frequently asked questions

how can i have 2 users share the same artworks database?

The following steps assume that you are familiar with using Windows Explorer and understand files and folders. The ArtWorks folder on the first PC will also be shared across the network, usually requiring that you have some network knowledge and also know how to change Windows security settings.

If you don't have this expertise yourself, you will need to involve someone who does (e.g. a family member or a local PC support person). Note that ArtWorksPro.com DO NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT with setting up or maintaining ArtWorks in a shared environment. 

instructions

1. You will need a second license and serial number to run on a second PC. Contact ArtWorksPro.com to obtain this - there is usually a license cost involved as well.

2. Leave your existing PC with ArtWorks exactly as it is.

3. Install ArtWorks on the second PC using the setup file, artworksinstall.msi

4. Ensure you have a network drive mapped to the C: drive on your existing PC (e.g. drive H). (However you could also just use a UNC path in step (6) below).

5. On the second PC delete the desktop icon that says 'ArtWorks' (This is simply so that there isn't confusion in future about which database is being used).

6. Create a new desktop shortcut by right clicking anywhere on the desktop and selecting the 'New - Shortcut' menu. This will start a wizard - the first step is to 'Browse' to find H:\Program Files\ArtWorks\ArtWorks.exe (assuming that the mapped drive is H:) The final step is to name the shortcut.

Depending on how your security has been set up, there may be additional steps to do in order to share the C:\Program Files\ArtWorks folder across the network. Check especially that you have write privileges, otherwise you will get a startup error). (Instead of having a mapped drive you could also enter the direct UNC path in the shortcut e.g. in the format \ \Kate PC\C\Program Files\ArtWorks\ArtWorks.exe)

Thats it. Now the second person is running on the same database as the existing PC.

notes

• Either PC can do updates however only one person can be running at once (ArtWorks checks this itself and gives you a warning message).

• You will need to enter the second serial number to continue to use the second PC.

• If you want to have the database on a server instead the concept is similar - just have both PC's pointing to an ArtWorks folder on the server