Microsoft SQL Server is used for both the ALMSys® and Lading Manager™ software products. The standalone versions of these products use the runtime version of SQL Server, called "SQL Server Express." SQL Server Express with service pack 3 is compatible with Windows 7.

Windows 7 Note: When installing on Windows 7, you will need to first download the files, and then right-click on each file and run them as the administrator.

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

These instructions will walk you through the process of installing SQL Server 2005 Express. This version of SQL Server 2005 Express includes Advanced Services and service pack 3. If you want assistance, please do not hesitate to contact ALMSys Support.

WARNING! If you have an earlier version of SQL Server installed (the MSDE), then you must instead follow the instruction for upgrading the MSDE to SQL Server 2005 Express. These instructions may be found by clicking here.

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



2. 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. If you are installing from a CD-ROM or DVD, then select "Windows Installer 3.1" from the menu. Otherwise, click here to download and install the Windows Installer 3.1 (2.46 MB). Please reboot your PC after this has been installed.



3. 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. If you are installing from a CD-ROM or DVD, then select ".NET Framework 2.0" from the menu. Otherwise, click here to download and install the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (22.4 MB).



4. Install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express with Advanced Services (SP3). If you are installing from a CD-ROM or DVD, then select "SQL Server 2005 Express" from the menu. Otherwise, you will need to download the setup. By itself, this is a 255 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.
   
   Please download and run these files 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 installing SQL Server 2005 Express:
   
   
   1. End User License Agreement. Accept the licensing terms and click Next.
   
   
   
   2. Installing Prerequisites. Click Install. When done, click Next. (You may see a "System Configuration Check" followed by a momentary blank screen. Have patience and wait.)
   
   
   
   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. Enter your name and company name. Please leave the "Hide advanced configurations options" box checked. Click Next.
   
   
   
   6. Feature Selection. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   7. Authentication Mode. Click "Mixed Mode." That will unlock the "sa" ("system administrator") password fields. Please enter a strong password. Strong passwords must be at least 8 characters and consist of at least 3 of the following criteria:
      
      
      • It must contain uppercase characters.
      • It must contain lowercase characters.
      • It must contain numbers.
      • It must contain non-alph-numeric characters; for example, #, %, or ^.
      
      

      Please write this password down EXACTLY as you enter it. You will need it later in the ALMSys® or Lading Manager™ configuration. Click Next.

   8. Configuration Options. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   9. Error & Usage Report Settings. Leave as defaulted and click Next.
   
   
   
   10. Ready to Install. It should state that it is installing SQL Server Database Services. Click Install.
   
   
   
   11. Setup Progress. When all have finished, click Next.
   
   
   
   12. Click Finish.
   
   
   
5. Reboot.



6. SQL Server 2005 Express is now ready. When initializing the database for the ALMSys® or Lading Manager™ software, you will be provided with fields for entering the password that you specified for the "sa" logon.