Installation & Prerequisites Guide

Follow this 4-step walkthrough to configure your local Windows workstation and PostgreSQL database.

1

Install Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0 (x64)

Mandatory Presentation Framework Runtime

The DykeSoft School Management System is built on the high-performance .NET 8 engine. You must install the .NET Desktop Runtime (64-bit edition):

  1. Download the official Microsoft installer: Microsoft .NET 8 Desktop Runtime x64.
  2. Run windowsdesktop-runtime-8.0.x-win-x64.exe.
  3. Click Install and wait for setup completion.
Make sure to select Desktop Runtime, not the Server Hosting Bundle or SDK.
2

Install Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64)

Required for Webcam Capture, Barcode & Skia Graphics

Native imaging libraries and camera drivers require the official Microsoft C++ runtime libraries:

  1. Download directly from Microsoft: vc_redist.x64.exe.
  2. Accept the license terms and click Install.
3

Install & Configure PostgreSQL 16 (Local Database)

The Engine That Holds Your School Records Safely

DykeSoft uses native PostgreSQL 16 for all student, fee, and academic data. This database runs locally on your PC or LAN server:

Recommended Setup Parameters:
PostgreSQL Version: 16.x (64-bit)
Port: 5432 (Default)
Superuser: postgres
Locale: Default locale (UTF-8)
Installation Walkthrough:
  1. Download PostgreSQL 16 for Windows from EnterpriseDB / PostgreSQL Official Site.
  2. Run the installer (e.g. postgresql-16.x-windows-x64.exe).
  3. Keep the default installation directory (C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\16).
  4. Components to select: PostgreSQL Server, pgAdmin 4, and Command Line Tools.
  5. Set your superuser password for user postgres (e.g. Admin@123 or your chosen school password). Remember this password!
  6. Leave port as 5432 and locale as default.
  7. Complete installation. (You do NOT need StackBuilder).
Security Reminder: Your PostgreSQL database is strictly on your PC/LAN. Never expose port 5432 to public internet routers.
4

Install DykeSoft SMS & Activate License

Final Step: Run the MSI Installer & Activate
  1. Download the latest official installer: SchoolMgmt_Setup.msi.
  2. Double-click the MSI file to begin the guided installation wizard.
  3. The installer verifies your prerequisites (.NET 8, VC++, PostgreSQL 16 service).
  4. Click Install and launch the application.
  5. On first launch, the Activation Dialog appears displaying your hardware Machine ID.
  6. Copy the Machine ID, log in to your Customer Portal, and submit an Activation Request.
  7. Once approved by the Application Owner, enter your assigned License Key or click Verify Online to activate!
Register School & Request Activation