Doors.NET in a Server Environment
1.0 Introduction
If you are installing and using Doors.NET on a Windows Server operating system (2012, 2012R2, 2016, 2019, etc) Keri advises that you have an IT person that is a Microsoft Certified Professional present during the install of Doors.NET. Windows Server operating systems have unique requirements that certified IT professionals are trained to handle.
This guide outlines the most important things to be aware of when using a Server operating system on the host PC.
This guide outlines the most important things to be aware of when using a Server operating system on the host PC.
2.0 Supported Windows Server Versions
These are the supported Server versions when using series 4 or 5 of the Doors.NET software - (which uses
.NET Framework v4.6.2 and SQL Express 2016/2019):
- Windows Server 2022 (x64)
- Windows Server 2019 (x64)
- Windows Server 2016 (x64)
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (x64)
- Windows Server 2012 (x64)
Notes: .
* NET Framework v4.6.2 is incompatible with certain older operating systems. This means Server 2008 R2, and any older Server operating systems are no longer supported.
* Certain older versions of Server operating systems can use series 3 Doors.NET software but this is no longer in development.
* SQL Express 2016 requires a 64-bit microprocessor/operating system and .NET Framework v4.6.2 for operation.
* If you do not know the type of microprocessor/operating system your PC uses, you can find this information by running Microsoft’s System Information utility. This utility is a part of your operating system. The microprocessor type is found under System Summary > System Type. Your System Type will be listed as either "x64-based PC" for 64-bit microprocessors or "x86-based PC" for 32-bit microprocessors.
* Certain older versions of Server operating systems can use series 3 Doors.NET software but this is no longer in development.
* SQL Express 2016 requires a 64-bit microprocessor/operating system and .NET Framework v4.6.2 for operation.
* If you do not know the type of microprocessor/operating system your PC uses, you can find this information by running Microsoft’s System Information utility. This utility is a part of your operating system. The microprocessor type is found under System Summary > System Type. Your System Type will be listed as either "x64-based PC" for 64-bit microprocessors or "x86-based PC" for 32-bit microprocessors.
3.0 Minimum Host PC Specifications
3.1 Typical System (< 100 doors, <2,000 cardholders)
- Microprocessor - Intel i5, 2.4GHz or better, 64-bit
- Memory - 8GB or greater
- Hard Drive - 500GB or greater
3.1 Large System (> 100 doors, > 2,000 cardholders)
• Microprocessor - Intel i7, 2.6GHz or better, 16MB cache or greater, 64-bit
• Memory - 16 GB or greater
• Hard Drive - 2 TB or greater
• Video
- either on-board or plug-in card that supports a minimum resolution of 1280x1024
- a full EVR client (a licensed option) requires a video card with 64 MB or greater of RAM
Important Note:
Keri systems recommends that the host PC has a Solid State Drive (SSD) as opposed to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Due to the vastly increased read/write speed, software installation will be considerably longer if the host PC has a HDD. When using an SSD the expected installation time is around 15-20 minutes.
4.0 New Installation on Server 2012/2012R2
The most current version of Doors.NET will automatically install SQL Express 2019 on a new installation, however, SQL Express 2019 is NOT supported with Server 2012 or Server 2012R2. For this reason you should first install Doors.NET v4.4.0 - this will automatically install SQL Express 2016 which is fully compatible with Server 2012/2012R2 and also gives you all the benefits included in .NET Framework 4.6.2. When you then upgrade to the most current version, the installer will detect the presence of SQL Express 2016 and will use that instead of attempting to install SQL Express 2019.
5.0 Windows Updates
To ensure proper Doors.NET operation the PC’s operating system and .NET platform must be up to date with ALL Microsoft service packs and security updates. Windows Update may need to be run multiple times to ensure all updates are applied before installing Doors.NET PCs that are not up to date prior to beginning the installation process will require additional software installation time.
6.0 Administrative Rights
When installing or administering the Doors.NET software you should be logged into the PC with admin rights - or at a minimum full user permissions for all Doors.NET Windows Services and all the contents of the C:\Keri\DoorsNET directory.
7.0 Anti-Virus Software
When installing the Doors.NET software, Keri systems requires you to temporarily disable any anti-virus software that is running on the PC. Failure to do this can cause the software installation to fail. Once the software installation has completed you would then need to add each of the Doors.NET executable (.EXE) files as exceptions. Click here for further details.
8.0 Enable .NET Framework Server Role
In some server environments, for example; a new operating system installation, you may have to define a role that allows .NET Framework to be used and configured by the user. The following steps explain how to enable a .NET Framework role on Server 2019:
- Go to Server Manager >> Manager >> Add Roles and Features.
- Click NEXT to continue.
- Leave the role-based or feature-based installation option selected.
- Select the server from the list (the host PC will be pre-selected).
- Select File and Storage Services.
- Ensure .NET Framework 4.7 features are selected.
Important Note: If you are using badging (the Photo Badging client), then you must also have .NET Framework 3.5 installed and enabled prior to the Doors.NET installation. - Click NEXT.
- You will see a summary of the feature to be installed.
- Click INSTALL and .NET Framework will be installed on the Server.
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