How to Add a Managed Server to MSPControl

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding a managed server to MSPControl. It assumes MSPControl is already installed on your main control server, and you are adding a remote server for delegated service management. The managed server may host services like IIS, FTP, Active Directory, Hosted Exchange, DNS, File Server, and more.

Prerequisites

1. On the Managed Server:
   • Ensure all requirements are met as outlined in the MSPControl Prerequisites Guide.
   • Allow remote access (e.g., RDP).
   • Configure Windows Firewall to allow communication with MSPControl components.
2. Main Control Server:
   • Ensure the Portal and Enterprise Server are up and running.
3. Credentials & Network:
   • Admin credentials for the managed server.
   • Ensure network communication between both servers.

Step 1: Run the MSPControl Installer

Verify Prerequisites

Ensure prerequisites are fulfilled and that you’re using the same version of the MSPControl installer as on the main server.

Download and Launch

1. Download the installer from the MSPControl Download Page.
2. Run the executable on the managed server.

Fresh Installation Screens

1. Welcome Screen: Click Next.
   

   How to Add a Managed Server

2. License Agreement: Accept the terms and click Next.
   
3. Installation Type: Select Managed Server and click Next.
   

Existing Components Detected

1. Select Change when prompted with Modify/Repair options.
   
2. Choose Managed Server again to continue setup.
   

Step 2: Feature and Component Selection

1. On the Custom Setup screen:
   • Ensure Server is selected (auto-selected if fresh install).
   • Adjust other components (e.g., Portal, Scheduler) as needed.

   

2. Click Next.

Prerequisite Check

1. The installer checks for .NET, IIS, URL Rewrite, and other dependencies.
2. Resolve missing prerequisites, then click Next.

Web Settings

1. Configure component binding:
   • IP Address (or leave as default)
   • Port (default: 9003)
   • SSL Certificate (optional)
   • Host Name (e.g., panel.contoso.com)
2. Click Next.

Security Settings

1. Choose identity method:
   • Create New Account or
   • Use Existing Account
2. Optional: Enable Active Directory integration.
3. Click Next.

Set Server Password

1. Enter a secure password. This is required for the portal to connect.
2. Confirm the password and click Next.

Finalize Installation

1. Click Install or Change (depending on setup type).
   
   
2. Wait for the setup to complete. Then click Finish.
   

Step 3: Register the Managed Server in MSPControl

1. Log in to MSPControl Portal as Administrator.
2. Go to Settings > Servers.
3. Click Add Server.
   
4. Complete the following fields:
   • Server Name
   • Server URL (e.g., http://127.0.0.1:9003/)
   • Password (same as you set during install)
   • Confirm Password
5. Click Add Server.

The managed server is now integrated and ready for role assignment and resource provisioning within MSPControl.