The information in this article applies to:
After installing Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Version 15 software on a network server, a separate installation process is required for each workstation that will access the files over the network. This process installs the required files and desktop shortcuts onto the workstation. This article provides technical information, discusses the process, and includes procedures and frequently asked questions.
The data files for Tabs3, PracticeMaster, and other Tabs3 Financial Software reside on the network server. The local install copies and installs the required program files and help files from the network server onto the local workstation.
For example, let's say you are installing the software on a server named SERVER. When you install the software on the server, you accept the default location of:
C:\Tabs3
Next you want to install the software on two workstations that will use the software. Log onto the first workstation as an Administrator, and browse to the SERVER's Tabs3 directory, where in this example SERVER will be mapped to the S:\ drive. From the S:\Tabs3 location, find the local installation program, SETUP.EXE, and run it. This program will install the necessary programs onto this workstation. When the local install completes on that workstation, move to the next workstation and repeat the process until all workstations in the office have run the local install.
After installing the software on the server and two workstations, your installation will look similar to the following.
The Help | About window indicates where the local Program Directory as well as the Current Working Directory (Data directory) can be found.
Desktop Shortcuts are optionally installed during the Local Setup. Simply click Yes when asked to add shortcut icons to the desktop. These icons can then be modified manually as desired to include User ID and other command line startup options.
When the local install, i.e., SETUP.EXE, is performed on a workstation, a configuration file named T3LCLCFG.DAT is written in the designated Program Directory of the local workstation. This file is a text file and contains the location of the server as seen from the workstation's point of view. This is necessary for the workstation to locate the data files on the server. This file must be found in the workstation's Program Directory so that the application is able to find the correct data directory for the firm.
The following is an example of the contents of a T3LCLCFG.DAT file:
[Server] Dir=\\SERVER\Tabs3 [Client] ShortcutFolder=STI - Tabs3
To ensure the same versions of the software are used by all workstations on the network, an Auto Update feature has been introduced with Version 15.
Whenever the program files are updated on the network server, a built-in Auto Update feature will automatically update the files that reside on the workstation the next time the workstation is started. Each time the software is started on the workstation, the workstation's version is compared with the server's version to verify that they are the same version. If the workstation version matches the server version, the software will simply start up. However, if the workstation and server versions do not match, an Auto Update will automatically copy the required files from the server to the workstation. Once the update for that program is complete, the software will open for the user, and the required files for all other programs will continue to update in the background. The other programs that are updated will be accessible as soon as the update completes.
The following is an example of the window that is shown during an Auto Update.
If the program files on the server are updated, the Auto Update feature ensures that the updated programs will automatically be installed on the local workstation, thereby automating the process and eliminating the possibility that different versions of the software are used on the same data set.
It is important to note that the Auto Update does not occur unless somebody at the firm updates the software on the server from the Tabs3 Web site.
Program files (*.exe, *.dll) and help files (*.chm) are updated during the Auto Update. Documentation files (*.pdf) and multimedia tutorials are not updated during the Auto Update. You can update documentation and multimedia tutorials from our Web site at www.Tabs3.com\documentation.html.
Note: If you receive a message prompting to you run as another Windows user during the Auto Update process, select your normal user account. If you receive an error message after doing so, it may be necessary to attempt the Auto Update again and select an Administrator account. Running the Local Install again for that workstation will resolve the issue.
Earlier versions of the software included a SETUP.EXE program. When the SETUP.EXE program was run in versions prior to Version 15, only DLL files, registry settings and shortcuts were installed. Starting with Version 15, however, the actual program executable files and help files are also installed onto the workstation. These changes were implemented as a result of security measures implemented in Windows Vista.
The local install is named SETUP.EXE. It is run by browsing to the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster directory on the server with Windows Explorer and double-clicking the SETUP.EXE file to begin the process.
Technical Note: The Local Install will automatically give all users all rights to the Tabs3 & PracticeMaster directory on the workstation.
To perform the Local Install
Select the programs to be installed on the workstation from the selection tree in the Local Setup window that opens.
Select the folder where you want the programs installed.
A message box will appear asking if you want to install shortcuts for the programs on your desktop.
A Select Start Menu Folder window will appear. You can accept the default Program Folder or specify a different folder where you want the shortcuts for the selected programs installed to.
Note: This only appears if there is a previously existing Program Group, and you select No to replace/rename.
Once the programs and a destination are selected, the installation screen will appear. Each selected program will have an entry under the System heading. As each program is installed, a green check mark will display in the Complete column. The Finish button will remain grayed out until the Local Install is complete, at which time you can click on it to finish the workstation install.
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