Question : 3.0 vs 4.0

We currently use Dynamics 3.0. Only have 3 clients at the moement but before i role out to more users i need to resolve an issue with outlook. Speed is slow as a result outlook can crash (suspect users get fred up waiting and keep pushing buttons) Most user work through a internet based VPN, one user is in the office with server, she also claims to have issues but I have yet to check this.

Basically has anyone upgraded from v3 to v4? and did they notice any improvements with preformance?

 

Answer : 3.0 vs 4.0

Yep, that link in the latest version of the outlook client.  To determine the version you're currently running, do this:

1.       Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
2.       Click Microsoft CRM, and then click "Click here for support information."

Version 3.0.5300.1361 is the V3C release.  If you have anything earlier, you should upgrade your clients.  To upgrade, you need to uninstall the old version and then install this new one.  Also, note that there are 2 versions of the outlook client.  The "Laptop" client allows CRM user to take CRM data offline.  The "Desktop" client does not.  However, these are stupid names, because both will synchronize with outlook.  If you don;t have a need to work offline with CRM data (other than the synched contacts, calendar and tasks), install the "Desktop" client (even on laptops)!  It has a smaller footprint and is one less cause of problems.

For CRM 3, MS released comprehensive updates that included all of their recommended CRM hotfixes.  These updates are called "rollups" and the latest is rollup 2.  You need to install the server rollup on the server and the client rollup on the client (after installing the V3C outlook client).  Details about update rollup 2 can be found here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927751

Hope that helps.  Welcome to CRM!