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FAQs
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- Advanced Sample Queries Using SQL
- Finding Samples Missing Analysis Costs Using SQL
- Simplify Queries with SQL<br>Expressions
- Using Wildcard Pattern Matching in Queries
- SQL for Unique Queries
- Error: Unable to open database [LIMSdatabaseName] on [ServerName] via [ODBC Driver Name/Server Native Client] for SQL Server
- Querying the Most Recent N Samples
- Query by Sample Status
- Query Unapproved Samples
- Query Multiple Sample Batches
- How to Query Completed, Unreported, and Unapproved Batches
- Work Load Report
- Investigating Analysis Use
- Updated LIMS Data Query Workbook Now Available
- SQL Expression for Today’s Samples
- Automated Backups with SQL Server Express
- Error: "Cannot Connect To SQL Server" When Trying To Connect Other Workstations
- Error: "Microsoft Excel Is Waiting For LIMS To Complete An OLE Action"
- Creating Scheduled Backups Using SQL Server Express
- Creating A Backup Of Your LIMS SQL Database
- Access-to-SQL Server Database Migration Instructions
- MSC-LIMS v4 to SQL Server Migration Files.zip
- LIMS Upgrade Task Checklist
- Show All Articles (8) Collapse Articles
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- Error: "Undefined function 'Replace$' in expression" when Importing from Excel
- Error: "Can't Find File MS09.DLL" When Starting LIMS
- Error: Unable to Attach LIMSDATA.MDB or its Location May Have Changed
- Issue: Missing Logos on Windows 2000 Workstations
- Issue: LIMS VBA Project is Not Fully Compiled
- Creating an LIMS 4.x Edit LimsCode Shortcut
- Updating LIMS 3.x Installation for Windows 7 and Office 2010 Compatibility
- Installing LIMS under Citrix or Remote Desktop Services
- Creating an LIMS 3.x Edit LimsCode Shortcut
- Moving LIMSDATA to a New Location
- Creating a Development Version of LIMSCODE
- Installing LIMS 2.x on a Machine with Access 2000
- Installing LIMS 2.x on a Machine with Access 2000
- Optimizing Microsoft Access Performance
- Using Barcodes With Other Windows Applications
- Using a Read-Only Version of LIMSDATA
- Show All Articles (1) Collapse Articles
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- Use a Text List to Enter Special Symbols
- Simplify Queries with SQL<br>Expressions
- Using Wildcard Pattern Matching in Queries
- SQL for Unique Queries
- Copy Only Subtotals in Excel
- Quick Data Analysis with Excel
- Use a Dynamic Batch to Speed Login
- Adding a Label Number to labels
- Understanding the Hyperlink Base
- Inactive Items in Pick Lists
- Splitting One Sample Batch into Two
- Compact LimsData Regularly to<br>Improve Performance
- Sending Preliminary Reports with<br>Messaging
- Use a Project to Save Control Chart<br>Lines
- Prevent Samplers and Technicians<br>from Adding or Editing Locations
- Use Analytes to Bill for Services
- Understanding Analysis Specifications
- Values Imported from Excel
- Configuring Instrument Methods
- Create Excel Templates by Copying<br>Other Templates
- Using Customer Sample Login Options
- Verify Your Version 4.0 Setup Folder
- Using the Record Navigation Search<br>Field
- How to Move LimsData to a New Folder
- Creating Electronic Data Deliverables from a Report Template
- Find Projects with a Specific Analyte
- Delete or Inactivate a Customer
- Query Unapproved Samples
- Using the Zoom Window
- Sample Approval by Specific Users
- Keyboard Shortcuts Are Your Friend
- LIMS Users May Benefit from Thin Client Computing
- Date and Time Analyses
- Refine Queries by Selecting Samples
- Adding New Analyses in Specific Order
- Organizing Analyses
- Project vs. Analysis Costs
- Database Size Metrics
- Sample Documents
- Understanding Analysis Costs
- Clean Up your Error Log
- How Large is your Database?
- Adding or Deleting an Analysis from all Batch Samples
- Logging One-Time Customers
- Add Samples to an Existing Batch
- Query Multiple Sample Batches
- How Reliable are your Backups?
- Compact Routinely
- Result Value Formatting for Custom Numbers
- How to Use Location-Specific Analyses
- Database Maintenance and Performance
- Speed Data Entry with Text Lists
- Use the Ditto Keyboard Shortcut
- Integrating LIMS and ERP Systems
- How to Use Default Sample Descriptions
- Entering Results with Scientific Notation
- Sample Schedules
- Linking a Document to a Sample
- Custom Bar Code Not Printing
- Computer Configurations When No Domain Active Directory Present
- Analysis Values "H", "L", and "BDL"
- Creating Scheduled Backups Using SQL Server Express
- Creating A Backup Of Your LIMS SQL Database
- Configuring A New Profile For Messaging
- Access-to-SQL Server Database Migration Instructions
- MSC-LIMS v4 to SQL Server Migration Files.zip
- LIMS Upgrade Task Checklist
- Using Windows Authentication to Connect to SQL Server from Outside the Domain
- Error: "Unable to open database" Troubleshooting Guide
- Removing Users From LIMS
- Show All Articles (55) Collapse Articles
- Use a Text List to Enter Special Symbols
- Error: "Undefined function 'Replace$' in expression" when Importing from Excel
- Error: "Can't Find File MS09.DLL" When Starting LIMS
- Error: Unable to Attach LIMSDATA.MDB or its Location May Have Changed
- Issue: Missing Logos on Windows 2000 Workstations
- Issue: LIMS VBA Project is Not Fully Compiled
- Creating an LIMS 4.x Edit LimsCode Shortcut
- Updating LIMS 3.x Installation for Windows 7 and Office 2010 Compatibility
- Installing LIMS under Citrix or Remote Desktop Services
- Creating an LIMS 3.x Edit LimsCode Shortcut
- Moving LIMSDATA to a New Location
- Creating a Development Version of LIMSCODE
- Installing LIMS 2.x on a Machine with Access 2000
- Installing LIMS 2.x on a Machine with Access 2000
- Optimizing Microsoft Access Performance
- Using Barcodes With Other Windows Applications
- Using a Read-Only Version of LIMSDATA
- Advanced Sample Queries Using SQL
- Finding Samples Missing Analysis Costs Using SQL
- Reducing Lock Conflicts With NetWare
- Reducing Multiuser Database Lock Conflicts
- Creating a New Excel Template Message Style in LIMS Messaging
- Timed Shutdown of LIMS Messaging
- Ctrl-; (semicolon) Keyboard Shortcut Does Not Work in Date Fields
- Entering Dates Using Keyboard Shortcuts
- Populating Sample Pick Lists
- Results by Analyte Display Column
- Result High and Low Warning Flags
- Add an Analysis to Many Projects
- Graph a Single Analyte
- Internal Data Analytes
- Reporting Specific Analytes for Multiple Samples
- When to First Archive Your LIMS Database
- Results by Analyte ‘Display’ Field
- Sampler vs. Employee
- Compact LimsData without LIMS
- Emailing Preliminary Results
- Using Barcode Hardware
- Conclusions Field Character Limit
- Report Results to more Decimal Places
- Synchronize Workstation Configuration Settings
- Incomplete Analyses Organized by Analyst
- Can We Rename The LIMS Database?
- Analysis Values "H", "L", and "BDL"
- Creating Scheduled Backups Using SQL Server Express
- Creating A Backup Of Your LIMS SQL Database
- Error: "Unable to open database" Troubleshooting Guide
- Show All Articles (32) Collapse Articles
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Error Messages
- Error: "Can't Find File MS09.DLL" When Starting LIMS
- Error: "Undefined function 'Replace$' in expression" when Importing from Excel
- Error: Unable to Attach LIMSDATA.MDB or its Location May Have Changed
- Error: "Error running LIMSDATA .AfterTransferFromLIMS procedure in template… Type mismatch"
- Error: "in LoadWorkstation Configuration"
- Error: "The expression you entered has a function name that microsoft access can't find..."
- Error: Unable to open database [LIMSdatabaseName] on [ServerName] via [ODBC Driver Name/Server Native Client] for SQL Server
- Error: "The database cannot be opened because the VBA project…"
- Installing LIMS 2.x on a Machine with Access 2000
- Installing LIMS 2.x on a Machine with Access 2000
- Error: New User Login Account Fails
- LimsCode Size Warning
- Error with a Period in Messaging<br>Attachment File Name
- Error in GetCurrentUsers:<br>Unrecognized database format
- Unwanted MIN and MAX Warnings
- View Current Users Fails
- Messaging’s Email Subjects
- Understanding the LimsCode Size Warning
- Startup Errors
- Error: in CopyRecordsetToWorksheet
- Error in FrmSetupUsers.Form_Open
- Error Querying Samples: "DateTime2"
- Error: "Date And Time Entered Is Earlier Than The Sample's Collected Date And Time"
- Error: "A Runtime Error Has Occurred. "Contact Your LIMS AdministratorError: LoadWorkstationConfiguration"
- Error: "ErrorRunning LIMSDATA.AfterTransferFromLIMS"...
- Error: The Microsoft Access database engine could not find the object 'MSysDb'
- Error: "Cannot Connect To SQL Server" When Trying To Connect Other Workstations
- Error: "Microsoft Excel Is Waiting For LIMS To Complete An OLE Action"
- LIMS Messaging: Clicking Start Causes The Application To Close
- Users Missing From Admin>User Screen in LIMS
- Error: "Unable to open database" Troubleshooting Guide
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Troubleshooting
- Error: "Undefined function 'Replace$' in expression" when Importing from Excel
- Error: "Can't Find File MS09.DLL" When Starting LIMS
- Error: Unable to Attach LIMSDATA.MDB or its Location May Have Changed
- Issue: Missing Logos on Windows 2000 Workstations
- Issue: LIMS VBA Project is Not Fully Compiled
- Issue: Excel Cell Formats Change After Copying Data From LIMSData Worksheet
- Incomplete Samples with All Results
- Who Deleted Samples and When
- Results by Analyte Display Column
- Results Entry Inserting Login Name Instead of Initials
- Understanding the LimsCode Size Warning
- Troubleshoot Network Problems with a Local LimsData
- Cannot Log In After New Workstation Install
- Error: "Cannot Connect To SQL Server" When Trying To Connect Other Workstations
- Computer Configurations When No Domain Active Directory Present
- Issue: Receiving Flagged Results After Changing Analysis Specs
- Analysis Values "H", "L", and "BDL"
- Creating A Backup Of Your LIMS SQL Database
- Users Missing From Admin>User Screen in LIMS
- Using Windows Authentication to Connect to SQL Server from Outside the Domain
- Error: "Unable to open database" Troubleshooting Guide
- Show All Articles (6) Collapse Articles
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User Defined Reports
- Developing and Testing a UDR Without Requerying Data
- Hiding a UDR Column
- Issue: UDR Summary Statistics Do Not Work On Columns With Expressions
- UDR Formula and Expression Dependency Rules
- Create an Invoice Summary Report
- Save LIMS Reports to PDF Files
- Automated Final Report Footnotes in<br>Excel
- Calculate Sample Turnaround with a UDR
- Sample Turnaroun
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File Library
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Downloads & Documentation Library
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- LIMS Installation Guide v6
- LIMS User Guide v6
- Computer Configurations When No Domain Active Directory Present
- Downloads
- LIMS Release Notes v6
- LIMS Programmer's Guide v6
- LIMS Messaging Guide v6
- INSTALLING J STREET LIMS v6 ON YOUR WORKSTATIONS - Step By Step Guide
- Updating Messaging v6 ODBC Driver and Database Connection
- Access-to-SQL Server Database Migration Instructions
- MSC-LIMS v4 to SQL Server Migration Files.zip
- LIMS Upgrade Task Checklist
- Instructions for Updating Custom LIMS Excel Templates
- J Street LIMS v6 System Requirements Addendum
- Using Windows Authentication to Connect to SQL Server from Outside the Domain
- Error: "Unable to open database" Troubleshooting Guide
- Show All Articles (1) Collapse Articles
- LIMS User Guide v5
- LIMS Messaging Guide v5
- LIMS Release Notes v5
- LIMS Annual Maintenance & Support Policy
- Add LIMS Analyses
- Add LIMS Customers
- CofA Example by Requirement
- LIMS User Guide v6
- LIMS Installation Guide v6
- View Index Fragmentation
- Downloads
- Computer Configurations When No Domain Active Directory Present
- LIMS Release Notes v6
- LIMS Programmer's Guide v6
- LIMS Messaging Guide v6
- Installing Existing LIMS v4 On A New Workstation
- INSTALLING J STREET LIMS v6 ON YOUR WORKSTATIONS - Step By Step Guide
- Access-to-SQL Server Database Migration Instructions
- MSC-LIMS v4 to SQL Server Migration Files.zip
- LIMS Upgrade Task Checklist
- Instructions for Updating Custom LIMS Excel Templates
- Error: "Unable to open database" Troubleshooting Guide
- Show All Articles (7) Collapse Articles
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Bench Sheets
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QuickBooks
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Excel Interface
- Issue: Excel Cell Formats Change After Copying Data From LIMSData Worksheet
- Interface BAX Instrument with LIMS Software
- How to Display Sample Characteristics in an Import by Sample Template
- How to Read the Contents of a LIMS Report Control from Excel
- How to Remove a Template's LIMS Infrastructure
- How to Update Template References for LIMS 3.x
- How to Use Customer and Outside Lab Lists in a MS Word Mail Merge
- Query Data with the LIMS Data Query Workbook
- Importing formatted analysis results<br>from Excel
- Current Example Excel Export Templates
- Creating a Basic Excel Export Template
- Create Custom Container Labels with Excel
- Values Imported from Excel
- Create Excel Templates by Copying<br>Other Templates
- Using Excel’s Formula Evaluator
- Accessing Excel’s Name Manager
- Significant Figure Rounding in Excel
- Importing Result Types from Excel
- Excel Template’s ‘LIMS Access Version’ Setting
- Date and Time of Results Imported from Excel
- Getting Started with Excel Template Reports
- Improve Excel Reports with Conditional Formatting
- Introduction to LIMS’ Excel VBA Macros
- Creating a Basic Excel Import Template
- Using Date and Time Analyses
- How to Copy and Open an Excel Template
- Export Analysis Results to Excel
- Importing Dates from Excel
- Check your Excel Template’s LIMSAccessVersion
- AnalysisResultFormatted and AnalysisResult Fields in Excel
- Create a Tabular Report with an EDD Template
- How to Debug an Excel Template Macro
- Creating Protected Excel Workbooks
- Round or use Excel’s “Precision as<br>Displayed”
- Changing a Sample Pick List’s Column Contents
- Log Samples from Excel
- Export a Customer List
- How to Evaluate Excel Formulas Incrementally
- Quick Data Export to Excel
- Selecting Excel Template Folders
- Excel Template Report Disclaimers
- Excel Template Folders in Version 5.x
- Showing LIMSData Sheet Data in an Excel Template
- Custom Bar Code Not Printing
- Show All Articles (29) Collapse Articles
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Labels
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Table/Field Names
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Newsletters
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User Roles
Automated Backups with SQL Server Express
If you are running LIMS version 5.0 you are probably aware that it uses a SQL Server backend database. If you work for a larger organization, you may have an IT department that manages your SQL Server installation and takes care of all database maintenance and backup operations. Your IT department’s database administrators likely use SQL Server Agent, which is included with licensed versions of SQL Server, to automate database backups and other maintenance tasks.
If you are using SQL Server Express, Microsoft’s free version of SQL Server, it does not include the SQL Server Agent component of the paid versions. However, you can use a script file with the Windows Task Scheduler to perform automated backups.
The above image shows a script that will back up a SQL Server database to a designated file and folder. The script uses the sqlcmd utility to run a BACKUP command. Download the BackupSQLServerDatabase script from the File Library and save it to a folder on your SQL Server machine.
Much of the script contains text describing its usage. Before trying the script, first open the file in Windows’ Notepad or another text editor. Locate the sqlcmd statement near the bottom of the script. Note that this statement is a single line in the file. The image above shows the statement spanning multiple lines with Notepad’s Word Wrap format enabled.
In the sqlcmd statement, replace MyServer\SQLExpress with the name of your server and the SQL Server instance name. Next, replace the two occurrences of MSClims with the name of your database if it is different. Finally, replace C:\Backup with the location and name of the folder where you want your database’s backup files created then edit the file name if you like. Note that the %mydate% and %mytime% variables in the file name are replaced with the current date and time when the script runs. It is preferable to save the backup files to a folder on a different machine. However, if that is not feasible, just make sure the folder where you save the database backups is included in your system’s backups.
Since you will likely create one or more database backups each day, your designated backup folder could soon contain many large backup files. If you would like to keep only the most recent backups to save disk space, remove the REM at the beginning of the last line in the script then change C:\Backup in the forfiles command to the name of the folder you entered in the sqlcmd statement. This command will delete any backup files with a bak extension in the folder that are more than seven days old. If you would like to keep more or fewer files, change the ‘-7’ in the command to the number of days to keep.
To test the script on your server machine, open a command prompt, use the CD command to switch to the folder containing the script (e.g. CD C:\Backup), then enter BackupSQLServerDatabase and hit Enter. You should get a message showing the results of the backup similar to the screen capture below.
If your edited script works, you can add a job to the Windows Task Scheduler to automatically run the backup at a specific time. You can run the backup while the database is in use so you can schedule multiple backups each day if you like.
To schedule a daily automatic backup, open the Task Scheduler in the Windows Administrative Tools menu on the Start menu, select Create Basic Task, then follow the wizard steps. Begin by giving the task a name and an optional description.
Choose the option to run the task daily then enter the start date and time.
Select the option to start a program then use the Browse button to select your script.
On the Summary screen, enable the option to open the Properties dialog then click the Finish button.
Set your backup task’s security options to run whether the user is logged on or not and to run with the highest privileges to ensure your backup always runs as scheduled. You will be prompted for the user’s password when you exit the Properties screen and save your changes.
To test your new backup task, right-click the task in Task Scheduler and choose Run then verify the backup file was created in your specified folder. You can also view the date and time of the last database backup in the LIMS on the DB Info tab of the System Configuration screen.
If you want to back up your LIMS database more than once a day, simply repeat the steps above and create additional Task Scheduler tasks to back up at other times of the day.