Installing Software

Installing Software

If you ordered an installation CD from Express Technology, it will include all of the files you need to install ExpressMaintenance and ExpressRequest. If you are installing from a download via the internet, you will want to start by downloading the Express Installation Shell program. The file name of the Express Installation Shell program is ExpressInstall.exe.

Begin by running the Express Installation Shell program and the following screen will appear:

The Express Installation Shell program provides a simple and convenient interface for installing one or more applications. If you have the CD, you only need to proceed with the installation steps. If you are downloading the application files via the internet, you may need to download additional files. You will also need to download the MSDE database engine (if you do not already have MS SQL Server) and ExpressMaintenance and ExpressRequest.

Installation Environment
ExpressMaintenance requires the Microsoft Database Engine (MSDE) or you may use your existing version of MS SQL Server. When implementing ExpressMaintenance in a network environment, perform the installation of the MSDE and ExpressMaintenance at the Server (or Standalone) computer only. Do not install the MSDE or ExpressMaintenance on the client workstations. Once all software is installed and running on the server, simply create a shortcut to the "Maintenance.exe" executable file on the server. This will insure proper program operation and make update installations very easy. See Workstation Setup for more details.

Installing The MSDE Database Engine
ExpressMaintenance requires the installation of the Microsoft Database Engine (MSDE). The MSDE provides a very robust and reliable database for our software products. You will not be bothered with data loss or index corruption. We strongly recommend that you first install the MSDE before installing any other applications. If you already have the MSDE or Microsoft SQL Server installed, this step is not necessary.

To install the MSDE, simply click on the "Database Engine" button. If the file is not found, you will need to download it from our website. The installation program will take you through a few simple steps to complete the process. The MSDE is the slowest of the installation programs but well worth it.

Note: If you are installing the MSDE on a computer / server with Windows NT, you must at least have service pack 4 installed. If you are installing the MSDE on a Windows 95 system, you must have revision B of Windows 95. For more information on operating system requirements and tips, see the sections on Systems Recommendations and Operating Systems.

Starting The MSDE Database Engine
You must start the database engine the first time. Click on Windows Start / Programs / MSDE / Service Manager. When the Service Manager window appears, check the Auto Start option. Next, click the green Start button to start the SQL database server.

Installing ExpressMaintenance
To install ExpressMaintenance, click the "ExpressMaintenance" button. If the file is not found, you will need to download it from our website. The installation program will take you through a few simple steps to complete the process.

Creating Database Tables
The first time you run ExpressMaintenance, the program will automatically recognize that the database tables need to be created. You will be prompted to proceed with the creation of the new database tables. You should answer Yes and allow the program to create the tables. This will only take a moment.

Client Workstation Setup (Network Installs)
To run ExpressMaintenance from a client workstation, you need to have the ExpressTech folder on the server shared. In addition, you must have TCP/IP installed on the server (usually installed automatically by windows) and the server must have a static IP address. The server should not be set to obtain the IP address dynamically.

Once you are sure that the server computer is setup according to the guidelines above, proceed to the client workstations. For detailed instruction on setting up client workstations, please proceed to Workstation Setup topic.

For more details on setting up workstations and network connections, see our website Tech Bulletins.

Evaluating / Registering Software
When ExpressMaintenance & ExpressRequest are installed, they automatically issues Serial Numbers unique to each customer. A Registration code will automatically be generated that grants a 30-Day Evaluation License. Each time you run the applications during the evaluation period, a registration screen will appear reflecting the evaluation expiration data.

When you purchase a permanent license for the application, you will be issued a Registration Code which registers the application for permanent use. To register the application, go to Administration / Registration. In the Registration screen, carefully enter the Serial Number and Registration Code provided and then click the Register button. Once the product is permanently registered, the registration screen will no longer appear each time the application is executed.

You should keep your Serial Number and Registration Code on file in a safe place. If you have any problems, contact the Express Technology sales department.

Utilities
Several utilities are included on the Express Technology CD and are available for download from our web site. More than likely, your version of the Windows operating system already installed the HTML help system and the ODBC drivers. However, some releases did not include them so we provide the installs if needed. These items can be found by exploring the "Extras" folder on the CD.

The ExpressUtility is an administrative tool that is handy for performing more advanced SQL queries of the data and for managing reports.

For the most current information, check the Technical Bulletins (FAQ) at our web site at: http://www.expresstechnology.com/TechBulletins/BulletinIndex.htm.