Connector: Getting started guide

Table of contents

Overview

Thank you for choosing Caseware Connector.

Connector is a Microsoft Office add-in that enables you to link data between Working Papers and Word and Excel documents. With Connector, you can create Word and Excel documents for financial statements, schedules, or calculations that are customized to the needs of your organization. When changes are made to the data in your Working Papers file, linked data in a Word or Excel document is updated in real time. Connector enables users to work efficiently by effectively transferring information, without risking data loss.

System requirements

To run Caseware Working Papers and related products, you must meet or exceed the following system requirements:

Workstations

Operating systems

  • Microsoft Windows 11 64-bit (x64)
  • Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit (x64)

Hardware

  • 1 GHz 64-bit (x64) processor; 2 GHz recommended for improved performance
  • 4 GB RAM; 8 GB recommended for improved performance
  • Solid-state drive (SSD) recommended for optimal performance
  • Minimum 10 GB free disk space recommended for installation
  • Internet connection required during installation

Note: Additional disk space is required for templates and engagement files. The size of open client files will vary depending on the features used and the size of documents managed. Working Papers has built-in compression that significantly reduces the size of compressed files.

Additional components

Note: Caseware Connector is compatible with both Office 32-bit and 64-bit, however a 64-bit Operating System is required.

Security and permissions

  • Installation requires local administrative rights to the workstation
  • Use of Working Papers requires read/write access to the program folder and any folders containing client files
  • If you are running Working Papers behind a firewall or proxy, ensure that you whitelist the following servers:
    • https://elicense.caseware.com
    • https://elicense2.caseware.com

SQL Server requirements for SQL data store

The Data Store Administration Tool can use a Microsoft SQL back-end to store data. Working Papers (using a SQL data store) is compatible with the following SQL products:

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2022 / Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2019 / Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2017 / Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2016 / Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2014 / Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 / Express

File server/networks

A file server can be used to store Working Papers client files.

Operating systems

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2022
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2016
  • Microsoft CIFS compatible networks like SAMBA on Linux

Note: Contact technical support before implementing a CIFS compatible network solution.

Hardware

  • Per file server/network operating system recommendations

Citrix/terminal servers

Operating system

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2022 with Citrix/Terminal Services
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Citrix/Terminal Services
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2016 with Citrix/Terminal Services

Hardware

The server hardware configuration should be scaled for the number of user sessions. We suggest the following specifications for optimal performance:

  • 1 CPU core per user session
  • 2 GB RAM per user session for published apps; 4 GB recommended for optimal performance
  • 4 GB RAM per user session for published desktop; 8 GB recommended for optimal performance
  • 80 GB disk space per user session

Note: Working Papers files should be stored on the Terminal/Citrix Server or connected to it via a high-speed network connection.

Install Connector

To begin installing Caseware Connector, you must first obtain a copy of the Connector installation file from MyCaseware. Log into MyCaseware, click Licenses | Desktop Licenses, select the Connector product in your list of licenses, then click Download Software.

Notes:

  • Your organization must have an active license for Connector before you can download the installation file. To purchase licenses for your organization, contact sales@caseware.com.
  • If you receive a prompt to install Microsoft .NET Framework during installation, ensure you have an active internet connection before proceeding.

To install Connector on a workstation:

  1. Ensure your workstation meets the system requirements.
  2. Double-click the Connector installation file (ConnectorSetup.exe) to launch the InstallShield Wizard.
  3. On the Welcome screen, click Next.
  4. Click I accept the terms in the license agreement, then click Next.
  5. On the Product Selection screen, ensure Caseware Connector is selected, then click Install.
  6. When the installation process is complete, click Finish.

Connector is installed on the workstation. In Microsoft Word or Excel, you can find Connector on the Add-ins tab of the ribbon.

Perform a silent installation

If you want to install Connector where monitoring and manual input is not require during the installation process, you can perform a silent installation from the Command Prompt.

To silently install Connector on a workstation:

  1. Locate Command Prompt using the Windows Start menu or search. Right-click Command Prompt and click Run as administrator.
  2. Change the directory in Command Prompt to the location of the downloaded installation file.
  3. Enter the following command: ConnectorSetup.exe /silent

Connector is silently installed on the workstation. In Microsoft Word or Excel, you can find Connector on the Add-ins tab of the ribbon.

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I connect Word or Excel files to Working Papers using Connector?

    The preferred method is through the Document Manager. See Connect to Working Papers.

  • How do I modify a Connector linkage?

    To edit a UDF linkage, select the linkage in Word or Excel, then click Caseware Linkage. To edit a DDE linkage, select the linkage in Word or Excel, then click Tools | DDE Links | Edit DDE Link.

    After editing a linkage, you may need to perform a recalculation to see your changes.

  • How do I send a document to an external reviewer if they do not have Connector?

    See Unlink Connector linkages.

  • How do I relink an unlinked document?

    See Relink Connector linkages.

  • How do I re-enable Connector if it has been disabled in Word or Excel?

    See Re-enable Connector.

  • Can I work simultaneously on two Connector documents in Excel from two different versions of Working Papers on the same machine?

    Yes. Connector supports working with multiple Excel documents from different versions of Working Papers on a single computer.

  • Is it possible to use Connector with Excel and Word files on a SharePoint server?

    Yes. Connector should function properly in this scenario, providing files are located on the SharePoint server, while Working Papers files are local or on a file server.