Newbie needs help with PCNS configuration

[BillP]

We have 2 servers - one 2003R2 and one 2008R2. I have installed the PCNS software on each server, configured the network card in the UPS, but I need help to configure the shutdown sequence on each server. I cannot find the instructons to do this....it talks about .ini files, but I am lost. Is there some documentation that will guide me through this process?

Thank you

[BillP]

First step is to figure out at what point you want your server to shut down. The most common way of course is based on time on battery. You could click on configure events, then the first option is UPS: on battery. You click on shut down system to the far right, and chose how long the UPS should be on battery for before it shuts down. You can also shutdown in other situations such as high temp(which gets this reading from the probe on your management card). I have attached a screenshot as well. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Unfortunately I don't know of any "official" documentation that shows you how to do this.

[BillP]

Thank you for your reply...... I checked the box and then put in 300 seconds, so it will shut down the server after 5 minutes of being on battery power - right? Thank you for the screen shot - it was the next choice down on the list "configure shutdown" that was confusing me......what is this selection for?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Steven,

Here is what Configure Shutdown would do "When PowerChute shuts down your operating system, it will use these settings." Basically when you configure an event to Shut Down the system it will then use the settings under the Configure Shutdown. Under the configure shutdown you can configure if you would like to notify the user that the Server/PC where PCNS is installed is shutting down. It also has the feature to run a command file, like when you have a command file that you would like to run only when the PC is shutting down or is about to shutdown this is where you would configure it. In here you'll also configure if you would like to Turn the UPS after shutdown finishes.

[BillP]

So basically, the command file options are if you what to be a bit more granular....such as shutting down specific programs/services or sending notifications before the total server shutdown. Just wanted to make sure that I had the graceful shutdown after 5 minutes of power loss to the UPS unit covered. So, if the power comes back on before the 5 minutes have elapsed will the shutdown be aborted?

Thank you all for your time and assistance

[BillP]

Basically, the command file lets you run a script or batch file. This batch file could have codes or function that will then either shutdown or close an application. Once the software has commanded the PC to turn off, even though the power has returned it will proceed with the shutdown.