The following article explains how you can install the HotDoc Sidebar on practitioners computers. There are a few different options depending on if you have group policy, the clinic has a terminal server, or if you need to install individually on all workstations. We recommend sending these instructions to your IT to complete the process. 

How to Install the HotDoc Sidebar on a Workstation

You can use the instructions below to individually install the HotDoc Sidebar on practitioners workstations, or if you do not have the ability to run an automated silent install on all workstations.  

1. Log in to the relevant workstation using an administrator account.
   
   
2. Download the HotDoc Sidebar installer from this link.
   
   
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts (leave all defaults unless you require a different install directory).
   
   
4. When the installation is complete, a HotDoc icon should appear on the desktop and toolbar. The Sidebar can be opened by clicking the icon:
   
   
   
   

How to Install the HotDoc Sidebar automatically on all workstations

The HotDoc Sider installation can be automated using the following command line syntax: hotdoc-appointments-setup-4.45.0.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES

This can be automated using any Remote Monitoring & Management RMM or deployment tool and needs to be run using administrator privileges.

To deploy via Group Policy, you will need to create a batch (BAT) file to and use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to run the bat file.

1. Create a GPO: Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Scripts (Startup/Shutdown).
   
   
2. Create a BAT file in a share accessible for the clients (such as Netlogon, or other if configured). Example BAT script:
   • IF EXIST “c:\program files (x86)\hotdoc sidebar\hotdoc sidebar.exe” GOTO END\\servername\sharename\<path>\hotdoc-appointments-setup-4.45.0.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES:END
     
     
3. Set up the GPO from step 1 to run the bat file from step 2 on startup 
   
   
4. Once your computers reboot, they will install the HotDoc Sidebar on the practitioners computers

Please note: The program hotdoc-appointments-setup-4.45.0.exe is taken from the HotDoc Sidebar installer mentioned in the download link above.

How to install the HotDoc Sidebar for all users on a Terminal Server 

If the HotDoc Sidebar is installed on the clinc's terminal server, you can log into the virtual environment and enable the Sidebar for all users who have a profile on this terminal server.

To do this, please follow the instructions in: How to disable or re-enable Sidebar users on a terminal server

If there are some practitioners who aren't users on this terminal server, you will need to install the Sidebar individually on their workstations using the instructions above.