Setting up a working MySQL connection

This guide is aimed at those users who want to install and use MySQL as database backend to Helium Music Manager.

The MySQL database option should only be used if you have specific reasons for this. One reason could be that you already have a working Linux server set up and want to use an already existing MySQL server on that computer, or want to install one. Another would be if you want to connect to the Helium Music Manager database from your own PHP application. You may also consider this alternative if you plan on using Helium Music Manager in a multi-user environment where many clients want to access the same server.

If you are thinking about upgrading from the default Access database to MySQL purely for performance reasons you should consider the free Microsoft SQL Server Express database instead. Click here to read more about installing Microsoft SQL Server Express.

Installing and configuring MySQL on Windows

You can install a MySQL server either on the same computer as you are running Helium Music Manager, or you can install it on a different Windows computer.

Installing the server

On the computer where you want to install the MySQL Server, perform the steps below:

  1. Click this link to get to the MySQL download page.
  2. Click on Download by the Windows MSI Installer (x86) row to download the installer for MySQL. Users of 64-bit (x64) verisons of Windows should download the Windows MSI Installer (AMD64 / Intel EM64T).
  3. Once the .msi file has been downloaded, double click it to launch the installation.
  4. Select the Typical option in the installation to install using the most common features and settings.
  5. When asked, select Configure the MySQL Server now and optionally the Register the MySQL Server now option (this option is not explained in this document).
  6. The MySQL Server Instance Configuration Wizard will start. Click Next.
  7. On the second page, select Standard Configuration and click Next.
  8. Make sure that the Install As Windows Service and Launch the MySQL Server automatically options are selected. Leave the Service Name at the default "MySQL". Click Next to continue.
  9. Make sure that the Modify Security Settings option is selected. Type a password for the user root (the default MySQL Server user). Make sure to remember this password since you will need to use it to connect to the database later.
  10. If you plan on connecting to this MySQL Server from other computers than the one you are sitting at, enable the Enable root access from remote machines option.
  11. Click Next then click Execute to install the MySQL Server.
  12. The installation should be successful, click Finish. If it's not, please look through the Common Problems section below.

Installing the MySQL Connector/ODBC 5.1

The MySQL Connector/ODBC 5.1 is needed on all computers running Helium Music Manager. It's not required on the server if you don't plan to run a Helium Music Manager client on that computer.

On all computers where you will use Helium Music Manager, perform the steps below:

  1. Click this link to go to the MySQL Connector/ODBC 5.1 download page.
  2. Click on Download by the Windows MSI Installer (x86) row to download the installer. Users of 64-bit (x64) verisons of Windows should download the Windows MSI Installer (AMD64 / Intel EM64T).
  3. Once the .msi file has been downloaded, double click it to launch the installation.
  4. Click Next on the first page.
  5. Select the Typical option in the installation to install using the most common features and settings. Click Next.
  6. Click Install to start installing.
  7. Click Finish to exit the installer.

Congratulations! You are now ready to configure Helium Music Manager to use MySQL.

Common problems

  • If the Start service part of the MySQL Server Instance Configuration fails you may already have a MySQL server running on your computer. Please verify your installed software, such as the WAMP server or similar.