IMPORTANT: Internet Explorer 7 and MLXchange

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On October 19, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 7. Unfortunately, there are compatibility issues between Internet Explorer 7 and MLXchange. We strongly recommend that you do not download Internet Explorer 7.

At this time, we have received the following information from First American MLS Solutions, the developers of MLXchange.

TECHNICAL ADVISORY

MLXchange component installation for residential and commercial

On the morning of October 23, your browser will automatically install some new Active X components for both commercial and residential MLXchange. If you don't have administrative rights on your office computer, your office technician will have to sign in to http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/tools/axinstall/axinstalltool.asp that morning to ensure that all appropriate components are installed on your office computers.

As always, call the Help Desk at 604.730.3020 if you have questions regarding the installation.

What’s Happening

Microsoft has unexpectedly moved up the release date of Internet Explorer 7 and, as of now, the new version of the browser is available for download from Microsoft.com.  Microsoft has also just announced it will begin pushing out Internet Explorer 7 through its Automatic Update service to all Windows XP users on November 2^nd.

First American MLS Solutions is committed to fully supporting IE7 and has been rigorously testing its MLS software against the Beta and Release Candidate versions of IE7 to ensure compatibility.  We have already addressed the majority of issues uncovered by our tests, but it is very important that you be aware of the remaining issues we are still working on and how they may affect you.

Known Issues

If users access MLXchange using IE7, they may experience the following anomalies:

• The CMA Report button does not function.  Users can create a CMA, but clicking the Report button returns an error.

• Radius-based map search does not function.  Users can only select the map area using the “rubberband” method.

• Reports do not display the “multi-image” button.  The button labeled “1/8,” “2/8,” etc., that usually appears on report images and allows additional photos to be viewed is not displayed under IE7.

• Child value group constraints do not function.  When building a search, all child values are available for selection instead of just the appropriate subset.  For example, the “Sub-Area” list will show all values regardless of which “Area” is selected.

Known Issues for MLXPro users

• MLX Professional Agent Web Sites display incorrectly.  Some of the Agent Web Sites are not formatted correctly under IE7 and truncate the top menu, hindering navigation.

What FAMLS is Doing About It

FAMLS is working on a compatibility HotFix to address these remaining issues that will begin rolling out to customers next week.  A brief downtime will be required, and all customers should be updated by the third week of November.

We are continuing to test our MLS software against the new production version of IE7 that has been made available to ensure that no new issues have been introduced.  FAMLS will do whatever it takes to achieve complete compatibility with IE7 in as short a time as possible.

What You Can Do

Windows XP users that are experiencing problems because they have already installed IE7 can revert to IE6 by following these steps:

1. Click “Start,” and then click “Control Panel.”
2. Click “Add or Remove Programs.”
3. If necessary, select “Show Updates” at the top of the dialog box.
4. Scroll down the list and select Internet Explorer 7, and then click “Change/Remove.”
5. Click “Yes” to confirm the removal.

Windows XP users can temporarily disable Automatic Updates and ensure that Internet Explorer 7 is not automatically installed on their computers by following these steps:

1. Click “Start,” and then click “Control Panel.”
2. Click “Automatic Updates.”
3. Select “Turn off Automatic Updates.”
4. Click “Yes.”

NOTE: ALTHOUGH FAMLS OFFERS THIS AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION, BOARD TECHNICAL STAFF DOES NOT RECOMMEND THIS

Once the compatibility updated has been applied to your MLS system, users can re-install IE7 and/or re-enable Automatic Updates.