What are the system requirements for eVSM v12?

1. Windows Win10/Win11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
2. Visio 2013/2016/2019 - both Standard and Professional editions are supported (32-bit and 64-bit)
3. Excel 2013/2016/2019 (32-bit and 64-bit).

The full 64-bit environment is recommended.

Important Notes:

• With Visio 2019, Microsoft now offer a Visio Web App version (Visio Online Plan 1) and a Desktop App (Visio Online Plan 2). To run eVSM, the Desktop App is required.
• Visio and Excel are NOT included in the eVSM software, they must be acquired and installed separately.

Which Windows versions are supported by eVSM?

Note eVSM v9 and earlier versions are not supported in Windows 10/11. It may run OK under some configurations but may stop any time with a Windows update or a disk re-image. To run eVSM in Windows 10/11, you must upgrade to a current version of eVSM.

What are the preferred computer requirements for eVSM?

The two main considerations for eVSM performance tend to be CPU clock speed and RAM available. We recommend using a machine with at least 4GB of RAM available at a minimum. Having 8-16GB should provide better performance with eVSM, as long as you are running the 64 bit editions of Microsoft Visio and Excel. A machine running dual core processors with around 2GHz per core should perform sufficiently.

As long as you have a 64 bit system with 64 bit Office/Visio, the more RAM and CPU speed you have, the better the performance will be. Also, having a solid state hard drive will help with loading and saving large Visio files.

Avoid working on files while they are on shared drives. Instead, copy the file to the local drive to edit.

Is eVSM 64-bit compatible?

Yes, eVSM v10 (and later versions) is 64 bit compatible for Windows, Visio, and Excel. Microsoft Excel and Visio must BOTH be either the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version. Full 64-bit configuration is recommended for best performance.

Visio Macros are disabled at startup and/or the eVSM Toolbar is missing

If your eVSM toolbar is not showing, please check the following.

1. Check that your macro settings comply with https://evsm.com/visio-macro-settings.
2. Add the eVSM installation folder to the trusted locations in Visio. See how at: https://evsm.com/visio-trusted-locations.
3. Make sure the Automation Events are enabled in Visio. See how at: https://evsm.com/enable-automation-events.

If the above do not resolve the issue, please contact support@evsm.com.

eVSM Digital Signature

All eVSM software code is signed with a digital signature issued by DigiCert to confirm our identity and show our users the software is from us. By design the digital signature will get corrupted if the code is tampered with by anyone who does not have access to our signature.

Unfortunately, the digital signature can sometimes get corrupted if the PC or Visio crashes during normal operation, or if the file is edited in older versions of Visio. If this happens, you can use the Restore File, Map Clean, or eVSM Repair function to re-establish the genuine signature.

How can I resolve the File Block Visio error message?

If you see one of the following messages at when starting eVSM, you need to adjust the file block settings in the Visio Trust Center.

Open the Trust Center in Visio with "File>Options>Trust Center>Trust Center Setting". Then check the switches in the "File Block Settings" as shown below. After making any changes, you must exit Visio and restart eVSm to see the effect of the changes.

eVSM EULA and Privacy Policy

The eVSM End User License Agreement (EULA) can be viewed at https://evsm.com/EULA

The eVSM Privacy Policy can be viewed at https://evsm.com/privacy

What is the return policy for eVSM?

Click here to view the eVSM license return policy.

[Read Only] and/or [Compatibility Mode] message in the Visio banner

You would see this if you open a Visio 2010 or earlier file in Visio 2016 or later. The eVSM v11 (and earlier versions) startup template is in Visio 2010 format, so you may see this when starting new maps.

You can ignore this and continue working as normal. To eliminate the message, you can save your map file in the current version of Visio (*.vsdm format) through "File > Save As".

Does eVSM run on Apple (e.g. iMac, iPad) devices?

The eVSM Software is an add-on to Microsoft Visio. It can run anywhere Visio runs. It can run on a Mac PC provided it has Windows installed (via Bootcamp or Parallels). Currently there is no way to run Visio on iPads or smartphones. eVSM does run on Windows Tablet PC's and is fully supported on Microsoft Surface Pro.

Why does my eVSM open in a web browser?

You would see this problem if you do not have Visio installed, or if Visio is not the default program for .vst files on your machine.

If you do have Visio installed and still see this problem, then please try these steps.

1. Exit Visio if running.
2. Right-click on the "Start eVSM" icon on your Desktop.
3. In the right-click menu, select "Open With>Choose Program..."
4. In the Open With dialog box that comes up, select Visio, check the box labeled "Always use the selected program...", and click OK.

This should associate Visio template files to Visio rather then anything else.

What is included in eVSM's annual maintenance plan (ME&S)?

ME&S = Maintenance, Enhancements & Support.
Maintenance = Updates will be provided at no additional cost to stay in sync with hardware, operating system, and software changes.
Enhancements = Access to all new features including major new releases of eVSM.
Support = Email and web meeting based support on the application and learning of eVSM.

Unable to login through the eLeanor Control Panel

If you see this message when attempting log  in through the eLeanor control panel:

Then:

1. Verify your login and password in a web browser at https://www.evsm.com/user/login
2. If the above works OK but you still cannot login through the eLeanor control panel, please see:
   
   https://www.evsm.com/evsm-technical-support#ab884
    
3. If the above does not help resolve the issue, contact support@evsm.com. In your message, please include a screenshot of the error, including the full Visio screen (so the version# is visible).

My eLeanor control panel is missing

If you open an eLeanor lesson file and don't see the eLeanor control panel, then check:

1. Make sure your eVSM toolbar is visible (if not, see note #3 above).
2. Make sure the panel is not on a second screen or hidden behind other windows.
3. You mak be able to re-instate the panel with the "eLeanor Panel" command in the eVSM toolbar as shown below.

My eLeanor grades are not showing on my scorecard

Check the following:

1. Make sure you have extracted the lesson files from the downloaded ZIP file. If you are working within the ZIP file, then everything will work, except the grade capture.
2. Make sure you have signed into the eLeanor control panel. You should see your Email address in the control panel.

Can I use eLeanor without logging in?

To access the full eLeanor functionality, you need to:

1. Log onto the evsm.com server through a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to access the eLeanor lesson files.
2. Login through the eLeanor control panel to record your grades.

Item 1 is necessary for all users. Item 2 may be skipped, but your grades will not be recoded on the server. To skip item 2, simply ignore the login prompt at eLeanor startup. You will still be able to click the Grade-It button to check your answers to the quiz questions. Also, the Feedback button will not work without login, so you will have to send any questions/problems via regular Email to support@evsm.com.

Manual eVSM Activation

For the event of server connection issues, a manual activation function is available. Here are the steps to use it:

Can I view eVSM maps if I don't have eVSM?

Yes, eVSM essentially creates Visio files. These can be viewed in Visio without eVSM. However to edit the file, you need eVSM. You can also save your maps in PDF format which can be viewed even without Visio.

The eVSM toolbar (ribbon) is missing when I start eVSM.

See https://evsm.com/evsm-toolbar-missing

Unable to open file created in a newer version

Message "This file was created in a newer version of eVSM...". Unable to open file.

This means that the file was created in a newer version of eVSM than the one currently installed on your machine. You will not be able to make any changes to the file unless you upgrade eVSM to the file was created in, or a newer version of eVSM.

If you only need to view or print the file, ask the author of the file to send you a PDF version of the map.

The eVSM stencils on the right have disappeared.

To restore the default stencils, use the "Restore File" button (previously called Map Clean) in the eVSM toolbar.

If you are on eVSM v10 or earlier, then the restore steps have to be performed manually. See https://evsm.com/VidStencils

How can I migrate my old eVSM maps to the current version?

Shut down any open Visio files. Backup a copy of the old map file. Open the old file and click the "Migrate" button in the eVSM toolbar. When the migration run is complete, your old file as well as the migrated copy will be open. In the old file you will see highlighting on any items skipped by the migration.

Migration is not a 100%, so you will need to do some manual work to finish. See https://evsm.com/evsm-v11-migration for a list of the additional actions to complete.

My old maps open without the eVSM stencils. How can I open these?

The eVSM stencils (*.vss files) are stored in the "C:\Program Files (x86)\eVSM\Setup\Solutions" folder. You can open these in Visio by clicking "More Shapes > Open Stencil..." at the top of the shapes pane on the left.

If the stencils on the right side of your eVSM session are missing then you need to open all the stencils with the name starting with "eVSM_". These will open on the left, so you need to drag them over to the right.

I purchased software maintenance. How do I obtain my eVSM update?

You can download the latest version of eVSM here.

Is there a Glossary of terms used in eVSM?

A key of variable names used on a map can be generated when needed. Just drop the "Var Key Creator" shape from the "eVSM Title and Keys" stencil on the page. The key will show descriptions for all the variables in current use on the map. The key will update automatically as new variables are added/deleted on the map.

How do I share my data with people who do not have eVSM?

Just save the file in PDF format (Save As.. > File Type = PDF).

Are there any reference guides for eVSM?

The following reference materials are available in PDF format.

• eVSM Toolbar Reference Manual
• eVSM Common Functions Reference Manual

Additionally, all of the eLeanor files are available in PDF format.

Is there an academic or student's program for eVSM?

Go to Academic licenses.

What instructor-led training is available for eVSM?

Go to Instructor-Led Training Options.

I am getting prompted to Insert a Smart Card when I start eVSM.

If your company does not use Smart Cards for security just add the eVSM installation folder to the Visio trusted locations with these steps:

1. Start Visio, and click "FIle > Options > Tust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations > Add New Location... ".
2. Click the Browse button, navigate to and select the folder shown in the dialog below.
   
   
3. Check the "Subfolders of this locations are also trusted" check-box (VERY IMPORTANT) and then click OK, and Exit Visio.
4. Start eVSM and confirm that the Smart Card message no longer displays.

You can also switch your Smart Card service Off or to Manual. See how at:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2495-services-start-disable.html

Starting eVSM issues: "C:\Program Files (x86)\eVSM\Setup\Solutions\eVSM.vst is not a valid Win32 application"

You may see this message if Visio is not the default program for .vst files on your machine.

Try these steps.

1. Exit Visio if running.
2. Right-click on the "Start eVSM" icon on your Desktop.
3. In the right-click menu, select "Open With>Choose Program..."
4. In the Open With dialog box that comes up, select Visio, check the box labeled "Always use the selected program...", and click OK.

This should associate Visio template files to Visio rather then anything else.

Does eVSM run in SharePoint?

It does, but we do not recommend editing or solving an eVSM map directly on Sharepoint. Two reasons for this:

1. eVSM needs to create additional files in the folder the Visio file is in. If you have restrictions in your login you will run into problems.
2. Performance will suffer because for some operations you will be slowed down by network bandwidth and traffic (for communication between your CPU and the SharePoint server).

Best way to work with SharePoint is check the file(s) out for local processing and upload when you are done.

Can't find DLL entry point GetTickCount in kernel32

If you see the message below, you will need to request assistance from your IT or Microsoft support. It is related to the Windows installation and setup.  It's also possible that your antrivirus is preventing Visio.exe from accessing the Kernel32.dll API, which can be fixed by whitelisting Visio.exe.

I am getting an error message saying my Clipboard cannot be opened

If you see an error saying "The clipboard is in use and cannot be opened; please try again. If the clipboard still cannot be opened, restart your computer...", reboot the PC and try again. If that does not resolve the issue, then you need to switch the Windows clipboard history Off. Steps:

Is eVSM Available in Local Language Versions?

eVSM is supported on local language versions of Windows and Visio. eVSM allows you to create drawings in any local language available on your Windows machine. The Help resources and Icon names for eVSM however are not localized, they are available only in English.

How to Open Developer Ribbon?

The Visio "Developer" ribbon contains some very useful functions. If the Developer tab is not visible at the top of your Visio ribbons, follow these steps: 

1. Right-mouse click anywhere on the ribbon
2. Select the Customize Ribbon command

In the Customize Ribbon dialog, check the Developer checkbox

How to enable .NET 2.0 and 3.0 Framework on Windows 10?

eVSM v11 is fully supported on Windows 10, but needs .NET Framework 3.5 enabled. If not, you will see Error Number:-2146232576 issued at eVSM start-up and will not be able to proceed further. In this event, follow these steps.

1. Close all applications on your PC.
2. Go to Windows Start, and type 'Turn windows features on or off', and pick that from the list.
3. In the Windows Features dialog box, tick all three dialog boxes highlighted below.
   
   
   
   
4. Click OK, follow any prompts, and re-start your PC.

I cannot sign in to the Eleanor Control Panel

eVSM requires direct communications from VB code to the evsm.com server for:

• User authentication
• License activation
• eLeanor (training) score keeping

If the company firewall or proxy server blocks this communication then these functions cannot work. Following is a list of URLs eVSM needs access to. If you see problems with any of the above or other server communications problems, please "whitelist" these URLs.

• evsm.com/auth
• evsm.com/noauth
• evsm.com/elearning/API/AuthCheck
• evsm.com/elearning/API/ExerciseEvent
• quicklicensemanager.com/evsm

 eVSM sends the information in HTTP POST method.

Windows Security Warning: This page is accessing information that is not under its control...

If you see a message like the following pop-up while using eVSM, you can click Yes and continue.

To eliminate the pop-up, here are the recommended steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click Tools.
3. Click Internet Options.
4. Click Security.
5. Click Internet.
6. Click Custom Level...
7. Scroll down to the Miscellaneous section.
8. Select Enable under Access data sources across domains.
9. Click OK.
10. Click Yes to Are you sure you want to change the setting for this zone?
11. Click OK.

Is eVSM locked to the user login or to the PC?

The eVSM license is locked to the PC and to user account. You can install eVSM with an admin account, but the license activation should be done with the end-user login.

My Visio File May be Corrupt. Can I Recover my Map?

If you are still able to open your Visio file, you may be able to repair the file. In eVSM v11, just click the "Restore File" button in the eVSM Toolbar. In older versions of eVSM (v9 and later) or if the eVSM Toolbar is not available, follow these steps.

1. Exit Visio completely (close all Visio files)
2. Open the problem file
3. Leave the Visio file open and in the Windows menus, click "Start>Programs>eVSM Software>eVSM Repair"

Opening file or switching pages results in error or crashes Visio

If Visio Crashes when opening some files, or when navigating between pages, try disabling the enhanced metafile optimizations in the "Visio Options > Advanced" dialog. Note, you will need to exit Visio and restart for the changes to take effect.

Access Denied Error

Some operations (eg. Restore File, Kaizen Export, Create Template, etc.) require eVSM to automatically create new files in the folder your Visio map file is saved in. If you see errors similar to this:

Your Visio file is most likely located in a remote folder that has some privilege restrictions (perhaps on One Drive, Sharepoint,  Dropbox, etc.). Try bringing the file to your local drive and execute the operation again. Generally, you should always work with eVSM files on a local drive. The functions will work faster and you will be less likely to see privileges issues.

Getting the Following Message With Excel Related Operations

Excel related operations include Create XL, Import XL, Kaizen Export, etc. The message displayed is:

This would come up if Excel is currently busy with another process. Here are things to check:

1. Make certain that no Excel file is open in which a cell is currently being modified. Specifically, in Edit mode. If it is, simply submit the change and try again.
2. If the above does not resolve the issue, then Exit any open Excel sessions, and try again.
3. If the problem persists, restart the PC and try again.

The above problem can also happen if Microsoft Excel Sensitivity labels are enabled. Unfortunately, this is usually a corporate setting and the user will not be able to disable. To work around this, open a blank Exel file before running Create XL. This allows you to switch to Excel, choose a sensitivity label, and then proceed with the eVSM operation.