Installing or Upgrading SQL Server

Install SQL Server or upgrade your existing SQL Server installation.

About this task

If you are installing SQL Server for the first time, you can install either:
  • The SQL Server Express version that is supplied with Clinical/Pracsoft.
  • Your own full licence of SQL Server if you have one.
If you are upgrading SQL Server, you can either:
  • Upgrade the MedicalDirector instances as described in the SQL Server documentation.
  • Completely uninstall your SQL instances and reinstall them.

Refer to the SQL Server documentation for information about SQL Server's prerequisites, installation, and uninstallation.

Procedure

If you are upgrading SQL Server:
  1. Determine the location of the current installations of SQL Server, Clinical/Pracsoft, and ManageEzy (if your practice uses it). You will need this information during the upgrade.
  2. Perform a full backup via MedicalDirector Maintenance. If any errors occur, contact MedicalDirector Customer Support.
  3. Stop these services:
    • HCN Service Manager
    • HCN Integrated service
    • HCN Automatic updater
    • MDXi
    • SMS Scheduling Agent
  4. Rename these folders and Windows Registry keys by adding a suffix consisting of the current date. For example, the Health Communication Network folder becomes Health Communication Network 25-03-26.
    • Folder: C:\Program Files(x86)\Health Communication Network\
    • Registry Key: HKey_Local_Machine > Software\WOW6432Node\Health Communication Network\
    • Registry Key for TS sites: HKEY_Current_User > Software\WOW6432Node\Health Communication Network\
During Installation or Upgrade:
  1. Use these options when you install or upgrade SQL Server:
    • Instance Name: MedicalDirector software requires instance with these names:
      • HCNSQL07
      • ESP
      • HCNMOB07 (for HCN Mobility role installs)
    • Service Account: Must use the built-in system account – Local System.
    • Authentication Mode: Must be Mixed Mode.
    • SA Password: Must adhere to the strong password rules.
    • Collation Settings: Do not change the default values.
    Tip:
    The Analysis Server and Reporting Services options don't need to be installed because MedicalDirector software doesn't use them.
After Installation or upgrade:
  1. Install any service packs that are available for the installed release.
  2. In the protocols for HCNSQL07SQL Server Network Configuration, ensure the following protocols are enabled:
    • Shared memory
    • Named pipes
    • TCP\IP
  3. Repeat for the ESP instance.
  4. Start these services:
    • SQL SERVER (HCNSQL07)
    • SQL SERVER (ESP)
  5. Start Clinical/Pracsoft to ensure all is working correctly.
  6. If you upgraded SQL Server, check that the most recent patient data is available, including any correspondence recorded.