GuardPoint10 - Using an Existing SQL Server Installation 

This guide explains how to install GuardPoint 10 using an existing Microsoft SQL Server instance instead of the bundled SQL Express installation.

GuardPoint 10 supports Microsoft SQL Server 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2025 releases in both Express and Standard editions. 

Note: While we have tested multiple SQL versions successfully, environmental or SQL configuration differences may occasionally cause issues. If you encounter problems during setup, contact Sensor Access Technical Support.

Before You Begin

Before installing GuardPoint 10:

1. Install Microsoft SQL Server
2. Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
3. Confirm you can connect to the SQL instance using SSMS
4. Ensure TCP/IP is enabled on the SQL Server instance
5. Confirm the SQL Server service is running

Step 1 – Create the GuardPoint 10 Databases

Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Create the following two databases exactly as shown below:

To create a database

1. In SSMS, expand the SQL Server instance
2. Right-click Databases
3. Select New Database
4. Enter the database name
5. Click OK

Repeat for both databases listed above.

Step 2 – Configure SQL Permissions

The required SQL permissions must be configured before installing GuardPoint 10.

Verify NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM Permissions

Follow this guide:

How to Verify NT AUTHORITY Permissions in SQL Server

Step 3 – Configure the sa Account [Recommended]

Repeat the same permission steps for the SQL sa account if it will be used during installation.

Step 4 – Configure a Custom SQL Login [Optional]

If preferred, you may create a dedicated SQL login specifically for GuardPoint 10 instead of using the sa account.

The custom SQL login should have:

• sysadmin server role permissions
• db_owner permissions on:
  • AC8_Default
  • AC8Journal_Default

Repeat the same steps shown in the NT AUTHORITY permissions guide for the custom SQL login:

How to Verify NT AUTHORITY Permissions in SQL Server

Note: Any custom SQL login must be created and tested before starting the GuardPoint 10 installation.

Step 5 – Configure SQL Network Settings

If GuardPoint 10 is connecting to SQL across the network, verify SQL network protocols are enabled.

Open SQL Server Configuration Manager

Navigate to:

SQL Server Network Configuration → Protocols for [AC8SQL or other Instance Name]

Ensure the following are enabled:

• TCP/IP
• Named Pipes [recommended to Enable]

Step 6 – Install GuardPoint 10

Launch the GuardPoint 10 installer.

Select:

• Advanced Installation
• Full Installation
• Select an existing SQL Server

Enter:

Click:

• Test Connection

Once successful, continue the installation.

The GuardPoint 10 installation wizard supports connecting to an existing SQL Server instance. 

Recommended SQL Configuration

For best results:

• Enable TCP/IP
• Enable Named Pipes
• Use static SQL ports where possible
• Allow SQL traffic through Windows Firewall
• Ensure SQL Browser service is running for named instances

Necessary GuardPoint 10 

Ensure that local firewalls, antivirus software and network firewalls are not blocking the required ports below.

GuardPoint 10 default ports are documented throughout the installation and prerequisite documentation. 

Additional Information

GuardPoint 10 supports installation against existing SQL Server environments using custom SQL parameters during advanced installation. 

Default GuardPoint 10 installations normally create two SQL databases automatically during installation. 

If you experience any issues during installation or SQL configuration, contact: 

support@sensoraccess.co.uk