After the registration process, you are prompted to select your startup database file (if you have not already done so). There are three choices. The first is Start With Demo Database. Select this choice if you would like to start using the pre-programmed demo database. It is a good idea to check this box if you are not yet familiar with configuring or using Aldelo For Restaurants. Do not use the demo database to build your menu. This database is for demo purposes only and is removed when the software is uninstalled.
The second option is to Create A New Blank Database. Select this choice if you want to begin creating your own database, specific to your Restaurant. When you select this option, you are prompted to enter the name of your restaurant. This will also be the name of the folder and database file kept on your computer. Remember what you use for the name, as it may be needed in the future for troubleshooting purposes. Do not build your database on top of the Demo database; if you do and you uninstall your application, you database will be deleted.
The last choice is I Will Select My Own Database. Select this choice if you have already created a database you want to link to it.
Another option on this screen is Always Connect To This Database. Click this box if the database you select is the database you will use every time you start Aldelo For Restaurants. Check this box unless you are just using a database temporarily.
If the software cannot find the database defined in the registry, it will ask if you want to clear the registry so that you can select the database manually.
To manually edit the database location in the registry, follow the instructions below.
1. Click “Start” on the Windows® desktop. Click on “Run” and type in “regedit.”
2. This displays the registry editor. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > VB and VBA Program Settings > Aldelo For Restaurants > Version 3 (or “Version 4” if you are using version 4 of Aldelo For Restaurants).
3. Find the Registry Keys “Data Source” and “Forced Data Source.” Double-click the name.
4. On the Edit String screen, change the path accordingly, and click the “OK” button.
Creating a Database
When you start the software for the first time, you may want to play with the demo database. Once you have a good feel for how you use the software, start creating your own database. Do not use the demo database as a starting point. If you want to use items from the demo database, export them and import them into your new database. Demo databases are deleted when the software is uninstalled.
To create a new database, follow the steps below. These steps assume you are in the database selection screen. This screen has three options: Start with Demo Database, Create a New Blank Database, or I Will Select My Own Database.
1. Click on “Create a New Blank Database.”
2. Click “Continue” and enter the name of the database.
a. Only enter the name. The .mdb extension is not necessary.
3. Click “OK” and enter the information as requested.
4. Once completed, you see the Store Settings and the Station Settings. Do not set anything yet. Click “Done” to skip past these pages.
5. In the Back Office, click “Setup.”
6. Navigate to and click on “Employee Setup.”
7. Navigate to and click on “Employee Files.”
8. Create an Employee File for yourself and make sure to fill in and remember your access code. Give yourself a security level of five to ensure you can navigate the system without restrictions.
This database will be created in the directory of:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Aldelo Systems\Aldelo Data\Aldelo For Restaurants\Databases\Live\[database name as folder name]\[database name].
Connecting to a Database over the Network
When your database is ready for other machines to connect to it, make sure you have already setup the sharing permissions discussed earlier. This covers connecting to the database over the network in Windows® XP Pro.
To connect to a database on another computer, follow the steps below. These steps assume you have completed the folder sharing successfully and have tested to make sure you have access to the database.
1. On a client machine, go to the Back Office of Aldelo For Restaurants.
2. Click on “Data Source.” This displays the warning for switching databases.
3. Click “Yes” after reading the warning. The Database Selection screen displays.
4. Click “I Will Select My Own Database.”
5. Click “Always Connect To This Database.”
6. Click “Continue.” This displays the Open File dialog box.
7. Find and click on “My Network Places.”
8. Double-click on “Entire Network.” This displays some options for the network.
9. Double-click on “Microsoft Windows Network.” This displays the network workgroups.
10. Double-click on the workgroup name. This displays a list of computers in the workgroup.
11. Double-click on the computer name that has the database stored on it.
12. Double-click the “Aldelo” folder. This displays a list of folders in this shared folder (this assumes you have followed the naming convention recommended in the folder sharing section of this manual).
13. Double-click on the “Databases” folder.
14. Double-click on the “Live” folder.
15. Double-click on the folder with your database name as the folder name.
16. Double-click on the file with the database name.
This starts the process of setting this system up on the database. You are prompted with the Station Settings screen. Click “Done” to skip this and come back to it later. It is recommended that you check to make sure that the selected database is correct and that all information is correct.