Question: How do I install ExpressMaintenance on an existing Microsoft SQL Server or MSDE2000?

Answer: ExpressMaintenance will work with the supplied MSDE2000 or with your existing MS SQL Server version 7 and higher including SQL Server 2000 & 2005.  Below are instructions for installing and setting up the ExpressMaintenance database with SQL Server or MSDE2000.

Note: These steps are to be performed by your system administrator at the server computer.  You must be logged in as the system administrator during the SQL Server installation and the first time ExpressMaintenance runs in order to create the database.

Installing SQL

For specific instructions on installing SQL Sever 2005 - click here.

1. If you already have an existing copy of SQL Server installed on your server computer, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INSTALL MSDE as it is not needed and may damage your existing SQL Server installation.  Proceed to step 4 below if you already have SQL Server installed.

2. If you do not already have SQL Server or MSDE2000 installed, you will need to install the MSDE2000 or SQL Server from a CD or by downloading from our website at download page.  Before installing, you should review the support operating systems tech bulletin to insure your compatibility.  Most versions of windows are supported,

3. Follow the instructions of the SQL Server / MSDE2000 installation to install.  Be sure to note the password selected for the "sa" (system administrator) account during the installation.

Starting SQL

4. Once the SQL server or MSDE2000 is installed, the Service Manager will be executed.  Make sure Auto Start in the lower left corner is check and then start the SQL Server service by clicking on the Start button (green arrow).  The status bar at the bottom of the screen will reflect the status and acknowledge when the server is running.  Close the Service Manager.

5. If you are using an existing copy of SQL Server or SQL Server 2005, you must:

  a) Set the authentication method to mixed mode (Windows & SQL logins)

  b) Enable the 'sa' login account

  c) Create the special 'etuser' login account

You can use ExpressSQL to perform these three tasks or other SQL management tools.  If you are using the MSDE 2000 installation program from our website or CD, you do not need to perform these three tasks as they are performed for you during installation.

Creating The Database

6. Install ExpressMaintenance release 5.6.1.1 or later ONLY on the server computer.  You can download the install from the downloads page of our website or use a CD issued after 1/28/2005.  Be sure to note the folder where you install ExpressMaintenance.

7. When ExpressMaintenance is installed, it will place two files that make up the model database in the installation folder.  The file names are ExpressMaintenance_Data.mdf and ExpressMaintenance_Log.ldf.  If you have existing ExpressMaintenance data on a prior server, you can copy your original data files from your older server to overwrite these model files in the ExpressTech folder.  The original data files can be found on your prior server in the 'Program Files\MSSQL\Data '  folder(SQL2000) or 'MSSQL7\Data' folder (SQL7) . 

8. Run the ExpressMaintenance shortcut placed on the desktop or the Maintenance.exe in the installation folder.  When the program runs the first time, it will need to know certain information in order to create the database.  The following introduction screen will appear:

9. To proceed with the creation of the database, click the 'Create Database' button and the following screen will appear:

10. Enter the SQL Server / Computer name if it is not correct.  Enter the password that you assigned for the 'sa' login account during the installation of the SQL Server / MSDE2000.  The default password you did not change it is 'welcome'. 

11. Click the Create Database Now button to have ExpressMaintenance create the database.  The program will copy the model database files (ExpressMaintenance_Data.mdf & ExpressMaintenance_Log.ldf) from the ExpressMaintenance installation folder to the SQL data folder.  It will then attach the files as the new database name specified in the window above (ExpressMaintenance).

Once the database is successfully created, ExpressMaintenance will proceed to open and you are all set to use the software.  It will not be necessary to be logged in under the Administrator account during subsequent uses of ExpressMaintenance.

Troubleshooting

If the program fails to create the database, you should check the following items:

1. Make sure you are using the correct password that was assigned to the 'sa' account during installation of the SQL Server / MSDE.

2. Make sure you started the SQL Server using the Service Manager as outlined in step 4 above.

3. If using SQL 2005 or your own version of SQL Server, make sure you have created taken the additional steps outlined in step 4 above.

For more information on troubleshooting the installation of the SQL Server / MSDE - click here.

For more information on the MSDE2000 from Microsoft's website - click here.