When you start MemberTies the first time after a new installation, the first thing the system has to do is create a database for you to use (The "database" is where all of your information is going to be stored. All of the windows you see on your computer are just there to make it easy for you to make changes to the underlying database.) Since there is no database available, MemberTies will display a window similar to the following:
Note: If you are running any sort of firewall or antivirus software on your computer, read this.
Note that this window appears instead of the Login window because the system could not find a file called "mtdb.ini" in the MemberTies program directory. This file normally contains the information about the available databases on your computer. Since it is possible that the file is missing for some reason (perhaps some files were moved around) this window enables you to decide how to proceed. There are two options:
| 1 | If this really is a new install and you know that you do not have any existing MemberTies databases on your computer, you should choose the option to "Create a New Database". You should also choose this option if you have a text file containing information you want to import into MemberTies, because you're going to need an empty database into which you can import your data. |
| 2 | If you already have a MemberTies database, then you just need to create to tell the system where it is and what to call it. In that case, choose "Search for an Existing Database". |
Once you've made your decision, follow the appropriate steps below.
Creating a new database:
| 1 | When you choose to Create, you are immediately prompted to provide a name for your new database.
By default the new database is going to be called "MyDatabase," but you can change it to whatever you want. Remember that this name is going to appear in the Database dropdown on the Login window, so keep the name simple and short. An abbreviated name of your organization is a good choice. After you choose a name, click OK. |
| 2 | MemberTies now creates the database for you, and then displays another message asking whether you want to create a user in addition to the default administrator user. You should normally choose Yes so you can create a user for yourself. See Users Overview for details about user accounts. |
| 3 | When prompted to create an account for yourself, enter a user name (i.e., john or jsmith), and a password. |
Important: Passwords are case-sensitive. "PASSWORD", "PaSswOrRd" and "password" are all completely different words to the database.
When you have entered a user name and password, click OK. The system will confirm that the password is valid, and then will add your new user account to the database. Be sure to store your user name and password somewhere safe!
| 4 | When the database has been created, the system will offer to print some details about the new database, such as the database name, and the user/password(s) you just created. It is a good idea to let the system print this report for future reference. |
| 5 | When the Login window appears, enter the user name and password you just created, then click Login to connect to your new database. |
Choosing SEARCH - to identify an existing database:
| 1 | When you choose Search, the system will open the Find Database window. This window provides three different ways to identify your existing database: |
Search for a Database Folder - If you have a database from a current version (3.x or later, for the professional version, or 6.x or newer for the standard version), in which the database consists of dozens of files inside one folder, choose this option.
| • | Search for a Database File from a Previous Version - If you have a database file, like "mtie.db" from an old version, choose this option. |
| • | Specify a Remote Database - If you need to connect to database on another computer, choose this option. |
| 2 | If you chose either of the "Search..." options above, click Search. Navigate to the folder or file as appropriate, select it and choose OK/Save. (If you selected a database file from a previous version, you will be prompted to upgrade the database. Just follow the instructions and let the upgrade happen.) |
If you choose the specify a remote database, enter the IP address, port, and folder from the remote computer. See Setting Up a Multi-User System for complete details.
| 3 | When you're finished, click OK on the Find Database window, to move on to the Database Profile window. |
| 4 | On the Database Profile window, provide a short name for the database. This name is going to appear in the Database dropdown on the Login window, so keep the name simple and short. An abbreviated name of your organization is a good choice. |
| 5 | If you have your license information available, you may enter it now. If not, leave the license fields blank. |
| 6 | Click OK to save the new database profile and return to the Login window. |
| 7 | On the Login window, enter the user name and password of an existing user on the selected database, then click Login. |
Tips
| • | As a new user, there are some other things you might want to set up. See Initial Setup in the help section called "Getting Started" for details. |
| • | If you want to register the software, or if you have already registered and just need to use your new license, see Registering or Using a New License for additional instructions. |
