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ScrewDrivers v7 Installation Requirements

Overview​

This reference document provides comprehensive installation requirements for deploying ScrewDrivers Pro and Enterprise editions (version 7.x). Understanding these requirements before deployment ensures a smooth installation process and helps avoid common configuration issues.

Edition-Specific Requirements

This guide covers Pro and Enterprise edition requirements. For Essentials edition requirements, see Upgrading to ScrewDrivers v7 Essentials.

Quick Reference: Core Components​

ScrewDrivers Pro and Enterprise deployments require several core components. You can deploy these components on a single server for proof-of-concept environments or distribute them across multiple servers for production deployments.

Minimum POC Setup (Single Server)​

For proof-of-concept, lab testing, or small deployments, you can install all components on one Windows Server:

Single Server Hosts:

  • ✅ SQL Server (Express or Standard) - Stores configuration and printer assignments
  • ✅ Tricerat License Server - Manages license checkout (skip if using Node Locked licensing)
  • ✅ ScrewDrivers Administrative Console - Management interface
  • ✅ Print Server Components - If using print server architecture (optional)

Plus: Session Hosts or Desktops (separate systems where users connect):

  • ✅ Session Host Agent - Installed on RDS/VDI servers or user workstations
  • ✅ Client Agent (optional) - For client-side printer redirection

Minimum Single Server Specs:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer
  • 4 CPU cores (8+ recommended)
  • 8 GB RAM (16+ GB recommended)
  • 100 GB disk space
  • .NET Framework 4.8

Production Distributed Setup (Maximum Flexibility)​

For production environments, distribute components across multiple servers for performance, redundancy, and scalability:

ComponentServer LocationPurpose
SQL ServerDedicated database serverCentralized configuration database
License ServerDedicated server or shared with SQLLicense management (CCS/CCU only)
Admin ConsoleIT administrator workstationsManagement and configuration
Print Server(s)One or more Windows Print ServersHost print queues (if using print server architecture)
Session HostsRDS/VDI infrastructureWhere users connect and work
Gateway/Cloud ConnectorDedicated server(s)Enterprise mobile/TCP/IP/remote printing

Architecture Decision: What Do You Need?​

Choose components based on your deployment architecture:

Essentials (Client Printing):

  • Session host agent
  • Client agent on endpoints
  • License server (or nodelock keys)
  • ❌ No SQL Server required
  • ❌ No print servers required

Pro (Print Server):

  • Session host agent
  • SQL Server
  • License server (or nodelock keys)
  • Administrative console
  • Windows Print Servers
  • Print Server Service on print servers

Pro (Direct IP):

  • Session host agent
  • SQL Server
  • License server (or nodelock keys)
  • Administrative console
  • ❌ No print servers required
  • Native printer drivers on session hosts

Enterprise (adds to Pro features):

  • Gateway servers (for mobile/TCP/IP/remote printing)
  • Cloud Connector services (for remote/cloud printing)
  • Mobile app on iOS/Android devices (for mobile printing)

Quick Install Checklist​

Before beginning installation, verify you have:

  • Windows Server for components (1 for POC, multiple for production)
  • .NET Framework 4.8 downloaded or ready to install
  • SQL Server installed 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 (.NET 4.8 requires reboot)
  • Network firewall rules documented (see Network Requirements below)

Software Prerequisites​

.NET Framework 4.8​

Requirement: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or higher

.NET 4.8 is required on the following systems:

  • Management Server/Workstation: Systems running the ScrewDrivers Administration Console
  • Session Hosts: All RDS servers and VDI virtual machines running ScrewDrivers agents
  • Windows Print Servers: Print servers with ScrewDrivers print server components (if using print server printing architecture)
  • License Server Host: Server hosting the Tricerat License Server
  • Gateway Server Host: Servers running Cloud Connector or Gateway services (Enterprise edition)

Operating Systems with .NET 4.8 Pre-Installed:

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

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

For complete system requirements, see Microsoft's .NET Framework 4.8 documentation.

Installation Notes:

  • .NET 4.8 installation requires a system reboot on systems that don't have it pre-installed
  • Plan installation during maintenance windows to accommodate reboot requirements
  • .NET 4.8 installer is included with ScrewDrivers installation media
  • Alternatively, download from Microsoft's official site

Verification:

To verify .NET 4.8 installation via PowerShell:

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

Microsoft SQL Server​

Requirement: Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or newer

Supported Editions:

  • SQL Server Express (free): Suitable for small to medium deployments (up to 500 users recommended)
  • SQL Server Standard: Recommended for enterprise deployments, high availability scenarios
  • SQL Server Enterprise: Required for advanced features like AlwaysOn Availability Groups

SQL Server Considerations:

ScrewDrivers requires a SQL Server database to store configuration, user assignments, printer profiles, and audit logs. The database is created automatically during ScrewDrivers database installation using the database installer component.

SQL Express Deployment: If you don't have an existing SQL Server infrastructure, SQL Server Express provides a free, feature-complete option suitable for most ScrewDrivers deployments up to medium scale.

Database Size Planning: Expect database sizes ranging from 1-10 GB depending on:

  • Number of printers in environment
  • Number of users and assignments
  • Size of printer driver library (Direct IP printing)
  • Audit logging retention policies

Related Documentation:

Operating System Requirements​

Session Hosts (Required for All Deployments)​

Supported Operating Systems:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows 10 (for VDI virtual desktops)
  • Windows 11 (for VDI virtual desktops)

Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: 2 cores per session host
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum (8+ GB recommended for production)
  • Disk Space: 500 MB available for ScrewDrivers components
  • Disk Space (Direct IP): Additional 1-5 GB for native print driver library

Supported Virtualization Platforms:

  • Microsoft RDS (Remote Desktop Services)
  • Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
  • Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (all versions)
  • VMware Horizon (all versions)
  • Any virtualization platform supporting Windows Server or Windows desktop operating systems

Windows Print Servers (Optional - Print Server Architecture Only)​

Supported Operating Systems:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2022

Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: 2 cores minimum (4+ cores recommended for high-volume printing)
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum (8+ GB recommended)
  • Disk Space: 2 GB available for ScrewDrivers print server service and spool buffers

Requirements:

  • Windows Print and Document Services role installed
  • Administrator privileges for ScrewDrivers Print Server Service installation
  • Network connectivity to session hosts and physical printers
  • SMB/CIFS access from session hosts (port 445)
When Print Servers Are Required

Print servers are required for Pro print server architecture and Enterprise mobile printing. They are NOT required for Essentials client printing, Pro Direct IP printing, or Enterprise remote/cloud printing without mobile printing.

Management Console Workstation​

Supported Operating Systems:

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
  • Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer (if console runs on server)

Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: 2 cores
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum
  • Disk Space: 100 MB
  • Display: 1280x768 minimum resolution (1920x1080 recommended)

Network Requirements:

  • TCP/IP connectivity to SQL Server (typically port 1433, configurable)
  • Network access to session hosts and print servers for troubleshooting and monitoring

Gateway/Cloud Connector Servers (Enterprise Only)​

Supported Operating Systems:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2022

Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: 2 cores minimum (4+ cores for high-volume environments)
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum (8+ GB recommended)
  • Disk Space: 500 MB
  • Network: Reliable internet connectivity for cloud relay (or network connectivity to private relay servers)

Network Requirements:

  • Outbound HTTPS: Port 443 to Tricerat cloud relay service (or private relay server)
  • Inbound connectivity: From mobile devices (TCP 4500 for mobile printing) or session hosts (as applicable)

Client Endpoint Requirements​

Windows Clients​

Supported Operating Systems:

  • Windows 7 SP1 (extended support ended, not recommended for new deployments)
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11

Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: Dual-core processor
  • RAM: 2 GB minimum (4+ GB recommended)
  • Disk Space: 100 MB for ScrewDrivers client agent

Supported Client Types:

  • Physical workstations
  • Laptops
  • Windows tablets
  • Thin clients running Windows Embedded or Windows IOT

macOS Clients​

Supported Versions:

  • macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or newer
  • Current recommendation: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer for best compatibility

Minimum Specifications:

  • RAM: 4 GB minimum
  • Disk Space: 100 MB for ScrewDrivers client

Linux Clients​

Supported Distributions:

  • Ubuntu 16.04 LTS or newer
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 or newer
  • CentOS 7 or newer
  • Other mainstream Linux distributions (refer to Tricerat documentation for specific version compatibility)

Requirements:

  • X Window System or Wayland display server
  • CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) for printing

Related Documentation:

Thin Clients and Zero Clients​

Supported Platforms:

  • IGEL OS
  • HP ThinPro
  • Dell Wyse ThinOS
  • Stratodesk NoTouch
  • Other thin client platforms supporting Citrix, VMware, or RDP protocols

Related Documentation:

Mobile Devices (Enterprise Edition - Mobile Printing)​

iOS Requirements:

  • iOS 12 or newer (current recommendation: iOS 15 or newer)
  • Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

Android Requirements:

  • Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer (current recommendation: Android 10 or newer)
  • Compatible with smartphones and tablets from all major manufacturers

App Distribution:

  • iOS: Available via Apple App Store or MDM private app catalog
  • Android: Available via Google Play Store or MDM private app catalog

Network Requirements​

Ports and Protocols​

Session Host to SQL Server:

  • Protocol: TCP/IP
  • Port: 1433 (default, configurable based on SQL Server configuration)
  • Purpose: Database queries, configuration retrieval, audit logging

Session Host to Print Server (Print Server Architecture):

  • Protocol: SMB/CIFS
  • Port: 445 (TCP)
  • Purpose: Print job submission to Windows print queues

Session Host to Printer (Direct IP Architecture):

  • Protocol: Raw/Port 9100, LPR (TCP 515), or IPP (TCP 631)
  • Ports:
    • 9100 (TCP) for Raw printing (most common)
    • 515 (TCP) for LPR/LPD
    • 631 (TCP) for IPP
  • Purpose: Direct print job transmission to IP printers

Administrative Console to SQL Server:

  • Protocol: TCP/IP
  • Port: 1433 (default, configurable)
  • Purpose: Configuration management, reporting, monitoring

Mobile Devices to Gateway (Enterprise Mobile Printing):

  • Protocol: TCP/IP (TLS encrypted)
  • Port: 4500 (default, configurable)
  • Purpose: Mobile print job submission, authentication

TCP/IP Client to Gateway (Enterprise TCP/IP Client):

  • Protocol: TCP/IP (TLS encrypted)
  • Port: 4500 (default, configurable)
  • Purpose: Printer/scanner redirection over TCP/IP

Session Hosts to Gateway (Enterprise TCP/IP Client):

  • Protocol: TCP/IP
  • Port: 4600 (default, configurable)
  • Purpose: Session host to Gateway communication

Gateway to Cloud Relay (Enterprise Remote Printing):

  • Protocol: HTTPS (outbound only)
  • Port: 443
  • Purpose: Cloud Connector relay communication

License Server Communication:

  • Protocol: TCP/IP
  • Port: 6053 (default)
  • Purpose: License checkout, validation, heartbeat

Firewall Considerations​

Required Firewall Rules:

  1. Session Hosts → SQL Server: Allow TCP 1433 (or configured SQL port)
  2. Administrative Consoles → SQL Server: Allow TCP 1433 (or configured SQL port)
  3. Session Hosts → Print Servers: Allow TCP 445 (SMB) if using print server architecture
  4. Session Hosts → Printers: Allow TCP 9100, 515, or 631 if using Direct IP printing
  5. All ScrewDrivers Components → License Server: Allow TCP 6053 (or configured license server port)
  6. Mobile Devices → Gateway: Allow TCP 4500 (or configured port) if using Enterprise mobile printing
  7. TCP/IP Clients → Gateway: Allow TCP 4500 (or configured port) if using Enterprise TCP/IP client
  8. Gateway Servers → Internet: Allow outbound HTTPS (443) if using Enterprise remote printing with cloud relay

Additional Considerations:

  • Windows Firewall: ScrewDrivers installers typically configure Windows Firewall automatically
  • Network Firewalls: May require manual configuration for cross-subnet or cross-VLAN communication
  • NAT Traversal: Gateway and mobile printing components support NAT environments

Bandwidth Planning​

Print Job Bandwidth (Typical):

  • Text documents: 0.5-1 MB per page (after compression)
  • Graphics-heavy documents: 1-2 MB per page (after compression)
  • High-resolution images: 2-5 MB per page (after compression)

Bandwidth Recommendations:

  • Branch offices: Minimum 10 Mbps WAN link for 20-50 users
  • Remote/mobile users: Minimum 5 Mbps internet connection for reliable printing
  • Cloud-hosted session hosts: Plan for print traffic over internet connection to on-premises printers

Compression Benefits:

ScrewDrivers compresses print jobs by 50-70% on average, significantly reducing bandwidth consumption compared to uncompressed printing protocols.

Licensing Requirements​

License Server​

Tricerat License Server v5.6 or newer

Installation Location:

  • Windows server or workstation accessible from all ScrewDrivers components
  • Does not need to be on the same system as other ScrewDrivers components
  • Network connectivity to all session hosts, print servers, and gateways

Licensing Models:

  • Node Locked Server (NLS): Licenses tied to specific servers; no License Server required
  • Concurrent Server (CCS): Floating licenses for session hosts; requires License Server
  • Concurrent User (CCU): Floating licenses for users; requires License Server

High Availability:

  • Multiple License Servers can be deployed for redundancy
  • Components can be configured with primary and secondary License Server addresses

License Activation​

Pre-Deployment:

  • Obtain licenses from Tricerat sales
  • Activate licenses on License Server or obtain nodelock keys before deploying components
  • Verify license activation succeeds before proceeding with component installation

Version-Specific Licensing:

  • v6 and v7 licenses are separate: v6 licenses do not work with v7 software
  • Upgrade licensing: Contact Tricerat sales for v6 → v7 license upgrades
  • Trial licenses: Available for proof-of-concept and evaluation deployments

Related Documentation:

Current Software Versions (as of 2025)​

ScrewDrivers v7.9.4 (Latest Release)​

Download Location: Tricerat Box.com Downloads

Core Components:

  • ScrewDriversProOrEnterprise_7.9.4.x_x64.exe: Main installer for Pro and Enterprise editions
  • ScrewDriversDatabase_7.9.4.x_x64.exe: Database creation and schema installer
  • TriceratLicenseServer_5.6.4.0_x64.exe: License server (version 5.6.4 current as of this guide)
  • ScrewDriversClient_7.9.4.x_x64.exe: Client agent for Windows endpoints

Edition-Specific Installers:

  • ScrewDriversEssentials_7.9.4.x_x64.msi: Essentials edition installer
  • ScrewDriversClient_7.9.4.x_x64.msi: Client agent MSI for mass deployment
Version Numbers

Version numbers follow the pattern Major.Minor.Patch.Build (e.g., 7.9.4.21xxx). When referencing versions in this guide, the build number may vary—always download the latest build from Tricerat's official distribution site.

Release Notes and Documentation​

Latest Release Notes: Version 7.9.4 Release Notes

Version History: Release Notes Index

Knowledge Base: Tricerat Knowledge Base - Bookmark this site for access to:

  • Installation and configuration guides
  • Administrative reference documentation
  • Troubleshooting articles
  • Release notes and version history

Installation Component Checklist​

Use this checklist to ensure you have all prerequisites before beginning ScrewDrivers deployment:

Infrastructure Readiness​

  • SQL Server installed and accessible (or SQL Express installation files ready)
  • SQL Server connectivity verified from session host servers
  • SQL database administrator credentials available
  • Windows Print Servers configured with print queues (if using print server architecture)
  • Network firewall rules documented and change requests submitted

Software Prerequisites​

  • .NET Framework 4.8 installed on all required systems (or installation files ready)
  • System reboot maintenance windows scheduled for .NET 4.8 installation
  • Administrator credentials available for all systems

Licensing​

  • ScrewDrivers v7 licenses obtained from Tricerat
  • Tricerat License Server v5.6+ installed and configured (if using CCS/CCU licensing)
  • Licenses activated on License Server or nodelock keys obtained
  • License connectivity verified from test session host

Software Downloads​

  • Latest ScrewDrivers installers downloaded from Tricerat Box.com
  • Version numbers verified against release notes
  • Installer files staged on accessible network share or local admin workstation

Documentation Review​

  • Installation guides reviewed for relevant architecture (Essentials, Pro, Enterprise)
  • Architecture diagrams reviewed and deployment model confirmed
  • SQL Server configuration documented
  • Network diagram with firewall rules documented

Installation Guides​

SQL Server Documentation​

Platform-Specific Documentation​

Troubleshooting​

Architecture Reference​

Support Resources​

Tricerat Support:

When Contacting Support:

Provide the following information for fastest resolution:

  • ScrewDrivers version (exact build number)
  • Deployment architecture (Essentials, Pro print server, Pro Direct IP, Enterprise)
  • Operating system versions (session hosts, print servers, clients)
  • Virtualization platform (Citrix, VMware, RDS, Azure Virtual Desktop, etc.)
  • SQL Server version
  • Specific error messages or symptoms
  • Log files (enable diagnostic logging before contacting support)

Last Updated: 2025-11-06 Applicable Versions: ScrewDrivers v7.0 through v7.9.4 Document Version: 1.0