Troubleshooting 

Installation
Most users install the Trial Version first.  Then, they call us for the registration number, and perform an Update. Then, they install on their Workstations.

Database not Present
So... you've installed Open Dental according to the directions and when you get to the Choose Database window and click OK, it says, "Unable to connect to any of the specified MySQL hosts".   You should probably just call us at this point and let us troubleshoot the problem for you over a highspeed internet connection.
Contact
But if you really want to try it yourself, here are some steps you can take.

1. Are you on a workstation instead of the server?  If Open Dental is already working fine on the server, and you are just trying to connect another workstation, then it's almost always a firewall issue, either hardware or software.  Make sure to check the Windows firewall as well as any possible firewall that is part of an antivirus program.  If you still can't connect from a workstation, then it might be a networking issue such as not being in the same workgroup.  If you did a non-standard installation and installed mysql yourself separately, then it might be a security issue such as improper use of mysql username and password.

2. Make sure you are on Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista .  The program will not install on Windows 98 or Windows Me.  If you're using Linux, the concepts are the same, but the details will be different.

3. Is the MySQL service running?  Go to MyComputer and right click (that's the lesser-used button on your mouse). From the menu that comes up, select Manage. Then double click services and applications, then double click Services. Find MySQL in the alphabetical list. See if it's started or stopped.  If it's stopped, try to start it.  If the service won't start, suspect that an antivirus program is interfering.  Try to disable your antivirus software.  If you're using McAffee, you may even need to unintall McAffee.  If you can't even find the MySQL service in the list, then the MySQL server was not installed correctly. You should redo the installation, making sure to install all items.

4. Did you intall it properly?   Use the default settings.  When in the installer program, all the boxes along the left side should have been checked. Don't change any of the paths or do anything unusual.  Read each box as it comes up.  You might try reinstalling (you don't have to uninstall anything first), and going nice and slow so you understand what it's doing.

5. Are the database files in the right places?  Or is there any improper nesting?  Open C:\mysql\data\opendental\.  You should see about 200 files.  If the opendental folder is missing, or if you do not see the expected files, then they must have been moved.  Move them back.  You will have to stop the mysql service to move files.  Be very careful not to lose anything or make a mess.  Never delete anything; instead, rename by tacking on "old" or some numbers representing the date.  Remember that if you change the name of the opendental folder, that it must not have a space or any punctuation in the name.

6. See if the database is really running.  Open C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.0\bin\mysql.exe.  If you're using a different version of MySQL server, such as 4.1, then the path might be slightly different. A small black window should open and stay open.  If it opens and then goes away, then you need to go to step 3 to get the server running first.  If the window is open, type "use opendental" and press Enter. It should say something like "database changed". If so, then the opendental database is running successfully.

7. Are your database files accidentally set to read only?  If this is the case, then in the Choose Database window it will usually tell you, "Database is present but not accepting commands" instead of "database not present".  Go to C:\mysql\data\ and find the folder called opendental. Right click on this folder and select Properties. Find the box that says Read-only and click on it until it is completely blank. Then, click OK. When given the choice, apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files. Then try to run Open Dental.  If unsuccessful, restart your computer.  You might also try again, because it is sometimes difficult to complete this step perfectly.

8. As a last resort, you can try to install it on a different computer.

Problems While Using Open Dental

1. Run the Database Maintenance tool.

2. Make sure you are using the most current version by going to the Update window and checking for updates.   If a new build is available for your version, update.

3. Run the Database Maintenance tool again, since improvements are constantly being made to it.

4. Read the manual carefully so that you completely understand how the program is supposed to function. If you are using the most current version, and you think you found a bug, you can let us know about it. We generally only accept bug reports from users who are on a support plan.