Converting TOTAL from a server/workstation installation to a stand‑alone

This document explains how to convert a server or workstation installation of TOTAL to a stand‑alone installation.

Document 6525  |  Last updated:  08/05/2022 MC7

If you installed TOTAL using the server or workstation option, and need to convert the program to a stand‑alone installation, there are a few things you need to do before reinstalling.

a la mode technologies, llc. is not responsible for any loss of data that might occur by following these directions. If you intend to reinstall the software and need all of your data, back up your reports first.

Additionally, our support technicians are unable to assist you with this process. If you aren't comfortable proceeding with the steps in this document, contact a local technician.

Keep in mind:  you're only able to transfer TOTAL's Contacts database and QuickLists using the Tech Support Assistant. Click here for instructions on transferring your Contacts, and click here to transfer your QuickLists. To recreate the rest of your database information, click here to jump to our suggestions below.

First, back up all of your existing reports. The easiest way to do this is to use Titan Drive, which automatically backs up all of your appraisals to our secure cloud. Click here for instructions on backing up reports to Titan Drive.

If you don't have a Titan Drive subscription, you can always back them up manually, too. Click the panel below for instructions.

Backing up your report files without Titan Drive

To backup your files manually, they need to be copied to a removable storage device (thumb drive, external hard drive, etc). Copy the entire [My] Reports and [Shared] Reports folders from their location on your computer, then paste them on a removable storage device. If you're unsure how to do this, please contact a local technician for additional assistance. The local, default report file locations are:

[My] Reports
C:\Users\[yourusername]\My Documents\a la mode\Reports
[Shared] Reports
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\a la mode\Reports

In some installs, the Shared Reports folder may be pointed to a different directory. To determine the location of your Shared Reports folder:

  1. First, press Windows key + R.

  2. In the Open: field, type %tsa6% and click OK. This launches the Tech Support Assistant.

  3. Next, select the Common Paths tab at the top. Make note of the file path next to Public reports. This is where your Shared Reports folder is located.

Finally, if you have WinTOTAL Aurora installed, you'll need to back up those reports, too. The default report location for Aurora is: C:\a la mode\WinTOTAL\Files or C:\Win2000\Files

Second, rename the alamode.xml.

  1. From your Windows Desktop, press Windows key + R on your keyboard to launch a Run prompt.

  2. Now, in the Open: field, type C:\ProgramData\alamode and click OK.

  3. Right‑click the alamode.xml and choose Rename. Name the file oldalamode.xml.

Third, uninstall and reinstall TOTAL.

After renaming the alamode.xml, uninstall TOTAL. Click here for detailed instructions.

Once it's completely uninstalled, reinstall TOTAL as a stand‑alone installation. Click here to learn how.

Suggestions for recreating database information

While your database information from your server is incompatible with your new standalone TOTAL install, here are a few ways to recover some of your data:

  • Comparables Database — Although the database itself is not transferable, TOTAL gives you the ability to import comparables from your existing reports. Click here for instructions on how to import comps from old reports.
  • Images Database — By importing comparables from old reports, you also rebuild some of your old images database from the subject and comparable photos in your old reports.

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