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Installation Procedures

This guide provides comprehensive step-by-step procedures for installing ScrewDrivers Pro and Enterprise editions. Follow these procedures in order for a successful deployment.

Before You Begin

Review the Installation Requirements to verify your environment meets all prerequisites before proceeding with installation.

Installation Overview​

ScrewDrivers Pro and Enterprise installations follow this general workflow:

  1. Infrastructure Setup - SQL Server and License Server
  2. Database Creation - ScrewDrivers configuration database
  3. Management Tools - Administrative Console
  4. Core Components - Session host agents
  5. Optional Components - Print servers, gateways, clients
  6. Verification - Testing and validation

Estimated Time: 2-4 hours for a complete new installation (depending on environment complexity)

Pre-Installation Checklist​

Before beginning installation, verify you have:

  • Reviewed Installation Requirements
  • Windows Server(s) prepared (1 for POC, multiple for production)
  • .NET Framework 4.8 installed on all servers (or ready to install)
  • SQL Server installed and accessible (or SQL Express installer ready)
  • ScrewDrivers v7.9.4 installers downloaded from Tricerat Box.com
  • v7 licenses obtained and activated (or nodelock keys ready)
  • Administrator credentials for all servers
  • Maintenance windows scheduled (for reboots)
  • Network firewall rules planned/documented

Phase 1: Infrastructure Setup​

Step 1.1: SQL Server Installation​

ScrewDrivers requires a SQL Server database to store configuration, printer assignments, and audit logs.

Option A: SQL Server Express (Free Edition)

For proof-of-concept, small deployments, or environments without existing SQL infrastructure:

  1. Download SQL Server Express

  2. Run SQL Express installer

    SQLServer2022-SSEI-Expr.exe
    • Choose "Basic" installation for simplest setup
    • Accept license terms
    • Note the installation path and instance name (usually .\SQLEXPRESS)

  3. Enable TCP/IP and Remote Connections

    • Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
    • Navigate to SQL Server Network Configuration → Protocols for SQLEXPRESS
    • Right-click TCP/IP → Enable
    • Restart SQL Server service

  4. Configure Windows Firewall

    New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "SQL Server" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 1433 -Action Allow

Detailed Guide: SQL Express Installation and Configuration

Option B: Existing SQL Server

If using an existing SQL Server instance:

  1. Verify SQL Server Version

    • SQL Server 2012 or newer required
    • Standard, Enterprise, or Express editions supported

  2. Confirm Network Connectivity

    Test-NetConnection -ComputerName sql-server.domain.com -Port 1433

  3. Obtain Database Administrator Credentials

    • You'll need SQL authentication (sa account) or Windows authentication
    • Account must have dbcreator and public server roles

Related Documentation:

Step 1.2: License Server Installation (CCS/CCU Licensing Only)​

Node Locked Licensing

If using Node Locked Server (NLS) licensing, skip this step. You'll enter nodelock keys during component installation.

For Concurrent Server (CCS) or Concurrent User (CCU) licensing:

  1. Download License Server Installer

    • From Tricerat Box.com: TriceratLicenseServer_5.6.4.0_x64.exe
    • Verify you have the latest version

  2. Choose Installation Location

    • Can be installed on dedicated server, SQL Server, or admin workstation
    • Requires network connectivity from all ScrewDrivers components
    • Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer

  3. Verify .NET 4.8 is Installed

    Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full\' |
    Get-ItemPropertyValue -Name Release |
    ForEach-Object { $_ -ge 528040 }
    # Returns True if .NET 4.8 or higher is installed

  4. Run License Server Installer

    TriceratLicenseServer_5.6.4.0_x64.exe
    • Accept license agreement
    • Choose installation path (default is recommended)
    • Installer automatically configures Windows Firewall for port 6053

  5. Activate Licenses

    • Launch Tricerat License Administrator from Start Menu
    • Click File → Add License
    • Enter license key provided by Tricerat sales
    • Click Activate
    • Verify license appears in license list with correct user/server count

  6. Test License Server Connectivity

    Test-NetConnection -ComputerName license-server.domain.com -Port 6053

Related Documentation:

Step 1.3: .NET Framework 4.8 Installation​

.NET Framework 4.8 must be installed on all systems that will run ScrewDrivers components.

Systems Requiring .NET 4.8:

  • Session hosts (RDS servers, VDI virtual machines)
  • Windows Print Servers (if using print server architecture)
  • Administrative Console workstations
  • License Server host
  • Gateway/Cloud Connector servers (Enterprise edition)

Pre-Installed Systems:

The following operating systems include .NET 4.8 by default and don't require installation:

  • Windows Server 2022 and newer
  • Windows 11 (all versions)
  • Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update) and newer

Manual Installation (Older Systems):

  1. Download .NET 4.8 Installer

    • From ScrewDrivers installation media
    • Or download from Microsoft

  2. Run Installer on Each System

    ndp48-x86-x64-allos-enu.exe
    • Accept license terms
    • Wait for installation to complete (5-10 minutes)

  3. Reboot System

    • .NET 4.8 installation requires a reboot
    • Schedule during maintenance window

  4. Verify Installation

    Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full\' |
    Get-ItemPropertyValue -Name Release |
    ForEach-Object { $_ -ge 528040 }
    # Returns True if .NET 4.8 or higher is installed

Bulk Deployment:

For mass deployment, use:

  • Group Policy software installation
  • Microsoft Intune/SCCM
  • Silent install: ndp48-x86-x64-allos-enu.exe /q /norestart

Related Documentation: .NET Runtime Prerequisites

Phase 2: Database Installation​

Step 2.1: Create ScrewDrivers Database​

The ScrewDrivers database stores all configuration, user assignments, printer profiles, and audit logs.

  1. Locate Database Installer

    • From ScrewDrivers installation media: ScrewDriversDatabase_7.9.4.x_x64.exe

  2. Run Database Installer

    • Can run from any workstation with network access to SQL Server
    • Requires .NET 4.8 on the workstation running the installer

  3. Database Installation Wizard

    Welcome Screen

    • Click Next

    SQL Server Connection

    • Server Name: Enter SQL Server hostname or IP
      • For SQL Express: SERVERNAME\SQLEXPRESS
      • For default instance: SERVERNAME or SERVERNAME.domain.com
    • Authentication:
      • Windows Authentication: Use your domain admin account (recommended)
      • SQL Authentication: Use sa or database admin account
    • Click Test Connection to verify
    • Click Next

    Database Name

    • Database Name: ScrewDrivers (default, recommended)
    • Or use custom name if required by your organization
    • Click Next

    Database Creation

    • Review settings
    • Click Install
    • Wait for database creation (1-2 minutes)

    Completion

    • Click Finish

  4. Verify Database Creation

    Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

    USE ScrewDrivers;
    SELECT * FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES;
    -- Should see 50+ tables

    Or via command line:

    sqlcmd -S SERVERNAME\SQLEXPRESS -Q "SELECT name FROM sys.databases WHERE name = 'ScrewDrivers'"

Troubleshooting:

  • If connection fails, verify SQL Server TCP/IP is enabled
  • If authentication fails, verify SQL login has dbcreator role
  • If firewall blocks connection, verify port 1433 is open

Related Documentation: SQL Database Articles

Phase 3: Administrative Console Installation​

Step 3.1: Install Administrative Console​

The Administrative Console is the primary management interface for ScrewDrivers.

  1. Locate Console Installer

    • From ScrewDrivers installation media: ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe

  2. Choose Installation Workstation

    • Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server
    • .NET 4.8 required
    • Network connectivity to SQL Server required

  3. Run Installer

    ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe

  4. Installation Wizard

    Welcome Screen

    • Click Next

    License Agreement

    • Accept terms
    • Click Next

    Component Selection

    • Check: Administrative Console
    • Uncheck: All other components (install separately later)
    • Click Next

    Database Connection

    • Server Name: Enter SQL Server hostname
      • Same server name used during database creation
      • Example: SERVERNAME\SQLEXPRESS or sql-server.domain.com
    • Database Name: ScrewDrivers (or custom name if different)
    • Authentication:
      • Windows Authentication (recommended): Uses current user credentials
      • SQL Authentication: Enter SQL username/password
    • Click Test Connection to verify
    • Click Next

    License Server Configuration (CCS/CCU only)

    • License Server Address: Enter hostname or IP of License Server
    • Port: 6053 (default)
    • Click Test Connection to verify
    • Click Next

    Node Locked Licensing (NLS only)

    • Enter nodelock key provided by Tricerat
    • Click Validate to verify
    • Click Next

    Installation Path

    • Accept default: C:\Program Files\Tricerat\ScrewDrivers\
    • Or choose custom path
    • Click Next

    Ready to Install

    • Review settings
    • Click Install
    • Wait for installation (2-3 minutes)

    Completion

    • Check Launch Administrative Console
    • Click Finish

  5. Launch Administrative Console

    • From Start Menu: Tricerat → ScrewDrivers Administrative Console
    • Console should connect to database and display main interface

  6. Verify Console Functionality

    • Navigate to System → Servers
    • Console should display with no errors
    • If errors occur, verify SQL Server connectivity

Phase 4: Session Host Installation​

Step 4.1: Install Session Host Agent​

The session host agent must be installed on all RDS servers and VDI virtual machines where users will connect.

Installation Methods:

Interactive Installation:

  1. Prepare Session Host

    • Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer (or Windows 10/11 for VDI)
    • .NET 4.8 installed
    • RDS role installed (if applicable)
    • Network connectivity to SQL Server and License Server

  2. Copy Installer to Session Host

    • Transfer ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe to session host
    • Or run from network share

  3. Run Installer as Administrator

    ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe

  4. Installation Wizard

    Welcome Screen

    • Click Next

    License Agreement

    • Accept terms
    • Click Next

    Component Selection

    • Check: Session Host Agent
    • Check: Print Server Service (if this server is also a print server)
    • Uncheck: Administrative Console (already installed)
    • Click Next

    Architecture Selection (Pro Edition)

    • Choose deployment architecture:
      • Print Server Printing: Session hosts connect to Windows Print Servers
      • Direct IP Printing: Session hosts connect directly to IP printers
    • Click Next

    Database Connection

    • Server Name: Enter SQL Server hostname
    • Database Name: ScrewDrivers
    • Authentication: Windows Authentication or SQL Authentication
    • Click Test Connection
    • Click Next

    License Server Configuration (CCS/CCU only)

    • License Server Address: Enter hostname or IP
    • Port: 6053
    • Click Test Connection
    • Click Next

    Node Locked Licensing (NLS only)

    • Enter nodelock key for this server
    • Click Validate
    • Click Next

    Installation Path

    • Accept default path
    • Click Next

    Ready to Install

    • Review settings
    • Click Install
    • Wait for installation (3-5 minutes)

    Reboot Required

    • Session host installation requires a reboot
    • Click Yes to reboot now, or No to reboot later
    • Installation is not complete until reboot occurs

  5. Verify Installation After Reboot

    • Check ScrewDrivers service is running: 
      Get-Service -Name "Tricerat*"
      # Should show running services
    • Check registry entries: 
      Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Tricerat\ScrewDrivers"

  6. Repeat for All Session Hosts

    • Install session host agent on all RDS servers or VDI templates
    • For VDI templates, install before sealing/snapshotting

Troubleshooting:

  • If database connection fails during install, verify SQL connectivity from session host
  • If license validation fails, verify License Server connectivity (port 6053)
  • If services don't start after reboot, check Windows Event Logs

Phase 5: Print Server Installation (Optional)​

When Print Servers Are Required

Print servers are required for Pro print server architecture and Enterprise mobile printing. Skip this phase if using Essentials, Pro Direct IP, or Enterprise remote/cloud printing only.

Step 5.1: Prepare Windows Print Server​

  1. Install Print and Document Services Role

    • Open Server Manager
    • Click Add Roles and Features
    • Select Print and Document Services
    • Include Print Server role service
    • Complete installation

  2. Create Print Queues

    • Add printers using Print Management console
    • Configure printer drivers
    • Test print from print server to verify queues work

  3. Verify .NET 4.8 is Installed

    Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full\' |
    Get-ItemPropertyValue -Name Release |
    ForEach-Object { $_ -ge 528040 }

Step 5.2: Install ScrewDrivers Print Server Service​

  1. Copy Installer to Print Server

    • Transfer ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe to print server

  2. Run Installer as Administrator

    ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe

  3. Installation Wizard

    Component Selection

    • Check: Print Server Service
    • Uncheck: All other components
    • Click Next

    Database Connection

    • Enter SQL Server connection details
    • Click Test Connection
    • Click Next

    License Configuration

    • Configure License Server (CCS/CCU) or enter nodelock key (NLS)
    • Click Next

    Installation Path

    • Accept default
    • Click Next

    Ready to Install

    • Click Install
    • Wait for installation

    Completion

    • Reboot may be required
    • Click Finish

  4. Verify Print Server Service

    Get-Service -Name "Tricerat*"
    # Should show "TriceratPrintServer" running

  5. Register Print Server in Administrative Console

    • Launch Administrative Console
    • Navigate to System → Print Servers
    • Verify print server appears in list
    • If not listed, click Add Print Server and enter hostname

Related Documentation:

Phase 6: Gateway Installation (Enterprise Only)​

Enterprise Edition Only

Gateway and Cloud Connector components are only available in Enterprise edition. Skip this phase if using Pro or Essentials edition.

Step 6.1: Install Gateway Server​

The Gateway server enables mobile printing and TCP/IP client functionality for Enterprise edition.

  1. Prepare Gateway Server

    • Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer
    • .NET 4.8 installed
    • Network connectivity to SQL Server, License Server, and internet (for cloud relay)

  2. Configure Network Access

    • Ensure outbound HTTPS (port 443) is allowed for cloud relay
    • Configure inbound port 4500 for mobile device connections (or custom port)
    • Configure inbound port 4600 for TCP/IP client connections

  3. Run Installer

    ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe

  4. Installation Wizard

    Component Selection

    • Check: Gateway Service
    • Check: Cloud Connector Service (if using remote/cloud printing)
    • Click Next

    Database Connection

    • Enter SQL Server connection details
    • Click Test Connection
    • Click Next

    License Configuration

    • Configure License Server or nodelock key
    • Verify Enterprise license is valid
    • Click Next

    Gateway Configuration

    • Mobile Printing Port: 4500 (default)
    • TCP/IP Client Port: 4600 (default)
    • Cloud Relay: Enable for remote printing
    • Click Next

    Installation Path

    • Accept default
    • Click Next

    Ready to Install

    • Click Install
    • Wait for installation

    Completion

    • Reboot if required
    • Click Finish

  5. Verify Gateway Services

    Get-Service -Name "Tricerat*"
    # Should show Gateway and Cloud Connector services running

  6. Test Gateway Connectivity

    • From mobile device, test connection to gateway server on port 4500
    • Verify cloud relay connection in Administrative Console

Related Documentation:

Phase 7: Client Endpoint Installation (Optional)​

Step 7.1: Install Windows Client Agent​

For client-side printer redirection (Essentials mode) or local printer mapping:

  1. Deployment Options

  2. Interactive Installation

    • Download ScrewDriversClient_7.9.4.x_x64.exe to client PC
    • Run as administrator
    • Accept license agreement
    • Enter License Server address (CCS/CCU) or leave blank (NLS)
    • Complete installation
    • Reboot client PC

  3. Verify Client Installation

    • Check system tray for ScrewDrivers client icon
    • Right-click icon → About to verify version

Related Documentation:

Step 7.2: Non-Windows Clients​

macOS:

Linux:

Thin Clients:

Phase 8: Verification & Testing​

Step 8.1: Verify Component Communication​

  1. Check Database Connectivity

    • Open Administrative Console
    • Navigate to System → Servers
    • Verify all session hosts and print servers appear in list
    • Status should show "Connected" or "Online"

  2. Check License Status

    • In Administrative Console: System → Licensing
    • Verify license count matches expected value
    • Verify licenses are checked out by session hosts

  3. Check Service Status

    • On each session host: 
      Get-Service -Name "Tricerat*" | Select Name, Status
    • All services should show "Running"

Step 8.2: Test Print Functionality​

Test 1: User Login and Printer Mapping

  1. Connect to Session Host

    • Log in as test user to RDS session or VDI desktop

  2. Verify Printers Appear

    • Open Devices and Printers
    • ScrewDrivers-managed printers should appear
    • Printers should have appropriate naming (based on printer profiles)

  3. Test Print Job

    • Print a test page from Notepad or browser
    • Verify print job reaches printer successfully
    • Check print job appears in ScrewDrivers audit logs (Administrative Console → Reports → Print Jobs)

Test 2: Administrative Console Management

  1. Create Test Printer Profile

    • In Administrative Console: Printers → Printer Profiles
    • Click Add Printer Profile
    • Configure test printer
    • Assign to test user or group

  2. Verify Assignment

    • Log in as test user (new session)
    • Verify printer profile appears as mapped printer

  3. Test Configuration Changes

    • Modify printer profile settings (e.g., default printer, print options)
    • Log in as test user (new session)
    • Verify changes took effect

Test 3: Mobile Printing (Enterprise Only)

  1. Install Mobile App

    • Download ScrewDrivers mobile app from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)

  2. Configure Mobile App

    • Enter Gateway server address and port
    • Enter user credentials
    • Verify connection succeeds

  3. Test Mobile Print

    • Print document from mobile device
    • Verify print job appears in Administrative Console
    • Verify print job reaches printer

Step 8.3: Review Logs and Troubleshoot​

Check ScrewDrivers Logs:

Session host logs:

C:\ProgramData\Tricerat\ScrewDrivers\Logs\

Print server logs:

C:\ProgramData\Tricerat\ScrewDrivers\PrintServer\Logs\

Enable Diagnostic Logging (if issues occur):

  1. Open Registry Editor on problematic system
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Tricerat\ScrewDrivers
  3. Set LogLevel to 4 (maximum verbosity)
  4. Reproduce issue
  5. Collect logs from C:\ProgramData\Tricerat\ScrewDrivers\Logs\
  6. Send logs to Tricerat support if needed

Common Issues:

SymptomLikely CauseSolution
Printers don't appearSession host can't reach SQL ServerVerify SQL connectivity, check firewall
License errorsLicense Server unreachable or licenses exhaustedCheck License Server service, verify license count
Print jobs failPrint server unreachable or queue offlineVerify print server connectivity, check Windows print queues
Mobile printing failsGateway server unreachable or port blockedVerify port 4500 is open, check Gateway service

Related Documentation:

Post-Installation Configuration​

After successful installation and verification, proceed with configuration:

  1. Configure Printer Profiles

  2. Configure User Assignments

  3. Configure Maps (Location-Based Printing)

  4. Enable Audit Logging

  5. Configure Advanced Features

    • Hold-and-release printing
    • Pull printing
    • Watermarks
    • Print quotas

Complete Configuration Guide: ScrewDrivers Administrator's Guide

Upgrade Paths​

Upgrading from Version 6 to Version 7:

Upgrading Within Version 7:

  • Upgrading from earlier v7 builds (7.0 → 7.9.4) follows the same installation procedures
  • Run newer installer over existing installation
  • Database schema upgrades automatically during installer

Uninstalling Components​

If you need to remove ScrewDrivers components:

Uninstall via Programs and Features:

  1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features
  2. Select Tricerat ScrewDrivers
  3. Click Uninstall
  4. Follow uninstallation wizard

Uninstall via Command Line (Silent):

msiexec /x {PRODUCT-CODE} /qn

Related Documentation: Uninstalling ScrewDrivers Server

Next Steps​

After completing installation:

  1. Review Administrator's Guide: ScrewDrivers Administrator's Guide
  2. Configure Printer Profiles: Assign printers to users and groups
  3. Train Administrators: Review Administrative Console features and management workflows
  4. Deploy to Pilot Users: Test with small user group before full rollout
  5. Plan Full Rollout: Develop deployment plan for remaining session hosts and endpoints

Support Resources​

Tricerat Support:

Additional Documentation:

Last Updated: 2025-11-11 Applicable Versions: ScrewDrivers v7.0 through v7.9.4 Document Version: 1.0