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Question:
What is the simplest way to distribute ExpressRequest to my users?
Answer:
It is very easy to use setup ExpressRequest for use on your
non-maintenance personnel computers. The target user workstations
must be connected to the network where the program and database engine
reside.
What is ExpressRequest
If you have purchased a copy of ExpressRequest, you can provide users with
a short cut to ExpressRequest.exe. This program allows users to enter
maintenance request in an easy to use screen. Users do not necessarily
have to know the unit name or proper service to provide. They can simply
enter a description of the equipment and service needed or problem.
ExpressRequest Defaults
There are a few defaults settings for ExpressRequest which are located in
ExpressMaintenance. You can access these settings under Administration /
Defaults / ExpressRequest Defaults help topic in ExpressMaintenance help.
See that section of the help for more details.
Distributing ExpressRequest
Like ExpressMaintenance, you do not actually distribute ExpressRequest.
You create shortcuts to the application. However, ExpressRequest is
handled slightly different from ExpressMaintenance. ExpressRequest uses an
ini file for its settings including the Server and Database names. The ini
file is stored on the client workstation in the Windows folder. However,
the first time the program is executed, the ini file does not exist.
Therefore, the program looks in the folder of the executable program for
the ini file and copies it to the client workstation. It is not necessary
to pass parameters in the shortcut with ExpressRequest. Instead, follow
the steps outlined below:
A. Server Setup
1. Install and make sure ExpressMaintenance runs properly.
2. Install and make sure ExpressRequest runs properly.
3. Make sure both applications point to the same database server.
4. Run ExpressRequest and
click on the Setup button and to setup values.
5. Leave the Requester Name blank.
6. Save the setup settings for ExpressRequest.
7. Exit ExpressRequest.
8. Look in your Windows folder on the server for the "ExpressRequest.ini"
file.
9. Copy the "ExpressRequest.ini" file to the \ExpressTech folder.
10. Make sure the \ExpressTech folder contains the following three
files:
ExpressRequest.exe
ExpressRequest.hlp
ExpressRequest.ini
B. Client Workstation Setup
1.
Go to the client workstation
2. Look in the Windows folders
and remove ExpressRequest.ini if it exists.
3. Use the windows explorer to locate the server drive and the
\ExpressTech folder.
4. Right click on the ExpressRequest.exe file and click copy.
5. Right click on the client workstation desktop and click Paste
Shortcut.
6. Run ExpressRequest from the shortcut.
7. Click on Setup button to
setup for the user.
8. Exit ExpressRequest and
setting will be saved locally in ExpressRequest.ini.
ExpressRequest Help File
As mentioned above, make sure the ExpressRequest.hlp file is
located in the same folder with ExpressRequest.exe. This will insure users
can run the help file from within the ExpressRequest application. The
ExpressRequest uses the standard windows help system rather than the HTML
help system (used by ExpressMaintenance). The standard windows help is
more likely to be available on every computer. The HTML help system is
more powerful and more compact. However, it is not necessary with this
small application. |
