Eaglesoft “Database Server Not Found”: Causes and How to Fix It

Short answer: “Database server not found” means the workstation can see your server on the network but cannot connect to the Eaglesoft database running on it. The usual causes are a database engine that is not running on the server, a workstation set to the wrong server name, or a network or firewall problem between the two. If every computer has the error, start at the server. If only one does, start at that workstation.

What the error means

Eaglesoft keeps its data in a database engine that runs on your server. Each workstation looks for that engine by name, and by default that name is EAGLESOFT. Patterson’s knowledge base explains that this error appears after the login screen when the workstation detects the server but cannot reach the database engine. It shows up most often on a newly set up workstation in an office that uses a custom server name.

Common causes

• The database engine is stopped, often after the server restarted for Windows updates overnight.
• The workstation uses the wrong server name. Common on new or rebuilt workstations.
• The server’s IP address changed, and the workstation is still looking in the old place.
• A firewall or security product is blocking the connection.
• The workstation’s network card went to sleep to save power.
• A damaged workstation configuration file.

How to fix it

If every workstation shows the error

1. Check that the server is on and has finished starting up. Wait a few minutes after a reboot before opening Eaglesoft on workstations.
2. Check that the Eaglesoft database engine is running on the server. If it is not, ask your IT provider or Patterson to start it, and to find out why it stopped.
3. Close Eaglesoft on every workstation and reopen it once the server is confirmed running.

If only one workstation shows the error

1. Compare the server name. On a workstation that works, open Technical Reference and note the Server Name in the database setup screen. Patterson’s KB 44919 says to apply the same name to the problem workstation.
2. Restart Eaglesoft on the problem workstation and try again.
3. Reset the workstation’s configuration file if it still fails. Patterson’s documented step is to rename C:\Eaglesoft\Shared Files\Eaglesoft.Client.Configuration.data to Eaglesoft.Client.ConfigurationOLD.data. Check that the server name is correct first.
4. Point the workstation at the server’s IP address if name lookups are unreliable. Patterson’s KB 40200 shows where to enter Host= and the server’s IP in Technical Reference. This only works if the server has a fixed IP address, so check with your IT provider.
5. Stop the network card from sleeping. In Device Manager, open the network adapter’s properties, go to Power Management, and untick “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

If none of that works, Patterson’s “Cannot Connect to Database Checklist” (KB 2145) is the next step, and it is a good point to hand over to your IT provider.

How to stop it happening again

• Give the server a fixed IP address and keep Eaglesoft’s settings consistent on every workstation.
• Schedule server reboots for updates at a time when the engine can restart before the morning.
• Monitor the database engine, so someone knows it stopped before the front desk does.
• Set the firewall and antivirus exclusions Patterson recommends.

Frequently asked questions

Is my Eaglesoft data lost?

Almost never. The error means the workstation cannot reach the database, not that the data is gone. Do not reinstall Eaglesoft or move files to try to fix it.

Why does it only happen first thing in the morning?

Usually because the server restarted overnight and the database engine did not start, or workstations were turned on before the server finished booting.

Can I restart the server myself?

Only if everyone is out of Eaglesoft and you know your server’s restart procedure. Restarting during the day disconnects every workstation. When in doubt, call IT first.

Still down? Call (716) 463-5111

If Eaglesoft still will not connect, call Buffalo IT Services at (716) 463-5111. We support the server, network and workstations underneath Eaglesoft and work alongside Patterson support. See our Eaglesoft IT support page for more.