Server Installation and Configuration

Prerequisites

Requirement	Details
OS	Windows Server 2022/2025 (Core, Essentials, Data Center) or Windows 10/11 (LTSC, Pro, Enterprise)
CPU	4+ vCPUs recommended
RAM	4 GB free when idle (minimum)
Storage	20 GB+ on local disk; NVMe/SSD recommended
Swap	4 GB recommended
Network	Reliable LAN between server and clients
License	Valid license file prepared for this machine
Backup	Windows shadow copy or equivalent backup solution

WARNING

Using network-attached storage for the vault is supported but may reduce check-in/check-out performance. If used, ensure the IIS application pool identity has full read/write permissions on the network path.

Installation

Step 1 - Download and Extract

1. Download the latest server package from the Support Portal. The file is named Server_XX.X.zip (version numbers vary).
2. Extract the ZIP to a convenient folder.

Step 2 - Run the Installer

1. Run Install.exe. Grant administrator permissions if prompted by Windows.
2. The welcome screen appears:

3. Click Start Installation.

Step 3 - Accept the License Agreement

Read the End User License Agreement and click I Agree to proceed.

INFO

Accepting the EULA is a legally binding action.

Step 4 - Configure Paths

Field	Purpose	Notes
License File	Authorizes the software to run on this machine	Obtain from your reseller
Software Installation Folder	Stores executables	Local drive; ~150 MB required
Vault Folder	Stores design files	20 GB+ minimum; back up regularly
Trash Folder	Holds deleted designs before permanent removal	5 GB+; clean manually as needed

TIP

The Trash folder is a safety net - deleted projects are moved here rather than permanently erased. Schedule periodic cleanups to reclaim disk space.

Click Next when all fields are filled.

Step 5 - Confirm and Install

Review the summary screen:

Click Start Installation. The installer will:

• Create required folders
• Install Windows prerequisites
• Deploy and configure the IIS application

Step 6 - Complete

Note the server address shown on the completion screen - you will need it to configure clients.

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Starting and Stopping the Server

The EEforce server runs as an IIS (Internet Information Services) application pool.

Using IIS Manager (GUI)

1. Open IIS Manager: press Win + R, type inetmgr, press Enter.
2. In the left panel, expand your server name -> Application Pools.
3. Locate EEForceApplicationPool.
4. Right-click -> Start or Stop.

Using PowerShell

# Start the server
Start-WebAppPool -Name "EEForceApplicationPool"

# Stop the server
Stop-WebAppPool -Name "EEForceApplicationPool"

WARNING

Stopping the application pool makes EEforce unavailable to all users until it is started again. Ensure all users have completed their work before stopping.

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Post-Installation Configuration

config.json

Server paths are defined in config\config.json inside the installation directory:

{
  "Configurations": {
    "VaultFolder": "C:\\pdmserver\\vault",
    "TrashFolder": "C:\\pdmserver\\trash"
  }
}

Edit this file with any text editor to relocate the vault or trash folder. Restart the server after making changes.

Relocating Storage

1. Stop the EEforce server (see above).
2. Move the vault folder to the new location.
3. Update config.json with the new path.
4. Set permissions on the new folder (see below).
5. Start the server.

Setting Folder Permissions

If you use a network drive or relocate storage, grant the IIS application pool identity full control:

• Identity: IIS_APPPOOL\EEForceApplicationPool
• Permissions: Full Control on vault and trash folders

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SSL/TLS Configuration

EEforce does not manage SSL certificates directly. SSL termination is handled by IIS:

1. Obtain a certificate from a trusted CA (or create a self-signed certificate for testing).
2. Import the certificate into the server's certificate store.
3. In IIS Manager, bind the certificate to the EEforce site on port 443.

TIP

If using a self-signed certificate, install it on all client machines to avoid connection errors.

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Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Resolution
Clients cannot connect	Firewall blocking port	Open port 8000 (or your configured port) in Windows Firewall
"Access denied" on vault operations	Incorrect folder permissions	Verify IIS_APPPOOL identity has Full Control
Server won't start after path change	Invalid path in config.json	Check path exists and is accessible
Slow check-in/check-out	Network storage latency	Move vault to local NVMe/SSD or ensure fast network path