RPC Pro Product Installation

Transcription

1 RPC Pro Product Installation and System Settings C be certain.

2 2015 MTS Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. Trademark Information MTS, RPC, and Component RPC are registered trademarks and crpc, SWIFT, MAST, STEX, and Remote Parameter Control are trademarks of MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. These trademarks may be protected in other countries. Proprietary Software Software use and license is governed by the MTS End User License Agreement which defines all rights retained by MTS and granted to the End User. All Software is proprietary, confidential, and owned by MTS Systems Corporation and cannot be copied, reproduced, disassembled, decompiled, reverse engineered, or distributed without express written consent of MTS. Software Verification and Validation MTS software is developed using established quality practices in accordance with the requirements detailed in the ISO 9001 standards. Because MTS-authored software is delivered in binary format, it is not user accessible. This software will not change over time. Many releases are written to be backwards compatible, creating another form of verification. The status and validity of the MTS operating software is also checked during system verification and routine calibration of MTS hardware. These controlled calibration processes compare the final test results after statistical analysis against the predicted response of the calibration standards. With these established methods, MTS assures its customers that MTS products meet exacting quality standards when initially installed and will continue to perform as intended over time.

3 Table of Contents Table of Contents Technical Support How to Get Technical Support...5 Before You Contact MTS...5 If You Contact MTS by Phone...7 Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals...8 Preface Before You Begin...9 Documentation Conventions...9 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings PC Requirements...14 Software License Agreement...15 Software Product Installation...17 Install RPC Pro or Component RPC Pro...18 Install MTS Licensing Software...19 Update License File when Server Name Changes...20 Install the Series 793 Server...21 Controller Entries in Hosts File...21 Hosts File Controller Identifiers...23 Hosts File Controller Examples...24 Remote PC...25 Remote PC Setup on Windows XP Systems...27 Remote PC Setup on Windows Controller Network Protocol...28 Network Protocol for FlexTest Controllers...28 Firewall Setup for License Software...29 Windows XP Firewall Setup for License Software...30 Windows 7 Firewall Setup for License Software...30 System Performance...31 Multiple User Accounts...34 Installation Troubleshooting on Windows XP...35 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings PC Requirements...38 Software License Agreement...39 Software Product Installation...41 Install STEX Pro

4 Table of Contents Install MTS Licensing Software...43 Update License File when Server Name Changes...44 Install the Series 793 Server...45 Install the STEX 469D Server...45 Firewall Setup for License Software...46 Windows XP Firewall Setup for License Software...46 Windows 7 Firewall Setup for License Software...46 Controller Network Protocol...47 Network Protocol for FlexTest Controllers...47 Remote PC...48 Remote PC Setup on Windows XP Systems...50 Remote PC Setup on Windows System Performance...51 Multiple User Accounts...54 Install the Series 793 Server...55 Install the STEX 469D Server...56 Controller Entries in Hosts File...56 Hosts File Controller Identifiers

5 Technical Support How to Get Technical Support Start with your manuals The manuals supplied by MTS provide most of the information you need to use and maintain your equipment. If your equipment includes software, look for online help and README files that contain additional product information. Technical support methods MTS provides a full range of support services after your system is installed. If you have any questions about a system or product, contact Technical Support in one of the following ways. Web site Telephone > Contact Us (upper-right corner) > In the Subject field, choose To escalate a problem; Problem Submittal Form Worldwide: tech.support@mts.com Europe: techsupport.europe@mts.com Worldwide: toll free in U.S.; outside U.S. Europe: , International toll free in Europe Outside the U.S. For technical support outside the United States, contact your local sales and service office. For a list of worldwide sales and service locations and contact information, use the Global MTS link at the MTS web site: > Global Presence > Choose a Region Before You Contact MTS MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information available when you contact us for support. Know your site number and system number The site number contains your company number and identifies your equipment type (such as material testing or simulation). The number is typically written on a label on your equipment before the system leaves MTS. If you do not know your MTS site number, contact your sales engineer. Example site number: RPC Pro Product Installation 5

6 Technical Support When you have more than one MTS system, the system job number identifies your system. You can find your job number in your order paperwork. Example system number: US Know information from prior technical assistance If you have contacted MTS about this problem before, we can recall your file based on the: MTS case number Name of the person who helped you Identify the problem Describe the problem and know the answers to the following questions: How long and how often has the problem occurred? Can you reproduce the problem? Were any hardware or software changes made to the system before the problem started? What are the equipment model numbers? What is the controller model (if applicable)? What is the system configuration? Know relevant computer information For a computer problem, have the following information available: Manufacturer s name and model number Operating software type and service patch information Amount of system memory Amount of free space on the hard drive where the application resides Current status of hard-drive fragmentation Connection status to a corporate network Know relevant software information For software application problems, have the following information available: The software application s name, version number, build number, and (if available) software patch number. This information can typically be found in the About selection in the Help menu. The names of other applications on your computer, such as: Anti-virus software Screen savers Keyboard enhancers Print spoolers 6 RPC Pro Product Installation

7 Technical Support Messaging applications If You Contact MTS by Phone A Call Center agent registers your call before connecting you with a technical support specialist. The agent asks you for your: Site number address Name Company name Company address Phone number where you can be reached If your issue has a case number, please provide that number. A new issue will be assigned a unique case number. Identify system type To enable the Call Center agent to connect you with the most qualified technical support specialist available, identify your system as one of the following types: Electrodynamic material test system Electromechanical material test system Hydromechanical material test system Vehicle test system Vehicle component test system Aero test system Be prepared to troubleshoot Prepare to perform troubleshooting while on the phone: Call from a telephone close to the system so that you can implement suggestions made over the phone. Have the original operating and application software media available. If you are not familiar with all aspects of the equipment operation, have an experienced user nearby to assist you. Write down relevant information In case Technical Support must call you: Verify the case number. RPC Pro Product Installation 7

8 Technical Support Record the name of the person who helped you. Write down any specific instructions. After you call MTS logs and tracks all calls to ensure that you receive assistance for your problem or request. If you have questions about the status of your problem or have additional information to report, please contact Technical Support again and provide your original case number. Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals Use the Problem Submittal Form to communicate problems with your software, hardware, manuals, or service that are not resolved to your satisfaction through the technical support process. The form includes check boxes that allow you to indicate the urgency of your problem and your expectation of an acceptable response time. We guarantee a timely response your feedback is important to us. You can access the Problem Submittal Form at > Contact Us (upper-right corner) > In the Subject field, choose To escalate a problem; Problem Submittal Form 8 RPC Pro Product Installation

9 Preface Before You Begin Safety first! Before you use your MTS product or system, read and understand the safety information provided with your system. Improper installation, operation, or maintenance can result in hazardous conditions that can cause severe personal injury or death, or damage to your equipment and specimen. Again, read and understand the safety information provided with your system before you continue. It is very important that you remain aware of hazards that apply to your system. Other MTS manuals In addition to this manual, you may receive additional manuals in paper or electronic form. You may also receive an MTS System Documentation CD. It contains an electronic copy of the manuals that pertain to your test system. Controller and application software manuals are typically included on the software CD distribution disc(s). Documentation Conventions The following paragraphs describe some of the conventions that are used in your MTS manuals. Hazard conventions Hazard notices may be embedded in this manual. These notices contain safety information that is specific to the activity to be performed. Hazard notices immediately precede the step or procedure that may lead to an associated hazard. Read all hazard notices carefully and follow all directions and recommendations. Three different levels of hazard notices may appear in your manuals. Following are examples of all three levels. (for general safety information, see the safety information provided with your system.) Danger: Danger notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a high level of risk which, if ignored, will result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property damage. RPC Pro Product Installation 9

10 Preface Warning: Warning notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if ignored, can result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property damage. Caution: Caution notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a low level of risk which, if ignored, could cause moderate or minor personal injury or equipment damage, or could endanger test integrity. Other special text conventions Important: Important notices provide information about your system that is essential to its proper function. While not safety-related, if the important information is ignored, test results may not be reliable, or your system may not operate properly. Note: Notes provide additional information about operating your system or highlight easily overlooked information. Recommended: Recommended notes provide a suggested way to accomplish a task based on what MTS has found to be most effective. Tip: Tips provide helpful information or a hint about how to most efficiently accomplish a task. Access: Access provides the route you should follow to a referenced item in the software. Examples show specific scenarios relating to your product and appear with a shaded background. Special terms The first occurrence of special terms is shown in italics. Illustrations Illustrations appear in this manual to clarify text. They are examples only and do not necessarily represent your actual system configuration, test application, or software. 10 RPC Pro Product Installation

11 Electronic manual conventions This manual is available as an electronic document in the Portable Document File (PDF) format. It can be viewed on any computer that has Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Hypertext links Preface The electronic document has many hypertext links displayed in a blue font. All blue words in the body text, along with all contents entries and index page numbers, are hypertext links. When you click a hypertext link, the application jumps to the corresponding topic. RPC Pro Product Installation 11

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13 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Topics: PC Requirements...14 Software License Agreement...15 Software Product Installation...17 Install the Series 793 Server...21 Controller Entries in Hosts File...21 Remote PC...25 Controller Network Protocol...28 Firewall Setup for License Software...29 System Performance...31 Multiple User Accounts...34 Installation Troubleshooting on Windows XP...35 RPC Pro Product Installation 13

14 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings PC Requirements Overview Before installing the software, ensure the PC meets the minimum system requirements. Ideally, the PC should meet the recommended system requirements for improved performance. PC Hardware and Software The following table details both the minimum and recommended PC hardware and software requirements to use this software. MTS strongly recommends that you use a PC that meets the recommended specifications in order to efficiently use the software. Hardware and software requirements for other MTS products to be run on this computer may vary, so check the specifications for those products. Requirements Component Minimum Recommended Processor Memory Storage Graphics Card Monitor Operating System 1 Ghz 32-bit (x86) 2 GB Hard disk drive (HDD) with at least 40GB free space DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics card with at least 64 MB memory 1024 x 768 resolution support Microsoft Windows XP 32-bit 3 Ghz 64-bit 4 GB Solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 40GB free space DirectX 10 (or higher) compatible graphics card 1680 x 1050 resolution support Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Supported operating systems The software can run on any of the following operating systems: Windows XP 32-bit Professional with Service Pack 3 Windows 7 32-bit Professional Windows 7 64-bit Professional Localization The software can run on a supported operating system in any of the following language versions: English German 14 RPC Pro Product Installation

15 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings French Japanese RPC Pro performance If you experience performance degradation, refer to the following known issues and workarounds: If your Windows font size is not set to 100%, some areas of the application may display incorrectly. To correct this, set the Windows font size to 100%. If the performance of charts is poor and you are using a graphics card that does not support DirectX 9.0c, you may want to switch to classic view (available in the Options menu). Application software Microsoft Office 2007 is the minimum version of software required to install the software. Documentation software The following software is needed to view the online documentation: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, or later, is needed to view the online help. Acrobat Reader 7, or later, is needed to view the PDF manuals. Software License Agreement You have two opportunities to accept the terms of the MTS Software License Agreement: When the software is installed When you launch the software At installation Near the beginning of the software installation process, the MTS Software License Agreement is displayed in the following window: RPC Pro Product Installation 15

16 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Accepting the Software License Agreement You must click I accept the terms in the license agreement and Next to proceed with the installation process. If you click I do not accept the terms in the license agreement and Next, the installation process is terminated and no software is installed. At launch Regardless of whether the license agreement is accepted at installation, the acceptance of the terms must also be verified when the software is launched. This verification need only be done once. The first time you launch the software (Project Manager) the following window appears: License Agreement Terms and Conditions 16 RPC Pro Product Installation

17 Here are your choices: If you check the Do not show this agreement again check box and click Accept, the software launches and you are never asked to accept the terms of the agreement again unless you re-install or upgrade the software. If you click Accept but do not check the Do not show this agreement again check box, the software launches. However, the window appears again the next time you launch the software. If you click Decline, the software closes. RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Software Product Installation Getting started with the installation Log on to the computer using an account that has administrator privileges. Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to install RPC Pro, Component RPC Pro, or STEX. Close all applications and place the Installation DVD in its drive. Some components may not be applicable to your system. Install only the components that you purchased. Important: If prompted, restart the computer at the end of each installation. When the computer is restarting, log on to Windows using the same administrator account that the software was installed under. Doing this allows the installation program to finish setting up the files. Then, start the software to verify that it is properly installed. After that, users can log on using their own account. Main RPC Software Product Installation The installation DVD provides the following options. Install Products Window RPC Pro Product Installation 17

18 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Click RPC Pro, crpc Pro, or STEX Pro to install one of these applications. Click MTS Licensing Software to install the MTS Licensing Software. Click Controller Server to install either the Series 793 or the STEX 469D controller server: If you chose to install the Series 793 server, you must enter the port number for the RPC Pro Server (the default is 8080). If you install the Series 793 server on Windows XP, you must be logged in as a user in the administrators group to be able to install the server, RPC Pro, or the MTS license. If you chose to install the STEX 469D controller server, you must enter the path to the test server executable (STEX469DTestServer.exe). Click Install to install the options you have selected. Click Exit to exit the installation program. Install RPC Pro or Component RPC Pro 1. Ensure the computer meets the system requirements. Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to install RPC Pro or crpc Pro with the Hosts Wizard. 2. Click RPC Pro or crpc Pro in the Install Products page. 3. Follow the instructions that are provided in the setup windows. The setup program automatically detects and removes any previous version of MTS RPC Software. 18 RPC Pro Product Installation

19 Setup will then guide you through the installation steps. The MTS RPC Software will be installed. 4. Log on to Windows using the same administrator account that the software was installed under. Doing this allows the installation program to finish setting up the files. 5. Start the MTS RPC Software to verify that it is correctly installed. After that, users can log on using their own account. Install MTS Licensing Software RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Who should install Anyone who received a license DVD must install the MTS Licensing Software on the appropriate computer(s). This includes customers upgrading to the latest version of software, new customers or customers who have purchased advanced features. MTS Licensing Software overview MTS Licensing Software must reside on the workstation(s). Client versus server license install Determine whether the licensing software should be installed as a client or server. If you have an license DVD that contains the license file specifically for your computer s physical network address, your computer will be acting as a license server for itself. If the MTS Licensing Software is installed using a license file built for another computer s physical network address, your computer will be the license client. Installation instructions 1. Click MTS Licensing Software in the Install Products page. 2. Follow the instructions that are provided in the setup windows. 3. When prompted, choose to install as Client or as Server. RPC Pro Product Installation 19

20 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Selecting Type of Installation 4. Follow these steps when prompted for the location of the MTS license file: a. Insert the license DVD. b. If you already know the drive letter for the DVD, enter it in the box (for example E:\), or click Browse and then choose the drive for the DVD in the window that appears. c. Click Next to install the MTS license. 5. Restart the computer at the end of the installation. 6. If you want to install more software, insert the Installation DVD after the computer has restarted. Update License File when Server Name Changes License update examples If the name of the license server computer changes some time after the MTS license software was installed, the license file would need updating to reflect the computer name change. If the license server is used to serve itself, the license file would need updating (locally) to reflect the new name of the computer. If the license server is used to serve other client computers, the license file on the server and client computers would need updating to reflect the new name of the license server. If the name of the license client computer changes, the license file would not need updating. 20 RPC Pro Product Installation

21 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Note: If the computer's network card has changed since the MTS license software was installed, contact MTS. Location of license file The mts_license.dat file is typically located in the C:\MTS\License directory. The location of the license directory may vary depending on your installation. Update server name in license file The first line of the mts_license.dat file specifies the computer name. For example: SERVER old-computer-name D6047 In this example, replace <old-computer-name> with the new host name of the computer. After the license file is updated, restart the computer to restart the FLEXlm License Manager service. Install the Series 793 Server If you chose to install the Series 793 server, then follow these steps. 1. Follow the instructions that are provided in the setup windows. 2. Determine the folder to which the server is to be installed. The default is C:\Program Files (x86)\mts Systems Corporation\RPCPro Server. If you want to install to a different folder, click the Change button and navigate to that folder. 3. Enter the port number for the server. The default port number is If you are using an XP machine you will be prompted to enter a username and password. You should enter details for an administrator account, such as: <computer name>\administrator or <domain>\<admin account> and password for the account, and then click Next. 4. Follow the remaining steps in the wizard. Controller Entries in Hosts File Controller entries in the Windows Hosts file allow the software to attach to and communicate with the controller. Most users will not have to manually modify the Windows Hosts file. The software will automatically add the required controller entry to the Windows Hosts file when you follow the steps to create a new setup and attach to a controller with the Setup Pro application. If you cannot select a different controller for an existing setup, the controller entry will have to be added to the Windows Hosts file. The software makes this easy to do via the Tools menu > Add a Controller Host Entry option. RPC Pro Product Installation 21

22 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Basically, if you can select and attach to the desired controller, then you do not need to modify the Windows Hosts file. How the software uses the Windows Hosts File The software uses the Hosts file to determine where the test server is located. The test server software is used by the RPC, crpc, or STEX software to communicate with the controller. The software looks at the IP address, computer (Host) name, and controller identifier in the Hosts file when trying to connect to the test server. The software knows the name of the computer on which it is running. If the software finds its own computer information in the Hosts file, it knows the test server is on the same computer as the software. If the application does not find its own computer information in the Hosts file, but instead finds different computer information in the Hosts file, it searches for the test server on that different computer. The following information is required on the same line in the Hosts file in the following order, separated by at least one space or tab. IP Address Computer Host Name Controller Identifier Port Number The IP Address identifies the Internet Protocol address of the computer that is connected to the controller. This must be specified in the first column of the entry. The computer s Host Name identifies the name of the computer that is connected to the controller. Specify the computer s name as it is known on the network. This must be specified in the second column of the entry. The controller identifier denotes the type of controller. This must be specified in the third column of the entry. The port number identifies the port number that RPC uses to talk to the controller. It will only be populated if that port number is not standard (8080). The following shows an example entry in the Hosts file: Controller_PC #793FT 8090 If you are using only one computer to run both the controller software and RPC, crpc, or STEX software, the Hosts file must specify its own computer s IP address, LOCALHOST name, and controller identifier in its Hosts file. If you are using one computer to run the controller software and one or more computers to run the software, you must set up the Hosts file on all of the application computers to specify the controller computer s IP address, computer name, and controller identifier in their respective Hosts file. The list of controllers that the software displays (when you try to attach a controller to a setup) comes from the Windows Hosts file. The Hosts file must have the proper address information for all the controller devices that you want to connect to within your network. Otherwise, the devices will not be recognized by the software. Location of Hosts file The Windows Hosts file is typically located in the C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc directory, where C: is the drive where your system32 folder is located. 22 RPC Pro Product Installation

23 To open the Hosts file, right-click the file and select Open With and then choose Notepad. After making any necessary changes to the file in Notepad, select Save on the File menu to retain the changes. How to edit the Hosts file RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Open and edit the Hosts file using Windows Notepad software. You should leave any existing entries in the Hosts file and add any new entries to the end of the file, using new lines for each separate controller. The software uses the following conventions to specify the controllers that you want to connect to. # symbol at the beginning of a line denotes that all text that follows on that line is a comment, and it will be ignored by the system. Required entries do not start with a # symbol. For every different controller in your network, there needs to be a separate line that is used to locate the test server for the controller. Each line, which is used to specify a controller, has three key pieces of information. Separate these three pieces of information with a space or tab delimiter. Hosts File Controller Identifiers The following information is required on the same line in the Windows Hosts file in the following order, separated by a space or tab. This information is necessary for the RPC software to communicate with the controller. IP Address Computer Host Name Controller Identifier This section will help you determine what the controller identifier should be for your specific controller type. The IP address and computer Host name is specific to the computer that is running the RPC software. The IP address and computer Host name can be obtained from your system administrator (if necessary). In the following table: The first column lists the types of MTS controllers that are able to run the RPC software. The second column lists the identifier that corresponds to the controller. Controller Types and Identifiers Controller Type MTS FlexTest controllers running Series 793 software (including FlexTest GT, CTC, CTM, IIm, and Model 494 FlexTest 40, 60, 100, 200) Emulator This is not a physical controller. It allows you to run most of the RPC software without actually communicating with a physical controller. The IP address for this controller type is Controller Identifier to use in Hosts File # 793FT # Demo RPC Pro Product Installation 23

24 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Controller Type Controller Identifier to use in Hosts File To use the Emulator, enter the following line in the Hosts file: emulator # DEMO Xtest compatible controllers (usually for non-mts controllers). # XTEST+ Hosts File Controller Examples The following illustrations show how to set up the Hosts file for various controller and computer configurations. One PC with Series 793 FlexTest 24 RPC Pro Product Installation

25 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings One PC with Component RPC Pro Remote PCs with Series 793 FlexTest Remote PC Remote PC refers to multiple computers networked together where one of the computers runs the controller software and other computer(s) run the RPC software and communicate with the controller remotely. An example Remote PC network configuration is shown below. RPC Pro Product Installation 25

26 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Recommended system configuration Sample Remote PC Network Configuration To achieve optimal system performance, the following configuration is recommended with multiple computers running Remote PC. System Configuration PC Controller Computer RPC Computer Recommended Components Controller software RPCProProjects directory System Temp directory Test Server software RPC software Ensure that the RPC Project and Temporary directories are on the same computer disk drive. Ensure both the RPC and controller computers are in the same Windows network (either the same workgroup or domain). If they are not, contact your system administrator if you need help configuring the computers in the same windows network. User accounts Remote PC requires that both the controller computer and RPC computer use the same user name and password. You can accomplish this in either of the following ways: 26 RPC Pro Product Installation

27 User Name and Password RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Method Windows Domain Local Domain Description If the computers are part of a larger windows domain, you can establish a single user account in that is accessible to both PCs. In order to use Remote PC, both the controller computer and RPC computer must be logged onto using the same account user name and password. If the computers are not part of a larger windows domain, you can establish a local user account on each computer that has the same user name and password. In order to use Remote PC, both the controller computer and RPC computer must be logged onto using the local account with the same user name and password. File sharing In order for Remote PC to share project information, the RPCProProjects folder containing the information must be accessible to both the controller computer and the RPC computer. The RPCProProjects folder can reside on either computer, but it must be shared and mapped on the other computer. For performance reasons, the recommended location for the RPCProProjects folder is on the controller computer. That is because the controller has less networking to do to transfer files. For more information about sharing and mapping networked drives, refer to the Windows online help. Hosts file Make sure the Hosts file is set up on each computer prior to setting up the computers for remote communication. Remote PC Setup on Windows XP Systems These instructions describe the necessary settings to enable Remote PC on two Windows XP computers. In order for Remote PC to work correctly, simple file sharing must be disabled on the Windows XP computer that contains the RPCProProjects directory. 1. Open Folder Options in the Windows Control Panel. 2. Click the View tab in the Folder Options window. 3. Clear the check box for Use simple file sharing (Recommended). 4. Click Apply to All Folders, and then click OK to close the Folder Options window. Remote PC Setup on Windows 7 These instructions describe the necessary settings to enable Remote PC on two Windows 7 computers. In order for Remote PC to work correctly, the File Sharing Wizard must be disabled on the Windows 7 computer that contains the RPCProProjects directory. 1. Open Folder Options in the Windows Control Panel. 2. Click on the View tab in the Folder Options window. RPC Pro Product Installation 27

28 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings 3. Clear the check box for Use simple file sharing (Recommended). 4. Click Apply to All Folders, and then click OK to close the Folder Options window. Controller Network Protocol Network Protocol for FlexTest Controllers The MTS Software requires Client for Microsoft Networks on the computer. If the same computer will have FlexTest software, the FlexTest installation instructions indicate that the Client for Microsoft Networks should be cleared (unchecked). This can be done, but do not uninstall the Client for Microsoft Networks. To determine if the software is installed, find the connection you are currently using. For Windows XP, go to Windows Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network Connections. Then, right-click the connection and select Properties. Local Area Connection Properties 28 RPC Pro Product Installation

29 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings When you locate the network connection properties: Corporate Network Properties Make sure that Client for Microsoft Networks is listed in the Properties window for the network connection that you are using. If Client for Microsoft Networks exists, but is not selected (as a requirement for FlexTest), it will not cause a conflict with the licensing. Network protocol for Non-FlexTest controllers If you are using a different controller (besides FlexTest), the Client for Microsoft Networks may be checked or not, depending on your network requirements. Firewall Setup for License Software Firewall software can block licensing programs from accessing the network. As a result, the MTS Software will not be able to check out a license. There are two types of license servers that can be affected by firewall software: A computer that is acting as a license server for itself A computer that is acting as a license server for other computers Follow the instructions to configure Windows Firewall on the computer that is acting as the license server. RPC Pro Product Installation 29

30 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Windows XP Firewall Setup for License Software You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. 1. Open the Windows Firewall control panel. For Windows XP: Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall can be turned on or off for different network connections. If Windows Firewall is turned Off, the programs will not be blocked and therefore the remaining steps may be ignored. Turning Windows Firewall Off is not recommended. 2. If Windows Firewall is turned On in the General tab, ensure that exceptions are allowed. For Windows XP: Clear the Don t allow exceptions box. 3. Click the Add Program button in the Exceptions tab. 4. Click the Browse button in the Add a Program window. 5. Browse to the C:\MTS\License directory, select lmgrd.exe, and then click Open in the Browse window. 6. Click OK in the Add a Program window. 7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for the mtsd.exe and mtsdmon.exe programs. 8. Ensure lmgrd.exe, mtsd.exe, and mtsdmon.exe programs are selected on the Windows Firewall Exceptions tab. 9. Click OK to save changes to the Windows Firewall. Windows 7 Firewall Setup for License Software You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. 1. Open Windows Start menu > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall can be turned on or off for different network connections. If Windows Firewall is turned Off, the programs will not be blocked and therefore the remaining steps may be ignored. Turning Windows Firewall Off is not recommended. 2. Click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall. 3. Click the Allow another program button. 4. Click the Browse button in the Add a Program window. 5. Browse to the C:\MTS\License directory, select lmgrd.exe, and then click Open in the Browse window. 6. Click OK in the Add a Program window. 7. Verify that the program is allowed on the appropriate network(s). 8. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 for the mtsd.exe and mtsdmon.exe programs. Note that when mtsd gets added to the program list, its display name will change to lmgrd326b. 9. Click OK to save changes to the Windows Firewall. 30 RPC Pro Product Installation

31 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings System Performance Check system settings after install The following sections describe how to configure your computer with optimal settings. These settings should be checked after you install the MTS software. Although the MTS software will run without changing these settings, they are recommended to help improve system performance when running tests. These computer settings will not conflict with other applications. System Temp and RPCProProjects directories The software opens and then temporarily saves file information to your system s temporary directory. Later, when the file is actually saved, the file information is written to the RPCPROProjects directory. If the system s temporary directory and RPCProProjects directory are on different drives, the software will provide a performance improvement suggestion each time file information is saved. Performance Suggestion The software lets you know that having these directories on different drives can degrade the software s performance because it takes extra time to copy the file information to another pc drive. The most likely reason for having the RPCProProjects directory on a different drive is to save space on your system drive. You can move your system s temporary directory to the drive where your RPCProProjects folder is located, or vise versa. To change the system temporary directory for Windows XP To change the system temporary directory: 1. Using Windows Explorer, move the system temporary directory to the drive that contains your RPCProProjects folder. Note: The Performance Improvement Suggestion window tells you where these directories are located. 2. Open the System file in the Control Panel, click on the Advanced tab, and then click on the Environment Variables button. 3. Select TEMP in the user variables list. RPC Pro Product Installation 31

32 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings 4. Edit the value to target the new directory location. For example, change the value From: %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp To: D:\TEMP Where D:\ is the drive where the RPCProProjects folder is located. 5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the TMP user variable. To move the RPCProProjects directory To move the RPCProProjects directory: 1. Using Windows Explorer, move the RPCProProjects folder to the drive that contains your system temporary directory. Note: The Performance Improvement Suggestion window tells you where these directories are located. 2. Open the RPC Project Manager. 3. On the Tools menu, select Options, and then the Project Manager tab. 4. Update the directory path in the Default project location box. For example, change it From: D:\RPCProProjects To: C:\RPCProProjects Where C:\ is the drive where the system s temporary directory is located. You can also use the Browse button to select the RPCProProjects directory. Virus scanning on dedicated test systems When using an MTS controller with an hydraulic test rig, it is important to maintain a robust, high-throughput network connection between the data source and the controller hardware. Anti-virus software decreases system performance and increases the potential for delays in data transfer between the data source and controller hardware. Some tests at MTS have shown that for hard disk read/write intensive applications such as virus scanning, there can be as much as a 60 percent loss in system performance. MTS understands the necessity to protect computers from virus infection. While remaining virus-free is important, it is also necessary to balance this with the requirements of dedicated test systems. MTS recommends that you follow these guidelines: Disable real-time scanning on the test system computers or exclude the folder used to store your projects. Never run virus scanning while a test is running. 32 RPC Pro Product Installation

33 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Schedule required virus scanning for times when the test system is not in use. Data backups on dedicated test systems When using an MTS controller with a hydraulic test rig, it is essential to maintain a robust, high-throughput network connection between the data source and the controller hardware. Data backup software decreases system performance and increases the potential for delays in data transfer between the data source and controller hardware. While data backups are important, it is also necessary to balance this with the requirements of dedicated test systems. MTS recommends that you follow these guidelines: Never run backups while a test is running. Schedule backups for times when the test system is not in use. Display Properties for Windows XP 1. Open the Display file in the Control Panel, click on the Appearance tab, and then click the Effects button. 2. Ensure the Show window contents while dragging check box is cleared (not checked). Hidden mouse pointer Do not set the mouse control panel to hide the pointer while typing, otherwise the Tools menu may not show an active pointer. If the mouse pointer is hidden on the Tools menu, ensure the mouse control panel is set as follows: 1. Click the Windows Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow. Double-click to open the mouse control panel. 2. Look for a tab or section that pertains to the mouse pointer, such as a Pointer Options or Pointer Utility tab. The exact name of this property varies with each mouse driver. 3. Ensure the option for hide the pointer while typing is not selected. The exact name of this property varies with each mouse driver. Power management for Windows XP The power management options for Windows XP, which are designed to reduce the power consumption of your computer devices on your system, can adversely affect test performance in the MTS software. Power Management options allow you to adjust the individual settings depending on your hardware. For example, the monitor and/or hard disks can be set to turn off automatically to save power. To access the power management options for Windows XP, go to the Windows Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options. RPC Pro Product Installation 33

34 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Note: MTS recommends setting power options to never turn off the monitor and hard disks, and never go into system standby. For example, the power options should be set as shown in the following window. Note: Windows XP Power Option Properties Power options let you adjust any power management option that your computer's hardware configuration supports. Because these options may vary from computer to computer, the options described may differ from those available on your computer. Power options automatically detects what is available on your computer and shows you only the options that you can control. Multiple User Accounts Multiple users using the same project If multiple users will be working on the same computer or accessing the same projects, then you should set up the user accounts as outlined below. The following system settings are not necessary if each user will be working independently and not required to share access to their projects. 34 RPC Pro Product Installation

35 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings Administrative users Administrative users should be reserved for setting up Windows system-level functions. This is because projects created by an administrative user can only be accessed by another member of the administrative group. Specific user groups should be created for running software. Limit each user to their own projects If you want each user to only access their own projects and not each others, then: Set file sharing permissions for each user s project directory so that only the administrator and current user have full control. Set file sharing permissions for the Windows TEMP directory so that only the administrator and current user have full control. Provide user group access If you want multiple users to access the same projects, the administrator of the computer should: Set sharing permissions for the project folder(s). If necessary, add each required user to the file sharing and set permissions for each user to Full Control. Different Windows operating systems may have different ways to set file sharing permissions. Refer to the Windows Help for information on how to share a folder in Windows. Set sharing permissions on the Windows TEMP folder. If necessary, add each required user to the file sharing and set permissions for each user to Full Control. Make sure all required users have a TEMP folder located in their own Local Settings folder. For Windows XP, the location is: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp where <username> is the local user name used when starting Windows. Installation Troubleshooting on Windows XP If you are using Windows XP and cannot connect to a controller or the application becomes unresponsive when loading a drive file, you may need to follow the steps below to correctly configure the RPC2mS Controller DCOM component. 1. Logon to the computer as an Administrator and enter the required password for the computer. 2. Click the Windows Start button, and then click Run. Enter dcomcnfg in the Open box and press OK. RPC Pro Product Installation 35

36 RPC and crpc Installation and System Settings 3. After the Component Services window opens, click on the DCOM Config folder to expand its contents (the folder may take a while to display its contents). 4. Either the RPC2mS Controller component or the C7FF4DC D0-AE0B-0020AF component will appear in the list of components. Right-click this component and select Properties. a) In the Properties window, click on the Identity tab. This window asks the question Which user account do you want to use to run this application?. b) Select The interactive user and then click Apply. 36 RPC Pro Product Installation

37 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Topics: PC Requirements...38 Software License Agreement...39 Software Product Installation...41 Install the Series 793 Server...45 Install the STEX 469D Server...45 Firewall Setup for License Software...46 Controller Network Protocol...47 Remote PC...48 System Performance...51 Multiple User Accounts...54 Install the Series 793 Server...55 Install the STEX 469D Server...56 Controller Entries in Hosts File...56 RPC Pro Product Installation 37

38 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings PC Requirements Overview Before installing the software, ensure the PC meets the minimum system requirements. Ideally, the PC should meet the recommended system requirements for improved performance. PC Hardware and Software The following table details both the minimum and recommended PC hardware and software requirements to use this software. MTS strongly recommends that you use a PC that meets the recommended specifications in order to efficiently use the software. Hardware and software requirements for other MTS products to be run on this computer may vary, so check the specifications for those products. Requirements Component Minimum Recommended Processor Memory Storage Graphics Card Monitor Operating System 1 Ghz 32-bit (x86) 2 GB Hard disk drive (HDD) with at least 40GB free space DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics card with at least 64 MB memory 1024 x 768 resolution support Microsoft Windows XP 32-bit 3 Ghz 64-bit 4 GB Solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 40GB free space DirectX 10 (or higher) compatible graphics card 1680 x 1050 resolution support Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Supported operating systems The software can run on any of the following operating systems: Windows XP 32-bit Professional with Service Pack 3 Windows 7 32-bit Professional Windows 7 64-bit Professional Localization The software can run on a supported operating system in any of the following language versions: English German 38 RPC Pro Product Installation

39 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings French Japanese RPC Pro performance If you experience performance degradation, refer to the following known issues and workarounds: If your Windows font size is not set to 100%, some areas of the application may display incorrectly. To correct this, set the Windows font size to 100%. If the performance of charts is poor and you are using a graphics card that does not support DirectX 9.0c, you may want to switch to classic view (available in the Options menu). Application software Microsoft Office 2007 is the minimum version of software required to install the software. Documentation software The following software is needed to view the online documentation: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, or later, is needed to view the online help. Acrobat Reader 7, or later, is needed to view the PDF manuals. Software License Agreement You have two opportunities to accept the terms of the MTS Software License Agreement: When the software is installed When you launch the software At installation Near the beginning of the software installation process, the MTS Software License Agreement is displayed in the following window: RPC Pro Product Installation 39

40 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Accepting the Software License Agreement You must click I accept the terms in the license agreement and Next to proceed with the installation process. If you click I do not accept the terms in the license agreement and Next, the installation process is terminated and no software is installed. At launch Regardless of whether the license agreement is accepted at installation, the acceptance of the terms must also be verified when the software is launched. This verification need only be done once. The first time you launch the software (Project Manager) the following window appears: Here are your choices: License Agreement Terms and Conditions If you check the Do not show this agreement again check box and click Accept, the software launches and you are never asked to accept the terms of the agreement again unless you re-install or upgrade the software. 40 RPC Pro Product Installation

41 If you click Accept but do not check the Do not show this agreement again check box, the software launches. However, the window appears again the next time you launch the software. If you click Decline, the software closes. STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Software Product Installation Getting started with the installation Log on to the computer using an account that has administrator privileges. Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to install STEX. Close all applications and place the Installation DVD in its drive. Some components may not be applicable to your system. Install only the components that you purchased. Important: If prompted, restart the computer at the end of each installation. When the computer is restarting, log on to Windows using the same administrator account that the software was installed under. Doing this allows the installation program to finish setting up the files. Then, start the software to verify that it is properly installed. After that, users can log on using their own account. Main RPC Software Product Installation The installation DVD provides the following options. Install Products Window RPC Pro Product Installation 41

42 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Click STEX Pro to install STEX Pro. Click MTS Licensing Software to install the MTS Licensing Software. Click Controller Server to install either the Series 793 or the STEX 469D controller server: If you chose to install the Series 793 server, you must enter the port number for the STEX Server (the default is 8080). If you install the Series 793 server on Windows XP, you must be logged in as a user in the administrators group to be able to install the server, STEX, or the MTS license. If you chose to install the STEX 469D controller server, you must enter the path to the test server executable (STEX469DTestServer.exe). Click Install to install the options you have selected. Click Exit to exit the installation program. Install STEX Pro 1. Ensure the computer meets the system requirements. 2. Click STEX Pro in the Install Products page. Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to install STEX Pro. 3. Follow the instructions that are provided in the setup windows. Setup will guide you through the installation steps. 42 RPC Pro Product Installation

43 4. Log on to Windows using the same administrator account that the software was installed under. Doing this allows the installation program to finish setting up the files. 5. Start the MTS STEX Pro Software to verify that it is properly installed. After that, users can log on using their own account. Install MTS Licensing Software STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Who should install Anyone who received a license DVD must install the MTS Licensing Software on the appropriate computer(s). This includes customers upgrading to the latest version of software, new customers or customers who have purchased advanced features. MTS Licensing Software overview MTS Licensing Software must reside on the workstation(s). Client versus server license install Determine whether the licensing software should be installed as a client or server. If you have an license DVD that contains the license file specifically for your computer s physical network address, your computer will be acting as a license server for itself. If the MTS Licensing Software is installed using a license file built for another computer s physical network address, your computer will be the license client. Installation instructions 1. Click MTS Licensing Software in the Install Products page. 2. Follow the instructions that are provided in the setup windows. 3. When prompted, choose to install as Client or as Server. RPC Pro Product Installation 43

44 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Selecting Type of Installation 4. Follow these steps when prompted for the location of the MTS license file: a. Insert the license DVD. b. If you already know the drive letter for the DVD, enter it in the box (for example E:\), or click Browse and then choose the drive for the DVD in the window that appears. c. Click Next to install the MTS license. 5. Restart the computer at the end of the installation. 6. If you want to install more software, insert the Installation DVD after the computer has restarted. Update License File when Server Name Changes License update examples If the name of the license server computer changes some time after the MTS license software was installed, the license file would need updating to reflect the computer name change. If the license server is used to serve itself, the license file would need updating (locally) to reflect the new name of the computer. If the license server is used to serve other client computers, the license file on the server and client computers would need updating to reflect the new name of the license server. If the name of the license client computer changes, the license file would not need updating. 44 RPC Pro Product Installation

45 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Note: If the computer's network card has changed since the MTS license software was installed, contact MTS. Location of license file The mts_license.dat file is typically located in the C:\MTS\License directory. The location of the license directory may vary depending on your installation. Update server name in license file The first line of the mts_license.dat file specifies the computer name. For example: SERVER old-computer-name D6047 In this example, replace <old-computer-name> with the new host name of the computer. After the license file is updated, restart the computer to restart the FLEXlm License Manager service. Install the Series 793 Server If you chose to install the Series 793 server, then follow these steps. 1. Follow the instructions that are provided in the setup windows. 2. Determine the folder to which the server is to be installed. The default is C:\Program Files (x86)\mts Systems Corporation\RPCPro Server. If you want to install to a different folder, click the Change button and navigate to that folder. 3. Enter the port number for the server. The default port number is If you are using an XP machine you will be prompted to enter a username and password. You should enter details for an administrator account, such as: <computer name>\administrator or <domain>\<admin account> and password for the account, and then click Next. 4. Follow the remaining steps in the wizard. Install the STEX 469D Server If you chose to install the STEX 469D server, then follow these steps. 1. When requested, type the path to the test server executable (STEX469DTestServer.exe). 2. Click Install to install the options you have selected. If you are using an XP machine you will be prompted to enter a username and password. You should enter details for an administrator account, such as: <computer name>\administrator or <domain>\<admin account> and password for the account, and then click Next. 3. Follow the remaining steps in the wizard. RPC Pro Product Installation 45

46 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Firewall Setup for License Software Firewall software can block licensing programs from accessing the network. As a result, the MTS Software will not be able to check out a license. There are two types of license servers that can be affected by firewall software: A computer that is acting as a license server for itself A computer that is acting as a license server for other computers Follow the instructions to configure Windows Firewall on the computer that is acting as the license server. Windows XP Firewall Setup for License Software You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. 1. Open the Windows Firewall control panel. For Windows XP: Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall can be turned on or off for different network connections. If Windows Firewall is turned Off, the programs will not be blocked and therefore the remaining steps may be ignored. Turning Windows Firewall Off is not recommended. 2. If Windows Firewall is turned On in the General tab, ensure that exceptions are allowed. For Windows XP: Clear the Don t allow exceptions box. 3. Click the Add Program button in the Exceptions tab. 4. Click the Browse button in the Add a Program window. 5. Browse to the C:\MTS\License directory, select lmgrd.exe, and then click Open in the Browse window. 6. Click OK in the Add a Program window. 7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for the mtsd.exe and mtsdmon.exe programs. 8. Ensure lmgrd.exe, mtsd.exe, and mtsdmon.exe programs are selected on the Windows Firewall Exceptions tab. 9. Click OK to save changes to the Windows Firewall. Windows 7 Firewall Setup for License Software You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. 1. Open Windows Start menu > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall can be turned on or off for different network connections. If Windows Firewall is turned Off, the programs will not be blocked and therefore the remaining steps may be ignored. Turning Windows Firewall Off is not recommended. 2. Click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall. 46 RPC Pro Product Installation

47 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings 3. Click the Allow another program button. 4. Click the Browse button in the Add a Program window. 5. Browse to the C:\MTS\License directory, select lmgrd.exe, and then click Open in the Browse window. 6. Click OK in the Add a Program window. 7. Verify that the program is allowed on the appropriate network(s). 8. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 for the mtsd.exe and mtsdmon.exe programs. Note that when mtsd gets added to the program list, its display name will change to lmgrd326b. 9. Click OK to save changes to the Windows Firewall. Controller Network Protocol Network Protocol for FlexTest Controllers The MTS Software requires Client for Microsoft Networks on the computer. If the same computer will have FlexTest software, the FlexTest installation instructions indicate that the Client for Microsoft Networks should be cleared (unchecked). This can be done, but do not uninstall the Client for Microsoft Networks. To determine if the software is installed, find the connection you are currently using. For Windows XP, go to Windows Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network Connections. Then, right-click the connection and select Properties. Local Area Connection Properties RPC Pro Product Installation 47

48 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings When you locate the network connection properties: Corporate Network Properties Make sure that Client for Microsoft Networks is listed in the Properties window for the network connection that you are using. If Client for Microsoft Networks exists, but is not selected (as a requirement for FlexTest), it will not cause a conflict with the licensing. Network protocol for Non-FlexTest controllers If you are using a different controller (besides FlexTest), the Client for Microsoft Networks may be checked or not, depending on your network requirements. Remote PC Remote PC refers to multiple computers networked together where one of the computers runs the controller software and other computer(s) run the STEX software and communicate with the controller remotely. An example Remote PC network configuration is shown below. 48 RPC Pro Product Installation

49 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Recommended system configuration Sample Remote PC Network Configuration To achieve optimal system performance, the following configuration is recommended with multiple computers running Remote PC. PC Controller Computer STEX Computer Recommended Components Controller software RPCProProjects directory System Temp directory Test Server software STEX software Ensure that the RPCProProjects and Temporary directories are on the same computer disk drive. Ensure both the STEX and controller computers are in the same Windows network (either the same workgroup or domain). If they are not, contact your system administrator if you need help configuring the computers in the same windows network. User accounts Remote PC requires that both the controller computer and STEX computer use the same user name and password. You can accomplish this in either of the following ways: Item Windows Domain Description If the computers are part of a larger windows domain, you can establish a single user account in that is accessible to both PCs. In order to use Remote PC, both the controller computer and STEX computer must be logged onto using the same account user name and password. RPC Pro Product Installation 49

50 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Item Local Domain Description If the computers are not part of a larger windows domain, you can establish a local user accounts on each computer that has the same user name and password. In order to use Remote PC, both the controller computer and STEX computer must be logged onto using the local account with the same user name and password. File sharing In order for Remote PC to share project information, the RPCProProjects folder containing the information must be accessible to both the controller computer and the STEX computer. The RPCProProjects folder can reside on either computer, but it must be shared and mapped on the other computer. For performance reasons, the recommended location for the RPCProProjects folder is on the controller computer. That is because the controller has less networking to do to transfer files. For more information about sharing and mapping networked drives, refer to the Windows online help. Hosts file Make sure the Hosts file is set up on each computer prior to setting up the computers for remote communication. Remote PC Setup on Windows XP Systems These instructions describe the necessary settings to enable Remote PC on two Windows XP computers. In order for Remote PC to work correctly, simple file sharing must be disabled on the Windows XP computer that contains the RPCProProjects directory. 1. Open Folder Options in the Windows Control Panel. 2. Click on the View tab in the Folder Options window. 3. Clear the check box for Use simple file sharing (Recommended). 4. Click Apply to All Folders, and then click OK to close the Folder Options window. Remote PC Setup on Windows 7 These instructions describe the necessary settings to enable Remote PC on two Windows 7 computers. In order for Remote PC to work properly, the File Sharing Wizard must be disabled on the Windows 7 computer that contains the RPCProProjects directory. 1. Open Folder Options in the Windows Control Panel. 2. Click the View tab in the Folder Options window. 3. Clear the check box for Use Sharing Wizard (Recommended). 4. Click Apply to All Folders, and then click OK to close the Folder Options window. 50 RPC Pro Product Installation

51 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings System Performance Check system settings after install The following sections describe how to configure your computer with optimal settings. These settings should be checked after you install the MTS software. Although the MTS software will run without changing these settings, they are recommended to help improve system performance when running tests. These computer settings will not conflict with other applications. System Temp and RPCProProjects directories The software opens and then temporarily saves file information to your system s temporary directory. Later, when the file is actually saved, the file information is written to the RPCPROProjects directory. If the system s temporary directory and RPCProProjects directory are on different drives, the software will provide a performance improvement suggestion each time file information is saved. Performance Suggestion The software lets you know that having these directories on different drives can degrade the software s performance because it takes extra time to copy the file information to another pc drive. The most likely reason for having the RPCProProjects directory on a different drive is to save space on your system drive. You can move your system s temporary directory to the drive where your RPCProProjects folder is located, or vise versa. To change the system temporary directory for Windows XP To change the system temporary directory: 1. Using Windows Explorer, move the system temporary directory to the drive that contains your RPCProProjects folder. Note: The Performance Improvement Suggestion window tells you where these directories are located. 2. Open the System file in the Control Panel, click on the Advanced tab, and then click on the Environment Variables button. 3. Select TEMP in the user variables list. RPC Pro Product Installation 51

52 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings 4. Edit the value to target the new directory location. For example, change the value From: %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp To: D:\TEMP Where D:\ is the drive where the RPCProProjects folder is located. 5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the TMP user variable. To move the RPCProProjects directory To move the RPCProProjects directory: 1. Using Windows Explorer, move the RPCProProjects folder to the drive that contains your system temporary directory. Note: The Performance Improvement Suggestion window tells you where these directories are located. 2. Open the RPC Project Manager. 3. On the Tools menu, select Options, and then the Project Manager tab. 4. Update the directory path in the Default project location box. For example, change it From: D:\RPCProProjects To: C:\RPCProProjects Where C:\ is the drive where the system s temporary directory is located. You can also use the Browse button to select the RPCProProjects directory. Virus scanning on dedicated test systems When using an MTS controller with an hydraulic test rig, it is important to maintain a robust, high-throughput network connection between the data source and the controller hardware. Anti-virus software decreases system performance and increases the potential for delays in data transfer between the data source and controller hardware. Some tests at MTS have shown that for hard disk read/write intensive applications such as virus scanning, there can be as much as a 60 percent loss in system performance. MTS understands the necessity to protect computers from virus infection. While remaining virus-free is important, it is also necessary to balance this with the requirements of dedicated test systems. MTS recommends that you follow these guidelines: Disable real-time scanning on the test system computers or exclude the folder used to store your projects. Never run virus scanning while a test is running. 52 RPC Pro Product Installation

53 Schedule required virus scanning for times when the test system is not in use. STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Data backups on dedicated test systems When using an MTS controller with a hydraulic test rig, it is essential to maintain a robust, high-throughput network connection between the data source and the controller hardware. Data backup software decreases system performance and increases the potential for delays in data transfer between the data source and controller hardware. While data backups are important, it is also necessary to balance this with the requirements of dedicated test systems. MTS recommends that you follow these guidelines: Never run backups while a test is running. Schedule backups for times when the test system is not in use. Display Properties for Windows XP 1. Open the Display file in the Control Panel, click on the Appearance tab, and then click the Effects button. 2. Ensure the Show window contents while dragging check box is cleared (not checked). Hidden mouse pointer Do not set the mouse control panel to hide the pointer while typing, otherwise the Tools menu may not show an active pointer. If the mouse pointer is hidden on the Tools menu, ensure the mouse control panel is set as follows: 1. Click the Windows Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow. Double-click to open the mouse control panel. 2. Look for a tab or section that pertains to the mouse pointer, such as a Pointer Options or Pointer Utility tab. The exact name of this property varies with each mouse driver. 3. Ensure the option for hide the pointer while typing is not selected. The exact name of this property varies with each mouse driver. Power management for Windows XP The power management options for Windows XP, which are designed to reduce the power consumption of your computer devices on your system, can adversely affect test performance in the MTS software. Power Management options allow you to adjust the individual settings depending on your hardware. For example, the monitor and/or hard disks can be set to turn off automatically to save power. To access the power management options for Windows XP, go to the Windows Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options. RPC Pro Product Installation 53

54 STEX Pro Installation and System Settings Note: MTS recommends setting power options to never turn off the monitor and hard disks, and never go into system standby. For example, the power options should be set as shown in the following window. Note: Windows XP Power Option Properties Power options let you adjust any power management option that your computer's hardware configuration supports. Because these options may vary from computer to computer, the options described may differ from those available on your computer. Power options automatically detects what is available on your computer and shows you only the options that you can control. Multiple User Accounts Multiple users using the same project If multiple users will be working on the same computer or accessing the same projects, then you should set up the user accounts as outlined below. The following system settings are not necessary if each user will be working independently and not required to share access to their projects. 54 RPC Pro Product Installation