FastTrak supports Microsoft SQL Server 2012, 2014 and 2016. If you already have a database server running either of these versions you can (and should) use the same server. For smaller installations, the free Express editions will also work. The appropriate version for your operating system may be downloaded here:
When installing the database server, use Integrated NT security (Windows Logins) if possible. The exception to this rule is if you have a situation where prospective users share Windows usernames and passwords, (which is usually a very bad idea). In this case, use Mixed mode authentication.
Preparing the database
The database is prepared by the vendor, using a special tool with a simple interface (see below). The tool can be run on the server or from a workstation. You will need to supply the server instance where the database will reside, and the user account from which the tool is executed will need to have db_owner permissions in the database (if it is already created). If the database is created with the tool, the user accounts will need dbcreator permissions on the server. The name of the database should be EFTxxxxx where the x's represent a 5 digit installation number. Make sure not to leave the number at 00000. After you click "Run" the database is created, and there should be no more dialogs or error messages during this process.
