This article is designed to provide a generic guide to installing/updating a DataDrill, which is a connection that DataGrabber or NameGrabber can use to gain access into a Practice Management software's patient database. To see which Practice Management software have DataDrill support, reference the article NameGrabber/DataGrabber - Practice Management and Imaging Software Support.
Perform the following steps to download and install/update a DataDrill:
- Download the appropriate DataDrill from the Apteryx Updates Page.
- If using NameGrabber, download the DataDrill from NameGrabber and DataDrills
- If using DataGrabber, download the DataDrill from Practice Management Bridges (DataDrills)
- Make sure that all instances of Apteryx software have been closed throughout the entire office, be it DataGrabber or any of the Apteryx imaging software.
- This can be done from the Server via Computer Management > Shared Folders > Open Files. Left click on any open file that has NameGrabber/DataGrabber and then hold Left Shift and Press Left Click once on the last item containing NameGrabber/DataGrabber. Then close the files.
- This can be done from the Server via Computer Management > Shared Folders > Open Files. Left click on any open file that has NameGrabber/DataGrabber and then hold Left Shift and Press Left Click once on the last item containing NameGrabber/DataGrabber. Then close the files.
- Ensure no File Explorer windows are open to the DataGrabber installation directory.
- Run the downloaded upgrader EXE file as Administrator by right-clicking the file and selecting Run as Administrator (most DataDrills should be run from the server where the Apteryx software is installed)
- The Apteryx Application Upgrader should populate and may ask the location of the Apteryx software, select Yes on all prompts, and as long as it ends stating # file(s) successfully upgraded / No errors, then click Finish.
- Re-launch the Apteryx software and test.
- The first time bridging, the DataDrill may prompt for a path to the Practice Management database path. Supply the network path, often called a UNC path, to the file it requests.
e.g., \\SERVER\PMSW\pat_dat.dat
- The first time bridging, the DataDrill may prompt for a path to the Practice Management database path. Supply the network path, often called a UNC path, to the file it requests.
Article Version 1.4 2026.03.24