This guide explains some best practices and maintenance routines which will help keep your software in good working order.
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It covers the following topics:
Closing EQ safely (local PC installations)
Closing EQ safely (remote server access)
Closing EQ safely (local PC installations)
When you are logging out and closing EQ it is important that you close each individual tab, by clicking the small cross within the screen, that you have open:
You should then go to File and Exit or click the main large X at the top right of the program.
If you see the below message, you still have some windows or tabs open in EQ and should return to close them individually:
Closing EQ safely (remote server access)
When you access run EQ using remote desktop you need to be especially sure to close down EQ and then log out of your remote desktop. If you do not close EQ, but only close the remote screen, the EQ application will continue running (even when the remote connection is closed).
- Close all the windows/tabs within EQ (as above) and exit with File > Exit or the big X.
- Sign out/log off the remote server by clicking the Windows Start button.
The screens vary depending on the version of Windows Server:
Windows Server 2012 onwards – called Sign out:
a) Click Start
b) At the top right, click your username or icon and select Sign out:
Older versions – called Log off:
a) Click Start and Log off.
Backup and database integrity
To support the effective performance of EQ it is important that the built in Database integrity function is used regularly (recommended fortnightly). The database integrity
check will pack the database tables, removing deleted records and recreating indexes. Keeping the databases maintained can prevent data problems occurring and keeps data files smaller.
To run the database integrity check:
- Ensure all EQ users have the software closed following best practice (not just logged out)
- Click the arrow under System Config > select Database Integrity
It is best to allow the backup to run first. The EQ backups function should be used in addition to any other IT backup processes that you have in place.
Tips to help reduce the risks of the backup and integrity check failing:
- Have a routine in place for running these functions regularly.
- Ensure best practice for closing EQ is followed.
- Run the processes on the server or same PC that stores your EQ data (it can be quicker than running over LAN).
- Close EQ Net (right click on the EQ net icon in the system tray and click Quit).
To help force close file handles on database files, users can close their PCs and the Windows utility to manage shared files can allow files to be force closed (which only works effectively if the files really are not in use).
EQ Not Responding messages
During heavy tasks Windows may label EQ as “Not Responding”. The EQ process is busy working and will catch up. It is crucial not to interrupt this process (for example by Task Manager closing EQ) as it can lead to corrupted data.
If unsure, or if EQ has remained showing Not Responding for an extended time then you can check in Task Manager > Processes tab to see if EQ is using any resources.
Configuration and networking
A network attached storage (NAS) device is not supported. The intended use of a NAS drive is to access stored files not to serve database files. If used for EQ data, it would mean multiple users accessing and updating live data at the same time and most available NAS drives cannot support the file server capabilities needed. This can cause slowdowns, dropouts and corrupt data.
Wireless connections are notsuitable for sharing EQ data. Hardwired ethernet networking is vital to the functioning of a multiuser EQ set up.
Full System Requirements are listed here.