Installing File Drop Service

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The QRlogix File Drop Service enables automated label printing from TXT or CSV files saved to a monitored shared folder. This guide walks you through installation and verification.

What is File Drop?

File Drop automatically monitors a shared folder and prints labels when new text or CSV files appear. This enables:

  • LIS/LIMS Integration - Automated printing from laboratory information systems
  • Batch Processing - Print large numbers of labels from spreadsheets
  • Unattended Operation - Automatic printing without user interaction
  • System Integration - Connect other software to QRlogix

When to Use File Drop

Install File Drop if you:

  • Print from Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
  • Print from Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
  • Need automated printing from CSV/TXT files
  • Want batch printing from shared folders
  • Integrate QRlogix with other systems

Don't install File Drop if you:

  • Only do manual on-demand printing
  • Don't use automated workflows
  • Print from the QRlogix interface only
Important: Only install File Drop if you specifically need automated printing from files. Standard data entry printing doesn't require it.

Before You Begin

Requirements

  • Administrative Rights - Required for installation and service setup
  • QRlogix Software - Must be installed first
  • File Drop Installer - Download link provided in welcome email or from QRlogix support
  • Windows System - Windows 7 or later

Download File Drop

The File Drop service is separate from the main QRlogix Software installation.

To download:

  1. Check your welcome email for the download link
  2. Or visit the QRlogix support site
  3. Or contact support: 800-650-0632 or Support@QRlogix.com

File name: AutomationService.exe

Installation Steps

Step 1: Run the Installer

  1. Locate the downloaded AutomationService.exe file
  2. Right-click and select Run as Administrator
  3. If prompted by Windows security, click Yes
File Drop Installer

Step 2: Follow Installation Wizard

Click through the installation wizard:

  1. Click Next to begin
  2. Accept the license agreement
  3. Choose installation location (default recommended)
  4. Click Install
Installation Progress

The installation process will take 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Service Activation

After installation completes, the service will automatically launch and activate itself.

Service Activation

You'll be prompted to press any key to continue. This finalizes the File Drop service installation.

Important: Don't close the window until you see the "Press any key" prompt.

Verifying Installation

Step 1: Open Windows Services

To confirm the File Drop service installed correctly:

  1. Press Windows Key or click Start
  2. Type "Services" in the search bar
  3. Click Services App to open it
Search for Services

Step 2: Find QRlogix File Drop Service

  1. In the Services window, scroll down to find QRlogixFileDrop
  2. Check the Status column
Services App

Status should show: "Running"

Step 3: Start Service (If Not Running)

If the service status is not "Running":

  1. Click on QRlogixFileDrop to select it
  2. Click Start button in the left panel
  3. Wait for status to change to "Running"

If service won't start:

  • Verify you have administrator rights
  • Check that installation completed successfully
  • Contact QRlogix support for assistance

Service Configuration

The File Drop service runs as a Windows background service, which means:

  • Automatic startup - Starts when Windows starts
  • Always monitoring - Watches folder even when QRlogix app is closed
  • Background operation - No window or user interface
  • System service - Managed through Windows Services

Service Properties

To view or modify service properties:

  1. Right-click QRlogixFileDrop in Services app
  2. Select Properties

Key settings:

  • Startup type: Automatic (recommended)
  • Log on as: Local System account (default)
  • Recovery: Restart service on failure (recommended)

Next Steps

After installing the File Drop service:

  1. Understand the File Drop Interface - Learn the dashboard
  2. Create a File Drop Template - Build your first automated template
  3. Configure Folder Settings - Set up watch folders
  4. Configure Data Settings - Map your data fields

Testing the Installation

To verify File Drop is working:

  1. Open QRlogix Software
  2. Create or open a File Drop template
  3. The File Drop homepage should show green status indicators
  4. Service status should show "Active"

Full testing instructions: Launching and Testing File Drop

Troubleshooting

Installation Fails

Error: "You need administrator rights"

  • Right-click installer and select "Run as Administrator"
  • Log in with an administrator account

Error: "Installation incomplete"

  • Check available disk space (need at least 100MB)
  • Temporarily disable antivirus during installation
  • Contact support if problem persists

Service Not Listed

QRlogixFileDrop doesn't appear in Services:

  • Re-run the installer
  • Verify installation completed (saw "Press any key" prompt)
  • Check in both regular Services and in Programs list
  • Contact support for reinstallation assistance

Service Won't Start

Status remains "Stopped":

  • Check Windows Event Viewer for errors
  • Verify no other service is using the same ports
  • Ensure QRlogix Software is properly installed
  • Try restarting Windows

Port or Permission Issues

Error messages about access or ports:

  • Verify no firewall blocking
  • Check folder permissions for watch folders
  • Ensure service has necessary Windows privileges
  • Contact support with specific error messages

Uninstalling File Drop

If you need to remove File Drop:

  1. Stop the service in Windows Services app
  2. Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features
  3. Find QRlogix File Drop or QRlogix Automation Service
  4. Click Uninstall
  5. Follow uninstall wizard

Additional Information

File Drop vs. Data Entry

File Drop (this service):

  • Automated, unattended printing
  • Monitors folder for new files
  • Prints from TXT/CSV files
  • No user interaction required
  • Runs as Windows service

Data Entry (no service needed):

  • Manual on-demand printing
  • User enters data in QRlogix app
  • Interactive workflow
  • Runs when user opens application

System Requirements

  • Windows 7 or later (Windows 10/11 recommended)
  • .NET Framework 4.5 or higher (usually pre-installed)
  • Network access if using shared folders
  • Printer drivers installed and configured

Updates and Maintenance

  • File Drop service updates with QRlogix Software updates
  • Check for updates periodically
  • Back up templates before major updates
  • Service logs are stored in installation directory

Need Help?

File Drop installation questions?

  • Phone Support: 800-650-0632
  • Email Support: Support@QRlogix.com
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST

Have your Windows version and any error messages ready when contacting support.

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