Shutdown software for Server 2008 R2

[BillP]

This question was originally posted by Rob on APC forums on 3/23/2011

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I have an APC SUA 1500XL and I would like to connect it to my Windows Server 2008 R2 server to shut it down in the event of a power failure. The UPS has a USB port. I understand for version R2 software I have to buy the profesional PowerChute software which is not a problem. I would like to know what to buy for server 'shutdown' and will it work with this model UPS?

Thanks,E

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 3/24/2011

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you only need special shutdown purchased software if this system is supporting Microsoft Hyper-V virtual machines. is that the case?

if not, you can download the free version of Powercute Business Edition available on the website to communicate with a Smart UPS 1500 via USB.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Rob on APC forums on 3/25/2011

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I have a couple of VMs running but my uderstanding is Server 2008 R2 shut the VMs down first. If I am wrong, what do I need? I have the free Business version installed right now with no agents on the VMs. Thanks for any assistance.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 3/25/2011

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yes, we have this documentation, which goes along with what you said:

http://nam-en.apc.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10381

i was under the impression that powerchute business edition would not install if you are using Hyper-V. you may have an older version though. generally, powerchute network shutdown software and a network management card is required for Hyper-V.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 3/28/2011

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The APC Network Management Card gets installed into the UPS and it communicates with Powerchute Network Shutdown software installed on your own computer/server. If you want the VMs to shutdown when the Powerchute Network Shutdown initiates a Windows Server 2008 OS shutdown, you need to follow the instructions I posted.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Rob on APC forums on 3/27/2011

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My SmartUp 1000XL lost connection with PowerChute after working good for two days. It is an old USP but PowerWare is the latest off the web site When I am back on site Iwill pull the USB plug and reconnect it.

I am still cinfused about the network shutdown and com cards. Do I have to install a comm card in my Server 2008 R2 box to shut down my VMs? This sounds fishy to me. If I send the shutdown commant to my Hypervisor, it will turn off my two VMs first before powering down so why has this become so complcated?

Thanks for the assistance.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

This reply was originally posted by Rob on APC forums on 3/30/2011

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I do not mind spending my customers money if they need network shutdown but it stil does not make sense to me. If I shut down the Server 2008 R2 hypervisor, it stops the services and shuts down the VMs first on its own. My UPS and PowerChute are configured to shutdown my hypervisor so if my Hypervisor is going to shut down my VMs anyway, why would I want network shutdown? I can't wrap m head around the concept of shutting down my VMs with PowerShute software if the Server 2008 R2 server will shut them down anyway.