Using “Master Quote” on a Network

Whilst “Master Quote” has been written as basically a single-user system, it can be installed and used on a network. The underlying database is Microsoft Access ’97, which is “network ready” but there are some important points that you should be aware of when running on a network.

1. To avoid potential record-locking problems, you should try to restrict the generation of new quotes to one user at a time. There should be no problems with other users viewing data simultaneously.

2. Ensure that your network has been properly configured and that each computer has been given a name that identifies it. Mapping of network drives is not recommended.

3. If you are using RealTek 8139 network cards on Windows ‘98, ensure that you have the latest drivers installed or you may send bad data packets across the network and inevitably corrupt your database. This check will probably require the assistance of the person who maintains your network. The latest drivers can be downloaded from RealTek’s web site.

Installation

“Master Quote” is comprised of two separate files:

The recommended method of installation is to install the system onto your server and then copy the MQ_Sys.mde to a folder, usually C:\Mquote, on the local hard drive of each computer that will use the system. DO NOT INSTALL OR COPY MQ_DAT.MDB ONTO ANY LOCAL DRIVES. This method ensures that each computer runs the programs locally rather than across the network and only data is passed across the network. This method will provide the best performance and, usually, the safest as most servers are backed up regularly (make sure that you include MQ_Dat.mdb in your backup routine!!). When you have copied MQ_Sys.mde onto each local drive, create a shortcut to this file on your desktop. The first time that you run the program on each workstation, you should receive a message saying that the program cannot locate the MQ_Dat.mdb file. Use the dialog box that is displayed to locate this file on the network by choosing “Network Neighborhood” and locating the file on your network server (the folder should also be name “Mquote” but this is not essential). Once you have located MQ_Dat.mdb, all the required data files will be linked to the correct path and you should not have to repeat this process unless you move the MQ_Dat.mdb to another location.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU SEEK HELP FROM YOUR NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR IN CARRYING OUT THE ABOVE STEPS AS WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER REMOTE SUPPORT FOR NETWORKS, DUE TO THE MULTITUDE OF DIFFERENT INSTALLATIONS, NETWORK CONFIGURATIONS AND HARDWARE.

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