DS-Access Version 9 User Guide: Appendix B - Sharing DS-Access between multiple computers

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Appendix B - Sharing DS-Access between multiple computers

Some usage scenarios require a single instance of DS-Access to be accessible from multiple computers. This can be accomplished in either of two ways. Both methods are described below, however method 2 is strongly recommended to allow simultaneous access from multiple machines and for better reliability. (Note: You must be logged onto your Windows PC as an Administrator to install DS-Access.)

Method 1. Installing a single instance of DS-Access to a network location
The first option for sharing DS-Access between multiple computers is simply to install DS-Access to a computer and drive which is accessible from other PCs on the network. Just perform a standard install on a networked computer, and be sure the installation folder is shared so it can be accessed by the other PCs. You may want to change the default intallation path in the Setup Wizard during the installation process. (For more information see Installing DS-Access to a non-default location.) Additionally you will need to move or copy the special DS-Access program shortcut to a shared location. To run DS-Access from another computer, browse the network and locate the DS-Access shortcut and double-click to launch DS-Access.

This method is the simplest, and has the advantage that any changes you make to Default Values, Derivative URL patterns, or other Settings will automatically be the same on all machines. Nevertheless, Method 2 is preferred.

Method 2. Installing multiple instances of DS-Access linked to a shared data file
The preferred method of sharing a DS-Access installation is to install an instance of the DS-Access application on every machine you wish to run the program. For each machine, do the following:

1) Perform a standard install as outlined in Installing DS-Access. (Make a note of the DS-Access installation folder in the Setup Wizard.)

[Screenshot of DS-Access installation folder]

2) Using Windows Explorer, open the DS-Access installation folder

Note: By default DS-Access is installed into a hidden folder. To see the DS-Access installation folder your Windows Explorer settings must allow you to see hidden files and folders. On the Tools menu at the top of any folder, select 'Folder Options'. On the 'View' tab, select 'Show hidden files and folders'.

[Screenshot of folder properties]

3) If this is the first machine on which you are installing DS-Access, move the DS-Access data file (dsdata.mdb) to a shared location on the network. If this is not the first installation and you have already moved the DS-Access data file to a shared location, delete the DS-Access data file.

4) Follow the instructions described in Running DS-Access for the first time. Be sure that you browse to the DS-Access data file (dsdata.mdb) which you moved to a shared location on the network, and then click 'Re-Link Data Tables'.

Make sure you follow steps 1-4 for every computer which will be used to run DS-Access. Keep in mind that Default Values, Derivative URL patterns, and other Settings will need to be kept in sync on all machines which run DS-Access.