* Installation Guidlines

Answer: ExpressMaintenance uses the very powerful and robust Microsoft SQL Server for database storage and retrieval.  ExpressMaintenance will work with all versions of MS SQL Server.  Below are the recommended versions of SQL Server for each version of Windows.  The download links are for the express (freebie) version of the SQL Server.  If you already own a full version of SQL Server, you should use it for the database engine and you do not need to download these versions.  You may also want to view or print the Installation Guide in pdf format.

Note: These steps are to be performed by your system administrator at the server computer or they can be done at a standalone 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 Server Database Engine

1. If you already have an existing copy of SQL Server installed on your server / computer, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INSTALL one of these versions as it is not needed and may damage your existing SQL Server installation.  Proceed to step 5 below if you already have SQL Server installed.

2. If you do not already have SQL Server installed, you will need to download and install one of the versions listed above or install from the CD provided.

3. Run the applicable installation file from your hard drive at the server.  Follow the installation dialogs and take the default options if possible.  Be sure to note the password you select for the 'sa' login to the SQL Server.

If you are using your existing SQL Server, you will need to make the following changes.  If you are using one of the above installation programs, these changes will be made for you.

a. Authentication Method : We recommend selecting "Mixed Mode Authentication" and entering a password for the 'sa' login.  Be sure to note the password you use.

b. Instance Configuration : We recommend you do not use instances and select the option for "Default Instance".  This will allow the SQL Server to be referenced as the same name as the computer name.

Starting SQL Server Database Engine

4. If you install SQL Server 2000, the Service Manager will appear after installation.  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.  With SQL 2005 and SQL 2008, this step is not required as they will automatically startup for you.

Creating The ExpressMaintenance Database

5. Install the latest release of ExpressMaintenance on the server computer.  You can download the install from the list of downloads above or use the ExpressMaintenance CD.  Be sure to note the folder where you install ExpressMaintenance (default is C:\ExpressTech).

6. 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.  

Note: If you have  existing ExpressMaintenance data from a prior server, you can copy your original data and log files from your old server and paste them in the ExpressTech folder to overwrite the model files.  This will setup the new database with your existing data.  See the tech bulletin or help topic on Transferring Data.  If this is a new installation without any prior ExpressMaintenance data, this note does not apply.

7. 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 warn that the database could not be found and prompt to create the database with the following screen.

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

10. Verify the SQL Server name, login information and the data and log file locations.  Once you have verified the information you are ready to click the "Create Database" button.  If this is a new installation, all fields should be populated correctly for you.

Note: If you are using data files that you previously had on another computer, you will need to select the correct data and log files from the folder where the files have been place on the new server. 

11. Once the database is successfully created, click the "Connection File" button to View and Save the connection information to the ExpressMaintenance.ini file.  This will tell the program which server and database to which it should connect when other users run ExpressMaintenance from their workstations.

Once the database is successfully created, click the "Close" button and 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 5 above.

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