Running the File-AID/EX Execution Server as a Windows Service
Windows services, formerly known as NT services, enable users to create long-running executable applications that run in their own Windows sessions. These services can be automatically started when the computer boots, can be paused and restarted, and do not show any user interface. These features make services ideal for use on a server or whenever there is a need for long-running functionality that does not interfere with other users who are working on the same computer.
The Execution Server as a Service feature was intended to automatically start a remote Execution Server on a machine not used as a workstation. Some users not only want this but additionally want to use the File-AID/EX tools on the same machine. This can be accomplished by doing the following:
- Use the Default Execution Server Settings dialog box to add a new entry defining the system the service is installed on as a remote execution server. Select the new entry as the default execution server. Refer to the Homebase online help for instructions.
- Use the Shared Repository Connection dialog box to add a new shared repository using the repository on the system the service is installed on. Make this “shared” repository the default repository. Refer to the Repository Management Utility online help for instructions.
This feature requires Microsoft .NET version 2.0.
Four batch files, located in the <FAEX_INSTALL_DIR>\dme folder are supplied to support installing and running the File-AID/EX Execution Server as a Windows Service:
- InstallExpressAsService — This batch file will install the File-AID/EX Execution Server Service. After the service is installed, the File-AID/EX Execution Server will be started. On subsequent rebooting of the machine, the File-AID/EX Execution Server will be automatically started. After this batch file is successfully run, the File-AID/EX Execution Server will be listed in the Windows Services dialog window and provides the ability to Start/Restart/Stop the File-AID/EX Execution Server.
- UnInstallExpressAsService — This batch file will stop the File-AID/EX Execution Server, then uninstall it as a Windows Service.
- StartExpressAsService — If not running, this batch file will start the File-AID/EX Execution Server but will not perform an install.
StopExpressAsService — If running, this batch file will stop the File-AID/EX Execution Server but will not perform an uninstall.