As I wrote RCBS has great tech support, the resident expert is John and he has the patience of Job.
Todays training identified that one of the major problem being encountered is Windows compatibility- especially Vista and Windows 7 (which I run)
The program must be run as an Administrator to function. Users Account Control Settings needed to be turned off for any file editing or creation. This fixed most of the issues I was having with the program failing to function when listing a wildcat cartridge in the data list, designing a cartridge or constructing user load data files.
Another important procedure, John had told me earlier, is to make sure your User Access Controls, Firewall and Anti-virus software are turned off when updating RCBS.Load. Then Update from the bottom of the list up. RCBS.Load first, then Helps and then Lists.
John also clarified why the reference data files are not able to be updated to recent editions. The concern is that criminals would share the data without paying the copyright fees if the data was available on the web as a download. New data files can only be made available when new software versions are published and the load data is included under the license protection of the software. Not an answer I like, but developing that data is not free and the companies need to recover their costs. My belief is that this security issue could be overcome rather easily if ATK would try.
ATK if you read this, give John a raise and put some money into this great product. Knowing John has input, along with Greg, into any new versions, I will surely buy the upgrade when it comes out (hopefully it is in the works).