Prepare the WHD server

Complete the following checklist on the WHD server. This checklist helps you:

  • Verify that the server is set up and configured for a WHD deployment
  • Gather the information required to complete the installation
1. Prepare a server for the WHD deployment

Verify that the server:

  • Meets the CPU, RAM, and hard drive space requirements.
  • Is running a supported operating system.
  • Is not a domain controller.
  • Is configured on your corporate network.
  • Is accessible to all Web Help Desk techs and administrators.
  • Can access the following servers:
    • Active Directory or LDAP (for Windows deployments)
    • POP3
    • IMAP
    • SMTP
    • Microsoft Exchange
    • External database (for MySQL or SQL Server deployments only)
2. Install the most recent updates for your operating system

Verify that all updates are installed on the server.

For Windows systems, check for the latest updates and service packs using Windows Update.

For macOS systems, check for updates using the Apple Software Update Service or the Apple Store.

For Linux systems, check for updates by executing the following in a terminal window:

sudo apt-get upgrade

If you installed macOS 10.3.x (High Sierra) on your WHD server, some Tomcat web applications will fail when you start the application. See Tomcat web applications fail after upgrading to macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra) for a workaround you can perform when the installation is completed.
3. Set the server to the correct time

Synchronize the server time with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

If the server time is off by five minutes in either direction from GMT, you must contact SolarWinds Customer Service to reset your license.
4. Set the Region and Language setting to English (United States)

See the documentation included with your operating system.
5. Open ports according to the requirements

For your server ports and firewall, open ports according to the port requirements.

Orion uses port 17778 TCP for the SolarWinds Orion integration.

6. Check for anti-virus software

Determine if any antivirus software is installed on the server or servers where you plan to install. To ensure the installation goes smoothly, exclude the SolarWinds directory.

For example, on Windows Server 2012 R2, exclude the following: 

C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds\

See Files and directories to exclude from antivirus scanning for Orion Platform products for a complete list of antivirus exclusions.