ExamWritePad

[ass17]

That's actually pretty clever, but what happens if there's an issue that causes the laptop to power down?

Though, I suppose you can just copy the file to the new directory..

 

When they log in they can recover the previous version auto backup, which was taken every 60 seconds.

[nicholab]

This is a feature request could auto back have the option to delete the previous days data? So that it only keep today data.

[ass17]

This is a feature request could auto back have the option to delete the previous days data? So that it only keep today data.

 

The previous versions data or auto backup data is deleted and only keeps the last 24 hours worth at anyone time. But only the last hour is visible to the user.

[DrWashu]

Hello I have just installed this and used it for the first time today only to get complained at by the exam officer its not allowing them to save.

 

is there a version with the option to chose a path ie my documents not just defaulting to desktop when they put in all the details at the start as this is something I relay do not have time to do at the start of ever exam putting in all the student details and then having to re save in the location required after that especially for 200 children?

[Garacesh]

You can control the default save location by modifying the ExamWritePad.exe.config file provided.

 

Edit:

 

Also shouldn't the kids should be filling in the details themselves, just as they would normally write their own name on their exam paper etc?

Edited April 25, 2019 by Garacesh

[DrWashu]

​ was given the software they haven't asked me about it i have had 1 hour to get it up and running for the first exam and then they blow at me as they cant chose a save location until after all the details are put in I relay don't think its much to ask to place a little save to location box on the bottom of the details form.

[Garacesh]

​ was given the software they haven't asked me about it i have had 1 hour to get it up and running for the first exam and then they blow at me as they cant chose a save location until after all the details are put in I relay don't think its much to ask to place a little save to location box on the bottom of the details form.

 

The files automatically save as time goes on. You just need to supply a path for them to save to in the config file.

In my experience testing it, when the autosave timer trips, if they have yet to save the file, they are also prompted to save there-and-then.

The config file also contains this parameter:

            
               0
           

Which I have not tested, but I assume would prompt to save as soon as the candidate fills out their details.

 

If you were given the software and only an hour's notice to get it working, I appreciate that's not a whole lot of time, and I know first-hand how frustrating that can be, but your issue is with whoever decided to leave it until the last minute and only give you an hour.

The config file gives you a lot of control over how the software works as different schools will do things in different ways. You just need some time to configure it.

[DrWashu]

Yes not to happy with it to be honest and it was more of a drag drop not an install with the time I had and being exam accounts every location would be different so doing a con fig in that time no chance but I do think a save location box would 100% help on this software

.

[ass17]

The files automatically save as time goes on. You just need to supply a path for them to save to in the config file.

In my experience testing it, when the autosave timer trips, if they have yet to save the file, they are also prompted to save there-and-then.

The config file also contains this parameter:

            
               0
           

Which I have not tested, but I assume would prompt to save as soon as the candidate fills out their details.

 

If you were given the software and only an hour's notice to get it working, I appreciate that's not a whole lot of time, and I know first-hand how frustrating that can be, but your issue is with whoever decided to leave it until the last minute and only give you an hour.

The config file gives you a lot of control over how the software works as different schools will do things in different ways. You just need some time to configure it.

 

Thanks Garacesh for all the replying you have done, saved me a lot of time.

 

DrWashu, There is no need for any additional save locations boxes as stated, set the config option “SavePromptAfterCandidateInfoScreenOnLaunch” will be sufficient that when you enter in the candidate details it will prompt asking you where do you want to save to...

 

Given more time, I’m sure you would have read the documentation. I would never suggest throwing software out there without prior testing as you don’t know if it suits your network, GPO policies etc....

[Garacesh]

Happy to help @ass17 You've saved me more than enough headache with this software, only fair to return the favour.

 

If I had any gripes about saving, it's that it isn't mandatory. We've had situations (thankfully only in mocks, by kids whom I suspect are not exactly what I'd call 'highly aspirational') where I suspect the save prompt has popped up and they've clicked 'no'.

Thankfully there's another save prompt on exit, and we tell them not to exit the software, so it's been manageable so far.

 

Some kind wouldn't go amiss

Edited April 25, 2019 by Garacesh

[ass17]

Happy to help @ass17 You've saved me more than enough headache with this software, only fair to return the favour.

 

If I had any gripes about saving, it's that it isn't mandatory. We've had situations (thankfully only in mocks, by kids whom I suspect are not exactly what I'd call 'highly aspirational') where I suspect the save prompt has popped up and they've clicked 'no'.

Thankfully there's another save prompt on exit, and we tell them not to exit the software, so it's been manageable so far.

 

Some kind wouldn't go amiss

 

I like the idea of the force save, will take a look. [emoji3][emoji1303]

[DrWashu]

I accept that scripting helps but I am also doing this from the mind set of a Teacher for what I am asking.

 

If I am not around to correct it or the scripting fails they have no clue on whats going on especially if they don't realize they have to then go (file save as) then put it in the right location same gos for the invigilators that are usually from outside the school

[Garacesh]

You're not running any scripts, you're just modifying a file with a text editor.

 

The ExamWritePad.exe looks for an ExamWritePad.exe.config in the same folder - you simply modify that file.

There's no installer, the software is portable, you just copy all the files to the required computer (or make the files accessible from a network share, if your exam machines are networked) including your pre-configured .config file.

 

The idea is that you modify the config file once (for example on your own computer), providing details such as centre number, save paths, etcetera, then you copy the files including your modified .config file to the exam computer(s).

 

You can't feasibly expect a ready-of-the-box piece of software when you consider that schools will always have their own variations on how they do it. This is probably the closest you'll get, and really only requires about ten minutes of your effort to change the config files.

Edited April 25, 2019 by Garacesh

[ass17]

I accept that scripting helps but I am also doing this from the mind set of a Teacher for what I am asking.

 

If I am not around to correct it or the scripting fails they have no clue on whats going on especially if they don't realize they have to then go (file save as) then put it in the right location same gos for the invigilators that are usually from outside the school

 

Invigilators have to be familiar with the software before they are step foot in an exam room, if they are not then how do they know if someone is cheating?

 

Our exams officer gives yearly training to all invigilators around Feb/March time ready for the summer exam season.

 

If a the software has an issue then that’s when an IT technician steps in to resolve.

[ass17]

You're not running any scripts, you're just modifying a file with a text editor.

 

The ExamWritePad.exe looks for an ExamWritePad.exe.config in the same folder - you simply modify that file.

There's no installer, the software is portable, you just copy all the files to the required computer (or make the files accessible from a network share, if your exam machines are networked) including your pre-configured .config file.

 

The idea is that you modify the config file once (for example on your own computer), providing details such as centre number, save paths, etcetera, then you copy the files including your modified .config file to the exam computer(s).

 

Thank you, it’s that easy. I hope!

 

If you don’t want to use the text editor then I have supplied a GUI editor with full descriptive of each option and possible answers.

[mavhc]

So a teacher gives you a random piece of software they found on the internet to use for exams 1 hour before the exam starts? That's pretty crazy of them. I would have told them to stop being stupid and continue to use the previous solution until next year.

[ass17]

So a teacher gives you a random piece of software they found on the internet to use for exams 1 hour before the exam starts? That's pretty crazy of them. I would have told them to stop being stupid and continue to use the previous solution until next year.

 

Exactly, not best practice given that the software is supposed to be the candidates “normal way of working” according to the exam boards. So they should have been exposed to it before the exam season starts.

[geekAT]

Hello I just joined this forum to test out ExamWritePad. The first version you posted here works but the latest just doesn't start at all. I open the application, don't see any windows and no tasks in the task manager and that was it. Is that a known issues?

Windows 10 Education (1803)

 

Thanks!

[ass17]

Hello I just joined this forum to test out ExamWritePad. The first version you posted here works but the latest just doesn't start at all. I open the application, don't see any windows and no tasks in the task manager and that was it. Is that a known issues?

Windows 10 Education (1803)

 

Thanks!

 

No, it’s the first report of this. I’m about to release a version tomorrow where you can enable fully debugging if the app, so you can send the html file to me.

 

The only prerequisite is dotnet 4.7 installed.

[3s-gtech]

Yes not to happy with it to be honest and it was more of a drag drop not an install with the time I had and being exam accounts every location would be different so doing a con fig in that time no chance but I do think a save location box would 100% help on this software

.

 

Surely environment variables are the answer in that case?

[Carrot63]

Hi We are just about to use this for our Exam season and it looks very useful thank you. I have done a test print and below the bottom line with date page and signature are 2 lines that have the date, time, computer name and username printed. Is there something in the config that can prevent this or does anyone have any ideas what is causing it?

Thanks

[ass17]

Hi We are just about to use this for our Exam season and it looks very useful thank you. I have done a test print and below the bottom line with date page and signature are 2 lines that have the date, time, computer name and username printed. Is there something in the config that can prevent this or does anyone have any ideas what is causing it?

Thanks

 

Screenshot please?

[Carrot63]

 

Hopefully that will show you the bottom of the page.

[ass17]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]53227[/ATTACH]

 

Hopefully that will show you the bottom of the page.

 

Great thanks

 

That information is not part of EWP, it’s being sent out via the Printer driver itself.

 

Look at the font used to print it, it’s different to that of EWP.

 

Is the printer a local USB or networked one? Reason I ask is to use a different printer just to prove the point.

[6Foot2]

 

Impero (and I think, PaperCut) can do this. Do you run either of these?