KACE Desktop Authority 11.2.1 - Administrator Guide

Database Information

Desktop Authority requires an instance of either Microsoft SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 or Microsoft SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 Express Edition. The database is used to store all configurations as well as a data collection repository for reporting. Desktop Authority can install a new instance of SQL Server Express or use an existing SQL Server instance. On Windows Server 2008, Microsoft SQl Server 2008 R2 Express will used. On all other supported operating systems, Microsoft SQL Server 2014 R2 Express will be used. Select the appropriate option in the dialog.

When selecting to have Desktop Authority install a local instance of SQL Express, you must supply an 'SA' password. The new instance will be installed using Mixed Mode authentication (uses both Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication) which requires an 'SA' account. This password is required and must meet the password complexity policies set for the domain.

When selecting to use an existing SQL Server instance, type in the SERVERNAME\INSTANCE or press the Browse button to select an existing instance. During an upgrade, the SQL Server Instance Name will automatically be entered for you. After choosing an existing SQL Server instance, select an authentication method for it. Select either Windows or SQL Server authentication.

If Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Server Express Edition (x86/x64) is being used, it will be downloaded at this point, if necessary.

• http://webservices.scriptlogic.com/links/?DADownloads=SQLExpressx64&Ver=11.0 x64 version
• http://webservices.scriptlogic.com/links/?DADownloads=SQLExpressx86&Ver=11.0 x86 version

File Locations and Database Backup

Select a path and destination folder for the SQL Server Express Database (if selected) and the Desktop Authority Manager. Please reference the File Paths table in the appendices for default path locations. Press the Browse button next to the desired component to select a different path. Once the file locations are set, click Next to continue.

Because this is an upgrade from an earlier version of Desktop Authority you have the opportunity to backup your databases before they are upgraded to the new format. If you would like to back them up for safekeeping, select the appropriate checkboxes and specify a location. The default location is in the MS SQL folder. If you want to specify a different folder, it must be local to the MS SQL server and have enough permissions for the backup to be created.

Note: Be sure you have enough disk space for the back up to be created.

Master Services

The Desktop Authority Master services are composed of the Operations and Manager services and are background services that are used to push data through the system. The Operations and Manager services can be configured using a single user account.

The Operations service (formerly known as the Master service) is a background service that is used to manage and configure Desktop Authority's plugins. It will reach out to each server on the network where the Desktop Authority Administrative service is installed (SLETL$ share). The user account used to configure this service must have appropriate permissions to access the share. The ETLProcessor and ReportScheduler plugins are used to manage collected data and execute scheduled reports. The Operations service requires a user account that is a local administrator of the Operations Master server.

The Desktop Authority Manager service (formerly known as the OpsMaster service) is used to manage the Web-based Manager, replication, assign scripts, and connectivity and communication between the Manager and the database. It requires a user account that is a local administrator of the Operations Master server and any other servers that will run Desktop Authority services. This service account is also used when browsing out to Active Directory objects, files and folders and for GPO deployment, unless the system preference option, 'Use current user rights for browsing resources' is selected. This option can be changed in the Desktop Authority Setup Tool on the Global System Settings tab.

The default ports for these services are 8017 and 57238. If either of these ports are being used, a new port must be selected. The installer will check each port for usage and will notify you if they are currently in use. However, if you know that some other application uses either of these ports (but is not currently running) be sure to change them on this dialog. These ports may be changed at a later point in time using the Desktop Authority Setup tool.

Click the Browse button to select an appropriate user account and enter the credentials for each service. Check the box to create a database login if necessary.

Modify the default ports if necessary.

User or Group

The User or Group dialog gives you the opportunity to designate a User or Group as the Super User(s). Any user (or users within a group) designated as a Super User will be given full control in the Desktop Authority Manager. Click the Browse button to select the appropriate User or Group.