the tweaks. It normally takes 15 minutes to complete. If “S mode” is running on your machine you will need to disable it in order to install the remote login software.
Q: How do I fix Runtime Error 6?
A: Runtime error 6 is due to the screen resolution being higher than vizwrap can support. If you right-click on your desktop and choose to modify the screen settings you can try 1080×1920 from the higher setting that may be there. Then run vizwrap again to confirm the error has gone away.
If this fixes the problem then, as a workaround, you could change the screen resolution when you want to use vizwrap, and then change it back again afterwards.
Q: Will VisualWRAP teach me the basics of decorative thread work?
A: No – It is assumed you already know the basics, for example, how to prepare your blank, how to hold threads in place, tying off, etc. If you are looking for basic information then you can try the following resources (in no particular order):
- Do a google or youtube search
- Purchase Billy Vivona’s “Decorative Wraps“
- Do one of Mary’s online courses
- Purchase Clemens’ “Custom Rod Thread Art”
- Purchase Tom Kirkman’s “Rod-building Guide”
Q: Is VisualWRAP hard to use?
A: VisualWRAP has a learning curve. It also has many features. Depending on what you want out of the software will determine how deeply you need to understand it. For example, if you simply wish to see how existing patterns form, thread-by-thread, you can achieve this using a few keystrokes. If you wish to create your own patterns, however, then you will need to learn about the pattern builder and the scripting language.
VisualWRAP has many resources available to shorten your learning curve and get you up to speed as quickly as possible. Click HERE to see the Help page.
Q: Does one thread on the screen equal one thread on your rod?
A: No, but it is a fair approximation. In the software there is nowhere to specify thread brand, thread size or wrapping tension. Each of these factors greatly affect the number of threads that it takes to fill a given space on your blank.
The Spacing List calculates the center position of each pattern repeat, assuming a square pattern.
My preferred method for laying out a wrap is to show only the layout threads, then print true-to-size, then take measurements from the printout and transfer the crossing points to your rod. If you want to shade a part of the pattern then you need to manually calculate the number of threads it will take to fill a given space and then work out numbers of threads to use. Others use different methods. Billy Vivona’s “Decorative Wraps” include spacing charts that give you spacing information.
Q: Do you offer private tuition on using vizwrap?
A: Yes. Send me an email and we can arrange something. I can log onto your machine and then talk you through and demonstrate the basics, or more advanced topics, whatever you require. I charge a small fee for a remote session.
Q: Does Vizwrap run on a Mac?
A: If you have access to a Windows emulator then you can run vizwrap.
Parallels Desktop works well for this purpose.
If you need help with installation (eg to get access the VisualWRAP installation file) please email support@visualwrap.com
Q: Can I run Vizwrap on more than one computer?
A: Vizwrap is licensed software and is licensed to be run by the purchaser. If you have, say, a desktop and a laptop then it is OK to install Vizwrap on both.
Q: I’ve changed computers and lost my license. Do I need to repurchase the software?
A: Send an email to support@visualwrap.com and explain the situation. If you purchased the software or Annual Support more than 12 months ago then please purchase Annual Support. I can then provide a new license and will assist you in getting it installed onto your machine.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Send an email to David Boyle: support@visualwrap.com