How to open DFQ files with qs-STAT, solara.MP or other Q-DAS application has been a recurring question on the hotline in the past. Unfortunately, the operating system can only associate one application with a file type that will open the file on double-click. This is why the Q-DAS Launcher was developed. The Q-DAS Launcher can be linked to the DFQ and DFD files during installation - or subsequently. In this way, double-clicking on a DFQ or DFD file will open the Q-DAS Launcher, where a Q-DAS product can be specifically selected to analyse the data. The Q-DAS Launcher is the central launch platform for starting the various Q-DAS applications or selecting a different release per product.
In addition to the Q-DAS Launcher, the Q-DAS Tools Launcher, a central launch platform for the administrative Q-DAS applications, is available from version 13.
Besides the possibility to open the Q-DAS Launcher via the Windows Start menu or desktop shortcut, there is also the possibility to open the Q-DAS Launcher by double clicking on a DFQ or DFD/DFX file.
All Q-DAS products are made available during the setup process. The products that can be used are determined by the registration process. If a product has not been registered, its symbol will appear grey.
The Q-DAS Launchers do not have access to the Q-DAS text database. Therefore, all dialogues are basically only available in English.
The launcher's content can be managed efficiently using the context menu.
Table of Contents
Q-DAS Launcher context menu
All Q-DAS applications
The Q-DAS Launcher will list all Q-DAS applications, whether they are registered or not.
Installed applications
The Q-DAS Launcher only lists registered Q-DAS applications, except those that have been removed manually (remove from list).
Custom application list
The Q-DAS Launcher lists all the registered and unregistered Q-DAS applications, except those that have been removed manually.
Remove from list
Individual products can be removed from the Q-DAS Launcher. To remove a product, right click on the relevant tile and select "Remove from list".
Restore to list
Provides the possibility to restore individual products that have been removed from the Q-DAS Launcher. To restore a product, right click on the Q-DAS Launcher and select the relevant product from the list.
Change Directory
In case an application is unavailable or a test version is required, this option provides a dialogue box for modifying the path to the required application.
Close after execute
This option controls whether the Tools Launcher closes after launching a product.
Support E-Mail
To enable the Q-DAS Hotline to analyse and resolve issues more quickly, this option allows the user to create a ZIP file containing the most important system information.
Register for Q-DAS files
This option allows the Q-DAS Launcher to be associated with DFQ and DFD/DFX file extensions by adjusting the Windows system settings. As soon as this adjustment has been made, the Q-DAS Launcher will open when the user double-clicks on a DFQ or DFD/DFX file.
The fact that the Q-DAS launcher was opened via a file can be seen from the displayed file path at the bottom.
Note: This setting involves modifying Windows system settings. Please consult the local IT department beforehand regarding the changes and relevant administrator rights.
Note: To open the Q-DAS Launcher by double-clicking on a DFQ or DFD/DFX file, the respective file extension must not be associated with an another application in the Windows settings (UserChoice).
Manually managing the Q-DAS launcher
Regardless of how the Q-DAS Launcher is accessed, three components are always required.
- The first two are the application file (QDAS_PRE_START.exe) and the configuration file (MASTER.INI), which are required to open the launcher. The MASTER.INI file specifies the location of the PRESTART.INI file, which determines the content of the launcher.
- The third is the configuration file (PRESTART.INI), which is necessary for loading the correct configuration into the Q-DAS Launcher. Any changes made via the context menu will be saved to the PRESTART configuration file.
Individual tiles can be added to the launcher by manually editing the PRESTART.INI file. It is possible to create tiles to open third-party applications or files, e.g. PDFs.
Note: When configuring a tile for loading files, make sure that the relevant file extension is linked to the correct application in the Windows system settings. Otherwise, the file will not open.
To add individual tiles, the PRESTART.INI configuration file needs to be modified. Each new tile requires three entries.
- The unique name of the tile/section
- The full path, including the file extension, of the application or the file to be loaded
- The icon path.
[<Unique name of the tile/section>]
EXE=<full path including file extension for an application or path of the file to load>
PIC=<Path to the icon to be displayed in the Q-DAS Launcher>
For example, a new till is added to launch the Windows Editor. The symbol used for this till is the "Icon_Editor.png" file.
This will open the specified PDF file using the Windows default application, e.g. a PDF reader or web browser.
Troubleshooting
Red tiles
The tiles will be shown in red if an application is missing or the storage location is unavailable. Select the correct path of the relevant application by using the „Change directory“ option.
Empty Q-DAS Launcher
Registration must be carried out after the product has been installed. If the Q-DAS licence has not been registered, the Q-DAS Launcher will remain empty. Use the Q-DAS License tool from the Q-DAS Tools Launcher to register the licence.
Error message "INI-File not found"
Three components are required to access the Q-DAS Launcher. The application file (QDAS_PRE_START.exe) and the configuration file (MASTER.INI) are required to open the launcher, while the PRESTART.INI file determines its contents.
If the MASTER.INI file has been removed, renamed or is inaccessible, the following error will appear:
"INI-Datei qsstat2000.ini nicht gefunden / INI-File not found"