Dynamo for Dynamics CRM http://crmdynamo.com Welcome to big CRM stylin'! Here you will find the latest information regarding Microsoft Dynamics CRM and occasionally other Dynamics solutions. The focus is on general news and tips for the intrepid CRM Administrator, as well as something for even the newest CRM user. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:40:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 41.882582-87.637601 Check which Update Rollup version is installed on your CRM environments http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/xZnVgi9kNz0/ http://crmdynamo.com/2010/03/check-which-update-rollup-version-is-installed-on-your-crm-environments/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:12:08 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=511 I recently had to check my CRM enviroments to make sure they’re updated to the latest Update Rollup version (currently #9, on Feb 2010).

From experience, all I needed to do was:

Browse to the CRM website. Click on the “Help” button on the top right side of the window. Click on “About Microsoft Dynamics CRM” Get the build number [...]]]> I recently had to check my CRM enviroments to make sure they’re updated to the latest Update Rollup version (currently #9, on Feb 2010).

From experience, all I needed to do was:

  • Browse to the CRM website.
  • Click on the “Help” button on the top right side of the window.
  • Click on “About Microsoft Dynamics CRM”
  • Get the build number displayed.

Now that I have the build number, I can compare it to the latest list of Update Rollup build numbers. 

The nice thing about this screen is that it’ll post your CRM Outlook Client build version as well.  See the screenshot below for an example.  I have Update Rollup 9 on the CRM Server, but I have Update Rollup 7 on the Outlook Client.

CRM Help - Build Version

Thanks to David Vidmar at Bite my Bytes blog, I can repost a section of his very useful build version chart below.

Version Build Number Released on
RTM 4.0.7333.3 12/19/2007
Update Rollup 1 4.0.7333.1113 11/24/2008
Update Rollup 2 4.0.7333.1312, 4.0.7333.1316 1/15/2009, 2/8/2009
Update Rollup 3 4.0.7333.1408 3/12/2009
Update Rollup 4 4.0.7333.1551 5/7/2009
Update Rollup 5 4.0.7333.1644, 4.0.7333.1645 7/2/2009
Update Rollup 6 4.0.7333.1750 9/27/2009
Update Rollup 7 4.0.7333.2138 10/22/2009
Update Rollup 8 4.0.7333.2542 12/17/2009
Update Rollup 9 4.0.7333.2644 02/11/2010

For more technical details on the version numbers of the various Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 components, please see the Microsoft KB #946594 Article.

]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2010/03/check-which-update-rollup-version-is-installed-on-your-crm-environments/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2010/03/check-which-update-rollup-version-is-installed-on-your-crm-environments/ How to add a button to an entity form that automatically creates a new related CRM record http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/wjVJ6puBY0s/ http://crmdynamo.com/2010/02/how-to-add-a-button-to-a-entity-form-and-create-a-new-related-crm-record/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:18:39 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=495 You know your users want to push your buttons.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 is already user friendly and intuitive.  However, there will be times where you want to nudge the CRM users along the road to productivity by providing a nice shiny button that does what they want.  In this case I want to add a button to [...]]]> You know your users want to push your buttons.

You know your users want to push your buttons.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 is already user friendly and intuitive.  However, there will be times where you want to nudge the CRM users along the road to productivity by providing a nice shiny button that does what they want.  In this case I want to add a button to a custom entity form, where upon clicking would automatically pop open a new related record.  

 A couple potential  case examples off the top of my head:  

  • Button to create a new Phone Call activity, related to an open custom entity record.
  • Button to create a new Contact record, related to an open Account record.

Since the button can run JavaScript on demand, you can think outside the box and consider other unique scenarios and possibilities.  

See below for the general procedure to get this published.  I’ll try to make it quick and painless.  

Customize your ISV.config file  

All Dynamics CRM deployments include a default ISV Config file.  However, this default file is typically riddled with developer test examples that can clutter your CRM if you’re not mindful.  On the other hand, it may serve as a useful reference to see some customization possbilities.   

If you want a clean ISV Config file with the button I’m creating, I’ve provided a copy here to download.  It’s up to you! 

ISV-button-template.zip  

To export or back up your current ISV Config file:   

  1. Navigate to Settings > Customization > Export Customizations.
  2. Export the ISV file to your desktop or local drive.
Exporting your ISV Config file

Exporting your ISV Config file

  Use your favorite XML or text editor program to view and edit your ISV customization file.  I particularly like the free Microsoft XML Notepad 2007 and Notepad ++. The code you want to add will look something like the below, nested in the Entities section. 

      <Entities>
        <Entity name=”new_customentity”>
          <ToolBar ValidForCreate=”0″ ValidForUpdate=”1″>
            <ToolBarSpacer></ToolBarSpacer>
            <Button Icon=”/_imgs/ico_18_debug.gif” JavaScript=”locAddRelatedTo(10016);”>
              <Titles>
                <Title LCID=”1033″ Text=”Create a new related record” />
              </Titles>
              <ToolTips>
                <ToolTip LCID=”1033″ Text=”Create a new related record based on this open record.” />
              </ToolTips>
            </Button>
            <ToolBarSpacer />
          </ToolBar>
        </Entity>
      </Entities> 

  In the above code, we: 

  • Referenced where we want this button with the Entity name value.
  • Made this button available only when a record is saved by disabling ValidForCreate and enabling ValidForUpdate.
  • Added a couple ToolBarSpacer spots for neatness.
  • Referenced a icon for it at the Button Icon value.  The debug icon works for me.
  • Added Title and ToolTip info to let the users know what it does.
  • Added a simple JavaScript line to create a new related record.

To make this JavaScript work for you, you’ll need to find out the related entity’s “Object Type Code”.  It’s really easy.  Simply browse to your CRM deployment’s Metadata Browser, which is typically at this URL format: 

http://{CRM_URL}/{Organization_Name}/sdk/list.aspx

Click on the related entity’s details, and you should see “Object Type Code” number.  Insert that number in the parenthesis for this JavaScript snippet:

locAddRelatedTo({Object_Type_Code})

Follow me here: the locAddRelatedTo function will let the button open a new related CRM record of the entity I specified with the Object Type Code.  Simple as that.

 Once you finished customizing your new ISV Config file, make sure you upload it back to your CRM deployment. 

Last Step!  Enable custom menus and toolbars

If you published your new ISV config file and you still don’t see the changes, this is the reason.

By default, CRM disables the custom menus and toolbars.  This means CRM will simply ignore whatever ISV Config file is out there.

To enable your custom button:  

  • Navigate to Settings > Administration> System Settings.
  • Click on the Customization tab.
  • Add the Clients where you want this customization to appear.  The choices?  Web, Outlook, and Outlook Offline.
Custom Menu Settings

Custom Menu Settings

  Thanks to Mitch Milam’s blog for pointing me in the right direction.  

]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2010/02/how-to-add-a-button-to-a-entity-form-and-create-a-new-related-crm-record/feed/ 2 http://crmdynamo.com/2010/02/how-to-add-a-button-to-a-entity-form-and-create-a-new-related-crm-record/ Update Rollup 9 coming soon to a CRM near you on Feb 11th http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/xNkIe2mt_v8/ http://crmdynamo.com/2010/02/update-rollup-9-coming-soon-to-a-crm-near-you-on-feb-11th/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:46:05 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=484 EDIT: Update Rollup 9 is now available at this download link.

I <3 CRM

There’s some buzz lately about Update Rollup 9 being available soon this Thursday, February the 11th.  No details yet on what it may bring, though, so I’ll be patient!  My bet is more bug fixes, nothing too monumental.  Time to plan for [...]]]>

EDIT: Update Rollup 9 is now available at this download link.

I <3 Dynamics CRM

I <3 CRM

There’s some buzz lately about Update Rollup 9 being available soon this Thursday, February the 11th.  No details yet on what it may bring, though, so I’ll be patient!  My bet is more bug fixes, nothing too monumental.  Time to plan for it nonetheless. 

As you may already know, Update Rollup 7 was the last major update for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. It brought significant changes to Dynamics CRM 4.0 and the CRM Outlook Client. In addition, it can be considered the “gold standard” for a new CRM deployment going forward.

Make sure all your CRM deployments are at the very least up to speed with Update Rollup 7 for two very good reasons: better performance, and compatibility with future updates.

For a full list of current Update Rollups for Microsoft Dynamics CRM click here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949256

]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2010/02/update-rollup-9-coming-soon-to-a-crm-near-you-on-feb-11th/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2010/02/update-rollup-9-coming-soon-to-a-crm-near-you-on-feb-11th/ Time to update! Dynamics CRM Update Rollup 8 is now available (KB #975995) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/PKGLYfkZXYA/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/12/time-to-update-dynamics-crm-update-rollup-8-is-now-available-kb-975995/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:22:09 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=474 Should you update? "Signs point to yes"

First off, I apologize for not keeping this blog regularly updated.  Balancing projects and the holiday season tends to make one procrastinate. 

After a quick scan of the list of fixes, it appears this release only adds stability improvements on top of what was Update Rollup 7’s big changes.  [...]]]> Should you update? Magic 8 Ball: "Signs point to yes"

Should you update? "Signs point to yes"

First off, I apologize for not keeping this blog regularly updated.  Balancing projects and the holiday season tends to make one procrastinate.  :-)

After a quick scan of the list of fixes, it appears this release only adds stability improvements on top of what was Update Rollup 7’s big changes.  Update Rollup 7 is not a pre-requisite.  You can install UR8 on any server deployment of CRM 4.0 because it’s a cumulative update.  Easy!  However, you should make sure to to review the import and export customization file notes.

EDIT: The Outlook Client and Data Migration Manager both require Update Rollup 7 to be installed beforehand.

  • Download link for the Update Rollup 8 files
  • KB Article #975995: Update Rollup 8 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 [microsoft.com]
  • List of hotfixes, updates and instructions
  • KB Article #975995: Update Rollup 8 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 [microsoft.com]

    • Happy holidays!

    ]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2009/12/time-to-update-dynamics-crm-update-rollup-8-is-now-available-kb-975995/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/12/time-to-update-dynamics-crm-update-rollup-8-is-now-available-kb-975995/     Got Windows 7? Download your free Microsoft Dynamics CRM Themes and Wallpapers http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/4uFXXat4lnA/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/11/got-windows-7-download-your-free-microsoft-dynamics-crm-themes-and-wallpapers/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:52:32 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=465 I recently got a Windows 7 upgrade on my work laptop.  To celebrate, I created a couple Windows 7 Themes and decided to share them here.

    If you don’t have Windows 7 yet, no worries… I’ve also posted the same wallpapers used in the theme.  Enjoy!

    Microsoft Dynamics CRM Theme (v1)

    Microsoft Dynamics CRM Theme (v2)

      

    ]]>     I recently got a Windows 7 upgrade on my work laptop.  To celebrate, I created a couple Windows 7 Themes and decided to share them here.

    If you don’t have Windows 7 yet, no worries… I’ve also posted the same wallpapers used in the theme.  Enjoy!

    Microsoft Dynamics CRM Theme (v1)

    Microsoft Dynamics CRM Theme (v2)

    CRM-wallpaper-blue CRM-wallpaper-green CRM-wallpaper-red

    ]]>     http://crmdynamo.com/2009/11/got-windows-7-download-your-free-microsoft-dynamics-crm-themes-and-wallpapers/feed/ 1 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/11/got-windows-7-download-your-free-microsoft-dynamics-crm-themes-and-wallpapers/     Lucky Seven! Update Rollup 7 for Dynamics CRM improves the Outlook Client experience http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/iq15m5M_bZE/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/lucky-seven-update-rollup-7-for-dynamics-crm-improves-the-outlook-client-experience/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:43:26 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=457 My favorite number

    Some exciting news lately in the Dynamics CRM world, and all are related to lucky numero seven!

    First off, the latest Update Rollup 7 was released to the world.  The most noteworthy changes were made to the CRM Outlook Client, and by itself would make this update HIGHLY recommended.  After starting up Outlook, the [...]]]> Seagrams 7 and 7

    My favorite number

    Some exciting news lately in the Dynamics CRM world, and all are related to lucky numero seven!

    First off, the latest Update Rollup 7 was released to the world.  The most noteworthy changes were made to the CRM Outlook Client, and by itself would make this update HIGHLY recommended.  After starting up Outlook, the CRM functionality now loads quietly in the background, allowing you to immediately access your e-mails without any slow down. There are other additional improvements that make this update a must-have, all outlined in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Team Blog.  Get your Update Rollup 7 links below!

    Last, but certainly not least: Microsoft announced that Dynamics CRM 4.0 is now supported on the new Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.  There’s no excuse now not to upgrade to Windows 7; this latest OS has been shown to be quite an improvement over previous releases.

    Be sure to relate your experiences with CRM and this latest update in the comments section below.

    ]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/lucky-seven-update-rollup-7-for-dynamics-crm-improves-the-outlook-client-experience/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/lucky-seven-update-rollup-7-for-dynamics-crm-improves-the-outlook-client-experience/     The wait is over! The Social Networking Accelerator was released and is available for download http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/eXaGKJyfOgA/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/the-wait-is-over-the-social-networking-accelerator-was-released-and-is-available-for-download/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:48:14 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=446 Dynamics CRM and Twitter combined. You cannot escape.

    The highly anticipated Social Networking Accelerator was released today!  It was last announced this past July, promising Twitter integration out-of-the-box and future enhancements for other social networks.

    Social Networking Accelerator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 [CodePlex.com]

    To view all the features this new Accelerator provides, review the video below [...]]]> Dynamics CRM and Twitter combined. You cannot escape.

    Dynamics CRM and Twitter combined. You cannot escape.

    The highly anticipated Social Networking Accelerator was released today!  It was last announced this past July, promising Twitter integration out-of-the-box and future enhancements for other social networks.

    Social Networking Accelerator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 [CodePlex.com]

    To view all the features this new Accelerator provides, review the video below or at this link.


    Social Networking Accelerator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

    ]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/the-wait-is-over-the-social-networking-accelerator-was-released-and-is-available-for-download/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/the-wait-is-over-the-social-networking-accelerator-was-released-and-is-available-for-download/     New Dynamics CRM Accelerators! Portal Integration and Partner Relationship Management http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/jDQ9lvvynPc/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/new-dynamics-crm-accelerators-portal-integration-and-partner-relationship-management/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:32:37 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=440 Two new Accelerators were released yesterday, and they look a lot more practical than the last one I reviewed.  Note that the PRM Accelerator requires the Portal Integration Accelerator to be installed first.  Be sure to try them out on a VPC or test deployment of CRM 4.0 and think how they can benefit your [...]]]> CodePlex-logoTwo new Accelerators were released yesterday, and they look a lot more practical than the last one I reviewed.  Note that the PRM Accelerator requires the Portal Integration Accelerator to be installed first.  Be sure to try them out on a VPC or test deployment of CRM 4.0 and think how they can benefit your organization.

    Links and release notes from CodePlex are listed below.  Hey Microsoft: I’m still waiting on the Social Networking Accelerator you promised.  Any updates?

    The Portal Integration Accelerator easily connects Microsoft Dynamics CRM to an organization’s Web experience. This release builds on the eService portal engine and expands to allow customers to configure and expose any CRM entity to an external facing portal.

    The installation package contains all source code, documentation and a step-by-step installation video.

    The Partner Relationship Management (PRM) Accelerator allows businesses to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to distribute sales leads and centrally manage sales opportunities across channel partners. It provides pre-built extensions to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM sales force automation functionality, including new data entities, workflow and reports. Using the PRM Accelerator, companies can jointly manage sales processes with their channel partners through a centralized Web portal, as well as extend this integration to automate additional business processes.

    The accelerator installation package contains all source code, customizations, reports, workflows, assemblies, documentation and installation videos.

    Note: In order to utilize the Partner Portal you are required to install the Portal Integration Accelerator first!

    ]]>     http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/new-dynamics-crm-accelerators-portal-integration-and-partner-relationship-management/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/10/new-dynamics-crm-accelerators-portal-integration-and-partner-relationship-management/     Latest Statement of Direction for Microsoft Dynamics CRM http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/8vhs8MP7VOE/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/09/latest-statement-of-direction-for-microsoft-dynamics-crm/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:02:19 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=437 The latest statement of direction was recently released by Microsoft, and it outlines the roadmap and future plans regarding Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Check it out! It includes mention of future Accelerators and details on the next major release, Microsoft Dynamics CRM “V.Next” (aka 5.0), scheduled for release in 2010.

    The document can be downloaded [...]]]> Microsoft CRMThe latest statement of direction was recently released by Microsoft, and it outlines the roadmap and future plans regarding Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Check it out! It includes mention of future Accelerators and details on the next major release, Microsoft Dynamics CRM “V.Next” (aka 5.0), scheduled for release in 2010.

    The document can be downloaded from the following locations:
    PartnerSource: https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/marketing/statementofdirection/MD_CRM_SOD.htm

    CustomerSource: https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/documentation/whitepapers/MSD_CRM4StatementOfDirection.htm

    ]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2009/09/latest-statement-of-direction-for-microsoft-dynamics-crm/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/09/latest-statement-of-direction-for-microsoft-dynamics-crm/     It’s that time again! Update Rollup 6 for Dynamics CRM ready to download http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/crmdynamo/~3/lmWUB00iBYQ/ http://crmdynamo.com/2009/08/its-that-time-again-update-rollup-6-for-dynamics-crm-ready-to-download/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:19:58 +0000 Christian http://crmdynamo.com/?p=430 Gear up, it’s time again to get your update on with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0!  The latest roundup of bug fixes and patches were released, as Update Rollup 6 is now available for download.

    Download link: Update Rollup 6 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (KB 970148) KB Article link: Microsoft Knowledge Base article 970148: Update Rollup 6 is [...]]]> Numero 6Gear up, it’s time again to get your update on with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0!  The latest roundup of bug fixes and patches were released, as Update Rollup 6 is now available for download.

    Download link:
    Update Rollup 6 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (KB 970148)
    KB Article link:
    Microsoft Knowledge Base article 970148: Update Rollup 6 is available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

    Things are a little different this time around when it comes to compatibility between versions of XML customization backups. This newest Update Rollup is compatible with customization files from Update Rollups versions 2 through 6. The opposite is also true: you can import an Update Rollup 6 customization into depoyments with Update Rollups 2 through 6.

    I believe Microsoft is planning on releasing new Update Rollups every two months, so check back regularly!

    ]]> http://crmdynamo.com/2009/08/its-that-time-again-update-rollup-6-for-dynamics-crm-ready-to-download/feed/ 0 http://crmdynamo.com/2009/08/its-that-time-again-update-rollup-6-for-dynamics-crm-ready-to-download/