Installing your AccuTrack WebLink Software

About the WebLink software

The AccuTrack WebLink software is a web application that works with the AccuTrack database. This software makes the following functions available via the web:

1. Students can view, schedule and cancel appointments via the web.
2. Staff members (tutors, advisors, etc) can view and cancel their own appointments via the web.
3. Students can view, register, or cancel seminars or workshops via the web.

The WebLink software works with the database as the AccuTrack deluxe desktop software. You will need to use the desktop software to setup your database (e.g. enter staff members and their schedules, set appointment rules, etc.). WebLink follows the same appointment scheduling rules you setup using your desktop software.

Since both the AccuTrack desktop software and the WebLink software use the same database, an appointment made by either one of these applications is immediately recorded in the database and thus available for the other application (real-time updates).

Note that the WebLink software is an optional add-on to the AccuTrack software. This means you can schedule appointments and do the other functions you do via WebLink by using the desktop application. The WebLink software simply makes these functions available via the web. However, you cannot use the WebLink software without the desktop software as the desktop software is needed for setting up the database.

Server Requirements

Like any other web-based software, AccuTrack WebLink requires a web server. We recommend that you use Microsoft IIS web server. IIS is included with Windows 2003 server, Windows 2000 Server, Windows NT, and Windows XP Pro. We recommend Windows 2003 server.

AccuTrack also requires an SMTP mail server for sending appointment confirmation and reminders via email. You can setup your SMTP server on your web server, or you can use any other SMTP server.

Installation Requirements

Since WebLink is installed on an IIS server, the person installing WebLink needs to know IIS well. This person needs to set up Windows security (COM) to allow the WebLink application to run. The WebLink software will not run without the proper Windows security settings.

To help with the installation of WebLink, the software comes with an installation program that will do most, if not all, the work for you. The WebLink installation program will create the needed folders and will attempt to set up your Windows security to run the WebLink software. However, in some cases manual work will still be needed to finish the Windows security setup. If you are an IIS expert, you will be able to finish this setup yourself. If not, you can get assistance from our support staff.

Installation Procedure

1) Before you start, make sure you are logged in to the Windows server with your administration account. This admin account must have high access privileges to set up IIS and install programs.

2) You will find an installation help document on the WebLink installation CD. Check this document for the installation steps and other helpful info. Assuming your CD ROM drive letter is D, the path to the document is D:\WinRoot\AccuWebLink\WebLink Instructions.doc . Note that this document will also be available on your computer after you install the software at C:\AccuWebLink\WebLink Instructions.doc

3) Use the WebLink installation CD to install the software. Make sure you complete all the steps to install and test the installations. If the web application runs, then proceed by customizing the web pages for your center as outlined in the installation document (WebLink Instructions.doc)

Troubleshooting WebLink Installation

If after installation from the CD the application does not run, then follow these steps:

1. Make sure you perform the installations while logged in with an admin account with proper privileges for setting up Windows COM settings.

2. Check the WebLink documentation (C:\AccuWebLink\WebLink Instructions.doc) for installation and troubleshooting tips.

3. Check your Windows COM settings. You can find detailed screen shots on setting up Windows COM the AccuTrack support forum: http://www.accutrack.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=300

4. If all the above fail, then we can help you by setting up a remote assistance session. Click here for the details.