What is the difference between the Explore_Dir directory and the Explore_Dir_Alt one?

In System Options under Funds and Profiles I see two explore directories, one called Explore_Dir and one called Explore_Dir_Alt, what is the difference between those and what does each one do?

Answer:

I.  Explore_Dir Directory

The Explore_Dir is the directory where you set the path to be used for the fund and profile folders. The location you choose here will be the location where FIMS looks for those folders and is included in data that is exported out of FIMS. This will also be the location on your local computer where individual documents are created when you run macros in Microsoft Word to create individual documents to save to fund or profile folders.

A. For on-premises customers, see this article:

Link Parent and Individual Folders for Profile and Fund

See also this for saving documents:

How do I save Gift Acknowledgements, Fund Statements, and Grantee Correspondence to Profile or Fund Folders?

B. For FIMS on Azure, the Explore_Dir needs to be the local C drive as outlined in the document rather than the S drive in My Files if you are merging Word documents on your computer from data exported from FIMS. You cannot browse and choose the local C drive because the path will not be correct rather you have to edit the path in the editor tab.

• For complete details on how this is set for FIMS on Azure, see the document attached to the article below starting on page 2:

How do I save Gift Acknowledgements, Fund Statements, and Grantee Correspondence to Profile or Fund Folders?

II.  Explore_Dir_Alt Directory

The Explore_Dir_Alt directory is an Alternate master directory off of which subdirectories for funds and profiles will exist. This Explore_Dir_Alt directory was created to solve issues with FIMS on Azure. It is used for the following:

 - Folder in module Shortcut bars

 - Fund Statements generated from Fund Statement Designer 

 - External Statements - Individual Statements to Fund Folders

 - Master path for Document Management

Issues resolved with Explore_Dir_Alt  directory in FIMS on Azure:

Document Module does not Work in Azure Directory Paths 

Profile or Fund Folders not Accessible Azure

External Statements to Fund Folders no documents Azure  

How can I Upload Gift, Pledge or Grant Letters to DonorCentral NXT?