Installation and PC Troubleshooting (Sierra)

Owned by Tammy Poquette, created
Last updated: Jan 03, 2023 by Sean Hanson (Deactivated)
5 min read

Please note that the Sierra desktop client needs to use a wired internet connection.  Using WIFI may cause issues with the connection.  In addition, any drops from WIFI will affect access to Sierra.

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Sierra Installation

Note: if you do not know if you are running a Windows 32 bit or 64-bit platform, on the toolbar, type the word system in the search box, and then click on the System Information in the Programs list. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, the operating system is displayed as follows: For a 64-bit version operating system: X64-based PC appears for the System Type under Item.

  • On this page are instructions for downloading all the different platforms. Click on the link to start the downloading process. Note: In the installer, the sierra.marmot.org (MLN1) or nell.flatironslibrary.org (MLN2) will automatically populate as the IP address

    1. When the program is downloaded on your computer, click on the program file to bring up the Open option. Click on Open to start the installation.

    2. The InstallAnywhere box will appear showing you that the program is installing.

    3. The guide information will be listed under the Introduction section. Read the instructions and click the Next button.

    4. The Choose Install Folder will show you where Sierra will be installed. Click on the Choose button if you want to change the default location for the Sierra installation. Click the Next button.

    5. The Choose Shortcut Folder will display options for where you want the icon to display. On the Desktop is the default. You can choose other options for where you want the icon to display. Note: the Don’t create icon will not give you a physical icon to open Sierra. You will have to go to the Sierra Desktop App folder location to access Sierra.  Click the Next button.

    6. The Pre-Installation Summary shows the Product Name, Install Folder, Shortcut Folder, Java VM Installation Folder (Java version 8.0 is the latest version), and the Sierra Server. This information is populated automatically so you do not need to enter any of this information into the installer. Click the Install button.

      1. If you scroll down the Disk Space Information (for Installation Target) is located at the bottom of the screen.

    7. The Installing Sierra Desktop App will start installing the program.

    8. The Install Complete will display the location of the Sierra Desktop App folder. Click on the Done button.

    9. Once the Sierra client is installed and appears on the screen, you want to close it out.

    10. Go into your file explorer and click on This PC and double-click to open Windows (C:).

    11. Double-click on the Sierra Desktop App folder.

    12. Double-click on the jarcache folder.

    13. Highlight and delete the files in the jarcache folder.

    14. Click to open up Sierra again. The jar files will be loading at the bottom of the screen. It will take several minutes for Sierra to download jar files, especially the first time. Once loaded, you can log in to Sierra.

​​Note: The self-check requires a special configuration, so you will need Marmot's assistance. Self-check logins depend on the location.

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Run as Administrator

When you are ready to do the install, Right-click on the installation icon, and select "Run as administrator." It will probably have a little Windows security shield next to it. Depending on how permissions are set up for your computers, you may need to contact your local IT department to make this step possible. The setup package is already set to run Sierra in Compatibility mode, and that should be enabled by running as admin. 

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Sierra Upgrades

  • Marmot staff will send information out through the Allpoints email with information about what will be changing for the Sierra upgrade.

  • A date will be set for the upgrade.

  • Marmot staff will send an email requesting that you clear your jarcache.

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Sierra Configuration Troubleshooting

The configuration file has an incorrect server

  • On your computer, browse to the "C:\Sierra Desktop App" folder.

  • Right-click the "iiirunner.lax" file and select "Open with". Extensions may be hidden, in which case you would look for "iiirunner" with a file type of "lax"

  • Select Notepad as the application you'd like to use to open the file.

  • In the "LAX.COMMAND.LINE.ARGS" section, make sure the line reads as follows:

  • Edit as needed and save the file. Launch Sierra.

​To ensure that access to Sierra server is kept secure, the following is recommended:

  • Ensure you are not requesting access from a dynamic IP address

  • Use a VPN available from Marmot when possible

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Related Documentation

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