Overview

Following document outlines the procedure to install PDA (Plato Data Analyzer) on a shared network. This means the program and supporting dlls are installed on the client workstation and shared databases are installed on the server. Note that the server is used just as a file server hence no programming components are installed on the server, but server is used just for storing files so that they can be accessed by more than one workstation. This also allows the databases to be a part on the server's backup currently being implemented at your organization. In that respect we can also do peer-to-peer networking i.e. install databases on a workstation and make them shareable for other workstations to access them, of course an IT person would agree this is not the best way and we discourage it.

The entire installation is done from the client workstation; once the first workstation is installed the shared databases are manually moved from the local machine to the server.

Prerequisite

• Minimum Internet Explorer 5.01 (6.0 or better recommended)
• DCOM (for Windows 95 workstations)
• ADO 2.1 or better
• Shared folder on the server (preferably called PDA) with full access rights for the PDA users. A drive mapped to this server folder or a UNC to this folder will be needed.

Installation Steps

Download:

1. Create a sub-folder under the shared PDA folder on the server called 'Install'. Download the following to this folder.
2. DCOM (if needed) can be downloaded from the internet.
3. ADO 2.1 can be downloaded from the internet (search for ADO or MDAC).

Installing DCOM and ADO:

1. (for Windows 95 workstation only) Run DCOM95.exe to install DOCM. If DCOM has already been installed it will prompt you.
2. If ADO 2.1 or better is already installed on the workstation this installation can be skipped. Run Mdac_typ.exe to install ADO 2.1. Choose 'Complete' install when asked.

Proceed to installtion of first workstation or additional workstation.

Installing PDA on first workstation

1. From the 'Install' folder on the server launch PDAStandardSetup.exe to start the installation of PDA.
2. Setup will install InstallShield components, if required, click 'Next'.
3. After reading the license agreement, click 'Yes' stating that you agree to the terms.
4. Confirm 'Customer Information', click 'Next'.
5. From the 'Setup Type' dialog, choose 'Custom'. If you want to install the program files at a different location click 'Browse' and choose appropriate location, click 'Next'.
6. From the 'Select PDA Program Options' dialog leave 'PDA Program Files' checked. If you have saved reports prior to version 3.2.2 check 'Plato Crystal Reports Engine' box. In most cases you will leave the Crystal box unchecked, click 'Next'.
7. From 'Select PDA System' dialog leave 'PDA System and User Databases' box checked, click 'Next'.
8. From the 'Enter Program Shortcut Arguments' dialog enter the following:
1. Production: If needed change the path to a local drive where you want to copy the production databases; typically leave it to default, click 'Next'.
9. From the 'Select Program Folder' dialog, if needed change the 'Program Folder'; typically leave it to default, click 'Next'.
10. From the 'Start Copying Files' dialog, verify that the current settings reflect the setup options you specified. If not click 'Back' to change any setup options. If you are satisfied with the current settings, click 'Next' to begin copying the files to the computer.
11. Follow along on screen and reboot instructions as they are displayed.
12. Now we will move the production databases from the local drive to the server:
1. Launch Windows Explorer
2. Locate the 'Production' folder on your local hard disk. If you did not change the defaults it will be in C:\Program Files\CPR Technologies\PDA. Move the 'Production' folder from the local machine to the 'PDA' folder on the server.
13. Now we need to change the PDA shortcut to look at the server instead of local hard disk:
1. From the desktop, locate the 'PDA' icon on the desktop.
2. Right-click on the PDA icon and select 'Properties' from the popup menu.
3. Select the shortcut tab from the 'PDA Properties' dialog box.
4. From the target line locate the –DBRoot switch. Within the parentheses change that path to the location of the 'Production' folder on the network drive.
5. Double click on the PDA shortcut. You will be asked to activate the program, answer 'Yes'. Contact CPRT installation representative to obtain additional licenses if purchased. You will not be able to activate other workstations without obtaning additional licenses.

Installing PDA on additional workstation(s)

1. From the 'Install' folder on the server launch PDAStandardSetup.exe to start the installation of PDA.
2. Setup will install 'InstallShield' components, if required, click 'Next'.
3. After reading the license agreement, click 'Yes' stating that you agree to the terms.
4. Confirm 'Customer Information', click 'Next'.
5. From the 'Setup Type' dialog, choose 'Custom'. If you want to install the program files at a different location click 'Browse' and choose appropriate location, click 'Next'.
6. From the 'Select PDA Program Options' dialog leave 'PDA Program Files' checked. If you have saved reports prior to version 3.2.2 check 'Plato Crystal Reports Engine' box. In most cases you will leave the Crystal box unchecked, click 'Next'.
7. From 'Select PDA System' dialog UNCHECK 'PDA System and User Databases', click 'Next'.
8. From 'Select PDA Tutorial' dialog leave 'PDA Tutorial Databases' box checked if you want to install the tutorial databases, if not uncheck the box; typically leave it checked, click 'Next'.
9. From the 'Enter Program Shortcut Arguments' dialog enter the following:
1. Production: CHANGE THE PATH to a server’s 'Production' folder click 'Next'.
10. From the 'Select Program Folder' dialog, if needed change the 'Program Folder'; typically leave it to default, click 'Next'.
11. From the 'Start Copying Files' dialog, verify that the current settings reflect the setup options you specified. If not click 'Back' to change any setup options. If you are satisfied with the current settings, click 'Next' to begin copying the files to the computer.
12. Follow along on screen and reboot instructions as they are displayed.
13. Double click on the PDA shortcut. You will be asked to activate the program, answer 'Yes'.