FAQs
What does error code 17 mean when I try to start CostsMaster? What can be done?
Error code 17 means that CostsMaster can see that you are running Windows in a Virtual Machine. This is most likely because of a recent update by Microsoft intended to increase security. This is not compatible with your current type of licence.
There are two possible solutions to this: alter a setting in Windows to switch this feature off, or use a different type of Licence. We recommend the latter.
The different types of Licence can be found in our Licensing User Guide. If you want to change your Licence to a different type, please contact our Licensing Department at licensing@costsmaster.co.uk.
If you would rather keep your current licence for any reason, we understand that some people have managed this by disabling Windows features such as “Memory Integrity” or “Core Isolation”, or by disabling virtualisation in the computer BIOS. This is something you should discuss with your IT department/provider, particularly as some of these are billed as security features and others are particular to your hardware.
How can I run CostsMaster on a Mac?
CostsMaster has to run within Windows so you need to install Windows on your Mac. There are currently two ways of doing this.
- You can install Windows such that when you start up your computer you can choose between MacOS and Windows. You would be able to use an Individual Licence in this case.
- Alternatively you can run “virtualisation software” that allows Windows to run on top of MacOS in a Virtual Machine. You would not be able to use an Individual Licence in this case.
In either case, if have a machine on your network that is running Windows without virtualisation then you could use Network Activation. Otherwise you will need Online Activation. As always, the different types of Licence can be found in our Licensing User Guide.
How do Phases on a Precedent H contrast with those on a Precedent S? What about Tasks, Activities and Expenses?
The 10 Phases on a Precedent H cover the work from the start of a case up to and including the Trial that concludes the case; you might also have Contingent Phases for work that might or might not be necessary.
The 15 Phases on a Precedent S cover the workup to the Trial and beyond, including preparation for Assessment. Crucially, there is no such thing as “Contingency” because all work has been conducted: this work will be assigned to a Task within the appropriate Phase.
The Precedent S breaks down each Phase into one or more Tasks—of which there are in total 41—which are used to produce the various tables: the spreadsheet actually deduces the Phase from the Task.
This allows the original Phase from the Precedent H to be retained, but only for the purpose of comparing the Agreed Budget with Actual Costs: this is the only place that Contingency Phases appear on a Precedent S.
Each Attendance item should also be assigned an Activity code; each Disbursement should have an Expense code. These work separately from the Phases and Tasks to provide an alternative breakdown of the costs incurred.
