Template:Configuring the Database Server
Configuring the Database server
The Database server is the actual machine where the QESTLab/QESTMix database resides.
QESTLab and QESTMix require an SQL Server database (version 2000 and onwards). The edition of SQL Server required will need to consider a number of factors including expected number od users. As a minimum, we recommend using MS SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition as the Express Edition, even though free, has several limitations. These limitations include:
· Maximum Number of CPU’s allowed: 1
· Maximum amount of RAM: 1 GB
· Maximum Database size: 4 GB
Installing MS SQL Server 2005
MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition can be obtained from:
Please be aware of the limitations of the product (described above).
Install SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition and any additional service packs that it may require. The default settings can be used to install this product.
SQL Server Installation Procedure
This section deals with the installation of SQL Express 2005 in more detail, more advanced users can feel free to skip this section if they are comfortable installing the database software.
This section assumes that the user is installing SQL Express 2005 and all instructions, therefore, cater to this software package.
The user should be in possession of two files for this installation. SQLExpress.exe and SQLServer2005_SSMSEE.msi.
Run SQLExpress.exe and proceed with all default settings.
Follow this by running SQLServer2005_SSMSEE.msi and, again, proceeding with default settings.
To help with management of MS SQL Server 2005 please download the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=82AFBD59-57A4-455E-A2D6-1D4C98D40F6E&displaylang=en
When connecting to the installed SQL server via the management console ensure that the server name is <MachineName>\SQLEXRESS as shown in the image below.
Post SQL Server Installation
After installing SQL Server, we can now proceed with attaching the QESTLab/QESTMix database for the QEST software to access.
- Add a new database named QESTLab/QESTMix to the server. Please note that this database will be made available to you by Spectra QEST.
If the provided file has the extension .bak the user will have to 'Restore' the database. Conversely, if the provided database file has an .MDF extension the user will have to 'Attach' the database. These actions are performed SQL Management Studio Express and are pictured below.
- Create a System DSN for this database. This should:
- Use SQL Native Client as the driver when setting up a new data source.
- Use Windows authentication
- Typically have the name QESTLab or QESTMix.
