Note: Please read this entire help topic before proceeding to get CMD onto your computer. The process is easy, but some things must be done in a specific order or you will have problems with your installation.

Your very first task in using CMD will be to get CMD onto your computer. To do this, you'll need to obtain a licensed copy of CMD in one of two versions:

•Download version. If you purchased CMD as a download, then you will need to get CMD from our web site (the URL was provided in your receipt or in an e-mail from Software for Ministry). Download the CMD2017.xSetup.Exe file onto your computer's desktop. Also download the CMD2017ToolsSetup.Exe file and run it right away, even before you run the regular setup program for CMD itself. If you are already running either the remote database server software or the CMD web server software or plan to use either of these servers with your CMD 2017 program, see the note below before proceeding. Once the setup program is on your desktop, double-click on it to run. You will need to provide a valid password when the setup program starts up. You will have received this password by e-mail from us when you purchased CMD 2017.

•You should also download and run the setup program for CMD 2017 Tools.

•CD version. If your CMD came on a CD, then insert the CD into your computer's CD drive. In a few moments, the setup program should appear on its own. If it doesn't, click Start, and then search for the CD drive letter and find the CMD2017.xSetup.Exe file on the CD and double-click on it. No password is required if you receive your CMD on a CD.

CMD is available with a number of options, including web-enabled tablet apps, and the remote database server software. Note that there are specific setup instructions for your version of CMD with any options that you have purchased. Please consult those instructions at the time of the download or installation from a CD for the most current instructions specific to your version and options.

Regardless of your version, we recommend that you use CMD's suggested defaults during the setup process. It will make it easier for us to work with you later on if you need support.

Special Note if Using the Remote Database Server Software or CMD Web Server

If you have been running either the remote database server software or the CMD Web Server software from a version of CMD prior to 2017, you will need to stop the current remote database server software and web server software BEFORE you actually run the CMD 2017 setup program. This is important because the server software also needs to be updated to work properly with 2017.

To stop the remote database server and/or the web server software, open the CMD Tools program, and use the tools on the Servers tab page to halt the web server and the remote database server. Only after halting these should you run the setup program.

Once you have stopped the server software, you can proceed to run the CMD setup program. Once the setup program is finished, go into the new CMD 2017 Tools programs and restart the remote database server software and the web server software before you initialize CMD 2017.

First Use of the Remote Database Server or CMD Web Server Software

If this is your first use of either the Remote Database Server software or the CMD Web Server software, you will need to start both of these servers up before you actually run CMD 2017 for the first time after CMD's setup program is finished. You start them on the Servers tab page of the CMD 2017 Tools program. Make sure that you click the button to initialize the INI file for each server BEFORE you start it up. That's VERY important! For more information, see Installing and Starting Remote Database Server.

When the setup program is finished, you are ready to proceed with Initializing CMD.