Microsoft SQL Server is used for both the ALMSys® and Lading Manager™ software products. The standalone versions of these products have made use of the runtime version of SQL Server, called the "MSDE."

A newer version of the MSDE is available that is based on the SQL Server 2005 database backbone. It is called, "SQL Server 2005 Express." It is highly recommended that users of the MSDE upgrade to SQL Server 2005 Express.

These instructions are for standalone SQL Server users only. Network SQL Server users should upgrade to SQL Server 2005 through your normal IT channels.

These instructions will walk you through the process of upgrading the MSDE to SQL Server 2005 Express. This version of SQL Server 2005 Express includes Advanced Services and service pack 2. If you want assistance, please do not hesitate to contact ALMSys Support.

1. Backup your ALMSys® or Lading Manager™ data.



2. You must be logged on as the Administrator of your PC in order to update it.



3. The Windows Installer 3.1 is required. If you do not know if you have this version, go ahead and attempt to upgrade to it anyway. The installation program will detect if you need it or not. Click here to download and install the Windows Installer 3.1 (2.46 MB). Please reboot your PC after this has been installed.



4. Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 is required. Check "Add or Remove Programs" on your Control Panel to see if "Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0" exists. If it does, please skip this step. Click here to download and install the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (22.4 MB).



5. Download and run Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express with Advanced Services (SP2). By itself, this is a 234 MB download. This file has been broken down into 10 download files of about 26 MB each. You must run each download file listed below.
   
   If you would rather download the entire file in one shot, then please visit the Microsoft installation web page by clicking here and choose the download listed in the "SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services SP2" section.
   
   To proceed with the individual files below, please download and run them in order. When each one runs, you will press Unzip, Ok, and then Close.
   
   
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #1
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #2
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #3
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #4
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #5
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #6
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #7
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #8
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #9
   • SQL Server 2005 Express File #10
   
   After #10 unzips, it will automatically launch the program that will assemble the 10 pieces. Simply click the "No Questions Asked" button and follow it through. When assembled, the SQL Server 2005 installation program will be launched. Please carefully follow these instructions for upgrading your MSDE installation:
   
   
   1. End User License Agreement. Accept the licensing terms and click Next.
   
   
   
   2. Installing Prerequisites. Click Install. When done, click Next.
   
   
   
   3. Installation Wizard. Click Next.
   
   
   
   4. System Configuration Check. Please review all of the messages (if any) presented. You will have to click on the messages to see them. If "IIS Feature Requirement" gets a warning, that is OK. You may also get a warning message regarding the need for you to be signed on as the system administrator in order to update the PC. If you are signed on as the PC's administrator, then please ignore this message. Click Next.
   
   
   
   5. Registration Information. To upgrade the existing MSDE instance, you must uncheck the "Hide advanced configurations options" box. Click Next.
   
   
   
   6. Feature Selection. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   7. Instance Name. Click "Installed instances." The MSDE should appear as "SQL Server" in the box. When highlighted, the details should call it "Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine." With the "SQL Server" highlighted in the box, click OK. That will mark the "Default Instance." Click Next.
   
   
   
   8. Existing Components. Place a check mark on the "SQL Server Database Services" and click Next.
   
   
   
   9. Upgrade Logon Information. This is for upgrading SQL Server only. Leave as "Windows Authentication Mode" and click Next.
   
   
   
   10. Service Account. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   11. Configuration Options. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   12. Error & Usage Report Settings. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   13. Ready to Install. It should state that it is performing an upgrade. Click Install.
   
   
   
   14. Setup Progress. When all have finished, click Next.
   
   
   
   15. Click Finish.
   
   
   
6. Reboot.

After rebooting, you will no longer have the SQL Server icon in the system tray. This is OK. Test ALMSys® or Lading Manager™ to make sure it opens and that your data is present.