Overview

• Provider Almanac software developed in Microsoft .Net
• SQL Server Compact 2008 SP1 database for local storage of selection tables, work tables and reports.
• Permanent Databases on the internet in SQL Server 2008 for Cost Reports, POS and Summary Healthcare information.

Provider Almanac is installed from the internet. The following instructions will guide you through the internet setup method.  This process normally takes 15 minutes with a standard DSL connection.  We will be glad to help you perform the installation.  We can also install the software by an Internet Remote Meeting session. 

1.  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 Provider.sdf that stores the selection tables, system work tables and all report workfiles.  The current download size is 99MB.  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.  If using Windows 7 or Vista, please 'unblock' the downloaded file.  Click on the file named Provider.zip and expand the database in the HDatabases directory.  Please make sure the databases in expanded into the directory Hdatabases. 

If you do not use the name HDatabases, say the special instructions in Step 4.

2.  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 4.0 Client Profile (from Microsoft Corporation)
• SQL Server 2008 Compact SP1 (from Microsoft Corporation)
• Microsoft Visual Studio Report Viewer 2008 (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 

3.  Enter Client ID and Password

Go to the start menu on your computer or desktop icon and select Provider Almanac.  When the software begins, select the menu item 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 (SQL Login) to the Permanent Databases.  The system is now installed.

4.  Locate User Database Message.

  You may receive a message to locate the User Database. The system is setup to use the Hdatabases location.  Select the menu item File and then select User Setup.  On this screen, browse to the location of the User Database.  When you press close, the location is saved.  The system is now installed.

5. Optional - Install from a DVD.

Normally, you want to install Provider Almanac over the internet.  Howerver, if security, privacy or accessibility is an issue, you can Install from DVDs. . You must obtain an Installation DVD which can be sent by Fedex to your office. Follow the hyperlink to the instructions.

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.  You must install SQL Server Express (Free from Microsoft) for the databases. The Permanent Databases databases are quite large (65 to 250 meg) 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.   

Install Permanent Databases 

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

Install SQL Server Express

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