How to Install Web Help Desk version 12.7.7 in Windows Server using PostgreSQL as the Database

Beginning in WHD 12.7.7, PostgreSQL 13.3 is required for all WHD deployments.
This article describes deploying a Web Help Desk on a Microsoft Windows server.

Unable to proceed with the database creation as it still requires the PostgreSQL9 Services.

1. Download the installer from the Customer Portal.
2. Extract the contents of the ZIP file.
3. Run the installation file.
   a. Right-click webhelpdesk-12.7.x.64.exe and select Run as Administrator.
   b. Complete the on-screen instructions.
   c. When the installation is complete, click Done.

4. The Configuration Wizard opens the default browser and asks to configure the Database.
5. Enter the Database Information as shown below and click “Create”
Database name: whd
Username: whd
Password: whd
Admin Username: admin
Admin Password: admin


6. Click Next and you will be getting the error messages below:


7. This is an expected error message as we need to install first the PostgreSQL9 services to proceed with the installation using Embedded PostgreSQL as the database
8. Leave this screen open. Do not close this.
9. Open command prompt in the Web Help Desk and go to the pgsql9 installation path by running the command below:

-- Scripts are not supported under any SolarWinds support program or service.
-- Scripts are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind. SolarWinds further
-- disclaims all warranties including, without limitation, any implied warranties
-- of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The risk arising
-- out of the use or performance of the scripts and documentation stays with you.
-- In no event shall SolarWinds or anyone else involved in the creation,
-- production, or delivery of the scripts be liable for any damages whatsoever
-- (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business
-- interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising
-- out of the use of or inability to use the scripts or documentation.


C:\Program Files\WebHelpDesk\pgsql9

10. Then install the PostgreSQL9 services, run the command:

-- Scripts are not supported under any SolarWinds support program or service.
-- Scripts are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind. SolarWinds further
-- disclaims all warranties including, without limitation, any implied warranties
-- of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The risk arising
-- out of the use or performance of the scripts and documentation stays with you.
-- In no event shall SolarWinds or anyone else involved in the creation,
-- production, or delivery of the scripts be liable for any damages whatsoever
-- (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business
-- interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising
-- out of the use of or inability to use the scripts or documentation.

installService.bat "C:\Program Files\WebHelpDesk"

11. Open the Windows Services, click refresh to check if the PostgreSQLServiceWHD was installed successfully.


12. Then stop and Disable the new PostgreSQL Services: PostgreSQL13ServiceWHD


13. Navigate to C:\Program Files\WebHelpDesk\pgsql9 and rename the data folder to data1
14. Create a copy of EmptyDatabase and paste it on the same path


15. Then rename the EmptyDatabase folder to data


16. Go back to Services and start the PostgreSQLServiceWHD services manually


17. Go back to the Database Configuration Wizard screen, click Next and proceed with the installation and you will proceed with the Email Accounts. Skip this step.

18. Then, it will prompt you to create your Admin Account. Enter your preferred username and password and hit next and finish the installation.


19. It will prompt now to the Web Help Desk Web Console Interface.


20. Since the beginning of WHD 12.7.7, PostgreSQL 13.3 has been required for all WHD deployments.
21. Proceed to Upgrade the PostgreSQL database to the latest version (13.3)