Proclaim Hotfix Deployment Tool - Step-by-Step Guide
1. Introduction
The Proclaim Hotfix Deployment Tool is an automated utility designed to apply the latest hotfix to your Proclaim installation without carrying out a full manual upgrade. It manages the entire deployment process, including downloading, backing up, updating and restarting services.
What the Tool Does
The tool performs the following stages automatically:
Stage | Description |
1. Download Latest | Release Connects to the Access Legal release server and downloads the newest hotfix package. |
2. Stop Services | Stops all Proclaim-related services to prevent file-locking during deployment. |
3. Back Up Programs | Folder Creates a backup of the current Programs folder. |
4. Deploy Update | Extracts and applies the new hotfix files. |
5. Restart Services | Restarts all relevant Proclaim services. |
Warning: Ensure all users are fully logged out of Proclaim before running the tool. Running updates while users are active can cause file corruption or incomplete deployment.
2. Prerequisites
Before launching the tool, confirm:
You have administrator access on the server.
All users are logged off Proclaim.
You know the correct Proclaim Programs folder location (e.g. E:\Prodisk\Proclaim\Programs\3.5.0).
The Programs folder contains a Classic sub-folder – the tool uses this to verify validity.
The server has an active internet connection for downloading the hotfix.
3. Launching the Hotfix Deployment Tool
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the Proclaim Programs folder.
Locate and double-click the Hotfix Deployment Tool executable - Install-ProclaimHotfix.exe.
A Deployment Details window will appear.
4. Entering Deployment Details
You must complete all fields in the Deployment Details window. These details are recorded for audit and support purposes.
Required Fields
Field | Description |
Company Name | Full name of the organisation running Proclaim. |
Your Name | Name of the person performing the deployment |
Email Address | Valid email address for contact and audit. |
Steps
Enter the Company Name (e.g. Access Legal).
Enter Your Name (e.g. Joe Bloggs).
Enter your Email Address (e.g. [email protected]).
Select Continue.
Note: The Continue button remains disabled until all fields are completed.
5. Selecting the Proclaim Programs Folder
After completing your details, the main Hotfix Deployment window opens at Stage 1: Select Path.
Using Browse
Click Browse next to the Programs Folder field.
Select This PC and navigate to the correct server drive (typically E:).
Open the following folders in sequence:
- Prodisk → Proclaim → Programs
Select the folder matching your current version (e.g. 3.5.0).
Click Select Folder.
Important: The folder must contain a Classic sub-folder.
6. Running the Hotfix
6.1 Start Deployment
Confirm the selected path is correct.
Click Run Hotfix.
6.2 Confirmation Prompt
A confirmation window appears showing:
The selected file path
A reminder that all users must be logged off
A prompt asking whether to continue
Click Yes to proceed or No to cancel.
7. Monitoring Deployment Progress
Once confirmed, the tool runs through each deployment stage without further user input.
Progress Indicators
Progress Bar: Shows overall deployment progress.
Status Message: Displays the current action (e.g. Downloading hotfix…).
Activity Log: Timestamped log listing all operations.
Stage Indicator: Shows which stage is active (Select Path → Download → Apply).
Stop Button: Available only during download.
Download & Extraction Notes
The download phase may take several minutes.
Do not close the tool or press Stop during archive extraction.
8. Stage 3 – Applying the Hotfix
When extraction completes, the tool moves into
What Happens Automatically
Validates versions.
Stops Proclaim services (or uses tcman if needed).
Closes open SMB file handles.
Renames your existing Programs folder to a timestamped backup.
Moves the new release into the Programs folder location.
Activity Log
Entries update continuously, confirming each action, such as:
Stopping services
Renaming version folders
Deploying the new release
Warning: Do not interrupt this stage. The backup allows rollback if needed—contact Access Legal Support for assistance.
9. Service Restart & Deployment Completion
After applying the update, the tool restarts Proclaim services and finalises the deployment.
What You Will See in the Log
Installed version confirmation
Proclaim and ProAPSV services starting
Task Server initiation
Temporary files cleanup
Deployment report submission and verification
Final message confirming success
The “Could not confirm task status” message is informational — manually check Windows Task Scheduler if shown.
Deployment Complete Window
A final dialogue appears confirming successful completion. All three stages are now marked as complete.
10. Post-Deployment Verification
Run the following checks before allowing users back in:
Check | Verification Method |
Proclaim services running | Confirm in Windows Services. |
Task Server running | Check Task Scheduler (Start Task Server). |
Correct version installed | In Proclaim: Help → About. |
User notification | Inform users once services are stable. |
After pressing OK, the tool resets to Stage 1 and shows the full activity log for review.
11. Troubleshooting
Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
Run Hotfix unavailable | Invalid or incomplete folder selection | Select the correct Programs version folder containing Classic. |
Slow download | Poor internet connection | Wait for completion; BITS resumes automatically. |
Deployment failure | Services running or files locked by active users | Ensure all users logged off; check Windows Services. |
Continue button disabled | Required details missing | Complete all fields in Deployment Details. |
12. Support
If you need help, contact Access Legal Support and include:
Company name and operator name
Full Activity Log (copy/paste from the tool)
Selected Programs folder path
Proclaim Hotfix Deployment Guide
Access Legal – March 2026