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Fileserver Installation

Lading Manager uses Microsoft® SQL Server® as its database backbone. You must have MS-SQL Server® (v2005 or above) installed.

For standalone installations, SQL Server 2005 Express or above is required. For network installations, SQL Server 2005 or above is required.

These instructions are written for SQL Server. It is assumed that the SQL software already has been installed.

Step 1: Create the Directory Structure
On the server, determine where you want the Lading Manager to reside. Lading Manager consists of database files, report templates, user folders, and other related data. While it is possible to split Lading Manager components to different drives/folders, it will be much easier to upgrade if you keep everything together.

This folder will need to be accessed from each workstation via a drive letter and path. This drive letter/path must be identical to each workstation accessing the Lading Manager.

On the fileserver:
  • Log on as the Administrator.
  • Create a directory named, "Lading Manager." Give it full access rights.
  • Insert the Lading Manager Installation CD. (If downloading from the Internet, go to http://www.ladingmanager.com/lmfull-download.htm, download and run the "Download Set 2". Redirect this installation (via "Advanced Options") to the "Lading Manager" folder that you just created. Skip the next bullet item and go to Step 2.)
  • Press Program Files. This will run an install program. Redirect the installation (via "Advanced Options") to the "Lading Manager" folder that you just created. Close the installation program.

    Step 2: SQL Server Tasks
    Create the Lading Database
    Using SQL Server Management Studio on the fileserver, create a Lading database.

    Set SQL Server Authentication
    Lading Manager uses SQL Server authentication to access the database. Please ensure that SQL Server and Windows Authentication is set up properly.

    Create a Logon 
    Lading Manager uses a "lading" logon from all workstations in order to access the Lading database in SQL Server. Please create a lading logon with the following properties:
  • authentication: SQL Server Authentication
  • password: lading
  • default database: Lading
  • membership roles: public and db_owner

    Fix the LadingConnect.ini File 
    In the network "Lading Manager" folder, create a txt file named "LadingConnect.ini." Please edit this file and set it up as follows:

    [Connect]
    ServerName=name
    Network=Yes

    Type in your server's name (or IP address) after the "ServerName=", WITH NO PARENTHESIS OR SPACES. For example: "ServerName=APPSERVER"

    Save your edits and exit.

    Step 3: Workstation Setup
    The remaining steps are to be done from a workstation and not the server. To set up a workstation:
  • Map the PC to the Lading Manager folder on the fileserver.
  • Download and run http://www.almsysinc.com/soft/files/lading/lading-workstation.exe . This will copy some system files required for Lading Manager.
  • Create a desktop short-cut to the Lading Manager. The main program is (on the server) Lading Manager\Program\LadingManager.exe.

    Step 4: Create the Data Files
    At this point, you need to begin setting up a workstation so that the data files may be created in the Lading Manager Server database. 
  • Navigate to the network Lading Manager\Install\Create folder.
  • Run program "LadingDatasetBuild.exe". It will automatically connect to the Lading database. If it does not, then either the LadingConnect.ini file is incorrect or you do not have the Lading database configured correctly with a lading user I.D.
  • Press the Create All Tables button and let it run.
  • Close the program.

    Step 5: Save the Control File
    A "Control.xml" file was e-mailed to you. Please save it to the network Lading Manager\Install\Create folder. (It will replace a file.)

    Step 6: Load the Data Files
    Load the data files by:
  • Navigate to the network Lading Manager\Install\Create folder.
  • Run program "LadingLoadFiles.exe". It will automatically connect to the Lading database.
  • Press the Load All Tables button and let it run.
  • Close the program.

    Step 7: Set up the Default Folders
  • The Lading Manager is run from the network Lading Manager\Program\LadingManager.exe program. Please run this program now.
  • Go to "Tools - Defaults" or press the tools button.
  • Go to the "Folders" page.
  • Set the path to the "Query" folder under the Lading Manager main folder.
  • Save your changes and exit the Defaults screen.

    And Finally...
    The Lading Manager is now ready to go! When you run the program, it will take you into the help topic, "Getting Started / Main Menu." Please read this topic as it goes through some additional system setup instructions.