---
title: "dsCONNECT Installation Guide v1.0.x"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/mxAPI/1784348754/dsCONNECT%20Installation%20Guide%20v1.0.x"
format: markdown
---
*This guide offers step-by-step instructions for installing ****dsCONNECT****, covering system requirements, software prerequisites, and setup of the local database and API connections. Designed to simplify the process, it helps users avoid common issues and ensures a smooth, successful installation.*
> Macro (toc)
# System Requirements
- [mxAPI Licensing and User Requirements](https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/mxAPI/1797455873/mxAPI+Licensing+and+User+Requirements)
- DataShed5 version 3.2 or newer
To install and run **dsCONNECT**, the workstation first requires the below to be installed:
- **SQL Server Express** [[https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=101064](https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=101064) ]
- **ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server** [[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server) ]
> ⚠️ These can be downloaded for free. You may need help from your **IT team** to install these components as full permission is required to the computer.
**Once these have been installed, you can proceed to the steps in the installation guide.**
# Downloads
> ℹ️ It is recommended that this application is installed and configured by maxgeo. Any installation that is not performed by maxgeo is not covered by maxgeo’s standard support. Any support relating to the application will be quoted prior to support.
| **Application** | **Version** | **Release Date** | **Download** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| dsCONNECT
dsCONNECT | 1.0.1
1.0.2 | September 2025
January 2026 | [DSCONNECTinstaller_v1.0.1.exe](https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/updates.maxgeo.com/software/dsCONNECT/V1.0.1/dsConnectInstaller_v1.0.1.exe)
[dsConnect_Installer v1.0.2.exe](https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/updates.maxgeo.com/software/dsCONNECT/v1.0.2.0/dsCONNECTInstaller_v_1.0.2.exe) |
# Installation
1. Right click the **dsCONNECTInstaller.exe** file and select "**Run as administrator**".
2. Accept the default install location and click Next.
Select "**Create a desktop shortcut**"
And click "**Next**".
Click "**Install**" to commence the installation process.
A progress bar is displayed during installation.
After installation, click the "**Finish**" button. If the "**Launch dsCONNECT**" check box is ticked, the application will open.
> ✅ **Tip!** On the first time run, it is recommended to **Run as administrator**. This allows the configuration to be saved correctly for subsequent application launches.
Click "**OK**" on the **NSSM** notification screen.
Click "**OK**" on the **Database Connection Required** screen.
This will configure a database on your local **SQL Express** instance.
Accept the default settings. You can change these names, but the defaults are recommended.
Click "**Test Connection**"
A green message will display if the connection is successful and the "**OK**" button will be activated.
Click "**OK**" to continue **SQL Express** configuration.
Click "**OK**" on this notification message. **SQL Express** has been configured.
Click "**OK**" on the "**API Credentials Setup Required**" message.
This will configure the connection to your **DataShed MDS** database.
1. Enter your MDS API URL
2. Enter your API Key
3. Click "Test API Connection
A green success message will be displayed if the test passes.
Click the "**Setup_Initialize Database**" button.
Click "**OK**" to continue
The installation and configuration are complete.
# Troubleshooting
## **Verify SQL Express and ODBC 18**
1. Press Windows + R and type `services.msc` to check if **SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS)** is installed and running.
2. Press Windows + R and type `odbcad32` to open the ODBC Data Source Administrator. Go to the **Drivers** tab and check if **ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server** is listed.
3. If either of these components is missing:
- Download **SQL Server Express** from:
[https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=101064](https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=101064)
- Download **ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server** from:
[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server)
4. Once both are installed and running, you may now launch the application.
## **SQL Service verification**
Press **Windows + R** and type `services.msc` to check if **SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS)** is installed and running.
Check this service is installed and running.
## **ODBC verification**
Press **Windows + R** and type `odbcad32` to open the **ODBC Data Source Administrator**. Go to the **Drivers** tab and check if **ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server** is listed.
Check this **ODBC Driver** is installed.
