Setting up a test GainSeeker database on your database server

The following instructions will help you create a test/development database on your database server. This database can be used to make and test changes before moving them onto your production database.

1. Using your database utility tools, backup your existing GainSeeker database (typically named SPC). Restore to the same database server but give it a new name (such as "SPC_DEV").

2. If necessary, resolve orphan database user issues and create new users.

3. Copy all data in the shared data path to a new folder, e.g., "GainSeekerShareDev".

4. Set up GainSeeker to point to the new database by installing GainSeeker on a new computer and connecting to the test database. Using the System Administration module, verify all paths are correct and use the new shared data path created in step 3.

5. Obtain and install updated license files. If wanting to run in both development and production from the same computer, you must switch REDIRECT.HSI and CSM.INI files. Create PRODUCTION and DEVELOPMENT versions of both these files and use batch files (.BAT) to switch between the two.

Note: If local administrator access is not possible to switch the CMS.INI in C:\Windows and REDIRECT.HSI in C:\ProgramData, copying to %localappdata%\VirtualStore\ will work.

6. At this point, you can export/import non-shared data between the Development and Production environments. It may also be useful to create a Python script to refresh the development data tables with current data from production (last 30 days).