Auto-archive automatically moves a document out of your shared folder and into an archived folder, once you've imported it into Best Practice. This allows your team can see at a glance which files are done and keeps your folder tidy. Here's how to get it set up.
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In this article |
Before you start
| You will need your IT to help configure some one-off permissions so HotDoc is allowed to create the archive folder and move files. Please send these instructions through to your IT for assistance. |
Requirements:
- You must be uploading documents from one shared folder
- That folder must be on a server, network drive, or practice computer. Cloud-synced folders (e.g. Dropbox, OneDrive) aren't supported.
- You'll need your IT to configure some one-off permissions so we can create the archive folder and move files. Confirm the name of your shared folder with your IT.
Instructions:
- IT sets folder permissions once and shares the folder path with you
- You paste the folder path into the Dashboard and test the connection
- You import a document to confirm the archive subfolder appears in your shared folder
How automatic archiving imported documents works
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If you meet the requirements above, HotDoc can automatically archive documents that you have imported into Best Practice using the Document Assistant tool.
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There is a new section in the HotDoc Dashboard called Document Assistant → Settings. You will need to complete a short set up with your IT, to direct HotDoc to the folder on your computer that you are importing your scans from. This is basically the address that tells your computer exactly where a folder lives - like \\SERVER\ClinicA\Documents.
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HotDoc then creates a subfolder called 'Archive - HD Dashboard Assistant' inside your scans folder and moves imported files into it automatically, so you can see which files are done and which still need importing.
Step 1 - For your IT: Set folder permissions (one-off)
| Please sending these instructions to your IT to assist you with this set up. |
HotDoc needs Modify access to your scans folder so it can create the archive subfolder and move imported files into it. Read-only access isn't enough. Forward this section to whoever looks after your computers and network.
- Which option do I use? - Choose Option 1 if the scans folder is on a server or network share accessed by other computers over the network (most clinics). Choose Option 2 if the folder lives on the same PC that runs the HotDoc Sidebar.
Option 1 - Run the HotDoc Manager Service under a dedicated service account
Best when the scans folder is a network share. The auto-archive feature only needs one device that can reach and modify the share — this can be an always-on device running the Sidebar, or any reception workstation. Have a HotDoc account's login details on hand, as the Sidebar will need to be logged out and back in.
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Create or choose a domain service account for the service to run as.
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Grant that account Modify permission in two separate places, both are required:
- On the scans folder: grant Modify on both the Share permissions tab and the NTFS/Security tab. This lets HotDoc create the archive folder and move imported scans.
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On the HotDoc install directory: grant Modify, recursively. This is separate from the share — when running as a specific user, the HotDoc service still needs to do its normal work (rewriting and deleting files inside its own install folder as it self-updates, and writing logs).
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Open Services (services.msc), find the HotDoc Manager Service, and change its Log On As account from Local System to the service account from step 1.
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Then restart the service, and log out of the HotDoc Sidebar and log back in.
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Then restart the service, and log out of the HotDoc Sidebar and log back in.
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Once done, copy the folder path and give this to the practice, they will need to paste this into the HotDoc Dashboard to test the connection (see below instructions in Step 2)
- You'll need the UNC path of the shared folder (e.g. \\SERVER\Scans);
- From there a test archive can be run.
Option 2: Install the connector on the host of the shared folder
- Install the HotDoc Sidebar and log in (if this isn’t already on the PC). This installs the connector, which will allow us to make changes to this folder.
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Copy the local disk path (i.e. C:\Scan) of the folder that the documents live in, and paste it into the field in the HotDoc Dashboard (see below instructions in Step 2)
Step 2 - For you (practice): Add the folder path into the HotDoc Dashboard
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Once your IT has done the steps above, you can proceed with doing the setup in the Dashboard. Your IT will need to give you the correct folder path based upon the option they chose in Step 1, see these steps for how to get the folder path: |
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Once you have your folder path, go to the HotDoc Dashboard and go to Document Assistant → Settings
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Under "Clinic folder path" paste the folder path that your IT gave you into the field and check the connection.
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Tick "Automatically archive files after import"
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Press Save.
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To check if this has worked, import a document into the HotDoc Document Assistant. Once imported, go to your folder on your computer with your saved scans and there should be a subfolder called Archived - HD Document Assistant subfolder
- Note: If you see an error message, send it through to your IT to fix.
Troubleshooting tips:
For IT: If documents aren't being filed
| What you're seeing | What it usually means | What to do |
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| Nothing is being archived at all | The folder path is set up wrong, or no folder is configured | Confirm the scans folder path with HotDoc support; check it's the full \\SERVER\... path |
| Filing only works sometimes | The computer that reaches the folder isn't always on | Make sure your server / always-on PC is running |
| HotDoc says it can't reach the folder | The folder isn't shared, or network/credentials are wrong | Ask IT to check the share and that the computer running HotDoc can reach it |
| HotDoc says it can't update the folder | HotDoc has read access but not permission to make changes | Ask IT to grant Modify on the folder (Share and Security) |
| A specific document won't file | That one file may have moved or changed | Usually resolves itself; mention it to HotDoc support if it persists |
How to get a folder path for option 1 or 2:
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Option 1: To copy the Network Path - Open File Explorer (the yellow folder icon) and find the folder where you save your scans. Right-click it → Properties → Sharing tab → copy the Network Path (highlighted below).
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Option 2: use the local folder path. You must do this directly on the host computer, not from another device. In File Explorer, open your scans folder. Click the address bar at the top of the window so the path highlights in blue, then right-click it and select Copy.
