Documentation forSolarWinds

Install Kiwi CatTools

This topic applies to KCT 3.12.7 and earlier. If you are on KCT NG 2026.2 or later, see NG topic.

Use the following information to prepare the environment, install Kiwi CatTools, and enter a license key.

Prepare the server

Review release notes Review the Kiwi CatTools release notes.
Review system requirements

Verify that the server meets the hardware and software requirements
Run all Windows updates Check for and run all Microsoft Windows Updates on the server. If a Windows update runs, your system might reboot.
Open ports

Verify that the server's firewall allows traffic to pass through the required ports for Kiwi CatTools.
Check for antivirus software

Determine if any antivirus software is installed on the server where you plan to install Kiwi CatTools. Exclude the SolarWinds directory. For example, on Windows Server 2016, exclude the directory:

C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds\

For a full list of antivirus exclusions, see Files and directories to exclude from antivirus scanning.

Do not exclude executable files. SolarWinds assumes that C:\ is the default volume.

Installation

Follow these instructions to install Kiwi CatTools.

Download the installation file

  1. Log in to the SolarWinds Customer Portal.

    If you do not have a SolarWinds account, see Access the Customer Portal to create an account.

  2. Locate Kiwi CatTools under Latest Downloads for Your Products.
  3. Click Choose Download.

Evaluators: Download your free 14-day evaluation from www.solarwinds.com/kiwi-cattools.
Run the installation file
  1. Log in to your server as an administrator.
  2. Extract the contents of the downloaded installation ZIP file to the server.

  3. Run Kiwi_CatTools_<version>.setup.exe.

    If .NET Framework 3.5 is not installed, you are prompted to install it. Click Download and install this feature. Then restart Kiwi_CatTools_<version>.setup.exe.
Complete the Kiwi CatTools Setup Wizard
  1. On the Welcome dialog box, click Next.
  2. If you agree with the license agreement, click Next.
  3. Specify whether you want to install Kiwi CatTools as a service or an application.

    When installing Kiwi CatTools you must choose to install Kiwi CatTools as an application or as a service:

    • Installing Kiwi CatTools as an application is recommended if you need to run one-off or attended activities or for infrequent or part-time users who are running Kiwi CatTools on their own personal computers.
    • Installing CatTools as a service is recommended for Enterprise customers, as well as anyone running unattended activities, who need to make use of around-the-clock scheduling, or who are dedicating a machine specifically for Kiwi CatTools to run on.

    For more information on the differences between application mode and service mode, see Installing Kiwi CatTools as an application or a service.

  4. If you are installing Kiwi CatTools as a Service:
    1. Select Install Kiwi CatTools as a Service, and click Next.
    2. Choose to install the service using either the local system account or an admin account.
    3. If installing using an administrator account, enter the account's user name and password.
    4. Click Next.
  5. If you are installing Kiwi CatTools as an Application:
    1. Select Install Kiwi CatTools as an Application.
    2. Click Next.
  6. Select the shortcuts to create, and click Next.
  7. Specify the installation location, and click Install.

The installer displays status messages as Kiwi CatTools is installed.
Close the Wizard.

Click Finish to close the Kiwi CatTools Setup Wizard and open the Kiwi CatTools Manager.

Next steps