Frequently
Asked Questions
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
The Bloomberg Professional software is not available for MAC platforms. However, the Bloomberg Anywhere site does support MAC platforms and is available to all Bloomberg Anywhere subscribers. To access Bloomberg Anywhere on your MAC, please visit the following link: https://bba.bloomberg.net/default/auth/login.aspx. A complete list of supported Operating Systems along with Microsoft Office information can be found at Software Compatibility Matrix.
We are unable to provide spare B-UNITs to individuals. A spare keyboard can be obtained but an additional charge will apply. Please reach out to 24×7 Global Customer Support for further assistance.
Equipment can be replaced by running PRTL<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional terminal. Alternatively, you can also reach out to 24×7 Global Customer Support for assistance with obtaining replacement equipment.
Please follow these steps:
- Close the Bloomberg Professional Service software.
- Unplug the Bloomberg keyboard cable from the USB slot.
- Go to My Computer and search for TBKINST.EXE.
- Double click on TBKINST.EXE to install the drivers. Please note that this requires administrative rights. (For Windows Vista or later, right-click and select “Run as Administrator”.)
- Plug the Bloomberg keyboard back into a different USB port (if available).
- Reopen the Bloomberg software.
Please run the ‘Bloomberg API Diagnostics’ tool and use the ‘Repair’ feature to correct this problem. First close Excel, then go to Start -> Programs -> Bloomberg -> API Environment Diagnostics and click RUN. When complete, click on REPAIR to fix any errors. If issue remains, please contact Customer Support or run CTOC<GO> to request a callback.
A token code is a six-digit number that will allow you to log into your Bloomberg Anywhere application on your mobile device. Press and hold the power button on your B-UNIT until the words ‘Token Mode’ are displayed on the device’s screen and then release the power button. (If you hold the button too long, the device will enter ‘Reset Mode’. If this happens, hold the button down again until the display goes blank and then start the process over again). After Token Mode is displayed, swipe your finger and type the six digit code provided into your mobile device.
Alternatively, you can visit MOBI<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional Terminal, select Option 5 and click on “Create B-UNIT Token” at the bottom right hand side to generate an override.
Please use your B-Unit to log into Bloomberg, which will automatically detect your battery is low and direct you to our “Low Battery B-Unit Swap” page. Simply follow the on-screen instruction to arrange replacement. Alternatively, you can run PTRL
A full list of supported mobile devices can be found at: http://m.bloomberg.com.
Please visit http://m.bloomberg.com from your mobile device’s browser to download and install the latest Bloomberg Anywhere App.
Please see our Transport and Security document, starting on page 5.
Software
The Bloomberg Professional software is not available for MAC platforms. However, the Bloomberg Anywhere site does support MAC platforms and is available to all Bloomberg Anywhere subscribers. To access Bloomberg Anywhere on your MAC, please visit the following link: https://bba.bloomberg.net/default/auth/login.aspx. A complete list of supported Operating Systems along with Microsoft Office information can be found at Software Compatibility Matrix.
The Bloomberg Professional software can be downloaded from our software support site: http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/systems-support/downloads/.
The Bloomberg Professional software will automatically update while the application is running. Progress can be monitored by running the UPGR<GO> function on the Bloomberg Professional terminal. A manual upgrade can be performed by downloading and clicking the ‘Upgrade Existing’ option from our software support site: http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/software_support.
A full reinstallation of the Bloomberg Professional Service software can be performed by downloading and clicking the “New Installation” file from our software support site: http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/systems-support/downloads/.
The Bloomberg Professional Service software can be uninstalled by executing the ‘Uninstall Bloomberg’ shortcut found in ‘Start Menu\Programs\Bloomberg’ Program group and following the on screen prompts.
An Access Key should only be required for a new installation of a Bloomberg Professional Terminal subscription. The key can be obtained from your installations representative and requires an order number. All other actions can be performed from the CONN menu and selecting the appropriate tab based on your license. Bloomberg Anywhere users should use the ‘Access Point’ tab and Bloomberg Terminal users should use the ‘Serial Number’ tab. In both cases, follow the onscreen prompts to automatically complete the installation.
Any Bloomberg Anywhere subscriber in possession of their registered B-Unit can access their Bloomberg Professional Service on any internet enabled desktop via the following link: https://bba.bloomberg.net/default/auth/login.aspx.
For the most comprehensive view of the software version, run the UPGR<GO> function on the Bloomberg Professional Terminal. Alternatively, right-click any Bloomberg window and select ‘Software Version’.
The installation will typically take 10 to 15 minutes depending on the performance of the workstation.
Bloomberg recommends that its customers run the current version of software at all times. We release a new version of the software on a monthly basis and will automatically update with no action needed from the user. Should you wish to manually update your software, please download the appropriate file(s) by visiting the following link: http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/systems-support/downloads/.
Bloomberg expires older versions of software on the 1st of every even month. The automatic update feature means that most users are not impacted by this process. Three weeks prior to the expiration of older versions, any Terminal in danger of being expired will be alerted upon login. They are presented with a full screen notice page, giving appropriate steps to ensure they see no disruption to their service.
The ‘New Installation’ package (sotrtmmddyyyy.exe) supports the unintended or silent install switch (/s). This feature also supports customized installation settings via a configuration file (setup.blp). A copy of this file, with further detailed information on its usage can be found in the temp directory of an existing terminal.
Please run the ‘Bloomberg API Diagnostics’ tool and use the ‘Repair’ feature to correct this problem. First close Excel, then go to Start -> Programs -> Bloomberg -> API Environment Diagnostics and click RUN. When complete, click on REPAIR to fix any errors. If issue remains, please contact Customer Support or run CTOC<GO> to request a callback.
Access Point on Demand (APOD)
Step-by-step guide to creating your own Access Points (BBA terminal) with a Bloomberg Anywhere subscription.
Minimum File & Registry Rights
Details of the minimum Windows file and registry rights required for running the Bloomberg Software and receiving automatic updates.
Software Compatibility Matrix
Full listing of all the supported versions of Windows and other required third party software for the Bloomberg software to work as designed.
Software Installation Guide
User guide to installing and configuring the Bloomberg Professional Service Software.
Vista’s or a Later OS’s SetPermissions Tool
User guide for SetPermissions Tool which sets correct user permissions to use Bloomberg in Microsoft Windows Operating Systems Vista, 7 and 8.
Testing Your Bloomberg Terminal
User guide to describes the tour installation process.
Hardware
We are unable to provide spare B-UNITs to individuals. A spare keyboard can be obtained but an additional charge will apply. Please reach out to 24×7 Global Customer Support for further assistance.
Equipment can be replaced by running PRTL<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional terminal. Alternatively, you can also reach out to 24×7 Global Customer Support for assistance with obtaining replacement equipment.
Recommended PC requirements can be found by visiting the following link: http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/files/2013/02/pcreq.pdf.
Please follow these steps:
- Close the Bloomberg Professional Service software.
- Unplug the Bloomberg keyboard cable from the USB slot.
- Go to My Compute and search for TBKINST.EXE.
- Double click on TBKINST.EXE to install the drivers. Please note that this requires administrative rights. (For Windows Vista or later, right-click and select “Run as Administrator”.)
- Plug the Bloomberg keyboard back into a different USB port (if available).
- Reopen the Bloomberg software.
Please follow these steps:
- Close the Bloomberg Professional Service software.
- Unplug the Bloomberg keyboard cable from the USB slot.
- Go to My Compute and search for TBKINST.EXE.
- Double click on TBKINST.EXE to install the drivers. Please note that this requires administrative rights. (For Windows Vista or later, right-click and select “Run as Administrator”.)
- Plug the Bloomberg keyboard back into a different USB port (if available).
- Reopen the Bloomberg software.
Yes. If you have access to one of your registered telephone devices, you can request a validation code to be sent to it as an alternative temporary authentication method.
Please use your B-Unit to log into Bloomberg, which will automatically detect your battery is low and direct you to our “Low Battery B-Unit Swap” page. Simply follow the on-screen instruction to arrange replacement. Alternatively, you can run PTRL
Please follow the instructions that appear at http://www.bloomberg.com/bunit/ for the B-Unit,
or by running BA
To see if the Bloomberg keyboard is selected as your default sound playback device, please follow these instructions:
- Unplug the Bloomberg keyboard and plug it into a different USB port if available.
- Click on Start >> Control Panel >> Sound and Audio Devices.
- Click into the Audio tab, and click into the dropdown for Default Sound Playback Device. “Bloomberg Keyboard Audio” should appear as an option.
- Select “Bloomberg Keyboard Audio”, click on Apply, then OK.
- Try playing sound again.
- Unplug the Bloomberg keyboard and plug it into a different USB port if available.
- Click on Start >> Control Panel >> Sound.
- Click into the Playback tab, and click on the “Bloomberg Keyboard Audio” speakers icon.
- Select “Set Default”, and a green tick should appear beside “Bloomberg Keyboard Audio” and set as Default Device. Click on Apply, then OK.
- Try playing sound again.
For Windows XP:
For Windows 7:
If you continue to experience issues, please contact our 24×7 Global Customer Support.
If the screen is blank, try disconnecting and reconnecting to your power source. If the Flat Panel is green or discolored, please make sure all cables are plugged in securely. For more detailed information for your specific Bloomberg flat panel, please run the function BBPC<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional terminal and select Option 2 for ‘Bloomberg Software and Hardware Documents’.
- Right-click on your terminal and select ‘Terminal Defaults’.
- Under Keyboard/Mouse Options, please locate the Keyboard Type field.
- If “BLOOMBERG keyboard” is not selected, please select “BLOOMBERG keyboard” and hit OK.
- However, if you are using your own keyboard, please select Desktop 1 or Desktop 2 and hit alt + K to locate the Msg/Help keys.
- Reset the keyboard by following the instructions to re-install the keyboard drivers.
B-UNIT devices should be help approximately 1 inch or 3 centimeters from the computer screen while syncing. For further information, please visit http://www.bloomberg.com/bunit/.
B-unit
Bloomberg Personal Authentication Device (B-Unit)
Overview and user guide for the Bloomberg Personal Authication Device (B-Unit).
Bloomberg Personal Authentication Device (B-Unit 2)
Overview and user guide for the Bloomberg Personal Authication Device (B-Unit 2).
Flat Panel
Bloomberg 15-inch Compact Display
An overview of the Bloomberg 15-inch Compact Display and how to use it.
Bloomberg 17-inch Flat Panel Display
An overview of the Bloomberg 17-inch Flat Panel Display and how to use it.
Bloomberg 19-inch Flat Panel Display
An overview of the Bloomberg 19-inch Flat Panel Display and how to use it.
Keyboard & Biometric Device
Bloomberg Keyboard (Centerboard)
Installation and Reference Guide for the Bloomberg Keyboard (Centerboard).
Bloomberg Keyboard 2
Installation and Reference Guide for the Bloomberg Keyboard 2.
Bloomberg Keyboard 3 (Freeboard)
Installation and Reference Guide for the Bloomberg Keyboard 3 (Freeboard).
Mobile Applications
Please visit http://m.bloomberg.com from your mobile device’s browser to download and install the latest Bloomberg Anywhere App.
For a full list of functionality on mobile devices, please run MOBI<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional Terminal and select your device platform.
No, however once you log into Bloomberg Professional service on a mobile device, the Bloomberg Professional Terminal will lock. You may resume your Bloomberg session by reconfirming your password on the lock screen.
Only logging into the Terminal Mode via Bloomberg Anywhere for iPad will log off your Bloomberg Professional Terminal session.
- BlackBerry – The software will automatically check for a new update upon login and prompt the user to install the updates. To manually update the software, press the Menu button from the launch screen and choose the option to “Upgrade”. (NOTE: This may not work if your corporate rules forbid employees from installing software.)
- IPhone/iPad – Updates are available in the App store. Consumers can use the App Store icon on the respective devices and check for “Updates”.
- Android – From the login screen, press “Menu” button and select the “About” option. From here, you can scroll down to “Updates”.
- Blackberry:
- At the login page of Bloomberg for BlackBerry, hit the Menu key or BlackBerry key (button to the left of the trackball/trackpad) on the device and select Settings.
- Please ensure that under the option routing, the setting is set to “Automatic”.
- After this is confirmed, return to the log in screen and sign on.
- If you are unable to log on, please remove the battery from the device and restart.
- For further questions, please contact 24×7 Global Customer Support.
- iPhone:
- In order to ensure connectivity, please open the Safari browser and browse to www.bloomberg.com. This will allow your device to establish a data connection before trying to access Bloomberg.
- If you are able to access the webpage, return to the application and log in.
- If you are unable to access the webpage, please contact your mobile provider.
A token code is a six-digit number that will allow you to log into your Bloomberg Anywhere application on your mobile device. Press and hold the power button on your B-UNIT until the words ‘Token Mode’ are displayed on the device’s screen and then release the power button. (If you hold the button too long, the device will enter ‘Reset Mode’. If this happens, hold the button down again until the display goes blank and then start the process over again). After Token Mode is displayed, swipe your finger and type the six digit code provided into your mobile device.
Alternatively, you can visit MOBI<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional Terminal, select Option 5 and click on “Create B-UNIT Token” at the bottom right hand side to generate an override.
The B-UNIT is required for mobile devices when additional security is needed. The most common scenarios are if you update your mobile software, another Bloomberg Anywhere user logs into your mobile device, or you are logging into a same type of mobile device. However, in order to access “Terminal Mode” on your iPad, you will always need your B-UNIT.
In order to get to the terminal view of Bloomberg Anywhere on your iPad, you can select the double screen terminal icon in the upper left corner. You will need your B-UNIT to access Terminal Mode. Please see our functionality guide by running IPAD<GO> on the Bloomberg Professional terminal for further instructions.
If you are a Bloomberg Anywhere subscriber, you have the ability to download the Bloomberg software on any mobile device. You can simultaneously log onto a blackberry device, an iPhone or Android phone and an iPad or Android tablet.
You will only have access to real-time data on one device at a time. For further information, please contact 24×7 Global Customer Support.
- Important note: In order to get your free subscription, you must have logged on to the Bloomberg Anywhere iPad application at least once.
- Download Bloomberg Businessweek+ from the App Store.
- Tap on ‘Activate Now’.
- Tap ‘Yes’ when asked if you are in the U.S. or Canada (this applies to global users).
- Select to sign up using an email address and zip code, then enter your Bloomberg.net email and 10022 for the zip code.
- For existing BusinessWeek print subscribers, enter your account number located on the address label of your print magazine and tap ‘Activate’.
- Note: Bloomberg BusinessWeek is free for Bloomberg Anywhere subscribers and existing print BusinessWeek subscribers.
A full list of supported mobile devices can be found at: http://m.bloomberg.com.
Bloomberg Anywhere For Mobile Customers
Guide to setting up and maintaining the Bloomberg Anywhere for Mobile Customers Software and connectivity requirements.
Bloomberg for Blackberry Guide
Guide for the installation and maintenance of Bloomberg software for Blackberry devices.
Connectivity
Please contact our 24×7 Global Customer Support and we will assist you right away.
- PRIVATE IP: Your PC connects to a circuit dedicated for Bloomberg service, via a Bloomberg Access Router, through your company’s internal network.
- INTERNET: Your PC connects using public Internet. (For example: cable, DSL, or wi-fi.)
Please see our Transport and Security document, starting on page 5.
- Open the Connection Wizard and click the “Settings” tab.
- Check “Connect through a SOCKS Version 5 Proxy server”
- Enter the Proxy address and Port (If you do not know this information, please check with your local IT for assistance)
- For more information, see page 11 of our Transport and Security document.
Dedicated Bloomberg circuits provide a reliable managed connection to the Bloomberg private network. If you’re interested in further information, please contact your Installations Coordinator by running the function BREP<GO> on your Bloomberg Professional terminal, who can answer further questions about Bloomberg circuits.
Please click here to view ports.
Transport and Security Specification
Administrator guide to the network transport and security specifications for installing and maintaining the Bloomberg Professional Service.