To use Internal Linking with TypeWell, you'll need to install the Internal Server program on the transcriber's computer. This setup allows the computer to stream the live transcript to nearby devices—without requiring internet access—as long as both devices are connected to the same local WiFi network.
⚠️ Note: The instructions displayed in the Internal Linking dialog window within the TypeWell Transcriber software are outdated. This article contains the most current guidance.
⚠️ Important: Some of the original functionality—such as the ability for the computer to create its own WiFi network using a “hosted network” mode—is no longer supported on most modern Windows 10 and 11 systems. If you plan to use Internal Linking in the field or in a location with no internet or campus WiFi, please review the “Field Use Workarounds” section in the Internal Server – Troubleshooting article before installing.
If you've already installed the Internal Server but are having trouble linking, see:
👉 Internal Server – Troubleshooting
This setup should be tested in advance, ideally using a second device you own (like your phone or another laptop). Avoid relying on a student or consumer to help test the connection. This is a pre-job setup task.
Requirements
- Windows 10 or higher
- Administrator privileges to install and configure the Internal Server
In This Article
- Installing Visual C++ Redistributable
- Installing the Internal Server
- Checking the Installation
- Allowing the Internal Server through Windows Firewall
- Verifying Internal Server is Working
Step 1: Install Visual C++ Redistributable
The Internal Server requires the Visual C++ 2015 runtime libraries.
Download and install from Microsoft:
Download Visual C++ Redistributable
Step 2: Install the Internal Server
If You Previously Installed the Server
You must uninstall any old version first:
- Open the Start Menu, search for Command Prompt, and right-click → Run as Administrator
- Enter this command (with quotes):
"C:\Program Files\TypeWellServer\TypeWellServer.exe"
- Click Yes when prompted to delete the service
- If nothing happens the first time, repeat the command. You should see the uninstall confirmation the second time.
Install the Current Version
- Download TypeWellServer.exe
- Right-click the file → choose Run as Administrator
⚠️ If you see a message saying “Windows protected your PC”, click More info, then Run anyway.
- In the self-extractor, click Unzip
- You should see a confirmation window
⚠️ If you get an error like “cannot create output file,” return to the uninstall section above or reboot before retrying the install.
Step 3: Check the Installation
- Open TypeWell Transcriber
- Go to the Link menu → select By Internal
- If Internal Server is running, you’ll see this setup window:
- Make sure Linking ON is selected:
If the Server Is Not Running
You’ll see an error message:
If you get a message about VAP not supported, see Internal Server – Troubleshooting.
Step 4: Allow the Internal Server Through Windows Firewall
To ensure the Internal Server can communicate properly with the reader device, it's best to allow TypeWellServer.exe
through Windows Firewall — even if you're not prompted automatically.
Here's how to do that manually:
- Press the Windows key, search for firewall, and select Allow an app through Windows Firewall
- Click Change settings
- Check
TypeWellServer.exe
for both Private and Public networks:
- If it's missing, click Allow another app...
- Browse to:
C:\Program Files\TypeWellServer\TypeWellServer.exe
- Click Add
Step 5: Test Internal Server with Your Own Computer (Before Connecting Other Devices)
Before testing with a second device, first make sure that the Internal Server is working correctly on your transcriber computer.
- In TypeWell Transcriber, go to Link → By Internal.
Choose Use internal server on this computer, and then click OK.
Ensure that in TypeWell Transcriber, you've turned Linking ON:
- You may briefly see Internal (searching) in the TypeWell status bar:
- When the connection is successful, the status bar will show: Internal
- Open a browser on the same computer and go to: http://127.0.0.1 You should see the TypeWell Web Reader showing your live transcript.
✅ This confirms that the Internal Server is installed and running properly.
- If you see a WiFi name and password listed, this refers to the network TypeWell would attempt to broadcast using older Windows features. On most modern systems, this will not work. Instead:
To use Internal Linking on modern systems, both the transcriber’s computer and the reader device must be connected to the same local WiFi network.
This could be:
- A home or office router (even if internet is down)
- A Mobile Hotspot (if your computer supports that)
- A portable travel router
The local WiFi acts as a bridge. Internet access is not required.
- Once both devices are on the same WiFi network, ensure that in TypeWell Transcriber, you've turned Linking ON:
- You may briefly see Internal (searching) in the TypeWell status bar:
- When the connection is successful, the status bar will show: Internal
Step 6: Test Internal Linking with a Second Device (Optional)
We recommend testing Internal Linking in advance using a second device you control, such as your phone, tablet, or another computer. Avoid relying on a student or consumer to help with setup or testing. This should be completed before your first job or session using Internal Linking.
- If you see a WiFi name and password listed in your Internal Linking setup window, this refers to the network TypeWell would attempt to broadcast using older Windows features. On most modern systems, this will not work. Instead:
🔹 Important: Both the transcriber and the second device must be connected to the same local WiFi network.
This can be:
- A home or office router (even without internet)
- A Mobile Hotspot hosted by the transcriber computer (if supported)
- A portable travel router
Make sure TypeWell Transcriber shows
Internal (linked)
in the lower-right corner of the screen.Click the word Internal. A small window will pop up, showing the IP address used by the reader device. That IP address is now copied to your clipboard.
- On your second device:
- Join the same WiFi network
- Open a browser and go to: http://
IPaddress> ( For example: http://192.168.137.1 )
✅ If you see the transcript on the second device, Internal Linking is fully functional.
To connect a second device to view the transcript, continue with the next article:
[Setting Up Internal Linking]