Overview

• Provider Almanac software developed by Robert Neal, CPA.
• Supporting software from Microsoft which includes SQL Server Express Edition 2005/2008
• SQL User Database for local storage of selection tables, work tables and reports created by Robert Neal, CPA.
• Permanent Databases on the internet for Cost Reports, POS and Summary Healthcare information created by Robert Neal, CPA.

Provider Almanac is installed from the internet or you can Install from DVDs .  The following instructions will guide you through the internet setup method.  This process normally takes upto 1 hour with a standard DSL connection.  We will be glad to help you perform the installation.  We can also install the software by a Webex session.  Please call client support to schedule an appointment for the installation.

1.  Install SQL Server Express 2008.

The link below will take you to the Microsoft website to install SQL Server Express 2008 (Free from Microsoft).  This installation requires administrative priviledges.  This software can be installed on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. 

 Install SQL Server Express

2.  Download and Prepare User Database

Please create a directory ( we suggest the name - HDatabases) on your local hard drive for the User Database.  This directory will have the downloaded files.  This directory will have a database named HUser01 that stores the selection tables, system work tables and all report workfiles for Crystal Reports.  The current download size is 98MB.  Press the Download User Database button and follow the instuctions.

  

Please navigate to the download directory HDatabases on your computer and press save.                             

After the download is complete, minimize Internet Explorer and start up Windows Explorer.  Navigate to the downloaded User Database.  Please 'unblock' the downloaded file.  Click on the file named Huser01.zip and expand the database in the HDatabase directory.  Please make sure the databases in expanded into the directory Hdatabases. 

3.  Install Provider Almanac software and Microsoft components

You can install all the software from the internet by the Microsoft Click Once method at one time.  The software consists of the following items;

• Provider Almanac software
• Microsoft Framework 3.5 (from Microsoft Corporation)
• Crystal Reports Redistriblale x/86 version (from Microsoft Corporation)
• MDAC 2.8 (from Microsoft Corporation)

All of the software listed from Microsoft Corporation can be downloaded and installed from Microsoft websites.  Provider Almanac is developed with Microsoft software and is licensed for redistribution of these Microsoft components.  If any of the Microsoft components are already installed, the components will be bypassed or upgraded as necessary.

When Provider Almanac is installed from the internet, you will receive all software upgrades and patches over the internet.  Each time you start the program, Provider Almanac checks for any program updates.

Install Provider Almanac 

4.  Prepare Provider Almanac User Database.

Go to the start menu on your computer and select Provider Almanac.  When the software begins, select the menu item Database and then select User Database.    On this screen, select the button Connect.  This will display the current verion of SQL Server Express 2005/2008 and any attached User Databases.  To attach the new User Database, select the button Attach and navigate to the location of the User Database that was downloaded in  step 1.  Then select Open for the highlighted database and the screen will close.  The information list on the screen will show the new attached User Database.

5.  Enter Client ID and Password

Return to the Provider Almanac menu and select File and then select Client Setup.  On this screen, enter the Client ID and Password that was sent to you by email.  This Client ID and Password are unique to your organization.  This will provide internet access to the Permanent Databases.

6. Optional - Download Permanent Databases.

Normally, you want to access the Permanent Databases over the internet.  Howerver, if security, privacy or performance is an issue, you can download, unzip and attach the Permanent Databases.  These databases are quite large and require several hours of download time with a standard DSL connection.  Please contact client support to discuss this option.  A password is required to unzip the databases.   

Download Databases