Notification: Workaround for Chrome / Edge Bug that Prevents AceOffix from Opening

Issue: If a computer is running the most recent version of Google Chrome (Version 130.0.6723.59) there is a bug that stops AceOffix, the nVIRO inline document editor from opening. Google has created a patch for this issue, but at this time we don't know when it will be available.  This issue impacts AceOffix when using Microsoft Edge since they use the same platform. If you are running an earlier version of Chrome, you will likely not experience the issue.

ISSUE RESOLUTION:

Windsor has found that an upgrade to AceOffix 6 resolves the issue and is not affected by the Chrome bug. The resolution requires a patch deploy to the nVIRO application and also a browser plug-in upgrade. We are working with each client to coordinate timing for the patch since IT assistance may be needed for the browser plug-in upgrade.

IMPORTANT:

If you have not upgraded Chrome or Edge to version 130 it is highly recommended that you postpone updates until the patch has been applied.

Issue Update 10/28/24

We have made progress on addressing the issue with AceOffix.

  • We downloaded and tested AceOffix Version 6 and confirmed it addresses the issue that was triggered by the Chrome update.

  • AceOffix can be upgraded to Version 6 at a cost of $649.50 per server. We have received confirmation that these licenses can upgraded to Version 7 when it is released at no additional charge.

  • We are packaging AceOffix Version 6 to 2024.2 and 2024.1 patch releases this week.

  • There are a couple rollout constraints for AceOffix Version 6 to work in your environment(s)

    • The AceOffix 5 browser plugin must be upgraded to the AceOffix 6 browser plugin for AceOffix 6 to operate.

    • The AceOffix 6 browser plugin is not backward compatible with AceOffix 5. Thus, when nVIRO is deployed with AceOffix 6, it will need to be deployed across all environments simultaneously, e.g., UAT-Local (or Data Prep), UAT, and Production and the browser plugins installed.

Issue Update 10/23/24

Google Patch Option:
We have found that there is a Google patch that addresses this issue.

Downside of Google Patch Option: We don't know when the patch will be made available in a Chromium upgrade. We can't be 100% confident that it addresses the issue until we get it.


AceOffix Upgrade Option:
We have been in contact with AceOffix support.  They say that upgrading to Version 6 would also address the issue.  We did not move from Version 5.8 to Version 6 because there were no functional benefits to that move and it would have resulted in a new license fee for all clients who use nVIRO. We have been awaiting Version 7 which is a significant rewrite of office.

Downsides of Upgrade: 1) We would need to change the method that invokes AceOffix.  2) There is a license upgrade fee to go to V6.  3) We still intend to go to V7 as soon as it is available.  We expect that it will take a full release to test, and that would then be another upgrade fee.  We are inquiring with AceOffix on whether we could move to v6 and then move to v7 without require our clients pay for two upgrades. 

 

Option 1:  Use the Firefox browser. 

Chrome and Edge are based on the Chromium open-source architecture. The Firefox browser is not and continue to function seamlessly with AceOffix.

 

Option 2:  Create a desktop shortcut to Chrome or Edge and configure the shortcut properties

The following steps can be taken to get AceOffix working in Google Chrome or MS Edge. 

  1. Close all versions of Edge and Chrome using the Task Manager

    1. a. Open Task Manager:  right click on the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager

    2. b. Search for all instances of Chrome or Edge.

    3. c. Right click on each instance and select End Task. This will close all instances of your browser.

  2. Create a shortcut to Edge or Chrome on your desktop

    1. Note: If you already have a browser shortcut on your desktop, skip to Configure the desktop Shortcut

    2. Open the Windows Start menu

    3. Search for the corresponding browser (Chrome or Edge)

    4. Right click on the browser and select "Open File Location"

    5.  

      image-20241022-175257.png

       

    6. The folder will open with the browser application highlighted

    7.  

      image-20241022-175340.png

       

    8. Right click on the browser and select Show More Options

    9. Select Create Shortcut

    10. You will be prompted to place the shortcut on the desktop.  Click Yes

    11.  

    12. A shortcut to your browser will appear on the desktop.

  3. Configure the desktop Shortcut

    1. Right click on the desktop shortcut for the browser

    2. Click Properties.  The following dialog will display:

    3.  

    4. In the Target field, append the following at the end of the field (excluding quotes): " --disable-features=StandardCompliantNonSpecialSchemeURLParsing"

    5. Example:

      1. "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --disable-features=StandardCompliantNonSpecialSchemeURLParsing"

      2. Click Apply then OK to save.

  4. Open Chrome or Edge from the updated desktop shortcut. 

    1. Going forward, until the Chrome / Edge update that includes the fix is available, you will need use this new desktop shortcut to access nVIRO.