DonorWise is a Windows-based program. You install it into Windows using an installation program found here. It's not a web-based program, but web-based access to DonorWise can be achieved via Citrix or Remote Desktop technology.
DonorWise stores it's data in SQL Server. A free version of SQL Server (SQL Server Express) is offered in the installation program. You can install SQL Server onto the same computer as DonorWise. But if you plan on having multiple people in your office connect to DonorWise, you should install (or use an existing) SQL Server on an office computer/server that is always on and available to others on the network.
When you install SQL Server, be sure to remember the "sa" password. This is required when creating your database (next step). If you let DonorWise install SQL Server for you, this is where you would have entered it:
The first thing you'll need to do when you install DonorWise is create a new database. Under the "File" menu, click on "New" to get started. Note: You could create a test database to play with before creating your production database. The first time you do this, you'll have to enter "sa" as the login.
SQL Server 2012 Express
If you install SQL Server manually from the Microsoft website, it's recommended that you install SQL Server 2012 Express.
Note: If you already installed SQL Server 2005 Express, you should uninstall it before proceeding.
Pay attention to the installation screen, and make sure to:
- allow "Mixed Authentication"
- and be sure to set the "sa" password.
Here's a link to download: Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Service Pack 4 (SP4) Express
Be sure to select "SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe". The "WT" part of that means it includes SQL Server Management Studio which is really helpful for troubleshooting.
After SQL Server Installation...
Then, in DonorWise, under the "File" menu, click on "New" to get started. The first time you do this, you'll have to enter "sa" as the login.
