Getting Started with BugTracker.NET: Installation to Customization
BugTracker.NET is an open-source, web-based issue tracking system built on ASP.NET. This guide walks you from installation through essential configuration and basic customization so you can have a working, tailored issue tracker quickly.
What you’ll need
- Windows Server or Windows ⁄11 (IIS required) or IIS on Windows Server.
- .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later (check BugTracker.NET release notes for exact version).
- IIS with ASP.NET enabled.
- SQL Server (Express or higher) or SQL Server LocalDB.
- FTP or file access to deploy the web files.
- Basic familiarity with IIS, SQL Server, and Windows file permissions.
Step 1 — Download BugTracker.NET
- Download the latest stable release from the project’s releases page or repository (ZIP or installer).
- Extract the ZIP to a temporary folder.
Step 2 — Prepare IIS
- Open “Turn Windows features on or off” and enable:
- Internet Information Services
- ASP.NET (matching your .NET Framework)
- In IIS Manager:
- Create a new Application Pool (Integrated pipeline, .NET CLR Version v4.0).
- Create a new Website or Virtual Directory pointing to the extracted BugTracker.NET folder.
- Assign the site to the new Application Pool.
- Set folder permissions: grant the IIS user (e.g., IIS_IUSRS or the app pool identity) Modify rights to the web folder so the app can write logs/uploads.
Step 3 — Create the Database
- Create a new SQL Server database (e.g., BugTrackerDB).
- Create or use an existing SQL login with dbowner rights on the database.
- Note connection details (server name, database name, username, password).
Step 4 — Configure the Application
- In the web.config (or appsettings if applicable), update the connection string to point to your SQL Server database. Example connection string format:
- For SQL Authentication:
Code
Data Source=SERVERNAME;Initial Catalog=BugTrackerDB;User
- For SQL Authentication:
- Save changes and ensure the web.config is readable by the application.
Step 5 — Run the Setup
- Browse to your site in a browser. The installer/setup page should appear.
- Follow the setup wizard:
- Provide the DB connection string.
- Create the initial administrator account (username, password, email).
- Configure basic options (site name, default language, SMTP settings if sending email).
- Complete the installation; the installer will create required tables and seed initial data.
Step 6 — Basic Post-Install Configuration
- Log in as the administrator.
- Navigate to Administration → System Settings and set:
- Site name and logo.
- Time zone and date format.
- Email (SMTP) settings so notifications can be sent.
- Configure email templates for issue notifications, password resets, and status updates.
- Set up user accounts and user groups:
- Add users (or enable external authentication if supported).
- Create roles/groups (Developers, Testers, Managers) and assign permissions.
Step 7 — Project and Workflow Setup
- Create projects: Administration → Projects → Add Project.
- Set project lead, default assignee, and priorities.
- Define issue types, statuses, and custom fields as needed.
- Configure workflow transitions (who can change status, required fields on transitions).
Step 8 — Customization
- Appearance:
- Replace default logo and favicons via Administration → Site Appearance.
- Edit CSS files in the theme folder to adjust colors, spacing
Leave a Reply