Directory validation error when opening Cornerstone

When opening Cornerstone, users may receive an error message for at least one, if not all, Cornerstone share folders. This error indicates the affected computer is not able to access the indicated shared folders for Cornerstone, or that those shared folders are not pointed to the correct location in the database.

Note: If an alternate computer (ex. “the x-ray computer”) houses the imaging directory, and it is turned off while users are using Cornerstone, the users will receive an error for the images folder only.   The computer storing the images needs to be on and accessible across the network.

Possible causes

• The computer (server) sharing the Cornerstone directories is not accessible on the network.
• The database is pointing to the wrong or old server name after a server swap or name change.
• The computer storing images is not accessible on the network.
• The Cornerstone shared directories not shared correctly.
• The Database image_location not set correctly.
• Incorrect DNS due to multiple DHCP servers.
• DNS is not functioning correctly.
• Signing in as wrong user (domain vs local) or a mismatched credential.

Setup steps to prevent the issue

• Domain environment: Each user should have their own Windows username and password.
  • Primary DNS should be pointed to server
  • Each Workstation/Server should have the same date/time
• Peer to Peer Environment: Each user should share the same Windows username and password.
• The folders below, located on your Cornerstone Database Server, should be shared and have full user permissions:
  • C:\CStone\DailyCC
  • C:\CStone\Images
  • C:\CStone\SamQuery (if available)
  • C:\CStone\Spell
  • C:\CStone\Share
  • C:\CStone\Results
  • C:\CStone\Graphs
    •  To verify the folder has been shared right-click each folder > Properties > Advanced Sharing, there should be check in Share this folder checkbox (if not, check it), and click Apply.
    • To verify the folder has correct user permissions right-click the folder > Properties > Security tab > select Everyone (under Group or usernames), ensure there are check marks in the Allow column for each permission, and click Apply.
      • Note: If there isn’t already a group/username for Everyone, click Edit, click Add, enter Everyone in the Enter the object names to select box, click Check Names, and click OK. Then, select the Everyone group/username, select all the check boxes in the Allow column, and then click Apply
• If you recently completed a server swap and the error you receive looks like:
  • 
  • If the previous server’s name shows in the error message it is a sign the database may need to be updated.
    • You can verify your current server name by opening the Windows search bar at the bottom of the screen on your Cornerstone Database Server, type CMD. and press enter. This will open a black Windows Command Line program. Type Hostname. If the name does not match the server name in the above error it is looking at the wrong computer and your database may need to be updated.

• All Users will need to exit Cornerstone
  • On your Cornerstone Database Server click the Windows icon, choose run, enter C:\Cstone\csupdate.exe, and press the enter key.
• • If you are prompted to update the database location(s), click Yes and update it as needed. 
• • When prompted, click OK to confirm the database key validation was successful. Note: If you have any errors, please contact IDEXX Support at 1-800-695-2877 option 2, option 4, for assistance.
  • Open Cornerstone on any workstation to confirm the error has been resolved.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Confirm the computer has network access to the Cornerstone share folders on the Cornerstone Database Server.
   • On the affected workstation click the Windows icon > Run, and attempt to browse to your Server by using this command:  \\Server Note: Substitute the name of your server if need be.
   • A window showing your server share folders should open. If any error shows or a box opens asking for credentials it is a sign there is a networking setup issue that will need to be reviewed by IDEXX Hardware Support or your Local IT team.
2. Check for any internet or computer security running on the affected computer or on the Cornerstone server, and disable it. Note: This should be performed by IDEXX Hardware Support or your Local IT Team
3. Switch ports on the hub/router/switch for the affected computer(s). Note: This should be performed by IDEXX Hardware Support or your Local IT Team.

If you receive an error or are still experiencing issues after implementing the set up and troubleshooting steps above, there may be other networking or hardware issues that need to be addressed. You can reach out to IDEXX Hardware Support or your local IT team for further review and troubleshooting.