Frequently Asked Questions provide solutions for common technical questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Flare on my school's server so that all the teachers can access it?
At present Flare cannot be networked. However, Flare's multi-user format allows you to purchase a license for each computer you would like to install and use Flare on (licenses are available in packs of 2, 10, or 20). For more information view the Flare Product License Agreement. Each Flare title comes with one printed copy of the teachers' guide; however, other teachers can access and print an electronic version of the teachers' guide through the Flare software.
When I fill out the Activate Title Window with my serial number and details, I receive a Connection Error message saying "You are not connected to the internet. Check your internet connection before trying again.", but I am connected to the internet.
This is a temporary glitch in the Adobe® AIR system, and will be fixed in a future Flare automatic update. Wait 5 minutes and then submit the activation form again.
I purchased and installed one Flare title a few months ago. I recently purchased another Flare title, inserted the CD into my computer and tried to follow the installation steps on the Install Flare screen. I got as far as trying to complete Step 1 – installing Adobe AIR and Flare – when I received a message saying "The application you are about to install already exists on this system. Would you like to replace the currently installed version with this one?" The version on the CD is an older version than the one I already have installed.
Once you have installed Flare, you don't need to install it again when you activate an additional title. Instead, click Cancel, then start Flare, and close the Create New File window by clicking on the red button. Click on the green File tab to open the File menu, then click on the Activate Additional Title icon and follow the steps.
How do I de-activate a Flare title on one computer so I can activate it on a different computer?
The process for de-activating a Flare title is similar to the process for activating one. Click on the green File tab to open the File menu, then click on the Activate Additional Title icon. The Flare Product License Agreement will appear. Click Accept. In the Activate Title window, enter the serial number of the title you wish to de-activate. Once the number has been entered, a checkbox will appear beside it. Click in the checkbox to indicate that the title is to be de-activated. Complete all other details in the Activate Title window then click Submit. A dialog box saying Activation Successful will appear. The Flare title is now de-activated and ready to be activated on another computer.
I want to uninstall Flare from my computer. What do I need to do?
Uninstalling Flare involves two steps. First, you need to de-activate all the Flare titles that are on your computer. If you do not de-activate the Flare titles, their serial numbers will remain "unavailable" even after the actual Flare software has been uninstalled from the computer, which means that you will not be able to activate and use these Flare titles on another computer. For information on how to de-activate the Flare titles, see the Frequently Asked Question "How do I de-activate a Flare title from one computer so I can activate it on a different computer?" and response above.
Second, you need to uninstall the Flare software. Refer to your operating system manual (for PC or Mac) for how to uninstall programs and applications.
How do I save a copy of an activity file I have prepared?
Click on the green File tab to open the File menu, then click on the Save As icon. A dialog box will appear. Use the keyboard to type in a file name. Choose the location to save the file in and then click Save.
How do I open an activity file I prepared earlier and saved?
Click on the green File tab to open the File menu, then click on the Open icon. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm that you have saved any recent work as any unsaved work will be deleted by the Open action. If you have saved all recent work, click on the green button. Find the file you wish to open, click on it, and then click Select. If you haven't saved all recent work, click on the red button and save it before proceeding with the Open action.
My Promethean software is trying to open my Flare files. What is happening?
The Promethean software is trying to be the default program that opens files with the .flr extension (e.g. Activity1.flr). To avoid this, only open your Flare files from within Flare (i.e. by clicking on the File tab to open the File menu, then clicking on the Open icon).
How do I print a copy of an activity file I have prepared?
Click on the green File tab to open the File menu, then click on the Print icon. A dialog box will appear. Choose the printer and page settings and then click OK.
The activity file I printed has a black background, so my students can't write on it.
You can change the settings so that the activity files print in opposite colors to how they appear on screen. Click on the green File tab to open the File menu, then click in the text box next to the Print Style option. Click on Negative. Click on the Print icon to print the file.
When I'm working in Flare, sometimes I need to access the internet or another program or file on my computer, but Flare takes up the entire screen and I can't see my desktop. I have to shut down Flare to access them. Can I access other files and programs without having to shut down Flare?
In the top-left corner of the Flare display is an orange icon. Click on it to reduce the program window to an icon. You can then see your desktop to access other files and programs. When you're ready to start work in Flare again, click on the green icon to enlarge the program window to full-screen size.
I'm working in Flare and I touch the interactive whiteboard screen to manipulate an object and nothing happens, or a nearby object that I didn't touch moves.
Your interactive whiteboard screen needs to be recalibrated. Check its accompanying instruction manual.
I go to write with the Pencil tool and the writing appears in a different place to where I touched.
Your interactive whiteboard screen needs to be recalibrated. Check its accompanying instruction manual.
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