Problem with powerchute connecting to server with APC 1500 UPS.

[Anonymous user]

Hi,
Recently I bought an APC 1500 rack mount to connect to my server for backup power. I installed the software onto the server (2003 release 2 service pack 2) and it appeared to install correctly. I then connected the unit to the server using the supplied USB lead. Checking the device manager, the server recognises the UPS is connected.

I have searched for my server name and domain but it still finds nothing. The message returned is “There is no APC powerchute business edition agent managed by this server. Would you like to add some now?”

I click “YES”. This takes me to device list configuration where I click “NEW” and type the name of the server and click “APPLY”. Then an error message appears “Failed to add server name”. At this point all you can do is acknowledge the message and the install terminates.

Do you have a solution to this issue?

[Anonymous user]

Hello Architectronic,

I would start by uninstalling all the powerchute software you have already installed. Powerchute business edition is very picky about the order of installation.

First, connect the UPS to your server via the USB cable. It's very important that the UPS have communication with the server before installation of the software. Then, install the Agent portion of the software (be sure to choose the "Automatically detect UPS" option). During the agent installation the UPS will be automatically detected by the server. Once that is installed, install the server portion of the software and, finally, the console portion. Once those three parts are installed, run the console from your server and attempt to add the device again, it should show up in the list and you can move it over to the list of managed devices.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I just wanted to add to the subject. I had the same problem as OP and Jmarts solution worked for me. I'm actually even running this UPS through a VMWare ESXi 5.1. All I needed to do was to add a USB host controller to the virtual machine (in VMWare), then add a new USB device and point to the Prolific USB-to-Serial adapter (still in VMWare). After that is done, install the driver in the virtual Windows machine (which you can download here: http://prolificusa.com/files/PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v1.7.0.zip). After that do the install of Powerchute just as Jmart describes. Works a charm!

So thanks Jmart!