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Install and update agents

Agents are installed through a separate setup process. Each Octoplant software package includes the agent setup file by default. You can find the AgentSetup.exe file in the server’s installation directory.

Installation requirements

  • Ensure the Upload and Compare agents application is licensed.
  • Make the setup file AgentSetup.exe available on the target computer.
  • Do not install agents on a computer running a Octoplant server.
  • You can install agents on a PC running an Octoplant client, but this is not required.

  • Consider supported operating systems in Clients/agents

  • Agents cannot be installed on Windows XP.

  • Ensure the user or account running the installation has administrative rights.

Info

If the user running the agent lacks sufficient permissions for the default program directory, you can install the agent in an alternative location. For example, instead of C:\Program Files\vdAgents, use a path such as D:\vdAgentArchive\vdAgents or D:\vdAgents.

Procedure

  1. Run the AgentSetup.exe file as an administrator on the target computer.
  2. In the installation wizard that opens, choose the language. English and German are currently available.
  3. On the welcome page, select Next.

  4. Specify the directories for the agent program files and the agent archive.
    You can either enter the paths manually or select the ... button to browse and select a path.
    We recommend using the default paths suggested by the installation wizard:

    • C:\Program Files\vdAgents
    • D:\vdAgentArchive

  5. Select Next.

  6. Choose the user account that will run the Octoplant services.
    You can select either Local system account or Username.
    We recommend selecting Username and specifying an account with administrative rights on the client PC.

    Info

    The installation must be performed using an account with administrative rights.
    The local system account may not have the necessary permissions.

  7. Select Next.

  8. Review the summary and verify your entries. If everything is correct, select Next to begin the setup.
    A confirmation message appears when the installation is complete.
  9. Select Finish to close the wizard.

Successful installation will show both services VDog UploadAgent and VDog CompareAgent running under the Windows Task Services.

Update agents

Standard agent update

When a new Octoplant server version is installed, the agent is updated automatically, for example, during job execution, provided that:

  • The agent service has read and write access to its installation directory.
  • The agent is running on a supported operating system.

Agents on unsupported operating systems

Agents running on unsupported operating systems are not updated. They can still communicate with Octoplant, but they remain on their last supported version.

Legacy agent versions

Agents older than version 8.5.1 can not communicate with the server. To restore connectivity, update these agents manually using the installation setup.

FAQ

How do I change the account for VDog CompareAgent and VDog UploadAgent?

Uploads for some devices (e.g., Atlas Copco tightening system controllers or SIEMENS TIA Portal) may fail if the VDog UploadAgent and VDog CompareAgent services are running under the Local System account.

To change the user account for a service:

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R, then enter services.msc.

  2. In the Services window, locate VDog UploadAgent and VDog CompareAgent to check which account they use. If either is running under Local System, uploads will not work.

    Figure: VDog MasterService, Account

  3. Right-click VDog UploadAgent or VDog CompareAgent, and select Properties.

  4. Go to the Log On tab and choose This account.

    Figure: Properties of VDogMasterService, Login tab

  5. Enter the account name and password, then confirm the password.

  6. Select OK.
  7. In the Services window, select VDog UploadAgent or VDog CompareAgent.
  8. Select Restart to apply the new settings.