VM Prioritization Levels Not Displayed in PCNS (Powerchute Network Shutdown)

[kenshin]

We are using Powerchute Network Shutdown version 4.4.0.  It is running as a VM appliance on ESX.  When I first setup the server, I was able to assign VMs controlled by vCenter to the different priority levels.  After a while, the priority levels which are supposed to be displayed on the right pane disappeared so I am not able to see my previous setup or assign new servers to the priority levels.  Basically, the right window has become a replica of the left window which displays the VMs in vCenter.

Support recommended stopping the starting the service but this didn't help.

https://www.se.com/jp/ja/faqs/FA290504/

Their next recommendation is to redeploy PCNS.

Before I do that, I wanted to check with anyone here who might have encountered and fixed this issue.  Thanks.

[BillP]

@kenshin 

Can you provide a screenshot? And, have you reviewed the pcnsconfig.ini file? The pcnsconfig.ini file contains the list of prioritized VM. 

[VMPrioritization]
vm_list_high =
vm_list_medium =
vm_list_low =
vm_list_group_1 =
vm_list_group_2 =
vm_shutdown_duration_high = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_medium = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_low = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_group_1 = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_group_2 = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_none = 0
vm_migration_duration_high = 0
vm_migration_duration_medium = 0
vm_migration_duration_low = 0
vm_migration_duration_group_1 = 0
vm_migration_duration_group_2 = 0
vm_migration_duration_none = 0
vm_startup_duration_high = 0
vm_startup_duration_medium = 0
vm_startup_duration_low = 0
vm_startup_duration_group_1 = 0
vm_startup_duration_group_2 = 0
vm_startup_duration_none = 0

NOTE: I recommend you discontinue using PCNS 4.4 VM as it is CentOS 8 that is end of life. You should install PCNS 4.4.3 which is AlmaLinux 8.6

[kenshin]

Hi @BillP ,

Thank you for your response.  Sorry, I did not subscribe to my post so I didn't get any notification when you replied to my question.

Below is a screenshot of the left and right VM prioritization pane showing the same thing.

The priority levels High, Medium and Low are supposed to be displayed on the right window.

Below are the contents of the pcnsconfig.ini file.

I called Schneider support in Japan to request for version 4.4.1.  Unfortunately, they can only provide/support version 4.4.0. The latest version that you mentioned (v4.4.3) would be nice.

[BillP]

@kenshin 

Clear all browser data and restart the browser then view the page. If that does not help edit the pcnsconfig.ini file and add a few of the VMs to the priority groups manually.

Example:

[VMPrioritization]
vm_list_high = SUSE15|VM-1A
vm_list_medium = Win-10Pro|VM-2A
vm_list_low = Ubuntu-20
vm_list_group_1 =
vm_list_group_2 =
vm_shutdown_duration_high = 120
vm_shutdown_duration_medium = 120
vm_shutdown_duration_low = 120
vm_shutdown_duration_group_1 = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_group_2 = 0
vm_shutdown_duration_none = 120
vm_migration_duration_high = 0
vm_migration_duration_medium = 0
vm_migration_duration_low = 0
vm_migration_duration_group_1 = 0
vm_migration_duration_group_2 = 0
vm_migration_duration_none = 120
vm_startup_duration_high = 60
vm_startup_duration_medium = 60
vm_startup_duration_low = 120
vm_startup_duration_group_1 = 0
vm_startup_duration_group_2 = 0
vm_startup_duration_none = 120

As for PCNS 4.4.3, I am not sure if it has been released in Japan. If has not you should ask if PCNS 4.4.2 is available. PCNS 4.4.2 is also based on AlmaLinux. The difference between versions is PCNS 4.4.3 ships with PowerShell and VMWare PowerCLI preinstalled.