📝 Overview
This article walks you through switching a client workstation with a server in a network environment. This is commonly done because of hardware failure or computer upgrades. Follow the steps below in order based on your specific situation — whether you are using an existing client computer as the new server or setting up a brand new computer.
💾 Step 1: BackUp Your Database
Learn how to create a database backup before making any changes to your network setup.
⚠️Please Note: Complete these steps on the server computer before proceeding.
⛔️ Disclaimer: The backup must be saved from the server computer to an external location such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive. Client computers display data from the server but do not hold their own copy of the database. If the server computer crashes or becomes inaccessible, there is no way to recover your data unless a backup was saved to an external location or a cloud-based storage service. Do not rely on the client computer to hold a backup.
Open the software on the server computer and go to File > Backup and Restore > Backup Database.
Save the backup to an external storage device such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive. Select a location you can easily find again on the device.
Remove the device safely from the computer.
Close the software on all computers in your network.
🖥️ Step 2: Create the New Server
Learn how to set up the new server using either an existing client computer or a brand new computer.
⚙️ Using an Existing Client Computer
Learn how to make an existing client computer the new server.
Click here to learn how to set up the new server using an existing client computer
Click here to learn how to set up the new server using an existing client computer
⚠️ Please Note: If your new server is a brand new computer, skip to the Using a New Computer section below.
The first thing to determine is whether or not your existing client computer already has Microsoft SQL Server installed.
Check for SQL Server
Go to Windows Start and type SQL to search your computer.
If SQL Server Configuration Manager appears in the results, click it.
In Windows XP, go to Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 > Configuration Tools.
If no results appear, refer to the Installing SQL Server guide for instructions. Return to this article once installation is complete.
In the left-hand pane, click SQL Server Services.
In the right-hand pane, confirm the installed instance (which may be named SQL Server (DSI), SQL Server (CMJ), or SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS)) shows a state of Running.
If the state shows Stopped, right-click on it and select Start.
If it does not start, refer to the Manually Starting SQL Server article for help.
To ensure SQL Server starts automatically during Windows startup, right-click on the instance again and select Properties. Select the Service tab and confirm the Start Mode is set to Automatic.
Restore the Database
Plug in the external storage device containing your database backup.
Open the software and go to File > Database Settings > Connection Settings > Edit Connection Settings.
Select This is my main computer (server) and press Continue. Click Automatic Setup and press Continue.
From the Let's Get Started screen, select Restore a Backup.
Select I would like to restore my database from a database backup file.
Select Restore a database from a specific location.
In the navigation window, locate your external device and double-click the backup file created in Step 1.
Go to File > Database Settings > Connection Settings. Write down the Server Name shown in this window — you will need it in Step 3.
Once the database backup is finished restoring, your new server is ready to use. Proceed to Step 3 to connect your client computers.
🔧 Using a New Computer
Learn how to set up a brand new computer as the new server.
⛔️ Disclaimer:
Setting up a new server requires assistance from our support team. Please reach out to us before proceeding with this step.
If you are using Windows 11 please reach out before attempting to set up a server. If you are using Windows 10 or lower, you can continue with these steps.
Visit our Support Options article to find the best way to reach our team.
Click here to learn how to set up the new server using a new computer
Click here to learn how to set up the new server using a new computer
Go to the DaySmart Pet support downloads page here and download and install your version.
If your version is not listed, reach out to our support team at [email protected] to request that an installation link be sent to you.
Register with your serial number and activate your software.
From the Let's Get Started screen, select Restore a Backup.
Select I would like to restore my database from a database backup file.
Select Restore a database from a specific location.
In the navigation window, locate your external device and double-click the backup file created in Step 1.
Go to File > Database Settings > Connection Settings. Write down the Server Name shown in this window — you will need it in Step 3.
Once the database backup is finished restoring, your new server is ready to use. Proceed to Step 3 to connect your client computers.
🔁 Step 3: Connect Your Client Computers
Learn how to reconnect all client computers to the new server.
Open the software on the former server (now acting as a client) computer.
Go to File > Database Settings > Connection Settings > Edit Connection Settings.
Select This is an additional computer (client) and press Continue. Select Manual Setup and type the Server Name from Step 2.
Click Continue. The computer will connect to the new server.
If the computer does not connect, refer to the Network Troubleshooting Guide for help.
Repeat Steps 2–4 on all remaining client computers to direct them toward the new server.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.
What if SQL Server is not installed on my existing client computer?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
If your search for SQL returns no results, you will need to install SQL Server before proceeding. Refer to the SQL Server installation guide [here] for instructions. Once installation is complete, return to Step 2 — Using an Existing Client Computer to continue.
What if SQL Server won't start on my existing client computer?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
If SQL Server does not start after right-clicking and selecting Start, refer to the Manually Starting SQL Server article for help.
What if my version of the software is not listed on the downloads page?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
If your version is not listed on the DaySmart Pet support downloads page, reach out to our support team at [email protected] to request that an installation link be sent to you.
What if my client computers won't connect to the new server?
Click the arrow to view the answer
Click the arrow to view the answer
If a client computer does not connect after entering the server name, refer to the Network Troubleshooting Guide for help resolving connection issues.