Chapter 3 - INSTALLATION/UPGRADING

The BCFPI software has 2 parts. The first is the Server part. This contains the data for the application, as well as the files required to install any clients. The workstation (or client) is the second part of the BCFPI software. The workstation consists of the program that each user uses on their computer to access the BCFPI data. The Server part needs to be installed on a single computer that all users have access to (through the network). The Server part can only be installed once on the network. The Workstation part needs to be installed on every computer that will be used to work with the data. The software can also be installed as 'standalone' software. In this mode, only a single computer is ever used to run the BCFPI software. This computer will contain both the Server and Workstation files.

On Windows NT, 2000 and XP, you will require Administrator (elevated) privileges to run the install. This means you must be logged in as an administrator to run the installs.

NOTE: The Server part of the BCFPI software MUST be installed first.

CAUTION!!! Before proceeding, make a back up copy of your existing version.

Please also refer to installation requirements before proceeding.

3.1 Server/Standalone Install/Update

The first thing you should do is to determine which computer should be your BCFPI Server. Please see the Appendix on Choosing A Server if you are unsure about which computer should be your BCFPI server.

The process for updating an existing install is the same as doing a new install. The only exception is that some install options may be disabled during an upgrade. If you want to modify such an option, you can later modify your install settings. An update will force you to install the update to the same location (the update will remember this location for you if you are updating version 3.2.4 or later). If you are updating, you may not need to update any of your workstations. An update to 3.2.4 or later will be much quicker and easier than the initial install.

Installing From the Internet

If you are installing the BCFPI Server from the internet, you will need the file, "webbcfpi.exe". You can double click on this file to start the install. The initial install may take a while to download as it consists of a lot of files. However, subsequent updates should be quick since only changed files will be updated and replaced.

Installing From the CD

If you are installing the BCFPI Server from a CD, then insert the BCFPI Server install CD in the CD-ROM drive of the computer that will be the BCFPI Server. The install should start automatically after you insert the CD. If the install does not automatically start, you can start the install by double clicking on the file, "srbcfpi.exe" located on the install CD.

Installing Windows Installer

Before the actual install can begin, Windows Installer will be installed/updated to version 2.x if it is not already installed or of a high enough version. This may take a few minutes, especially if you are installing from the internet.

Once Windows Installer is up to date, the install will begin.

Begin Installing the BCFPI Server

You will see the following screen when the install is ready. You will be warned to shut down any running software (as it might interfere with the install). Once all other software has been shut down, you should click the [Next] button to continue.

Set the install destination

The first thing that you need to do is to choose the install destination for the BCFPI server. If you are not sure where you should install the BCFPI server, please see the appendix on Choosing the Install Location. You can press the [Browse] button if you want to change the install destination for the BCPFI server software. WARNING: If you do not choose the correct install location and you are updating a previous 'Live' version of the database, then your live data will not be brought foward to the new version. Make sure you have read Choosing the Install Location and that you are choosing the correct install location.

Choose an existing folder

You can use the drop down control at the top of the Browse dialog to choose the drive for the install destination.

Click the [OK] button if you are happy with the destination folder you have selected.

Creating a new folder during the BCFPI Server Install

If you decide that you want to install the BCFPI server software to a brand new folder on your server, you can use the new folder button to create a new folder for installing the software. Then, you can replace the name, "New Folder" with a more appropriate name (such as "BCFPI").

Once you are happy with the new folder name, make sure it is has been selected. (When it is selected, the install destination can be seen in the 'Folder Name' edit box. Click the [OK] button to confirm the install destination folder.

Confirm the Installation Destination

You will return to the 'Destination Folder' dialog. You can see the new destination folder you chose is listed as the 'Destination Folder'. Click [Next] to continue.

Special Options

On this dialog, you can choose the Database Language for the BCFPI forms, as well as the Install Type for the install. For more information on these options, refer to the server install special options section. Click the [Next] button to continue.

Begin the file copying process

The install is now ready to start copying the files. Click the [Next] button to begin the copying process.

Install Progress

While the install is running, you will see a bar showing the progress of the install.

Updating BCFPI V2

If you are updating v2 or early of the BCFPI (and you had a copy of v2 or early of BCFPI actually installed on your machine) you may be prompted about removing the old version of BCFPI. You should allow the system to unintall the old BCFPI. If the uninstall fails, this is fine - sometimes the old install files get removed by your system. When uninstalling the old BCFPI, you may be prompted to remove "XCeedZip.dll". If so, you should choose to LEAVE this file installed.

Install Completed

Once the install has completed, the following screen will be displayed. Click the [Finish] button to end the install. The BCFPI Server is now installed.

New BCFPI Icon

You will see a shortcut to start the BCFPI software on your desktop.

New BCFPI Shortcuts

You will also see new shortcuts in your start menu.

Configure the BDE

If this is a brand new install of the BCFPI on your computer, you need to make sure that the "Local Share" setting of the BDE is set to 'True' before you use the BCFPI software. The software will automatically check your setting, and if it's not correct it will offer to change the setting for you. You will have to re-start the BCFPI software after changing the software.  You will not be able to use the BCFPI software unless the "Local Share" setting of the BDE is 'True'. If you want to change in manually, there is more information here.

Set up the databases

Once the install has completed, you can start the BCFPI software to ensure the install ran correctly. You will also need to rebuild the databases. Please refer to the section on Preparing the BCFPI Database for more information on rebuilding your databases.

WARNING: If you were updating an older version of the BCFPI software (version 2) then you need to make sure that your live data is available in the new version. If you do not see your old live data in the new live database, then part of the install failed, and you need to contact support@bcfpi.com before using your system. If your old live data did not get updated to the new system, then you will see, "Live Blank" for the agency name in the status bar at the bottom of the main BCFPI window when you are running the live database.