Validating file data
Validation program for checking your file format
Note: before you send your return to OSR, you must run your file against our validation program to make sure that the information is complete and accurate. The validation program will check your file for any content and formatting errors.
The UCM Return Validation software is an application that allows you to validate unclaimed money returns so that they meet the relevant specifications.
Software information
The software:
runs only on IBM or compatible PCs running Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP or NT systems. If your PC is running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista you need to download the validation program and then a patch for your operating system (see the instructions below)
requires 5Mb disk space on your machine
enables quick and easy validation of unclaimed money files
assists in identifying and locating errors
takes approximately five minutes to download and install using a 56k modem
To validate your file, download the validation program and follow the instructions.
Note: if your PC is running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista you also need to download the patch to the validation program.
Instructions
Select the download validation program link.
Save the application on your ‘c’ drive.
Open the self-extracting file named: ‘osr_validate_returns.exe’.
Select the file 'setup.exe' and follow the set-up process instructions.
When the software is installed you can access the application from your 'start menu'.
Note: if your PC is running Windows 2000 or Windows XP you also need to download the patch to the validation program.
Testing your file
Open the program.
Select 'browse' and then desired input file for testing. Your input file must be either ASCII (.asc) or Excel (.xls) formats.
Select the 'validate return'.
Note: the size of the file and the number of errors contained in it will determine the time taken for the file to validate.
You will then see 1 of 2 messages:
'The file has passed validations'. The program has not found any errors or warnings. This means that your file is correct and ready to copy onto a disk to send to us, or
'The file has errors and or warnings. View error file.' The file has errors and there are warnings to review. If you see this message:
a) Select the 'view error file'. The error file identifies the type of error and its location in the ASCII file. Note: if the input file is in Excel (.xls) format, the validate returns software converts the file into ASCII (.asc) format before running the validation. The converted file can be accessed by selecting 'view converted file'.
b) Correct all errors.
c) Run the program again with the corrected data.
d) Warnings should be reviewed, however files containing warnings will pass validation and can be submitted to us.
