Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of this manual and lists other technical manuals.
About this manual
The purpose purpose of this manual is to provide technical details related to the Visma Nova program and the SQL Server, and to guide you through the installation of the software and the database server.
A presumption in this manual is that you are familiar with the basics of the use of SQL Server. The manual is intended for persons authorised to install Visma Nova and for system administrators.
The text is primarily related to the Visma Nova program, but some content is solely related to the SQL Server database server.
Updating the software is discussed in a separate Visma Nova update guide.
Other documents
In additon to this document, the following technical documents are available from our customer service:
Installation and update of customisations (supplied in conjunction with report customisation)
Mobile solutions
Visma Nova update guide
Program-specific user guides are installed with programs.
Quick installation guide
This section outlines the installation process in brief.
Installation of Visma Nova
Perform the installation as follows:
Ensure that Windows updates are up to date on both the server and the workstations.
Install SQL Server on the server. For supported Microsoft SQL Server versions, visit www.visma.fi/ohjelmistovaatimukset.
Visma Nova 10.1 and higher version needs the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for the SQL Server to work. See additional info below this list
Create user groups on the server or Active Directory and add users in the user groups. (Read more: User groups)
Install Visma Nova Server in a shared directory on the server, such as J:\Nova.
Perform the workstation installation to all workstations and servers that uses Nova.Install to a shared folder, for example J:\Nova
Open Visma Nova so that the program can create all necessary Visma Nova –databases into SQL Server.
In the Infoline window
| Company | General settings, verify that the Domain setting is correct. *Domain = the location where Nova’s user groups have been created. Use either the real domain name, local workstation name or server nameActivate Visma Nova programs with the activation key.
Tip! Hardware recommendations for Visma Nova software are available at http://www.visma.fi/ohjelmistovaatimukset.
Note! Make sure that you have selected Finland on regionsettings!
Windows Control panel | Region and there under Formats-tab Format = Suomi and under Location-tab Home location = Finland.
Note! Visma Nova 10.1 and higher needs the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for the SQL Server to work.
Upgrading to a newer database driver will improve the stability of the database connection and speed up database operations in Nova.
You can prepare in advance for the update by ensuring that the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server has been installed on all computers on which Visma Nova is used. If the driver has not been installed, you can download it here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/oledb/download-oledb-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver15
Download and install the driver that corresponds to the operating system bit.
Note! The Microsoft OLE DB driver for the SQL Server runs on all SQL server versions supported by Nova. If the driver has not been installed on the computer, the following error will occur when Nova is started (3706):
This means that you must install the Microsoft OLE DB Driver on the computer in question.
Note! Before installing the OLEDB driver, make sure that the 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Visual c++ 2015 - 2022 installations are installed.
Visma Nova installation to a single workstation
Perform local installation as follows:
Ensure that Windows updates are up to date.
Create user groups.
Add users in the created groups. (Read more: User groups)
Install SQL Server Express. (https://www.microsoft.com/fi-fi/sql-server/sql-server-downloads)
Install all available packages in the installation setup. Use C:\Nova, for example, as the installation path
Restart the computer.
Start Visma Nova so that the program can create all necessary Visma Nova -databases into SQL Server.
Activate Visma Nova programs with the activation key.
SQL Server Standard/Express Edition
This section guides you through the installation of the SQL Server database server. You can also install the SQL Server Express Edition by applying the following instructions.
Before installing SQL Server
Log in to the server with System administrator rights. Make sure that the server’s operating system meets the requirement, that OS updates have been installed, that sufficient disk space is available and that the server can be restarted after installation.
The following installation images describe the installation of SQL 2017 The installation steps of later versions are somewhat different than those below but the most important thing is to choose the installation options depicted in the images.
Progress of the installation
When SQL Server installer is started, the following window is displayed:
Start of installation.
Select Installation from the menu on the left.
In the Installation window, select New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation.
Installation phase 2.
Enter the product key and click Next to continue.
Installation phase 3.
Accept the license terms and click Next
Select Use Microsoft Update to check for updates (recommended) and click Next
In Install Rules window select Next
Select components to be installed in the Feature Selection window. Select at least the following components (as in the screenshot).
Database Engine Services
SQL Server Replication
Client Tools Connectivity
Integration Services
Client Tools Backwards Compatibility
In Instance root directory field enter that path where SQL Server is to be installed.
After you have selected the components to be installed and entered installation path click Next to continue.
Installation phase 7.
In the Instance Configuration window, select Named instance and enter ‘Nova’ in the text field.
Installation phase 8.
In the Server Configuration window, select the starting of SQL Server services and set the ID to be used to start them. We recommend default settings (as shown in the screenshot below). Select Automatic as Startup Type for the following services:
SQL Server Agent (not available in the Express Edition)
SQL Server Database Engine
SQL Server Integration Services
SQL Server Browser (define to start-up LOCAL SERVICE).
When definitions are complete, move to the Collation tab.
Installation phase 9.
Click Customize... and set Database Engine on the Collation tab to Finnish_Swedish_CI_AS. After configuring the Collation settings, click Next to continue.
Installation phase 10a.
Installation phase 10b, Database Engine Collation.
In the Database Engine Configuration window, select Mixed Mode (SQL Server authentication and Windows authentication) on the Server Configuration tab. Enter your SA password NovaPro123 (default) in the Enter password field and confirm it in Confirm password. Save the used password, as it will be needed later.
Click Add Current User to add System administrator in Specify SQL Server administrator. If required, you can add a System administrator group
Note! If the company’s data security regulations/guidelines require a more complex password, comply with the requirements.
Installation phase 11.
Go to the Data Directories tab. To save databases on another physical hard disk, determine the paths in the fields, for example D:\Novatietokannat\Data for databases and D:\Novatietokannat\Backup for backup copies. After determining paths, click Next to continue installation.
Installation phase 12.
In the Ready to Install window, check that all settings are correct and click Install to start the installation.
After Complete window, click Close to exit the installer.
Restart the computer and make sure that all SQL services have started from SQL Server Configuration Manager and that their start mode is Automatic.
Installation of Visma Nova programs
This section guides you through the server and workstation installation processes for Visma Nova programs.
Before server installation or single machine environment installation
Installation methods
Installation methods are as follows:
Server installation means that the program will be installed on a server, which contains all installation packages and workstations will only have workstation installations, Crystal reports runtime and MSMQ enabled.
In a single workstation installation, all of the previously mentionned components will be installed to a single workstation.
Note! Network sharing is not done in single-computer environments because Visma Nova is installed in a directory such as C:\Nova.
Note! If you install on a server, please use eg. C:\Novajako\Nova. On a server installation you shouldn't map any network drive e.g. J:.
Note! If Nova is going to be used over a remote desktop connection or Citrix, Nova should be installed on the local server drive and started from the local drive. Nova should be installed on the server that the remote users use to log in.
If needed, you can order consultation from Visma for a separate fee in order to implement the remote desktop solution: http://teho.visma.fi/konsultointi
If file sharing, such as [J:], is performed using GPO (Group Policy Object), the file sharing must be created with the UPDATE function.
An example of J file sharing: Directory D:\Novajako\Nova exists on the server. The Nova directory is shared in the network between the desired users or user groups with modification rights. Connect network drive [J:] \\servername\novajako.\
Tips: To display shared directories in the installation use below instructions:
If shared directories are not automatically displayed in the beginning of the installation, you can display them in the installation program as follows
Run regedit program
In regedit, browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Policies/System
Create new DWORD (32-bit) and name it EnableLinkedConnections and enter 1 as its value.
Restart the computer
Shared directories should now be displayed in the installation program.
Before installation
Check below issues:
Note! Visma Nova 10.1 needs the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for the SQL Server to work
Upgrading to a newer database driver will improve the stability of the database connection and speed up database operations in Nova.
You can prepare in advance for the Visma Nova 10.1 update by ensuring that the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server has been installed on all computers on which Visma Nova is used. If the driver has not been installed, you can download it here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/oledb/download-oledb-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver15
Download and install the driver that corresponds to the operating system bit.
Note! The Microsoft OLE DB driver for the SQL Server runs on all SQL server versions supported by Nova. If the driver has not been installed on the computer, the following error will occur when Nova is started (3706):
This means that you must install the Microsoft OLE DB Driver on the computer in question.
Note! Before installing the OLEDB driver, make sure that the 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Visual c++ 2015 - 2022 installations are installed.
The user has logged in to the domain and/or server with system administrator rights
Operating system supported by Visma is installed on the server, with the latest Windows updates
There is enough free space on the server to run the installation (min. 1Gt)
Take Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 features into use (Windows Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off)
Microsoft.NET Framework 4.8 or later has been installed on the server. Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 Client itself is not enough.
Check that the Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) service is activated.
If for some reason the MSMQ service is not activated automatically, it must be enabled manually.
OS-specific instructions can be found from Microsoft web page.
Installation on server / Installation on single machine environment
Download the installation package from Visma Community: Visma Nova → Ohjelmistopäivitykset: https://community.visma.com.
Copy the installation package, for example, at the root of the [J:] drive for workstation installation.
Unzip the downloaded installation package to the C:\TEMP directory, for example.
Run Setup.exe as a system administrator (right-click setup.exe → Run as Administrator).
Select the installation language and click Next
Select all
Visma Nova Server
Includes the components to be installed on the server (.exe, .rpt, .sql and .pdf files)
In an environment with several workstations, install only to the server’s local drive.
In single-computer environments, this is installed in the directory C:\Nova, for example.
Visma Nova Workstation (Default)
Installs and registers program libraries used by Nova (.ocx, .dll)
Installed on all computers that are used to run Nova
In an environment with several workstations, install only to the server’s local drive.
In single-computer environments, this is installed in the directory C:\Nova, for example.
Enable MSMQ
Crystal reports runtime / Crystal reports runtime .NET
Needed for printing reports
Installed on all computers that are used to run Nova.
and click Next
Installation phase 6
Click Install to confirm the applications to be installed. If necessary, you can click Back to change your selections.
Installation phase 7
Click Next to start Visma Nova Server installation
Installation phase 8
Read the Installation guide, which opens under the link. Confirm, that you have read it and click Next
Installation phase 9
Enter the installation path or click the ... button to select it.
In server installation the installation path is e.g C:\Novajako\Nova
Installation phase 10
In single-computer environment installation path is e.g C:\Nova
Installation phase 10
After selecting the installation path, click Next.
When the installation is complete, click Finish. The installer automatically continues with the next application to be installed.
When all applications have been installed, click Next and in the summary window, click Finish to complete the installation
Click the desktop shortcut to start Visma Nova (C:\Novajako\Nova\my\Infoline.exe tai C:\Nova\my\Infoline.exe)
Click OK to log in to Visma Nova and create Nova and YR0 (demo company) databases.
Installation phase 14
In a single workstation environment, server name: workstation name\nova
In a server installation: SQL server name\nova
Select the language to be used in Visma Nova and click OK
Activate Visma Nova. Click the
button in the top right corner of the start-up screen to determine the settings. Under Management selectActivation.
Activate Visma Nova with the customernr and activation key provided by Visma.
Installation phase 16
Click the
button to log outRestart Visma Nova and click the
button in the top right corner of the start-up screen to determine settings. Select New company under Company.
Use default options and click OK to create a new company.
Installation phase 18
The Visma Nova installation is now complete.
Before workstation installation (multi-computer environment)
In a network environment, the workstation must be connected to a network drive,
such as [J:] \\servername\novajako.\
If file sharing, such as [J:], is performed using GPO (Group Policy Object), the file sharing must be created with the UPDATE function.
Make sure that:
You have logged into the workstation as system administrator
An operating system supported by Visma is installed on the workstation, with the latest Windows updates
Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 features has taken into use (Windows Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off).
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later has already been installed on the workstation. Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 Client itself is not enough.
Check that the Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) service is activated.
If for some reason the MSMQ service is not activated automatically, it must be enabled manually.
OS-specific instructions can be found from Microsoft web pages
Installation on workstation
Workstation installation methods
Default workstation installation mode uses programs from the server for network sharing. In this case, only library files are registered to the workstation. And the shortcut in this case refers to the infoline.exe file on the network share of the server.
This is the default installation method for Visma Nova.
Local workstation installation mode: Programs are run from the local machine. This installation method installs the Visma Nova update -service on the local machine which copies all programs from the network drive to the client. Application, company and the user settings files are on the network share on the server.
Visma Nova Workstation Default installation
Copy the installation package e.g to the C:\TEMP directory and unzip it.
Run Setup.exe as a system administrator (right-click setup.exe → Run as Administrator).
Select the installation language and click Next
Select the applications to be installed. You will need the following applications on the workstation:
Visma Nova Workstation (Default)
Creates a shortcut on your desktop
Installs and registers program libraries used by Nova (.ocx, .dll)
Installed on all computers that are used to run Nova
Crystal reports runtime
Needed for printing reports
Installed on all computers that are used to run Nova
Enable MSMQ (mandatory)
and click Next
Installation phase 4
Click Install to confirm the applications to be installed.
Click Next to start Visma Nova Workstation installation.
Read the Installation guide, which opens under the link. Confirm, that you have read it and click Next
Enter the installation path or click the … button to select it. Depending on the installation method, select one of the following options
Default workstation installation, applications are started from the server
The program is installed in a shared directory, such as J:\Nova
Installation phase 8
After selecting the installation path, click Next.
When the installation is complete, click Finish. The installer automatically continues with the next application to be installed.
Finalize the installation by clicking Close and in the summary window, click Finish to complete the installation.
Start Visma Nova from the desktop shortcut and test the functionality.
Visma Nova Workstation Local installation
Copy the installation package e.g to the C:\TEMP directory and unzip it.
Run Setup.exe as a system administrator (right-click setup.exe → Run as Administrator).
Select the installation language and click Next
Select the applications to be installed. You will need the following applications on the workstation:
Visma Nova Workstation (Local)
Creates a shortcut on your desktop
Applications are installed locally, which means that all applications will be copied from the server to the workstation. In this method Nova will copy program related files (.exe, .dll) to the workstation. This is why Nova needs the UNC-path, where the server part is installed
Installs and registers program libraries used by Nova (.ocx, .dll)
Installed on all computers that are used to run Nova
Crystal reports runtime
Needed for printing reports
Installed on all computers that are used to run Nova
Enable MSMQ (mandatory)
and click Next
Installation phase 4
Click Install to confirm the applications to be installed.
Click Next to start Visma Nova Workstation installation.
Read the Installation guide, which opens under the link. Confirm, that you have read it and click Next
Enter the UNC-file path to Nova common files filepath -field. The path is where the Nova server part is installed. E.g: \palvelin\novajako\nova
Applications are installed locally, which means that all applications will be copied from the server to the workstation. In this method Nova will copy program related files (.exe, .dll) to the workstation. This is why Nova needs the UNC-path, where the server part is installed
Installation phase 8
Enter the local installation folder from which the program will be run on the local machine. E.g C:\Visma\Nova
Installation phase 9
After selecting the installation path, click Next.
When the installation is complete, click Finish. The installer automatically continues with the next application to be installed.
Finalize the installation by clicking Close and in the summary window, click Finish to complete the installation.
Start Visma Nova from the desktop shortcut and test the functionality.
After installation
This section guides you through the actions to be taken after installation.
Backup copies
Visma Nova’s installation folder should be backed up at regular intervals. Make sure to back up databases as well.
Take contact to Visma Application support if needed ([email protected]).
Visma Cloud Gateway
Inside the Visma Nova installation package there is a link to Visma Cloud Gateway installations package. Visma Cloud Gateways installation guide can be found under: https://community.visma.com/t5/Visma-Nova-keskustelut/Visma-Cloud-Gatewayn-asentaminen-ja-tilaaminen/m-p/34776#M58
Problem cases
Note! In case there are problems after the installation, you can find answers to frequently asked questions from Commynity (https://community.visma.com).
Problems with Nova network
If Nova ceases to operate when used from the network drive, the network drive, such as J:, should be deleted and reconnected via the command prompt using commands that are run in the following order:
net config server /autodisconnect:-1
net use J: \
\
/persistent:yes
Note! As an example, the lower command uses the ’J:’ network drive, so replace it with your environments network drive.
Visma Nova installation is interrupted right in the beginning of the installation
If the installation is interrupted right after starting and a red cross is displayed next to the packages to be installed, Windows Installer is probably faulty or should be updated to a later version.
Database
Visma Nova’s database is Microsoft SQL Server. This section discusses the structure of database and data security.
Objects
Databases
Visma Nova uses one shared Visma Nova database and company-specific YRx databases where x is the number of the company. Visma Nova and YR0 databases are automatically created during the first start-up. The program also creates a dedicated database for each company.
Tables
Databases consist of tables where data is saved. The tables are created using TB_-scripts.
Views
Views are needed to process table data. Each table usually includes several views that are used for different purposes. The views are created using V_ -scripts.
Functions and saved procedures
A part of the logic of the programs is in functions and in stored procedures. The functions are created using F_ -scripts.
SQL-scripts
The table explains the meaning of the prefixes in the SQL scripts.
File
Description
TB_
Database tables
F_
Functions
V_
Views
UP_
Saved procedures
CUP_
Protected saved procedures
IN_
Initial values of tables
XOR/VISMA_TEMPLATE
Internal scripts or scripts to be run according to instructions
USER_
Customised scripts, which Infoline always runs last
**N_
Scripts to be run into the Visma Nova database
If the file prefix includes the letter N before the character _, the script is run into the Nova database. In other instances, scripts are run into the selected company databases.
Data protection
The program assigns default protections for different user groups in the database. Each Visma Nova user must have their own Windows username.
Note! Visma Nova cannot be used from several workstations simultaneously using the same username.
User groups
Visma Nova’s access rights are based on Windows user groups. Nova installation does not create the necessary user groups for Visma Nova. Create user groups and add username/usernames into the desired groups as per the table below before installing Visma Nova. Nova user groups can be created on Domain or on Nova server.
Note! User groups should be created also in single-computer environments.
Note! The same username cannot be added to all Nova user groups. However, a user may belong to several Nova user groups simultaneously.
User group
Description
NovaUser
ALL users have to belong to this group, with the exception of NovaWOKAcceptor users.
NovaSuperUser
Nova key user should belong to this group.
Nova’s administrator has to belong to this group. Only NovaSuperUsers are allowed to update the database.
NovaLedger
This group have access to the accounts payable and receivable, and they have rights to edit the company’s account scheme and program settings.
It is possible to prevent access to accounts payable for a person belonging to NovaLedger-group. You can do this in user management.
Members of this group should NOT belong to the NovaCashier group.
NovaPayroll
This group have access to payroll
Members of this group have the rights to edit the company’s account scheme and program settings.
NovaBookkeeper
This group have access to bookkeeping.
Members of this group have the rights to edit the company’s account scheme and program settings.
Members of this group should NOT belong to the NovaBookkeeperRead group.
NovaBookkeeperRead
This group has read permissions for bookkeeping
Members of this group should NOT belong to the NovaBookkeeper group.
NovaStock
Persons registering stock transactions have to belong to this group (eg. receiving/sending orders, arrival/withdrawal to/from stock, stock transfer
NovaProduction
This group have access to production control.
NovaPlan
This group have access to project management and registration of work hours.
NovaSales
This group have access to sales orders and read-only rights to invoicing.
Members of this group should NOT belong to the NovaSalesRead group.
NovaSalesRead
This group has read-only rights to invoicing.
Members of this group should NOT belong to the NovaSales group.
NovaPurchase
This group have access to purchase orders.
NovaCashier
This group have access to type Cash Invoice on Invoicing (2).
NovaTravellExpenses
This group have access to type Cost voucher on Invoicing (60).
NovaDashboard
This group have access to Visma Nova dashboards
Data protection scripts
Data protection scripts are assigned during the creation of databases and during updates.
It is recommended that you run these scripts, with a SQL System Administrator level account.
Data protection scripts are run in connection with running the SQL scripts, by selecting ‘Run data protection scripts’ in the SQL script screen (selected as default).
The SQL run screen is displayed.
Click the
button in the top right corner of the start-up screen to determine the settings. Select Run SQL scripts in Management.
Files
This section describes the directory structure and backup copying of databases (from Express version).
Directory structure
The Visma Nova installer creates the following directory structure:
\NOVA\subdirectory
Description
MY
Start-up screen
TH
Actual programs and reports
HLP
Manuals (PDF)
SQL
SQL scripts
YR0
Demo company
BACKUP
Command queue files for backup copying of SQL Server and Visma Novas databases
YRx
Settings for an actual company (x = company 1, etc.).
Use the default directories to facilitate maintenance, even if you could install in another directory. NOVA, with its subdirectories, can be located under any directory. On workstations you should connect disk drive J to the directory above the NOVA directory. For example, \server\sharednova\nova: J: = \server\sharednova.
Backup copying of databases (SQL Express)
Backup copying of databases can be scheduled to take place automatically, or it can be done manually using BackupExpress.cmd files. Run these files on the computer where the Express database engine is installed.
Note! Function does not take backup copies of Nova folders.
If you wish to have scheduled backups, BackupExpress.cmd shoud be run with Windows Scheduled Tasks.
User-specific directory
In addition to the directories described above, the program also creates a dedicated directory for each user. By default, this directory is saved under the company directory. The directory for a user named JOHNSON in the first company would be \NOVA\YR1\JOHNSON.
User-specific files are used to save table definitions and the size and location of windows, among other things.
Company-specific information
Almost all company-specific information is saved in the database YRx. However, some control data is also saved in INI files. These files are by default saved in directory ..\NOVA\YRx.