> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# server-settings

Here’s a structured and professional version of the **PADS4 Server Settings for PADS4FIDS** section, written to match your documentation style:

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# Configuring PADS4 Server Settings for PADS4FIDS

This section describes how to configure the database settings required for the **PADS4FIDS** product using the **PADS4 System Management** application.

> **Note:** These options are only visible if a valid **PADS4FIDS product license** is installed. If not, the PADS4FIDS configuration will be hidden.

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## Accessing Server Settings

1. Open the **PADS4 System Management** application.
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. In the **left-hand panel**, select **Server Settings**.
4. Click **Edit** in the **Ribbon bar**.
5. Select **PADS4FIDS** from the list of available server settings.

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## Database Configuration

### Microsoft SQL Server

If the PADS4FIDS database has not yet been created, it can be manually set up using one of the following methods:

* SQL Server Management Studio (GUI-based)
* SQL statements
* PowerShell script

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### Server Name

* Choose the SQL Server instance to be used.
* When the dropdown is opened, allow a few seconds for the list to populate.

### Authentication

* If **SQL Server Authentication** is selected, provide the **username** and **password**.
* Again, allow a few seconds for credential fields to populate if using dropdowns.

### Database Name

* Select or enter the name of the **PADS4FIDS database**.
* If the database does not exist, PADS4 will attempt to create it once settings are saved.

> If the selected database is not already a valid PADS4FIDS database, the existing structure will be overwritten and all current data will be deleted.

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## Flight Remover Settings

These settings control how long operational flight data is retained in the system.

### **Remove Flights After X Days**

* Define the number of days after which completed or expired flights should be deleted from the operational database.

### **Archive Flights on Removal**

* Optionally, specify the name of an **archive database** where old flights should be stored.
* If no archive is defined, the flights will be **permanently deleted** and cannot be recovered.

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## Help

Click the **Help** button in the interface to open the **online documentation** for PADS4FIDS Server Settings.

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