sql-msde for accumark

7/29/2019 SQL-MSDE for AccuMark

1/5

Page 1 of 5

Install and Setup of SQL/MSDE Storage Areas for AccuMark

AccuMark Professional Edition software incorporates a new method for storing data byusing Microsoft SQL Server databases as storage areas. Use SQL storage areas in thesame way as the regular AccuMark storage areas.

Using SQL databases as storage areas allow for larger amounts of data to be stored in asingle storage area (a maximum of 100,000 data items per data type). SQL storageareas can also eliminate the potential file locking problems that can occur whenaccessing data across networks, because it does not use separate control and data files.

MSDE 2000Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine is a reliable storage engine and query processor that isbuilt 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 databaseserver. 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 6or later, and on XP Professional, simple file sharing must be turned off.

There is a common technology base shared between MSDE 2000 and SQL Server2000. If data storage needs grow beyond the storage and scalability of MSDE, a systemcan be upgraded to SQL Server 2000, requiring only the purchase of SQL Serversoftware.

Install MSDEA copy of MSDE will be provided by GT (Note: MSDE is language specific). A systemadministrator should install the software. Insert the appropriate media with MSDE to startthe install. Once the MSDE link is selected, the installation should proceed without

additional prompts. After the installation is complete, reboot the system. Restarting thecomputer is required to start the service and to display the server icon in the system tray.

Verify Service is RunningBy default, the MSSQL-type service is usually set to an Automatic Startup type. Theservice begins automatically when the system is started. To verify this, or to change thesettings, use the server icon in the system tray.

Verify the service is running by right-clicking on theserver icon.

The server icon can also be used to start and stopservice. The service can be stopped if the AccuMarkMSDE databases will not be used on this system.


2/5

Page 2 of 5

Configuring an SQL/MSDE Storage Area for AccuMarkNOTE: 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 deviceCreate 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 thename 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 theAccuMark Utilities application. Select from the menu, Configuration, SQL Support. Adialog 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 thecomputer (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. Bydefault, the data files needed for the SQL storage area (.mdf, .ldf) will be created in aData subdirectory where MSDE was installed, such as [c:]\program files\Microsoft SQLServer\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. Thedirectory must already exist, and on Windows XP systems, full-access permission to thisdirectory 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 theServer Path if one was entered.

When the test is completed, it willdisplay success or a summary oferrors encountered.


3/5

Page 3 of 5

Select OK. This will complete the setup and issue a SQL Refresh so that the AccuMarkapplications can see the new connection (drive).

Creating an SQL/MSDE Storage AreaNOTE: 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, throughthe AccuMark Explorer. Once the SQL Support configuration is completed, create aSQL/MSDE storage area. AccuMarkExplorermay need to be closed andre-opened to read the new device, orselect View, Refresh.

Select a Device in the All Folderswindow. Select File, New, StorageArea. A dialog box will display that issimilar to the standard one to create astorage area.

Enter a name for the storage area andselect OK.

SQL storage area names are limited to8 characters, with no spaces allowed; a

dash (-) may not be used as the firstcharacter in the name.


4/5

Page 4 of 5

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 SQLstorage areas have a numbered drive ( 0: to 9: ) and regular storage areas have lettereddrives ( c:, d:, etc. ). Data can now be created in the same manner as for existingAccuMark storage areas, including copying data to and from existing locations.

Connecting to another systemConnections to other computers in a workgroup that are also running the MSDE forAccuMark service are possible. Simply enter the name or IP address of the desiredserver (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 theremote computer.

A physical/network connection to that machine is required. The same username andpassword must exist on the remote system, and the user must have adequatepermissions to access the AccuMark SQL storage areas on those machines. Thesystems must also be using the same authentication. Read more about this topic in theMSDE 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


5/5

Page 5 of 5

copying of data, order process or similar operations. There may be several more usersrunning from the same storage area that are using Pattern Design, Marking, or enteringinformation in forms. These actions will not affect the storage area performance.MSDE is required to Create storage areasThe installation of MSDE on a system is not required to access other systems that haveSQL 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 theother system.

Refresh SQLThe AccuMark Utilities contains a Refresh SQL menu choice. Use this function to updatethe connections and storage area lists at any time. It will provide a recent list of newstorage areas created on any connected system or newly added or deleted data items.

Backup and Restore DataBackups 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 shouldbe performed on a regular basis.

Since SQL storage areas have different data files, they require a new Backup andRestore application for the new data format. An entry called SQL/MSDE Backup hasbeen added to the AccuMark Explorer in the All Folders pane for this purpose. Thisapplication is similar to the regular backup and restore (called Backups in the AllFolders pane of the AccuMark Explorer) with easy-to-use wizards. Refer to the MSDEManager document for implementation details.

sql-msde for accumark

Documents