Installation
So... you've installed DentOffice according to the directions and when you
get to the Choose Database window, it can't connect to the database.
Here's what you do:
1. First of all, make sure that you are trying to install on Windows 2000 or Windows XP. The server program will not install on Windows 98 or Windows Me.
2. Next, do you have any antivirus programs installed that have a built-in software firewall? The firewall must be turned off or at least the settings changed. See the Antivirus page for details.
3. If you still can't get it to work, then it was most likely installed wrong, and you should try to reinstall DentOffice following the directions very carefully. If it still doesn't work, the easiest thing might be to try it on a different computer.
Advanced Troubleshooting
For advanced users, here are a few things you can do to try to troubleshoot the problem yourself:
Step A. Open C:\mysql\bin\mysql.exe. If a small black window opens and stays open, then that means the MySQL server is running. If it opens and then goes away, then you need to go to step B to get the server running. If the window is open, type "use opendental" and press Enter. It should say something like "database changed". If so, then the opendental database is running successfully and you should go to step C. If you get a message like "ERROR", then the opendental database files have not been installed properly. Redo the installation.
Step B. Go to MyComputer and right click (that's the lesser-used button on your mouse). From the menu that comes up, select Manage. Then double click services and applications, then double click Services. Find MySQL in the alphabetical list. If you can't find it, then the MySQL server was not installed correctly. You should redo the installation, making sure to install all items. If you do find MySQL in the list and the status is stopped, then single click on it and select "Restart the service". Then try to run DentOffice. If you are unsuccessful, go back to step A
Step C. The most likely explanation is that some of your files are accidently set to read-only. Go to C:\mysql\data and find the folder called opendental. Right click on this folder and select Properties. Find the box that says Read-only and click on it until it is completely blank. Then, click OK. When given the choice, apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files. Also follow the same procedure for the folder called OpenDentalData on the C: drive. RESTART YOUR COMPUTER. Then try to run DentOffice. If you are unsuccessful, try again, because it is sometimes difficult to complete this step perfectly.
Problems While Using DentOffice
First, run the Check Database Integrity tool as described in the section on corruption.
Then, read the manual carefully so that you completely understand how the program is supposed to function. Check the Previous Versions page to see if your problem has already been identified and fixed. You might be able to just obtain the most recent release to solve your problem.
If, after following these steps, you think you found a bug, you can email us and we would be happy to look into it. Or if you are on a support plan, you can, or course, call us.