About Network Installations

Q What is a Network Installation?

A A network installation is when two or more workstations are setup to use the same databases. In the case of AuctionMaestro Pro they are setup to use the same .AUC and .PEO files.

Q How many workstations can connect to the same databases?

A1 AuctionMaestro Pro comes with a 2 user license standard. This allows 2 workstations to access the same databases at the same time.
A2 With the purchase of the network license, an organization can have any number of workstations connected to the same databases at the same time.

Q What are the minimum hardware requirements for setting up a Network Installation?

A1 For the Server (the machine that the database files are stored on):
      Pentium III – 450 MHz
      128 megs of RAM
      A network card (name brands are preferred over generics)
A2 For the Workstation (the machines that will connecting to the database files)
      Pentium III – 300 MHz
      64 Megs of RAM
      A monitor that can run at 1024 x 768 screen resolution
      A network card (name brands are preferred over generics)

Q What are the software requirements for setting up a Network Installation?

A1 Each workstation must have full read/write/modify permissions to the folder where the database files are stored. In some cases the administrator will need to establish these permissions.
A2 For users of Windows XP Pro, please see the user manual for additional instruction on how to give this permission.

Q We have given full read/write/modify permissions to the users, but they still can not access the databases.

A (Advanced) Ensure that the folder is not inheriting the permissions of the parent folder. The storage folder may need to be more to the root drive.

Q Do I need to use a specific type of network?

A No. The standard networking features found in all Windows operating systems (except for Windows ME) is sufficient for networking AuctionMaestro Pro.

Q What sort of network cable do you recommend?

A We recommend using Ethernet twisted pair cabling (10-Base-T, Cat-5, or Cat-6 cable with RJ45 connections), running at 10-Mbs. 100-Mbs network speed cable can also be used for this application if available.

Q My network is running really slowly. How can I fix this?

A1 Check the size of your .AUC file. If that file is larger than 3 Megs in size, we recommend:
      1) Remove any extra logos or pictures stored in the database
      2) Ensure that the images stored in the database are web optimized. A very large image will bloat the database and cause it to run slower.
      3) Run the external repair on the database to compact the database.
A2 Check your hardware. Problems can be:
      1) A cable is loose. Remove and reconnect all cables.
      2) A cable is damaged. Try replacing the cable that run from either the server to the hub or from the workstation that is running slowly to the hub.
      3) The hub or switch being used is old. Try using a newer hub or switch.
      4) Check the length of your cables. Cables greater than 300 feet in length can cause slowdowns. Place a hub halfway between the computers to strengthen the signal.

Q Do you have any general suggestions?

A It is always a good idea to have a battery-backup (UPS) for the server. This will prevent data loss in the case of a power outage.

Q When I open the 2nd and successive workstations, it takes a very long time for the software to load. Once I am in everything works fine.

A This is caused by record locking issues in some network setups. To solve this problem:
      1) Open the first workstation.
      2) On the first workstation do not navigate away from the Main Screen.
      3) Open each successive workstation.
      4) Once all workstations have opened the software and are viewing the Main Screen, you may proceed.

How to setup a Network Installation

This example uses AuctionMaestro Pro as the example software. If you were setting up a network for GolfMaestro Pro, replace all references to .AUC with .GLF.

1) Install AuctionMaestro Pro on the workstations.
      a. If you have not purchased the Network license you may only have 2 workstations connected to the database files at the same time.
2) Create a network directory for common data files (i.e. N:\Auction).
3) Give all workstations read/write/modify permission.
4) Copy the USER.DAT (from any machine), the *.AUC file and the *.PEO file to the network directory (N:\AUCTION).
5) Open AuctionMaestro Pro on each of the workstations.
6) Check each workstation to ensure that they have been upgraded to an unlimited user license (if networking 3 or more machines.)
      a. If the software does not say Unlimited License in the bottom right hand corner then that computer needs to be updated (as described in the manual.)

Note: If you re-install AuctionMaestro Pro on a workstation, you will not have to re-register it, but you will have to re-enter the network upgrade code.

7) Select the .AUC and .PEO files to use. This is done by
      a. Choose Select Create Databases on the left.
      b. Choose Select Databases to Use on the right.
            i. This will open the Select Databases to Use Screen [1,1]
      c. Select the appropriate .AUC file and .PEO file as stored in N:\Auction
8) When done, all of the workstations will be connected to same .AUC and .PEO file via the network