Windows Server Settings & Procedures

Windows Firewall

Starting from December 2020, Microsoft has re-classified all traffic on the 10.0.0.0 private network as guest or private. However, this reclassification presents a challenge when it comes to communication between workstations and the SapphireOne Server after a server upgrade.

It is important to note that traffic on the 192.168 and 172.16 private networks remains unaffected by this reclassification. Therefore, workstations on these networks can continue to establish communication with the SapphireOne Server seamlessly.

If the client machines are unable to detect the SapphireOne server, it may be necessary to reconfigure the Windows firewall on the server. This is particularly relevant due to recent restrictions imposed by newer versions of Windows, which can impact local network traffic. However, it’s important to note that firewall configurations are typically unique to each business and should be managed by an IT professional or consultant.

SapphireOne is installed as a standalone program on both the server computer and the client workstations. The installer does not attempt to modify firewall settings, as these configurations are specific to each business’s structure. Even businesses running the same version of Windows may have different firewall setups due to individual requirements and preferences.

Running as Administrator (Important for a Windows based platform).

To ensure proper functionality, SapphireOne must be run with administrator privileges. If Windows does not automatically run the server shortcut with administrative privileges, the following procedure should be executed:

• Shortcut Properties – Right click on the shortcut and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
• Advanced – Then from the middle right hand side select the Advanced option.
• Run as Admin – Next select then the Run as Administrator checkbox.
• Apply – Do not forget to select the Apply button as Windows does not automatically save as you close out of the screen.

If you encounter any issues while running the SapphireOne server, please take note of the following items:

• Documents/Files – When attaching a document to a transaction or a function may cause the SapphireOne server to crash. It is simply a Permissions error.
• Microsoft Permissions – Again, from the firewall item above Microsoft are finally tightening up permissions. As of the latest version, the user will be presented with an alert asking:
  • Do you want to open the structure file in read only mode
• Automatic Restarting – If running on Windows 10 or now 11 there is also a way to auto start the SapphireOne when the server initially starts or re-starts. This is documented later in this article.

Changes in the Windows SapphireOne folder location

Due to the generally fast internet speeds for most businesses, it is possible to download new versions of SapphireOne from SapphireOne’s File Station. For more comprehensive information and detailed instructions, please refer to the 06-SapphireOne Server Upgrade article. This article provides extended details on how to proceed with upgrading the SapphireOne server, ensuring you have the latest version available.

SapphireOne Execution Procedure.

To start a data file in SapphireOne, it is essential to understand the procedure, especially during server upgrades, as knowing the location and purpose of these files becomes crucial.

Regardless of whether it is a Single User or Server installation, the procedure consists of three steps. However, in a Single User setup, there is only one folder that contains all the necessary files, and the entire folder is always replaced during an upgrade.

It’s important to note that there are two distinct versions of the program at the application/executable level: one designed for the Mac OSX platform and another version specifically developed for Windows-based platforms. Understanding this distinction is important when working with SapphireOne and ensures compatibility with the appropriate operating system.

1. Application/Executable – The application/executable is provided by 4D and is usually started by a short cut. On a MacOSX platform it is SapphireOne.app and on the Windows platform it is SapphireOne.exe.
2. Complied Database – Next a Compiled Database which is provided by SapphireOne is accessed by the 4D Application.
   • Server Mode – In SapphireOne server mode this is a separate folder named Server Database and this is replaced when a SapphireOne upgrade is performed.
   • Single User Mode – In Sapphire Single User this is included with the 4D Application, so that the entire application is replaced with the Compiled Database included as part of the upgrade.
3. Live Data File – Finally, a Company Data File is asked for and run up. This is a file that ends with .4DD, and is where your companies’ financial details are stored.
   • Live Data File Folder – This folder should should contain nothing except the files directly related to the SapphireOne software and nothing else.
     • .4DD File – the primary file in this folder is the one ending with .4DD, From this file when it is executed all of the other files can be rebuilt.
     • .Index File – If the data file is very large it will take the operating platform and SapphireOne some time to rebuild it, so a cup of coffee is definitely required.

Auto Starting SapphireOne from Mac OSX & Windows..

The following information provided aims to make it convenient for users to set up SapphireOne by consolidating widely available instructions. It is assumed that users who are setting up these procedures are already familiar with the operating platform they are working on. Therefore, the instructions provided will focus on navigation and procedural steps rather than providing detailed explanations of the underlying concepts.

MacOSX

First a user will have to be set up to automatically Log in.

1. Menu Selection – Choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Padlock – Click the padlock, you will be asked to enter the account password for the computer.
3. Login Options – Next click Login Options in the lower left-hand corner. Next to the Little house.
4. User Account – Choose a user account from the list of users at the left hand side of the screen.
   • Automatic Login – This menu should by default be set as Off. Select the user from the list that is to be automatically logged in.
   • User Password – You will then be asked to enter the Password for the user account that was selected.
5. Starting SapphireOne – Do not leave this screen and proceed to item 8 below!

Now we will selected the user above to automatically start SapphireOne on boot.

6. Select User – Click on the automatically logged in user as selected above.
7. Login Items Tab – Select the Login Items Tab at the top of the screen.
   • Items in the List – There may be some items already in the list and this is normal.
   • + Button – Next click the + button below the list of items to add a new item.
   • Search Screen – The search function for the Mac will be displayed with the desktop open.
   • Alias or Application – You may select an Alias on the desktop, or drill in until you find the SapphireOne 18.4 Server.app.
8. Finishing Up – Exit the Users & Groups and the Mac will save the procedure that you have set up.
   • Checking – You are done but we suggest that you first go back in to User & Groups and check that all details entered were saved correctly be the Mac.
9. Restarting – Restart the Mac and ensure that SapphireOne is automatically restarted on reboot.

Windows.

First a user will have to be set up to automatically Log in.

1. Run Command Screen – Open the Run command, (Start > All apps > Windows System > Run or press Windows key + R).
   • Enter Command – In the text box, type netplwiz and press Enter.
2. User Accounts Screen – A User Accounts window will open.
   • Select a User – Under Users for this computer: select the username required.
   • De-Select Checkbox – Uncheck the box next to Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer and then select Apply.
3. Automatically Sign In Screen – A new window labeled Automatically sign in will be displayed.
   • Password – Enter the password twice for the selected account and then select OK.

Your Windows platform will now bypass the log-in page when your windows server re-starts, but it will not bypass the login page when you unlock your PC.

Now we will automatically start SapphireOne on boot.

1. Run Command Screen – Open the Run command box (Start > All apps > Windows System > Run or press Windows key + R).
2. Enter Command – Enter as follows exactly with the space between common & startup, Shell:common startup. This folder is normally hidden in Windows!
3. Folder path – Windows will go to the folder located at,
   C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
4. Shortcut – Create a shortcut to your SapphireOne server in the Startup Folder.
   • Drag & Drop – You could also use drag and drop or copy and paste the shortcut into this Startup folder.
5. Restart – Restart the Windows computer and ensure that the Windows platform starts the SapphireOne
6. e server when it restarts!

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