1) How do I choose which installer package to use?

The version of the install to use is dependent on the target environment.

• If this is a test server designed to test the Simplify Suite, use the SQL Express version

• If this is a small environment of less than 3 servers, use the SQL Express version

• If this is a larger environment of more than 3 servers, use the normal (non-SQL Express) version with a separate SQL Server.

In general, if a SQL Server is available in the environment, it is best to use the existing server to avoid limitations of SQL Express. It is recommended to isolate the SQL Server to a non-terminal server for performance reasons. SQL Express is ideal for test and pilot environments, and not generally used in production environments.

2) Do I need to install the Simplify Suite on all terminal servers?

Simplify Suite should be installed on all terminal servers in the domain where you plan to use Suite functionality. Terminal servers that do not have the Simplify Suite installed will operate normally without the benefits of the Suite.

3) Can the Simplify Suite be automatically installed through Active Directory?

Automated Deployment through Active Directory

4) Is there a client that has to be installed on my workstations?

The only part of the Suite that requires a client install is ScrewDrivers. All other parts of the Suite are installed only on the terminal server.

See Also: ScrewDrivers Client Deployment

5) Should the terminal server be in 'Install Mode' before installing SQL Express?

Yes, the terminal server should be in install mode before the installation of SQL Express or the Simplify suite. For more information about install mode, see KB320185.

NOTE:  The installation of SQL Express is performed by a Microsoft installer. It may take 3-5 minutes to fully complete. In addition, reboot may be required. If a reboot is needed, then the Simplify Suite install will automatically initiate after the server is rebooted. The SQL Express portion of the installation will be skipped since it has already completed.

On a Windows Server 2003 terminal server, Windows will automatically place the system in install mode before the install begins. In this case, the administrator must complete the install mode dialog after the SQL Express is finished, and before the Simplify Suite will begin its install process.

On a Windows 2000 Server, an error message will appear notifying the administrator that the server must be in install mode, but it is up to the administrator to change modes. Use add/remove programs to start the install of the SQL Express. Make sure that the SQL Express install does progress, since sometimes it is necessary to cancel the install and restart after a failed install attempt.

6) Another program has already installed a local SQL Express instance on my server. Can I use that? Will it interfere with the Simplify Suite install?

An existing SQL Express instance can be used, provided the Administrator has sufficient permissions to that SQL Express instance. This is usually in the form of a ‘sa’ account and password, but could be a different SQL account with enough permissions as well. For more information, please see What are the required creation/connectivity permissions for the Simplify Suite database?

If an alternate SQL Express exists, a new instance of the SQL Express can be installed side-by-side with an existing SQL Express install. The triCerat bundled SQL Express is automatically installed to a named instance which will prevent conflicts with existing SQL Express software.

7) Can I install the Simplify Suite database on Oracle, MySQL, or any other DBMS?

triCerat does not currently support installation on any DBMS besides Microsoft SQL Server 2000, 2005, 2008, and MSDE.

8) Do I need uninstall old triCerat products (Desktop, PMP, Regset, and ScrewDrivers) before installing the Simplify Suite?

It is recommended to remove these products before installing the Simplify Suite. If the Simplify Suite is installed in parallel with the old versions, these old versions will continue to operate and in some cases conflict with the Simplify Suite. Simplify Printing will disable ScrewDrivers standalone. For more information on this check out the Simplify Printing section.

9) If I already have ScrewDrivers installed and want to upgrade to the full Suite, how do I do it?

ScrewDrivers should be uninstalled from the system before installing the Simplify Suite. In the event that both products are installed, the product that is installed last will take precedence for configuration settings. Standalone ScrewDrivers will use local settings from the registry, where ScrewDrivers in the Simplify Suite will use settings from the configuration database.

See Also