The VariQuest Design Center 2300A\B have been qualified to run on Windows 7. If you would like to upgrade the machine to Windows 10, you may do so. Unfortunately, Varitronics is unable to support the actual upgrade of Windows 10. Once successfully upgraded to Windows 10, Varitronics will happily support the installation of the VariQuest Software on this machine. If you have Premium Access to the Cutout Maker content, you may lose access to your content after the upgrade to Windows 10. To regain access, call 1-800-328-0585 for assistance.

Yes, it contains a hard drive, monitor, CD-RW/DVD-ROM and six USB ports. Additionally, the Design Center is pre-loaded with the latest version of VariQuest Software.

Yes, the touch screen is easy to use, doesn’t take up a lot of valuable space and will not tie-up IT resources. Also, the Design Center comes pre-loaded with the necessary product drivers and software application to run the VariQuest tools, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Any user can approach the touch screen without having to log on to a computer and begin using the software.

You can load Microsoft Office software and other programs on the Design Center; however, additional applications may slow down the performance of the VariQuest application. For optimal performance, we recommend you do not load other software programs onto the Design Center unless they are specifically designed to work with the VariQuest Software. At this time, the only program that we recommend Adobe® Reader and Inspiration® version 9.0a. VariQuest Software and its accompanying templates have been developed to work specifically with VariQuest product.

No, you may leave the Design Center on continuously during regular usage. It is recommended to power down the system when not using it for an extended period of time.

Yes, as with any valuable electronic components, this is strongly recommended for all VariQuest products.

Operating temperature range: 50° to 95°F.

Operating humidity range: 10 to 90%RH.

No, the DC2300 does not have a parallel port. You would need to load the software on an available PC with a parallel port and request the latest version of the VariQuest Design Center Software.

Photos and images can be saved to a USB flash drive or burned onto a CD/DVD and installed on the Design Center. The files can be accessed by selecting a template and importing the photo or image located on the USB flash drive or CD right into that template. Please see the Design Center Software User’s Guide for supported file types.

Images can be saved to a USB flash drive or burned onto a CD/DVD and installed on the Design Center. When the files launch, save to a folder created on the desktop (this will be the easiest place to locate later). The files can be accessed by selecting a template and importing the image located on the USB flash drive/CD right into the template.

Please follow the same procedure as outlined in the previous questions. When using the Poster Maker 3600 or the Awards Maker, the mascot file should be black and white or grayscale for optimum quality. You can import both color and black and white graphics to the Perfecta templates. You are also prompted to upload your own mascot during the initial setup procedure. The school name and mascot will appear on select templates for the Poster Maker, Awards Maker and Perfecta.

It is recommended that you perform a software upgrade each time you add additional components. This will ensure the latest database of content and software updates.

You will need to follow the Windows “Add New Printer” wizard when installing a desktop or laser printer. Once installed, it will appear in the “Output Devices” section located in the Workroom Assistant tab. Note – The Perfecta 2400 printer utilizes the 8 ½” x 11 tray located on the back of the printer.

Yes, VariQuest Software v4.0 is compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 8 PRO (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 Professional (32- and 64-bit), or XP PRO (SP3).

Yes, the software license allows you to install VariQuest Software on computers located at your school site. Advantages include being able to print 8 ½” x 11” documents to use with the scan-to-print feature of the Poster Maker, save edited Poster Maker, Perfecta and Awards Maker templates on a USB flash drive to import and print to those devices, and the ability to view all of the available content. At this time, not all VariQuest devices are able to print or cut over the network. In order to view the Perfecta module and color content, the Perfecta will need to be physically connected to the PC at least once during install (it does not need to stay connected).

Yes, the majority of the Poster Maker templates that are available in the Perfecta module can be colorized. Be sure to select ‘Show all templates’ when browsing or searching for a template in the Perfecta module. Easy ways to differentiate a Perfecta template from a Poster Maker template – Perfecta templates have a blue bar and Poster Maker Templates have a red bar. Color text and graphics elements can be added to most Poster Maker Templates.