Preparation for Installation

Before installation, please, check that your target server meets Discussion Column system requirements.

Also, it is recommended to install ArtfulBits License Manager before (if it is not installed).


1. Installation

Download Discussion Column installation package from ArtfulBits website, unpack the file, and run Setup.exe:

Note:

You must be a SharePoint Farm Administrator for successful installation. Also "Windows SharePoint Administration" and "Windows SharePoint Timer" should be running on the server:

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After system check is finished, click "Next".


After reading License Agreement, click "Accept" and go to next step.

Select one or more web applications and click "Next".

Wait for installing, click "Next" for more deployment details.


2. License Management

Discussion Column uses Farm License Model (each license is linked to SharePoint Farm ID). For more details about licensing models look at License Agreement.

  • To get Discussion Column trial license click here.

After ArtfulBits License Manager is installed, go to the SharePoint Central Administration page:

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Choose "Operations".
Click on "ArtfulBits License Manager":

Click on "ArtfulBits License Manager":

This page shows all ArtfulBits installed products and their license statuses. Click on "Enter License" to add new license.

Enter license key (trial or full) into text box, after that press "Activate" button.

If key is correct - product status will be updated.

If product is Expired or no license entered: some License Info Link will be shown in a certain SharePoint pages (Create New Item, Create New Column, Edit Item, etc.). Clicking on this link will redirect to Discussion Column info page.

3. Activating / Deactivating Feature

Click "Site Actions" menu in the root site of one site collection, then click "Site Settings":
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Click "Site collection features" link in Site Settings page:
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In SharePoint Site collection feature list, activate Discussion Column feature (if deactivated):

4. Product Upgrading

Process of updating Discussion Column is pretty straightforward - just download latest installation package and execute Setup.exe from it. After system checking, select an "Upgrade" option and then follow setup wizard instructions.

5. Uninstallation / Repairing

Execute Setup.exe from your installation package. On the Repair and Remove section, select Remove radio button and click "Next", the Discussion Column will be uninstalled. Or select "Repair" - to repair the Discussion Column.