Chapter 0 Before
Before you can run BigBusiness you may need to install or update BigBusiness Client. When you install BigBusiness Server you may get a Components dialog (click Ignore).
This chapter gives you starter information to help you expect the unexpected and deal.
This chapter gives you quick tips for fixing your version and getting connected, easily.
For help contact support@bigbusiness.com or call 1-877-970-0022 M-F 8a-4p Pacific.
Failed to Connect
Failed to Connect lets you know your Client did not connect, without telling you why.
Most common is using the wrong Client, especially when your company just updated, or your company did not upgrade, and the Client you have is not the right Download.
Ask someone what version your company is running, uninstall your Windows Client, or Replace your Mac Client with the right Download for your version. Details below.
BigBusiness can connect many computers on many different systems, usually the current versions of Windows and MacOS, but also older versions are used with older systems.
For example, BigBusiness 15 is supported on Monterey through Tahoe on the Mac, and Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2016 through 2025 on your Windows computers.
So, if you find out your company is running BigBusiness 15 and your computer is in that range, you just need to find the BigBusiness 15 Client on bigbusiness.com and install.
On bigbusiness.com at the bottom is a link to each version and clicking on BigBusiness 15 will take you to a page with a Download button which you will take you to a download.
On Windows you would first open the Control Panel to Uninstall a Program, choose the BigBusiness Y Client and Uninstall. Then download and install BigBusiness X Client.
The right Client is the Client for your computer, ie for Mac or Windows, and the version your company is running, eg BigBusiness 15 Client in the example above.
Versions
Versions help you coordinate your setup to avoid errors such as mismatched Clients.
Within a major version, Clients often work with Updates to Server without reinstall. Where needed, such as Database Updates within a version, Clients may need reinstall.
Versioning is updated to help within major versions.
Registration
Registration is the step where you enter a code into BigBusiness to enable its features.
You may run BigBusiness for a limited time in Trial Mode or with ended Subscription. Registration sets your Data File to run with your setup for some duration and version.
Registration may enable Services or Add-Ons or they may have separate registration. You will be sent emails, to your primary address, with Registration and instructions.