Installing SapphireOne - A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides step-by-step instructions for first-time installing all three versions of SapphireOne: Single User, Server, and Client. Please note that for detailed advice on downloading SapphireOne, refer to the relevant Downloading Applications and Revisions article.

To ensure an application on Windows always runs with the required administrative privileges, modify its shortcut properties. Right-click the shortcut, choose ‘Properties,’ go to the ‘Advanced Properties’ tab, and check the ‘Run as Administrator’ box.

For updating SapphireOne versions, please refer to the Maintenance category in this SapphireOne Knowledge Base. Take particular care to note that all files, except for the live data file (typically named CompanyID.4DD), can be replaced during the installation or upgrade process. Regularly back up the live data file to ensure the security and integrity of your organisation’s data.

SapphireOne Server Installation

The SapphireOne Server version allows for multi-user access and can be installed on both Mac OSX and Windows platforms. Follow these steps:

  1. Ensure your server meets the minimum requirements of 16GB of memory.
  2. Download both the major revision and the server database update in one of two compressed formats (currently zip and rar) from the SapphireOne File Station update directory.
  3. Decompress the files.
  4. To install the application do the following.
    • For MacOS, drag the new SapphireOne Server application to the Applications folder.
    • For Windows, install the new SapphireOne Server application within the ‘Program files’ directory, and create a desktop shortcut if desired accordingly.
  5. Following the server installation to install the Server Database update do the following:
    • For MacOS, replace the Server Database Folder with the new version. To access the file structure of the Server database application, right-click on its icon and choose ‘Show Package Contents’ from the context menu.
    • For Windows, stop the SapphireOne Server service, replace the Server Database directory, and restart the service.
  6. With a copy of your organisations data file or the SapphireOne ‘Bondi Blue’ testing file located on the same drive as SapphireOne. Double click the application icon or related shortcut and establish the data file location when prompted.
  7. Ensure the server has a fixed IP address for consistent access by client machines.
  8. Configure the server settings, including network configurations, Web Server port and user permissions. Refer to the guidance in the Operations > Administration sub-category.

On MacOS, please ensure that Full Disk Access is enabled under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, for the SapphireOne Server to operate correctly.

The SapphireOne server automatically connects to the internet to confirm its license with 4D, no user action is needed. If it can’t connect or activation fails, manual activation is necessary by contacting SapphireOne support. The server should be licensed for the latest 4D version for support and updates.

SapphireOne Client Installation

The SapphireOne Client version is used to access the SapphireOne Server from a workstation. The steps are as follows:

  1. Verify that the workstation has at least 8GB of memory.
  2. Download the SapphireOne Client application. Refer to the Downloading Applications and Revisions article.
  3. Execute the installer file on the workstation.
  4. Follow the prompts to install the SapphireOne Client application within the ‘Application’ or ‘Program files’ directory.
  5. After installation, you may wish to create a new shortcut on your desktop.
  6. Open SapphireOne Client and allow it to search for the SapphireOne 4D server on the local network.
  7. Once the server is established, the application will remember its location for future connections.

No integration with the system registry is required for Windows platforms.

SapphireOne Single User Installation

The SapphireOne Single User version is designed for individual users and can be installed on both Mac OSX and Windows platforms. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements of 8GB of memory.
  2. Download the latest version of SapphireOne Single User. Refer to the Downloading Applications and Revisions article.
  3. Execute the installer file on the workstation.
  4. Follow the prompts to install the SapphireOne Client application within the ‘Application’ or ‘Program files’ directory.
  5. After installation, you may wish to create a new shortcut on your desktop.
  6. Upon launching SapphireOne for the first time, you will be prompted to locate an active data file, typically named `CompanyName.4DD`.
  7. Navigate to the data file location and select the file to complete the setup.

Final Steps

After installing any version of SapphireOne, it is crucial to verify that all functionalities are working correctly. Test the connection between the Client and Server versions if applicable, and ensure that you can access and manipulate data files as expected.

For any issues encountered during installation, please consult the troubleshooting section of this Operations category of the knowledge base or contact our support team for assistance.

Remember, regular maintenance and updates are essential for the smooth operation of SapphireOne. Always keep your installation up to date with the latest versions to maintain optimal performance and security. Refer to the guidance in our Administration sub-category.

Thank you for choosing SapphireOne. We are committed to supporting your organisation’s success.


You can review our Blog and YouTube channel for additional information and resources on SapphireOne ERP, CRM and Business Accounting software.

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