Installing an Existing Database

You can install an existing SoftDent database on any networked computer. If you install the database on a computer other than the primary server, that computer is configured as a secondary server. An existing database configured to support an additional database environment can be accessed from any networked SoftDent server or workstation.

Before installing this software, back up data.

Before installing an existing database:

Configure the primary server. For more information, see Configuring the Primary Server.
Upgrade the server to SoftDent, version 19.1.2. For more information, see Installing SoftDent on the Server.
Ensure each database or server containing SoftDent data files has a separate license file.
Share the primary server’s drive and map the secondary server to the shared drive.

To set up a database on a secondary server:

To update the registry, select Start > All Programs > SoftDent > SoftDent.
Close SoftDent on the primary server and all other computers on the network.
Shut down the FairCom Server software.
Verify that all programs on the secondary server are closed, navigate to the SoftDent ISO file, and click it. The Directory window is displayed.
Double-click InstallMenu.exe. The SoftDent Installation window is displayed.

If you are running Windows 10 or later, the AutoPlay window is displayed.

Click Run InstallMenu.exe. The User Account Control window is displayed.
Click Yes. The SoftDent Installation window is displayed.

Select Install Additional Database. The SoftDent - Multi-Database Setup window is displayed.
Read the message; ensure the SoftDent directory on the primary server is shared, a drive on the secondary server is mapped to the primary server’s shared drive, a backup of your data is saved, and a license for the additional database is installed; click Proceed. The SoftDent - Multi-Database Setup - Create or Setup window is displayed.
Select Set up an additional database from an existing SoftDent database and click Proceed. The SoftDent - Multi-Database Setup - Enter Database Information window is displayed.
Type the database name. The database name must be unique and fifteen characters or less.

The database name and server name are displayed in the header bar when SoftDent is accessing the database. Example: Database_1@SDDB_1

To select the database’s license file, click Browse next to the License File ID field. The Licensing Settings window is displayed. Select the file from the License drop-down list. The SoftDent - Multi-Database Setup - Enter Database Information window is displayed.
To select the database, click Browse next to the Existing Database field. The Browse for Folder window is displayed. Navigate to and select the directory and click OK. The SoftDent - Multi-Database Setup - Enter Database Information window is displayed.
To delete existing data files after they are copied to the primary server, select Remove Existing Data Files.

CAUTION: Back up data before selecting Remove Existing Data Files. If this option is selected, the data files are deleted after being copied to the primary server and cannot be accessed.

Click OK. The Installing window is displayed while the default data is copied to the server.

To configure additional databases, repeat steps 5 through 12.

Activate and start the FairCom Server software from each SoftDent database directory. See Starting and Shutting Down the FairCom Server Software.
Select Start > All Programs > SoftDent > SoftDent. The SoftDent Login window is displayed.
Type your user name and password, select a database, and click OK. The Registration Reminder window is displayed.
Select Yes, I want to register now and click OK. The Registration window is displayed.
Select an option:
To receive your registration code on the Internet, click Automatically via the Internet and follow the instructions.
To receive your registration code over the telephone, call a Carestream Dental support representative.

After you receive a registration code, type it and click OK. SoftDent is displayed.
The first time you access the software from a workstation, client files are updated to ensure the workstation is synchronous with the server.