If you follow this step-by-step guide, you can get started with Invantive Control for Excel in no time. Follow these steps: - Check that the drivers required to access the database are installed on your workstation. Drivers for Microsoft SQL Server are always included. For other database platforms, you can find instructions on how to install them [here](invantive-webservice-providers). - If connections are being established from multiple workstations, it may be advisable to use the [Invantive Web Service](invantive-webservice), as this means you do not need to install drivers on all workstations. - Install Microsoft .NET 4.5.1 if it is not already present. From Windows 8.1 onwards, this version of Microsoft .NET is included by default by Microsoft. This software can be downloaded for Windows 7 and Windows 8 from [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40779](http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40779). - Double-click the setup.exe file. - Click the “Install” button when the window below appears:  - The installation will now run. - Invantive Control for Excel launches alongside Microsoft Excel. You can therefore only start it by launching Microsoft Excel. - The configuration window will appear the first time you launch Microsoft Excel after installation. The configuration window will also appear if you hold down the Ctrl key whilst launching Microsoft Word.  - Launch Notepad via the Windows Start menu. - Create an empty settings.xml file and save it, for example, on your desktop. - In the folder from which you installed Invantive Control for Excel, there is an example of a settings.xml file with an explanation. An example for Microsoft SQL Server is also available at [http://www.invantive.com/ about-invantive/news/entryid/1123/windows-authentication-with-sql-server-for-invantive-settings-xml](http://www.invantive.com/about-invantive/news/entryid/1123/windows-authenticatie-met-sql-server-voor-invantive-settings-xml). An example for Oracle can also be found at [http://www.invantive.com/about-invantive/news/entryid/1124/oracle-rdbms-met-invantive-settings-xml](http://www.invantive.com/ about-invantive/news/entryid/1124/oracle-rdbms-with-invantive-settings-xml). - In the settings.xml file, define the database connection you wish to use. - If you need help with this, you can call Invantive Support for free assistance on +31 88 00 26 599, send an email to [[email protected]](mailto:<%LINK_CAPTION% >) or visit [http://support.invantive.com](http://support.invantive.com). - Select your settings.xml in the configuration window. - Click OK. - You will now be taken to the login window.  - Select the connection you wish to use. - Enter the username. - Enter the password. - Click “Connect”. - The login window will disappear and, depending on your permissions, buttons will appear in the Invantive Control and Modeller ribbons. - Read [Getting Started](invantive-control-aan-de-slag) to find out how to work with Invantive Control for Excel.