Install and Setup of SQL/MSDE Storage Areas for AccuMark

AccuMark Professional Edition software incorporates a new method for storing data by using Microsoft SQL Server databases as storage areas. Use SQL storage areas in the same way as the regular AccuMark storage areas. Using SQL databases as storage areas allow for larger amounts of data to be stored in a single storage area (a maximum of 100,000 data items per data type). SQL storage areas can also eliminate the potential file locking problems that can occur when accessing data across networks, because it does not use separate control and data files. MSDE 2000 Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine is a reliable storage engine and query processor that is built into the AccuMark applications to provide the ability to create SQL storage areas. MSDE is easily redistributed royalty free, so it provides a low cost option for a database server. It is language dependant and runs on most operating systems. It is recommended that the latest Windows service packs and critical updates be installed on the system. XP Home is not supported, Windows NT requires service pack 6 or later, and on XP Professional, simple file sharing must be turned off. There is a common technology base shared between MSDE 2000 and SQL Server 2000. If data storage needs grow beyond the storage and scalability of MSDE, a system can be upgraded to SQL Server 2000, requiring only the purchase of SQL Server software. Install MSDE A copy of MSDE will be provided by GT (Note: MSDE is language specific). A system administrator should install the software. Insert the appropriate media with MSDE to start the install. Once the MSDE link is selected, the installation should proceed without additional prompts. After the installation is complete, reboot the system. Restarting the computer is required to start the service and to display the server icon in the system tray. Verify Service is Running By default, the MSSQL-type service is usually set to an Automatic Startup type. The service begins automatically when the system is started. To verify this, or to change the settings, use the server icon in the system tray.

Verify the service is running by right-clicking on the server icon. The server icon can also be used to start and stop service. The service can be stopped if the AccuMark MSDE databases will not be used on this system.

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Configuring an SQL/MSDE Storage Area for AccuMark NOTE: 7.x systems CANNOT see SQL/MSDE storage areas. SQL/MSDE is also not available for AccuMark Advanced Edition. Create a connection to the SQL device Create a device for the local machine to use for SQL storage areas. Use the server icon to view the name of the service (which usually takes on the computer name). This is the name that will be used in configuring a device and SQL name for the AccuMark. Associate a device name (similar to a drive letter) and storage area by selecting the AccuMark Utilities application. Select from the menu, Configuration, SQL Support. A dialog box for entering the SQL name and an optional path will appear.

Using any SQL Name textbox, enter the name of the server that is running on the computer (Hint: copy and paste the name from the service icon in the system tray). Optional Server Path SQL storage area data is not stored in the traditional c:\userroot\storage directories. By default, the data files needed for the SQL storage area (.mdf, .ldf) will be created in a Data subdirectory where MSDE was installed, such as [c:]\program files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data). If there is not enough space available on the operating system, and a second drive with disk space is available, an optional path may be used. To change the location of the SQL storage area database files, enter a full path (including the drive letter) of the desired directory into the Server Path text field. The directory must already exist, and on Windows XP systems, full-access permission to this directory must be created for non-administrator users. Select the Test button to verify the connection. The test will validate the SQL name, test to verify adequate permissions to access the storage area databases, and validate the Server Path if one was entered. When the test is completed, it will display success or a summary of errors encountered.

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Select OK. This will complete the setup and issue a SQL Refresh so that the AccuMark applications can see the new connection (drive). Creating an SQL/MSDE Storage Area NOTE: SQL storage areas are only to be used with version 8 data. SQL storage areas are created in the same manner as regular storage area, through the AccuMark Explorer. Once the SQL Support configuration is completed, create a SQL/MSDE storage area. AccuMark Explorer may need to be closed and re-opened to read the new device, or select View, Refresh.

Select a Device in the All Folders window. Select File, New, Storage Area. A dialog box will display that is similar to the standard one to create a storage area.

Enter a name for the storage area and select OK. SQL storage area names are limited to 8 characters, with no spaces allowed; a dash (-) may not be used as the first character in the name.

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The application will now create the storage area with the default parameter tables.

SQL storage areas look the same as regular storage areas. The difference is that SQL storage areas have a numbered drive ( 0: to 9: ) and regular storage areas have lettered drives ( c:, d:, etc. ). Data can now be created in the same manner as for existing AccuMark storage areas, including copying data to and from existing locations. Connecting to another system Connections to other computers in a workgroup that are also running the MSDE for AccuMark service are possible. Simply enter the name or IP address of the desired server (computer) in one of the other SQL Name textboxes and select the Test button. Close and reopen the AccuMark Explorer to read the new connection settings to the remote computer. A physical/network connection to that machine is required. The same username and password must exist on the remote system, and the user must have adequate permissions to access the AccuMark SQL storage areas on those machines. The systems must also be using the same authentication. Read more about this topic in the MSDE Manager document. MSDE runs best with five or fewer concurrent users when using database transactions. Sample database transactions are reading (file, open), writing (save, save as), moving or

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copying of data, order process or similar operations. There may be several more users running from the same storage area that are using Pattern Design, Marking, or entering information in forms. These actions will not affect the storage area performance. MSDE is required to Create storage areas The installation of MSDE on a system is not required to access other systems that have SQL storage areas. It only needs the connection information set up (SQL Support). The user will not be able to create SQL storage areas, only access those that exist on the other system. Refresh SQL The AccuMark Utilities contains a Refresh SQL menu choice. Use this function to update the connections and storage area lists at any time. It will provide a recent list of new storage areas created on any connected system or newly added or deleted data items. Backup and Restore Data Backups are an important and vital way to protect data against fire or water damage, theft, accidental or intentional deletion, system crashes, among other things and should be performed on a regular basis. Since SQL storage areas have different data files, they require a new Backup and Restore application for the new data format. An entry called SQL/MSDE Backup has been added to the AccuMark Explorer in the All Folders pane for this purpose. This application is similar to the regular backup and restore (called Backups in the All Folders pane of the AccuMark Explorer) with easy-to-use wizards. Refer to the MSDE Manager document for implementation details.

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