SwiftTec FAQ: How to share the member database between computers
(Version 1 only)
Problem
You want share the member database across more than one computer so
that all computers see the same data. Applies To
This solution is for version 2 of the following software:
If you are running version 1 please see the
V2 FAQ.
Solution
In order to achieve there are some key requirements that must be
met
- The computers must be networked together
- The data must be stored in a location that can be accessed
by all computers
- Each computer that is to access the data must have its own
software licence purchased from SwiftTec
Networking
the computers
Each computer should be connected to a network hub via a wireless
or wired connection. You may need help from a local network
specialist if you do not know how to do this.
Sharing Data Storage
The database must be stored in a place that can be accessed for
read and write by all computers that need to access the data. This
can be done by either:
- Storing the database files on a central file server -
this computer does not require a licence unless it will
also run the software.
- Using one of the computers running the software must share a
folder that all computers can access.
If you are using a Windows server or desktop computer use the
following steps to share a data folder (the precise steps depend on
the version of windows you are running):
- Run windows explorer (or My computer) and navigate to the
root of a hard disk or the root folder where you wish to store
the data.
- Create a folder (e.g. ClubMembershipData) in which you wish
to store the data (right click and select New->Folder)
- Right click on the folder you have just created and select
Share (or Sharing and Security)
- Select the users and groups that you wish to be able to read
and write the data.
- And press OK/Share
Accessing Shared Data
Once the folder has been shared on the server you need to verify
that each client computer can access the shared data folder. The
easiest way to do this is to map a network drive to the shared
folder:
- Start windows explorer (or My Computer)
- From the menu select Tools/Map Network Drive
- Select a free drive letter, e.g. Z:
- Click on the browse button to locate the server and share
you created in the previous section.
- Press the OK button to select it
- Press the finish button to complete setting up the share
If successful you will find the drive mapped in My Computer
alongside other network drives or your hard drives.
Open up the mapped drive and try to create a folder or copy a
file there. If you can do this you have successfully created the
share
Making SwiftTec Software use the Shared Data Area
There are several options here depending on your scenario:
Connecting a new system to the shared database
When you first run the Loyalty or Membership software it asks for
the location of the data folder:

You need to select the option which allows you to specify the
database location (as shown) and enter the path to the database
files (or use the ... button).#
Connecting (or Re-Connecting) an existing system to a shared
database
- Stop/Exit all running SwiftTec member software
- Club Membership System - Run the CMSAdmin
tool and select the data folders tab
- Loyalty Tracking System - Run the main
program and select View/Options from the menu whilst holding
down the left shift and control keys. Then select the data
folders tab
- Change the location of the Main data directory to be the
shared folder that has been created
- Press the OK button
- Exit and restart the software to check it functions as
expected.
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