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Installing MetaLAN Server

 

Install Overview

MetaLAN Server is part or the MetaLAN Systems Management Suite of software. The MetaLAN Server service periodically scans your network and stores the information it collects, for quick retrieval by MetaLAN Administrator and License Manager software inventory tool.

The MetaLAN Server installation package includes the MetaLAN Server Service and the MetaLAN Server Management Console. The Management Console is for monitoring and configuring the MetaLAN Server Service. The Management Console can be run on any computer on the network to monitor and configure the MetaLAN Server Service.

Installation Steps

Compatibility

MetaLAN Server Server 2.0.1 is compatible with MetaLAN Administrator 1.9.6

MetaLAN Server can be installed on Windows, XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008, Windows 7. Both 32bit and 64bit versions of Windows are supported. Windows Server 2003 or later is recommend because of performance limitations imposed on the Windows XP network stack in XP Service Pack 2.

Requirements
 
Operating Systems:
  • Windows Server 2000
  • Windows XP (Supported but not recommended, due to performance limitations imposed on the network stack in XP Service Pack 2)
  • Windows Server 2003 (32/64bit)
  • Windows Server 2008 (32/64bit)
  • Windows Vista (32/64bit)
  • Widows 7 (32/64bit)
Hardware:
  • 128MB RAM
  • > 100MB free hard drive space
Other:
  • Windows NT4 or later Domain
  • Service account with Administrator privileges on the target computers

Preparation

 Before you start there are a few things you will need :
  1. A network account that has administrative privileges on the computers you want to scan (Usually an account in the “domain admin” group). This is the account that the MetaLAN Server Service will run in.  If you already have an account that you use for other services with the same requirements you can use that. If you are creating an account for this use you would usually set the password to not expire on this account. If the password does expire the service will stop working.
     
  2. A computer to run the MetaLAN Server Service on.  A server operating system is recommended. The service will reside with other server type programs without inter-dependency problems. The service does not generally have a large resource requirement. However the more client computers you have the more resources the service will require. If you have a large network, we recommend that you install and test this on a test server before you decide where it will reside permanently. 
     

New Server Installation or Upgrade from ProbeServer

Install Steps

To install the MetaLAN Server Service you need to choose "MetaLAN Server Service and Management Console" in the "Select Components" step of the setup.  If the setup program does not detect a previous version of MetaLAN Server installed on the computer you will be offered several configuration options during the setup process.  This section will explain the meaning of each setting and its effect in the installation.  Your selections will be used to setup MetaLAN Server's basic configuration and to calculate the best default settings for your network.

 

Install Options

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Import Database (Migrate / Upgrade)

If you would like to import a database from a previous installation of ProbeServer or MetaLAN Server, check this box.  If MetaLAN Server is already installed on the computer this will happen automatically you will not see this dialog.

Start service when complete

Usually you would leave this setting checked.  However, if you want to tweak the settings before starting the service, uncheck this box.  For instance, if you want to add an IP filter before the first scan takes place.  If you uncheck this box you will need to start the service manually before any data will appear in the database.

Upgrade / Migrate Server

If "Import Database (Migrate / Upgrade)" is checked you will see this dialog box next.

 

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Import from local computer

If you want to upgrade from a version of ProbeServer installed on the local computer this option. Note: The ProbeServer service will be decommissioned automatically.

Import from remote server

Check this to import the database from another computer on your network.

Source Server

If the "Import from remote server" option is checked you will need to specify the name of the remote server here.

Import Database

This setting is currently not configurable, the database is always imported.

Decommission Source Server

If the"Import from remote server" option is checked you are given the option to decommission the remote server. If the "Import from local computer" option is checked this option is checked and cannot be unchecked.

Scan Targets

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Domains

This is a list of Domains that the setup detected on the network.  Check the domains you would like MetaLAN Server to scan.  Only computers in checked domains will be scanned.

Discovery Method

Active Directory (ADSI)

This is the preferred method for non NT4 networks.  Although this method has a slightly larger overhead it is more reliable.

NetBIOS (WINS)

This option is quicker but unless the WINs infrastructure on your network is well configured it may result some computers not being discovered.

Network Information

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Network Size

Choose the option that best describes your network size

Network Type

Choose the option that is closest to the speed of the majority of your network connections.  10 Megabits/sec, 100 Megabits/sec or 1 Gigabits/sec.

Includes slow WAN links

Check this box if you have some slow Wide Area Network connections.  These connections are usually less than 10Mbps and have high latency.

Service Account Details

Here you need to supply an service account for MetaLAN Server.  This account must have administrative privileges on the computers you wish to scan.  This account is often a member of the "Domain Admins" security group.  This account should also have no password expiry or it will stop working or lock the account out.  You may need your Network Administrator to supply this account.

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Account Domain

The domain of the service account

Account Name

The name of the service account

Account Password

The domain of the service account

Task List

The Task List windows will display a list of the tasks that will be performed to install MetaLAN Server.  Click Go to install.

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Install Task Results

This window shows the results of the installation tasks.  A log tab is also available for more a more detailed breakdown of the tasks performed and any errors encountered.

Upgrade Server from Previous Version of MetaLAN Server

If you already have MetaLAN Server installed to Upgrade to a later version, run the setup program and accept the defaults.  The program and service files will be upgraded and all your settings and data will be preserved.

Install the Management Console Only

The management console can be installed on any computer that can connect to the computer running the MetaLAN Server Service. To install only MetaLAN Server Management Console only, you need to choose "MetaLAN Server Management Console" in the "Select Components" step of the setup.  Accept defaults for all other options.

 

News

Hammer Software Newsletters
MetaLAN 2.5 Beta is available
16th July 2010

If you are interested in previewing or commenting on the next evolution of MetaLAN please view this page:

MetaLAN 1.9.11.207 Released
16th July 2010

One stop Windows Systems Management. Update to the latest version or download the free 30 day trial now.

MetaLAN Server 2.0.4.51 Released
20th April 2010

MetaLAN Server is the replacement for MetaLAN ProbeServer. Improved features, compatibility and management.

Mini Contract Manager 2.2.1.33 Released
8th April 2010

Multi User Contract Life Cycle Management. Download the free 30 day trial now.

License Manager 1.2.1.26 Released
7th November 2009

MetaLAN License Manager helps with network license compliance. Requires ProbeServer or upcoming MetaLAN Server.

MetaPing 1.0.2.15 Released
28th February 2009

MetaPing is a FREE Visual Ping Monitor that makes it quick and easy to keep tabs on the health of your network.

MetaLAN in Technet Magazine
1st March 2008

Read the review of MetaLAN in Microsoft's Technet Magazine.

Quick Support

Hammer Software Knowledge base

If you are experiencing a problem with one of our products or want to know the answer to common questions and issues go here:

Information Knowledge base
Windows Firewall and MetaLAN

If MetaLAN will not manage or control Windows XP Service Pack 2 and above computers it may be due to the Windows Firewall. Click one the following links to get a guide on how to create a Group Policy to configure Windows Firewall for remote management.

Information HTML: MetaLAN Group Policy
Information PDF : MetaLAN Group Policy
Using MetaLAN in Server Mode

MetaLAN™ can run as a standalone application. However, using MetaLAN Server will reduce and distribute the network load required for data collection. MetaLAN Server offers a central location for the collection and distribution of the data collected from the computers on the network. Best of all, MetaLAN Server included free when you buy MetaLAN.

Information More Information