Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What printer do I use to print reports?

Virtually any printer that works with your computer can be used to print reports from PGS. Make sure that you have the report printer you want to use selected in the Default Settings of the PGS software.

What printer do I use to print labels?

PGS is designed to be used with a Dymo 400/450 Label Writer, 400/450 Turbo, and the Dymo 450 Twin Turbo.

When I hook up the Dymo printer it does not print; what’s wrong?

First, check that the power and USB cables are hooked up properly. Then, see if you can print a test page from Windows. If you can print a successful test page, check the PGS Utilities / Default Settings, and make sure the Dymo printer is selected as the default printer. If you cannot print a test page from Windows, check to see that driver was properly installed and then contact Dymo.

When I hook up the Dymo printer, it prints multiple labels for one badge; what’s wrong?

Click on Utilities and then go into default settings. Under the badge that you would like to be printed, make sure PGS Labels is set as the Paper Size. If you have a Dymo Twin printer choose the correct side under Paper Source.

What driver license scanner do I use with the PGS software?

PGS is designed to be used only with a proprietary scanner, which you can order from our website www.pointguardsecurity.com.

Which camera do I use with this software?

Most current USB webcams will work with PGS. Just hook up your webcam per its instructions, then go to Utilities/Default Settings in PGS and select the Capture Webcam Image box in the badges you wish to capture it in. If you also want the image printed on the badge, select it in the corresponding Graphic Option, too.

What is wrong if I can’t get the webcam to work?

First, assure that it works outside PGS. If it does not, the driver might need to be reinstalled, or the camera could be defective. Check with the manufacturer for further information. If the webcam does work outside of PGS, assure that the webcam options are selected in the Default Settings within PGS. Also make sure there is no other software running that uses the webcam (i.e. manufacture software) in the background.

What operating systems does PGS work on?

PGS is designed to be fully compatible with Windows 2000 and XP. It will not work with Windows 98. PGS will also work with Windows Vista and Windows 7, but there might be some permission/security issues to deal with. Call our office if you have any specific Windows Vista or Windows 7 questions. PGS is not compatible with any Apple operating system.

I am getting a permission error in Windows Vista/7.

In order PGS to work in Windows Vista, you must first disable User Account Control. To disable this feature click on Start, then Control Panel, then in the left column click on “Classic View”. Scroll down to and double click on User Accounts. In the User Accounts window click on “Turn User Account Control on or off.” On the next screen un-check the box that says “Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer.” Then restart the computer.

Will PGS run on a network?

Although PGS was not specifically designed to run on a network, many schools have got it to run on their school networks. The key is to make sure that the folder containing the PGS files
(C:\Program Files\PGSecurity)
is given full permission to both read and write for all users.

How do I get PGS to run on a PC with different user profiles?

This is not a problem if the Admin account gives full read and write permission for all users to the PGS folder located at:
(C:\Program Files\PGSecurity)

How do I print our logo on badges?

In order to add a graphic to each individual badge, get the image/graphic file in .wmf format (you will probably have to use a graphics program). The software also supports logo pictures in .jpg, .jpeg, and .bmp formats as well, and make a copy for each badge that you want the logo on. Then remove these files 1.wmf, 2.wmf, 3.wmf, 4.wmf, 5.wmf and 6.wmf and replace them with you logo you renamed to the either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 for the corresponding. Then copy the files to:
(C:\Program Files\PGSecurity)

Then, go to PGS Utilities/Set Defaults and click on the Include Graphic on the Graphic Image option for each badge you desire.

How do I print webcam photos on badges?

First assure the webcam is installed properly. Then go to Utilities/Default Settings and select Capture Webcam Image and select Use Webcam Image in the Graphic Option for each badge you wish to capture an image for.

How do I back up data?

Go to the Utilities/Default Settings screen and click on back up data. Then, select where you want to save data to.

How do I clear data?

First, back up the data (see above), then go to the Utilities/Default Settings screen and click on Clear All Data.

How do I preload names into PGS?

In the Utilities/Default Settings screen, you can type frequent visitors’ names into the Preload Names window or you can import them in from a text file. Once names are loaded, you can sort on either first or last name by clicking on the appropriate button.

How do I preload names into PGS from a file?

First, Create a comma delimited text file called PGS.txt with names to preload. Then, go to Utilities/Default Settings and click on Import Names.

How can I customize reports?

The easiest way to customize reports is to export a report to a file and then import the file into Excel or some other report and then customize it to your requirements.

What RFID reader do I use?

This is a proprietary reader you can order from your local Program Director or on our website www.pointguardsecurity.com.

How do I add RFID badges?

Click on Utilities and go to RFID Card Management. If there is not cards set-up it will ask you to input all the information. First choose a badge type, then click on Card ID, when you are in the Card ID field tap the badge on the RFID reader and the card number will be entered. Then enter the last and first name of the person you are giving the badge to. Once all the fields are entered press save.

How do I put my company information on the main screen?

Go to utilities, then Default Settings, and fill in the Welcome Lines.