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Logging in and Creating a New Database

When you install PHDwin for the first time, the first database must be created by a system administrator. This creates additional system databases needed to manage user logins. The first database may take longer to create than any subsequent databases.

To log in and create a new database:

    1. Double-click on the PHDwin icon on your desktop to open the login window. Note that the build version may differ from what is shown.
    2. Click on the button to browse for a server/instance of SQL, and choose the server instance. If you did the bundled install, the instance name should be “PHDWIN.” If you did a custom install and didn’t name the instance during installation, the default instance name should be “SQLEXPRESS.”
    3. Validate your login by either checking the box to use your Windows Authentication credentials (recommended) or by typing in the SQL Server Username and Password that was created for you.
    4. If you’re logging in to an instance of SQL with no PHDwin databases, type in the name of a new database next to the input box and click Create.
    5. If you’re logging in to an instance that already has PHDwin databases, choose <Add New Database> from the Database drop-down menu, type in the name, and click Create.
    PHDwin Database Names:
    When you create a new database in PHDwin, any spaces in the name will be automatically converted to underscores. Additionally, all database names in PHDwin will start with “Phd_” to make it easier to find them when opening an existing database. It’s important to know that SQL has some rules for naming databases. For example, database names cannot contain any non-alphanumeric characters or spaces (but don’t worry, PHDwin will convert spaces for you). Additionally, you should avoid using SQL-reserved words in the name of your database.
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