Frequently Asked Questions

About Jewel

Can Jewel be used on a network?

Yes. However, if two or more computers are doing the same function, such as entering contributions, then the computer that started the operation must be the one to close/finish the operation.

Can Jewel be used for the bookkeeping of an Independent Ministry? There is no tithe or remittance check used.

Yes. If you have no Conference Funds in your Account List, then Jewel will skip the remittance check step of the month-end closing.

Can I have more than one database on one program of Jewel?

Yes. You'll just need to make sure the file names are different, and be careful to put the correct data into the correct database. To open different databases, go to File → Open Database. Select the database you would like to open, then click Open.

Can I run Jewel on a Mac Computer?

Yes. However, Jewel is a Windows-based program. So you must install Windows on your Mac, which generally requires a Windows Emulator application.

How much history can my Jewel database hold?

As much as you need it to! Jewel keeps all data in a compact format, so you can access all data since you started using Jewel. We started in 1999, so some churches now have over 25 years of data accessible at the click of a button!

Opening, Backing Up, or Restoring a Database

How do I restore a backup?

Go to File → Utilities → Restore Full Backup. Find the location where the backup is stored and select the backup (.jlb) file, then click open.

When I try to open my database, an error message comes up saying the file has been moved, deleted, or renamed. How can I open my database?

First, go to File -> Open Database, and look in the Documents\Jewel folder for a file named "Your Church Name.mdb". Select and open that file. Look at the dates of last offering and last check in the lower right-hand corner, and the current month in the lower left-hand corner to verify whether this is the correct database. If it isn't, search your computer for other files with a similar name and check them. If you still can't find your database, you can restore your most recent backup, if that's more recent than the database(s) you've found.

I can't open my database received from the auditor. And/or there is a Windows error message when trying to open database directly from my memory stick. Why can't I open the database?

You are probably trying to open the database with something other than Jewel. Remember: Your database can ONLY be opened IN JEWEL!! You will get error messages when trying to open it any other way.

It is not month-end, but I want to make a back up of my database. How can I perform this process?

From Jewel's Menu Bar, go to File → Create Backup Copy. This will back up your database to the drive specified under Maintenance → Properties → "Create Backup Copy" Destination, the same location you back up to at month end.

Installation and Setup

I am installing Jewel on a new/different computer. However, when trying to download and install, my security system flagged Jewel as a virus. What do I do?

Jewel does not have a virus! Your security system objects to *.exe files being downloaded and run. You will need to tell it to "keep", "run anyway", click "see more", or turn off the security system temporarily until Jewel is installed.

My Jewel window doesn't fit on my screen. How can I adjust the size?

Go to your Windows settings and adjust your screen scale and/or resolution until the problem is resolved.