This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding a managed server to MSPControl. This assumes that MSPControl is already installed on your main control server and you want to add a remote server for management. The remote server can host various services (e.g., IIS, FTP, Active Directory, Hosted Exchange, DNS, File Server, and more).

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following:

1. On the Managed Server:
   • All prerequisites for MSPControl installation are met (refer to the Prerequisites Guide).
   • Remote access is enabled (e.g., RDP, SSH).
   • Windows Firewall is configured to allow communication with MSPControl.
2. Ensure MSPControl Portal and Enterprise Server are up and running:
   • Ensure MSPControl Portal and Enterprise Server are installed and configured correctly.
3. Credentials and Network Configuration:
   • Admin credentials for the managed server.
   • Verify that both servers are in the same network or can communicate over the internet.

Step 1: Run the MSPControl Setup on the Managed Server

Verify Prerequisites

Ensure all prerequisites described in the Prerequisites Guide are met before proceeding. Additionally, ensure you are using the same version of the MSPControl installer as the main control server. If there is a version mismatch, all components must be updated to the latest version before proceeding (refer to the upcoming “update documentation”).

Download and Run the Installer

1. Download the MSPControl installer from the Official Download Page.
2. Launch the installer by double-clicking the downloaded file.

Initial Setup Screens

• No Existing MSPControl Components:
  • If no MSPControl components are installed on the server, you will see the following screens:
    1. Welcome Screen: Click Next to proceed.
    2. License Agreement: Read and accept the license agreement. Check the box “I accept the terms in the License Agreement” and click Next.
    3. Installation Type Selection: Select Managed Server and click Next to continue.
• Existing MSPControl Components Detected:
  • If MSPControl components are already installed (e.g., the Portal is installed and you want to add the server for IIS management), you will see the following screen:
    1. Modify, Repair, or Remove Installation: Choose Change to modify the installation and add the managed server role.
    2. Installation Type Selection: Select Managed Server.
       

Step 2: Feature Selection

1. In the Custom Setup screen, ensure that the Server feature is selected:
   • If you are performing a new installation, it will be automatically selected.
   • If you are modifying an existing installation, manually check the Server feature box.

   

2. The other features (e.g., Portal, Scheduler Service) can be adjusted based on your requirements.
3. Click Next to proceed.

Prerequisites Check

1. The installer will verify that all required components (e.g., .NET Framework, IIS, URL Rewrite Module) are installed and properly configured.
2. If all checks pass, click Next to continue. If any issues are detected, address them before proceeding.

Web Settings

1. Configure the web settings for the managed server:
   • IP Address: Specify the IP address the server will listen on.
   • Port: Specify the port (default is 9003).
   • SSL Certificate: If applicable, select an SSL certificate for secure communication.
   • Host Name: Provide the hostname (e.g., panel.contoso.com).
2. Click Next to continue.

Security Settings

1. Create or specify a Windows user account for the MSPControl application pool:
   • Create new account: Enter the username and password.
   • Optionally, enable Active Directory account integration if required.
2. Click Next to proceed.

Server Password

1. Specify a password for the managed server:
   • This password will be used to access this server from the MSPControl Portal.
2. Enter and confirm the password.
3. Click Next to proceed.

Finalize Installation

1. Depending on the installation type (new or existing), click Install or Change to begin the installation process.
   
2. The installer will complete the configuration and installation of the selected features.
3. Once the installation is complete, you will see the Setup Wizard Completion screen:
   • Click Finish to exit the Setup Wizard.

Step 3: Add the Managed Server to MSPControl Portal

1. Log in to the MSPControl Portal as an administrator.
2. Navigate to Settings > Servers.
3. Click Add Server.
4. Fill in the required fields:
   • Server Name: Provide a name for the server.
   • Server URL: Enter the URL (e.g., http://127.0.0.1:9003/).
   • Password: Enter the password you set during the server installation.
   • Confirm Password: Re-enter the password to confirm.
5. Click Add Server to finalize.

The managed server is now added to the MSPControl Portal and ready for further configuration.