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IPSentry - Instruction - Run IPSentry as NT Service

IPSentry can be run as either a desktop application or as an NT service.  By running IPSentry as a service, you gain the advantage of having IPSentry start with the system and avoid the requirement of logging into the system prior to starting IPSentry.

Prior to IPSentry v 4.2, the disadvantage to running IPSentry as a service WAS that there WAS no active interface available.  You would need to configure a remote access port on which you can connect via Telnet to view the active display console, suspend machines and resume machines, and perform various functions. 

In IPSentry 4.2, the application will now trigger a stop request to all previous instances of IPSentry (including the IPSentry service) when you launch IPSentry.  The IPSentry service manager will continually check to make sure that at least one instance is running at all times.

Once you close down the desktop IPSentry, the IPSentry Service Manager will notice that no instances of IPSentry are currently running and start a service version.

This section outlines the steps required to install (and uninstall) IPSentry as an NT service under Windows NT and Windows 2000.

(Recommended) Uninstalling/Removing IPSentry as a Service

1. Stop the IPSentry service.z
   Either through the control panel services applet or from a command prompt issuing the following command at the command prompt: NET STOP srvipsen.
   

2. From the command prompt in the directory in which IPSentry is installed, issue the following command:  srvipsen -uninstall
   
   That's it, the service will be removed.
   Note: This only removes the service, NOT the application itself.

(Alternate) Installing IPSentry as a Service

1. From the directory in which you have installed IPSentry, enter the following:
   
   srvipsen -install
   
   Possible command line options are as follows:
   srvipsen -install | -uninstall [-auto] [/user=username /pass=password]
   

   • -install
     Tells the IPSentry Service Manager to install itself as an NT Service
     

   • -uninstall
     Mutually exclusive to -install, removes the IPSentry Service Manager from the NT Services database.
     

   • -auto
     Optional:  When installed, configures the service to start Automatically upon system startup.  The default startup mode without this option is Manual.
     

   • /user=username
     Specifies the username under which the service should run.
     We recommend using a local administrator or domain administrator account.
     Specify the username in the format of DOMAIN\login or just login
     

   • /pass=password
     The password associated to the username specified in the /user option.
     

2. Go into control panel and launch the services applet.

3. Locate the IPSentry Service Manager in the list of services.

4. Select "Startup"

5. Make sure that the account is NOT set to run under the system account by setting the service to run under a specified account.  Ideally, this should be set to the local Administrator or the domain administrator.

6. Do NOT mark the service to Interact with Desktop as it will not survive a logoff if this option is set.

7. Save the configuration.
   Note: Steps 2 through 7 are not required if proper information was supplied during -install 
   

8. Start the service.
   You may do this through the NT Services Applet in control panel or via command line by issuing the following command:  NET START srvipsen

One of the most common problems encountered when running IPSentry as a service would be failures when attempting to access network devices.  The cause of this is usually due to insufficient security rights granted to the user under which IPSentry is running.  Again, it is strongly recommend that IPSentry be run under the local or domain administrator account to allow all access required by the application.

Related Topics

• IPSentry - Options - System Settings