This guide assumes that the computer you are installing is properly connected to the HotSauce network and is powered on.
By default, many of our new computers are preconfigured as SERVER computers. Regardless it is VERY important for you to be thorough in checking a SERVER computer is set up correctly.
By default, Anydesk and TeamViewer 12 Host should be installed on new computers. If this is not the case, go to this link for instructions on installing Anydesk or TeamViewer 12 Host.
The HotSauce .ini file where we adjust the core settings of the HotSauce software on a specific computer.
Navigate to the HotSauce ini. in the HotSauce folder.
There are a number of important fields to adjust to enable a SERVER computer. Below is an explanation of the important HotSauce .ini fields in RED.
[DataBasePaths]
SQL_SERVER = SERVER\sqlexpress This is the path to the SQL database. Default set to 'SERVER\sqlexpress'.
catalog = hotsauce This is the name of the sql database. Default set to 'hotsauce'.
dbserver = sql2005
TRAINING_SQL_SERVER = SERVER\sqlexpress
TRAINING_CATALOG = support
[Client]
eCardMgr_terminal_id = 001
HSBO_Auto_Logout_Seconds = 600
BackOffice_Installed = Y For SERVER computer, this should always be 'Y'.
PCCharge_User_Name = SERVER For SERVER computer, this should always be 'SERVER'.
Workstation_name = SERVER For SERVER computer, this should always be 'SERVER'.
StationNum = 001 This should correspond with the number of the computer. SERVER is '001'.
BarStation = N If this is a bar station, set to 'Y'. More information on types of stations here.
Showsplash = Y
RegisterName = NONE
AutologoutSec = 30
Register Port = 0 If there is a cash drawer attached to this station, set to '1'.
RegisterSettings = 9600, n, 8, 1
Debug = On
BypassMultiLanguage = N
ScaleComPort = 1
PoleDisplayComPort = -1
promptbackup = Y
evs_terminal_id = evs1 This should be the same as 'StationNum'. SERVER is 'evs1'.
training_station = N
DB_MGR = N
[GLOBAL]
APP_PORT = 1010
[setup]
configured = Y
[myhotsauce.net]
logcom = Y
ShowCommMsgBox = N
gcURL =
glpURL =
ooURL =
[emv]
DeviceID = 1 Only in .ini for computers with chip readers. Refer here for chip reader setup.
Search for 'My Computer' on the desktop or start menu. Right click it and select 'Properties'. Change the 'Computer name' and/or 'Computer description' to 'SERVER'
On Windows 10, make changes by selecting 'Change settings'.
For older PCs, make changes in both place marked red.
In the start menu, search 'run' and start the program. In Run, type 'services.msc' to bring up the Services window. Here we can make changes to Windows services by right clicking the service and selecting 'Properties'.
The following services need to be started and their Startup type set to 'Automatic':
HotSauce Auto Update
Hotsauce Message Service
HS EMV Transaction Server
HS EVS Transaction Server
HSTimeSyncService
SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS)
SQL Server Browser
SQL Server VSS Writer
Sample service.msc window
Be sure the proper services have 'automatic' Startup type and are 'Running'.
For more information about how we set up the HotSauce network. Please refer to the Networking section of documentation.
Select the network by clicking on the small computer icon on the bottom right of the task bar. A Network Connections window should appear.
Right click the network and select 'Properties'. A Ethernet Properties window should appear.
Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click the 'Properties' button.
Select 'Use the following IP address' and 'Use the following DNS server address'. Below are our default IP settings, however it is important to understand a business's network to see if any adjustments need to be made.
IP address: 192.168.9.100 By default, SERVER should always be .100
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.9.1 This should be the IP of the router, by default always .1
Preferred DNS server: 192.168.9.1 This should match the Default gateway
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Sample IP setup
Licensing is a process we only allow senior techs access to and requires a Support Box log in. However, it is important for all techs to understand the process.
For SERVER computers, we must license both FoH and BoH. Start by opening Back Office. It will fail and prompt you to register a license.
On TeamViewer, remote into 'Support Box', find your user and log in.
Open 'ActiveLock for Admins'.
Select the appropriate product (FoH or BoH) and set License Type to 'Permanent'.
On the SERVER computer, under License Name enter 'HotSauce' and click Register Software. This will generate a software code.
Next to the Software Code, click the 'Copy to Clipboard' Icon.
On Support Box, click the 'Paste from Clipboard' icon next to Installation Code or Serial Number to paste the Software Code.
Click 'Generate' to generate a license key. Be sure to select 'No' when prompted to save the key. Copy the license key by clicking the 'Copy to clipboard' icon.
On the SERVER computer, click the 'Paste from Clipboard' icon next to Liberation Key.
Finally, click Register User to finalize licensing.
Sample licensing on SERVER
Sample Licensing on Support Box
The final step in SERVER installation is to run the HotSauce upgrade file. The upgrade file can be found in Google Drive, or message a senior tech and they will give you access to the file. Save the upgrade file in the upgrades folder in the hotsauce folder.
IMPORTANT: the HotSauce version of POS terminal MUST match the version on SERVER. If you upgrade SERVER to a later version, ensure you run the same upgrade file on each POS terminal as well.
The terminal is now set up to run HotSauce, however any hardware (printers, chip readers, etc.) have not yet been installed on the terminal. Please confer with the merchant on what hardware needs to be installed. If you need help installing hardware, refer to their section of documentation.
In cases where a merchant's SERVER computer malfunctions, we can change a POS terminal to become a SERVER computer so they can keep doing business.
In cases where a SERVER computer malfunctions but the HotSauce database is still recoverable from the hard drive, we move the database on SERVER to the POS terminal.
Please refer to this link from the SQL documentation on backing up, detaching, and restoring SQL databases.
Update the computer name from 'POSX' to 'SERVER". Refer to instruction above if unsure on how to do so.
Adjust the following fields in the .ini file:
BackOffice_Installed = Y
PCCharge_User_Name = SERVER
Workstation_name = SERVER
evs_terminal_id = evs1
Adjust other lines as necessary. If unsure, refer to instructions above.
The following services need to be started and their Startup type set to 'Automatic':
HotSauce Auto Update
Hotsauce Message Service
HS EMV Transaction Server
HS EVS Transaction Server
HSTimeSyncService
SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS)
SQL Server Browser
SQL Server VSS Writer
Refer to instructions above if you are unsure how to enable services.
Though it is not completely necessary, it's good practice to adjust the computer's IP to match our default IP naming standards. SERVER computer IP should always be set to 192.169.x.100.
Refer to instructions above if you are unsure how to adjust a computer's IP.
Follow instructions above to license Back Office on the POS terminal.