📝 Overview
Learn how to set up DaySmart Desktop for a multi-computer network, including choosing a server and connecting client computers.
If you’re using a Multi-Computer or Multi-Location edition, your system will run in a network environment with:
Server computer (stores the database)
Client computer(s) (connect to the server to access the same database)
🔑 Authorizations
To ensure the setup process is successful please confirm:
You have a Multi-Computer or Multi-Location edition (or licensing) for DaySmart Desktop.
Your Windows network or Virtual Private Network (VPN) is already set up and working (computers can see each other on the network).
You have your serial number available for registration.
🛠️ Setup
Learn how to set up your server computer first, then connect your client computers to the server database.
Helpful reminders:
Make sure the server computer stays on, client computers can’t connect without it.
Database maintenance happens on the server only (new database, restore, and backups).
For best results, keep the software open on the server during business hours so automatic backups can run and restart the server computer weekly.
Need to adjust calendar refresh timing? Go to Tools → Options → Scheduling and update the Appointment Book Auto Refresh Rate.
🖥️ Set up the Server computer (main database)
Click the arrow to learn how to set up the main database
Click the arrow to learn how to set up the main database
Install DaySmart Desktop on the computer you want to use as the server.
Open the software and register it (Help menu → Register), then enter your serial number.
If prompted to select a server, choose the server option. If you are not prompted:
Go to File → Database Settings → Connection Settings → Edit Connection Settings.
Select This is my main computer (server), then select Continue.
In the Manual Setup field, enter \DSI, then select Continue.
If it fails to connect, choose Automatic Setup, then continue.
When setup completes, choose one:
Create a blank database
Create a database with sample data (you can delete later)
Restore an existing backup
🖥️💻 Set up Client computer(s) (additional computers)
Click the arrow to learn how to connect client computers
Click the arrow to learn how to connect client computers
Install DaySmart Desktop on the computer you want to use as a client.
Open the software and register it (Help menu → Register), then enter your serial number.
If you are not prompted to select a server:
Go to File → Database Settings → Connection Settings → Edit Connection Settings.
Select This is an additional computer (client).
In the Manual Setup field, enter your server name, then select Connect.
You can find the server name on the server computer in File → Database Settings → Connection Settings.
If you don’t know the server name, use Automatic Setup, select the server from the list, then continue.
If your database has a password, enter it when prompted.
Repeat these steps on each additional client computer.
❓ FAQs
Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.
Click the arrow to view frequently asked questions
Click the arrow to view frequently asked questions
How do I decide which computer should be the server?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
The server should typically be the fastest or most heavily used computer, since it stores the database and handles backup/restore actions.
Where do I find the server name?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
On the server computer, go to File → Database Settings → Connection Settings to view the server name used by client computers.
Why can’t a client computer connect to the server?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
Common causes include:
The server computer is turned off
The computers are not on the same Windows network
Windows firewall/antivirus is blocking the connection
The wrong server name was entered
VPN not connected
If you’re still unable to connect please contact Support.
Can client computers run backups?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
No. Backups (and restores/new database creation) can only be performed on the server computer.