20/20 DataShed can be installed and ready to use within minutes. (Best case scenarios! -- see below.)
However most users run into a small glitch or two which causes delays. The information provided here is designed to help you work through those glitches so that 20/20 DataShed can be installed and configured quickly and then operates smoothly on your web site.
Choosing a Web Host. A plain discussion about web hosts, compatibility, and a short "who's hot and who's not" list.
Installation (Windows Server 2003). Step-by-step guide to create a new web site (virtual directory) in IIS and then setup/install 20/20 DataShed to that web site on Windows Server 2003. These instructions also apply to Server 2000 and some NT systems.
Installation (Web Host). Step-by-step guide to setup/install 20/20 DataShed on hosted (3rd party) web server such as Hostway, GoDaddy, Brinkster, etc.
Installation (Windows XP Professional Edition). Step-by-step guide to create a new web site (virtual directory) in IIS and then setup/install 20/20 DataShed to that web site on Windows XP Professional Edition.
Before uploading 20/20 DataShed's files to your web site, we recommend you first answer the following questions:
Is your web site located on a Microsoft Windows Server using IIS (Internet Information Server)?
20/20 DataShed is created using ASP (Active Server Pages) and an MS Access database. Both of these techologies require the Microsoft IIS web server. We recommend that you our Server Test Utility to learn more about your web server.
Do the folders and files on your web site have permission to read, write, modify, delete files on the server?
20/20 DataShed requires the ability to upload/save and delete photos on your web server. As well, other features require the ability to create, modify, and delete small files and the ability to copy/backup the database file. To ensure smooth and secure operation, we recommend that you properly configure the File/Folder Security (NTFS Permissions) prior to installation.
Have "parent paths" been enabled or disabled on your web site?
There is a setting in each web site in the Microsoft web server called "Enable Parent Paths". If this option is turned on then great...if this option is turned off then a slight modification is required in the _locals.asp file prior to or during the installation.
Does your web site have access to an outgoing SMTP server? If so, what is the name or I.P. address of that server? Does the SMTP server require username/password authentication? If so, what username/password should be used?
20/20 DataShed supports the use of email components: CDONTS, CDOSYS, ASPMail, ASPEmail, MailEnableASP, Soft-Artisans SMTPMail, and Dimac JMail. Your web site provides some messaging features which require access to an SMTP server using one of these components.
Does your server administrator recommend that you locate your database in a specific folder or location? If so, where? And does that folder provide sufficient permission to read, write, modify, and delete the contents of the folder and files?
By default, 20/20 DataShed's database is located in the parent folder. However, some I.S.P.'s prefer the database be located in a folder designated to databases. Note that will need to instruct 20/20 DataShed how/where to find your database file if it has been moved from its default location -- but either configuration will work.
If you don't know the answers to these questions, then ask your server administrator for this information before you proceed with the installation.
If you do know these answers, then the installation should go very smoothly.
What's Next?
When 20/20 DataShed is configured and working properly, it's ready to use immediately. However, there are many steps one can take to customize the product.
We recommend that you immediately visit the "20/20 DataShed Options" panel and configure the product for your needs and view the related topics below:
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