Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to a list of some of the most frequently asked questions.
For a better (searchable) listing, and answers to other questions, please visit the FanDraft Forums.

Popular Topics: Corrupt Download | Player Not Displaying in Correct Order | Transfer League to Another Computer | Ticker issues

1. 1. What is FanDraft?
   
   
   FanDraft is the first ever "Fantasy Baseball Digital Draft Board" software.
   It allows you to replace those lame, outdated "paper" draft boards, and take your draft to the next level.
   Along with greatly enhancing the live fantasy draft experience, FanDraft also helps keep your draft organized and flowing smoothly.
   
   
   
2. 2. Who should buy FanDraft?
   
   
   If you run a live draft with your league, FanDraft is perfect for you. It is best run by exporting the display from a PC to a television or digital projector for the entire league to enjoy.
   Even without the large display experience, FanDraft is a perfect fit for keeping your draft organized and running smoothly with its live clock, reporting capabilities, and other amazing features.
   
   
   
3. 3. Is FanDraft compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista?
   
   
   Yes, FanDraft is compatible with nearly every version of Windows since Windows 95. If you would like to see for yourself, we encourage all users to download the free demo to see for themselves how well it works.
   
   
   
4. 4. Is FanDraft available for the Mac?
   
   
   At this time, the short answer is no. But there are indeed workarounds. If someone in your league has the PC, that is best option.
   Otherwise, our suggestion would be to use Bootcamp: http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/
   For Mac OS X there is Virtual PC: http://www.apple.com/macosx/applications/virtualpc/
   
   

Pricing

1. 1. What is the price of FanDraft?
   
   
   FanDraft is $29.95 for the download version. If you would like to have FanDraft on CD-ROM, it is an additional $9.95 (however this isn't necessary).
   Registered users of the prior year of FanDraft are allowed to order the update at a discounted rate (almost 50%).
   
   
   
2. 2. Do I need to purchase FanDraft every year?
   
   
   No. Once you purchase it, you can use it as many times as you would like, for as many years as you would like. Even if you decide you don't want to purchase future upgrades, you can manually enter in future NFL rookies. FanDraft has come out with annual upgrade every year, with new tools/features, and an updated NFL Player Database. Registered users can purchase the update at a discounted rate (almost 50%) .
   
   
   
3. 3. Do I need to purchase FanDraft for each league/draft I run?
   
   
   No. Once you purchase it, you can create an unlimited amount of draft/league files. To create a new draft, just select "File > New". When you want to come back to an old draft file, just select "File > Open". .
   
   
   
4. 4. How do I order the discounted upgrade?
   
   
   If you are a FanDraft owner from the prior years version, you are eligible to get the new update at a discounted rate (almost 50%). To do so, login to your FanSoft Account and you will be able to order from there.
   
   
   
5. 5. Can I try FanDraft before I buy it?
   
   
   YES! We encourage all prospective users to download the FREE demo from our website. This demo allows you to view all of the features of FanDraft, and see how it all works, before buying.
   
   
   
6. 6. Is it necessary to buy the CD?
   
   
   No, you needn't. Buying CD is just a option offered and sold. Regardless, you always get download access after payment.
   
   

1. 1. Can owners unable to attend, view our (FanDraft) draft online/over the internet?
   
   
   FanDraft does not presently offer with internet capabilities, however this functionality may arrive in future versions.
   Most leagues currently tend to use free Instant Messaging (IM) programs (i.e. AOL IM,MSN IM, or Google Talk) to run conversations in the background while the draft is occurring, for those who aren't in attendance.

   
   In the last couple of years a wide variety of VPN (Virtual Private Network) and VNC(Virtual Network Computer) software has become available, which allows others to login to your PC, and view your screen live. Such software would make it possible for those not in attendance to see the FanDraft screen just like everyone else.
   
   One of the best (and FREE) options out there is:
   Mikogo: http://www.mikogo.com
   
   Some other options include:
   

   • WinRemotePC
   • TeamViewer
   • WebEx: PC Now
   • ShowMyPC
   • GoToMyPC

   
   Note: The above are all 3rd party products. We do not support this software, and you should contact the vendor directly with any questions before purchase. The list is also not endorsed by FanDraft, but rather a random sampling of some of the many products available.
   
   
2. 2. When I attempt the auto-download for player updates, I am getting an internet connection error, what should I do?
   
   
   This is usually caused by a Firewall. Set your Firewall to allow the program through. Also, you can just visit the downloads section of the FanDraft.com website to download the latest updates manually.
   
   

1. 1. How can I setup my league, and then use a different computer at the draft?
   
   
   To create a more easy and pleasant experience, FanDraft allows all users two complimentary licenses per purchase. This gives you the right to put the software on two computers (we do this because so many users use two different computers, one for setup and one at the draft).
   
   To do this:
   The registered download comes as one large install file. All you have to do is copy that file onto a USB Drive or CD-ROM, then install it onto the other computer. Note: Do NOT install the software ONTO the CD-ROM or USB Drive, just use it as a transfer device.
   Make sure to make a copy of your leagues ".fan" file (located in the FanDraft /leagues folder), and a copy of the /audio folder (also found in the FanDraft folder).
   Copy these files over into the exact same location on your 2nd computer after install. Upon initial load, you will be displayed an option to load a past league.
   
   Important: You CANNOT INSTALL FanDraft directly onto a CD-R or Keydrive, and run it from there.
   Only use these as transfer devices of the original install file.
   
   
2. 2. How do I export the display to a TV or Digital Projector?
   
   
   This process is very simple now a-days. For most people, it's a plug-and-play sort of thing.
   For more information though, please check out this detailed resource: http://www.fandraft.com/howitworks.html
   
   
   
3. 3. What are tips to improve the resolution and display size?
   
   
   The larger your screen resolution, the better the visual experience is going to be. If your default resolution is somewhat low, you may want to consider bumping it up.
   To change your screen resolution, just enter the Windows > Control Panel > Display. Additional detailed instructions can be found here.
   
   During the draft, you can also manually resize fonts (in the Preferences area) and use the "Auto-Calibrate" tool, to automatically optimize font and table sizes. Just look for the Calibrate/Tools/Preferences icons right on the Draft Board screen.
   
   
4. 4. Receiving "Setup Files are Corrupt..." message during install
   
   
   This is caused by the download being cut off mid-session of download(usually with Internet Explorer), leaving you with only part of the file.
   There are a couple ways to try to resolve this quickly:
   a) Re-download using a different internet browser (i.e. Firefox)
   b) If a) doesn't work, clear you temporary internet files by selecting "Tools > Internet Options > Delete Temporary Internet Files" in your internet browser window.
   c) If neither of the above work, try downloading from a different location with a stronger internet signal.
   
   
   For all of the details on this, please see this link.

League Customization

1. 1. Does FanDraft allow to use on NL or AL players?
   
   
   Yes. This can be customized in the SETUP process.
   
   
   
2. 2. Can FanDraft handle Serpentine drafts and traded draft picks?
   
   
   Yes. In the Setup > Draft Order area you can set each individual pick.
   
   To expedite the process, use the "Copy to Next Round" or "Reverse to next Round" buttons.
   In the case of a serpentine draft you would want to do a "Reverse to next Round" till all of your rounds are set. The registered version allows for up to 50 rounds of draft.
   Every and every individual pick can be set to your exact customization.
   
   
   
3. 3. Does FanDraft allow for Keeper Leagues?
   
   
   Yes. You can set players on keeper teams in the Players Setup area.
   
   
4. 4. Our league doesn't use Position Min/Max, what should I do?
   
   
   That is completely fine. FanDraft only uses these to help create the "Positions Breakdown Display" and to help prevent teams from selecting too many of one position (if your league uses these rules). To prevent from being alerted of "position overdraft", just set the MAX for all of your positions to a high number (such as 25).

During the Draft

1. 1. How do I change Preferences (such as fonts) during the draft?
   
   
   There are three icons in the Draft Board area.
   Click on the icon to edit Preferences. You can change font sizes in this window.
   Click on the icon to "Auto-Calibrate" the draft board screen.
   
   
2. 2. How do I handle “in-draft” trades?
   
   
   This is very simple.
   FanDraft offers in in-draft tool called "Team on the Fly". The TOF allows you to change the team picking "on the fly".
   To do this, just click on the tools icon and then click the "Team on the Fly" button.
   For more complex trades, you can always exit the draft, go into the "Draft Order Setup" area, then continue right where you left off by selecting "Draft > Continue Draft"
   
   
   
3. 3. What happens if I can’t find a player I want to select?
   
   
   You can add a player on the fly (POF). Just select Tools > Player on the Fly. Then just type in the name, and he's ready to be drafted.
   
   
   
4. 5. HELP! The “Picks Board” display isn't’t showing the right information!
   
   
   The display is actually working, but it's misaligned due to some improper setup information.
   Just go into the "Draft Order Setup" area. Then make sure that the correct "Serpentine/Non-Serpentine" radio button is selected.
   Also make sure that the "Official Draft Order" is setup.
   The way things work is the "Picks" board uses those two areas to decide how to display the information.
   The "Individual Picks", on the other hand, controls the actual selections (who is picking and on deck) during the draft.
   
   
   
5. 6. HELP! I accidentally shut down FanDraft in the middle of the draft!
   
   
   That is perfectly fine. All you have to do is select "Draft > Continue Draft", and you'll continue right where you left off.
   Be careful though! If you select "Start a new draft" instead, it will do just that (Start a NEW draft), and will erase all of your draft info!
   So make sure to select "Continue Draft"
   
   
   
6. 7. HELP! I accidentally selected “START A NEW DRAFT” instead of “CONTINUE…”
   
   
   You should be fine. FanDraft makes backups files during the end of every round.
   Follow these steps carefully, and you will be fine.
   1) Exit the "Draft Board" area. Do NOT make any selections.
   2) Select "File > Restore Draft backup"
   3) The Open File Dialogue should be showing the /backups folder, if it isn't locate it (in the FanDraft folder)
   4) Select the proper backup file (the numbers represent the date), then select Draft Continue.
   5) If all is well, you may want to make a backup by clicking "Save As"
   
   
   
7. 8. I accidentally selected the wrong player, how do I undo this?
   
   
   No problem at all. There are a few ways to correct mistake
   In the Draft Tools area you can go BACK/FORWARD picks, and fix your mistake.
   The other option is to use the Edit Selections area (Draft > Edit Selections) for more refined pick editing.

In-Draft Features

1. 1, How do I change the “clock” in the middle of the draft?
   
   
   First note that when the draft clock hits zero, it doesn't automatically skip to the next pick.
   If you would like to reset the timer at any time, click the "Reset" button located directly to the right of the timer.
   There is also a pause button on the Draft Clock controls, which will pause at any time. Re-clicking the pause button will cause the clock to resume.
   Clicking the "Edit Clock" button allows you to edit the clock during the middle of a draft.
   
   
   
2. 2. How  do I speed up/slow down the ticker?
   
   
   On the left hand of the ticker you will see a square, gray, speed controller. Click and drag this left or right to control the speed.
   
   
   
3. 3. My TICKER stopped displaying!
   
   
   You can try one of two things...
   1) Start a new draft/league, and see if it works.
   2) Open up the c:\ProgramData folder (this is usually a hidden folder, so you may have to make hidden folders visible in Windows, then locate and delete the " fandraft_template.xml" file in that folder.
   
   The corruption can be caused by shutting down FanDraft in the middle of a draft...
   
   
   
4. 4. How do I slow down the “Player Board” display?
   
   
   Click on the Preferences icon, and you will see the option to adjust the display time.

Customer Service

1. 1. How long does it take to receive my order?
   
   
   Downloads are available immediately.
   CD-ROMs are mailed via USPS, and usually take 3-5 business days. If you order a CD, you still receive immediate download access though.
   
   
   
2. 2. I lost my password to download FanDraft, what should I do?
   
   
   Click on this link: http://www.fansoftmedia.com/store/member.php
   Then fill in the information under the "Lost Password" area.
   
   
3. 3. How do I install a FanDraft “software update”?
   
   
   Full instructions for "updates" can be found here:
   http://www.fansoftmedia.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3
   
   
4. 4. Why am I not getting a response back from the email support?
   
   
   We try to respond immediate to all questions, and most responses are within 24hrs at the latest. If you aren't hearing back by then, likely our email is being eaten up by your SPAM Guard.
   1) Check your "Junk Box" and see if the emails are automatically going in there.
   2) Add support@fandraft.com and support@fansoftmedia.com to your email "Safe List"