Tag: Windows

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How do I change the listening port number for exacqVision Server?

By default, the exacqVision Client communicates with exacqVision Servers on port 22609. If your network does not allow port 22609, or if you need to forward the port on multiple exacqVision systems, you can change the exacqVision Server’s listening port number. To do this, complete steps detailed on this page.

NOTE: The exacqVision Default Ports article states that 22610 is reserved for interprocess communication. This is true when using the default client to server port set to 22609. If this is changed to a port other than 22609, the reserved port becomes your chosen port number plus one.
Example: If you change 22609 to 2350, the reserved port becomes 2351.<br><br>

Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP

  1. Log into the system hosting the exacqVision Server application.<br><br>
  2. Exit all exacqVision software.<br><br>
  3. Highlight the exacqVision Server service listed, and Stop the ExacqVision Server service, in one of three ways:
    • Press the ‘Stop’ icon from the toolbar.
    • Click the ‘Stop’ link from the left-hand side.
    • Right-click the service name and select ‘Stop’.

      Note: Leave the Services window open, as you will need to restart the service later.<br><br>
  4. Open the Notepad application. Search for the application from the Windows Start menu, right-click and choose to ‘Run as Administrator’.
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  5. Use Notepad to Open the following file:
    C:\Program Files\exacqVision\Server\streampi.xml<br>
    If you are using a 32-bit installation, select Program Files (x86) instead of Program Files.<br>
    NOTE: In the Open file dialogue, you will likely need to change the file type field from ‘Text Documents (*.txt)’ to All Files (*.*)’ to see file types of other extensions.

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  6. In the streampi.xml file, scroll down until you find the line which states: <Port value="22609" />.

    Change the number to the port you want to use between the quotation marks (” “). Do NOT use port 22610 since this is reserved. The following example changes the port number to ‘11111’.
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  7. After changing the port number, open the File menu, select Save, and close the editor window.<br><br>
  8. Restart the exacqVision Server Service by clicking ‘Start’ button, link or from the right-click menu, in the Services window that you opened earlier. You should now be able to connect using the new port number.<br><br>
  9. In the exacqVision Client, make sure the port number on the ‘Add Systems’ page matches the new port number.
    NOTE: The exacqVision Web Service is also a client of the exacqVision Server. Therefore, if using the exacqVision Web Service you may also be required to change the connecting port in the exacqVision Web Service Configuration.<br><br>

Ubuntu 20.04, 18.04, 16.04, 14.04, 12.04, 10.04

  1. Log into the system hosting the exacqVision Server application.<br><br>
  2. Exit all exacqVision software.<br><br>
  3. Open a Terminal command prompt by pressing CTRL+ALT+T

    NOTE: Depending on system settings, your Terminal window may appear with different colors than pictured.<br><br>
  4. Stop the exacqVision Server by entering one of the following commands:
    • sudo service edvrserver stop
    • sudo /etc/init.d/edvrserver stop

      NOTE: The sudo command elevates your system privileges in order to edit this file. Your system may prompt you for an administrator password. Enter this password if prompted. Linux systems do not display any characters when entering passwords in the CLI.

      NOTE: On some systems you may see output that reads:
      sudo: unable to resolve host <hostname>
      Ignore this message if seen.<br><br>
  5. You may use your preferred Linux editing tool, but in our example we will be using ‘gedit’.

    Use gedit to open the streampi.xml file containing the settings for the exacqVision Server by entering:
    sudo gedit /usr/local/exacq/server/streampi.xml<br><br>
  6. Locate the line which states: <Port value:"22609" />

    Change the number to the port you want to use between the quotation marks (” “). Do NOT use port 22610 since this is reserved. The following example changes the port number to ‘11111’.
    <br><br>
  7. Click ‘Save’ to commit your changes and close the editor window. <br><br>
  8. Returning to the Terminal prompt, enter one of the following commands to restart the exacqVision Server:
    • sudo service edvrserver start
    • sudo /etc/init.d/edvrserver start<br><br>
  9. In the exacqVision Client, make sure the port number on the ‘Add Systems’ page matches the new port number.

    NOTE: The exacqVision Web Service is also a client of the exacqVision Server. Therefore, if using the exacqVision Web Service you may also be required to change the connecting port in the exacqVision Web Service Configuration.

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Can the exacqVision Client run with Windows Aero (Vista)?

Yes. However, video display operations will not be accelerated. Changing the color scheme to Windows Vista Basic can restore overlay and offscreen functionality.

Switching to the Vista Basic theme:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop and click ‘Personalize.’
  2. Click ‘Window Color and Appearance.’
  3. Click the ‘Open classic appearance properties for more color options’ link.
  4. Select ‘Windows Vista Basic,’ then click ‘Apply.’

This should disable all Aero features, such as the glass effect and taskbar thumbnails.

Alternatively, you may use the command line in CMD to issue the following command:

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Knowledge Support Support Categories Products exacqVision Hardware

Does ExacqVision work with 64-bit Windows?

ExacqVision Server software has supported 64-bit Windows since Server version 6.4.

sDVR and tDVR analog capture board installers for 64-bit Windows ExacqVision Hybrid systems are also available.

For a list of currently supported operating systems, refer to the software product pages on Exacq.com, then click ‘System Requirements.’

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Knowledge Support Support Categories exacqVision Hardware Products

Replacing or Adding a Hard Drive Using Windows

If you have replaced a failed/failing hard drive, or added an additional hard drive to your Windows system in a JBOD (non-RAID) configuration, the steps below will guide you through setting up the drive for recording using Windows OS tools.

NOTE: It is best practice to make hardware changes with the system powered off.<br><br>

  1. Log into the operating system of the system running the ExacqVision Server application with administrator privileges.<br><br>
  2. Open the Disk Management tool.
    • Windows 11, 10, 8, 7
      Click on the Windows (Start) icon and begin typing ‘Create and format’ or ‘Disk management’ to locate the ‘Create and format hard disk partitions’ option from the Control Panel. Click to open it.
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  3. The newly added disk will not be listed by Windows until it has been configured. Windows will typically detect this and automatically prompt you to initialize the new disk. If it does not, simply open the ‘Action’ menu and select ‘Rescan Disks’.
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  4. In the pictured example, this is the second SATA spinning hard disk added so it is listed as ‘Disk 2’ under ‘Select disks’.

    Modern disk sizes, greater than 2 TB, require you to select ‘GPT (GUID Partition Table)’ as the partition style. Select ‘OK’ to continue.
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  5. The disk now appears as ‘Unallocated’ space.
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  6. Right-click the ‘Unallocated’ space and select ‘New Simple Volume…’ to begin the New Simple Volume Wizard.
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  7. In the New Simple Volume Wizard, click ‘Next’.<br><br>
  8. You will be asked to specify the volume size. By default this should automatically be set to the size of the entire disk, creating one large partition for the entire disk. This is fine for ExacqVision use and will create one “Drive Letter” for each partition seen by Windows. Click ‘Next’.
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  9. The example system, pictured, already has a C: volume for the operating system, as well as a D: volume for the first recording disk. You may select any unused drive letter for your new volume, but it is common to select the next sequential letter, in this case E:, so click ‘Next’.
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  10. Use the default chosen, ‘NTFS’ as the File System for the new volume and the ‘Default’ Allocation unit size. You may leave the Volume label as ‘New Volume’ if you choose. Click ‘Next’.
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  11. Click ‘Finish’ to accept your selections and close the wizard.<br><br>
  12. The system will quickly format the new volume and you will see this listed in the Disk Management screen.
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  13. Before ExacqVision can see this new volume and use it for recording you must restart the ExacqVision Server service.<br><br>
  14. Click on the Windows (Start) icon and begin typing ‘Services’, and click to open Service from the Control Panel.
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  15. Locate ExacqVision Server, click to highlight it, and choose one of the following:
    • Click the ‘Restart’ icon from the toolbar.
    • Click the ‘Restart’ link from the left-hand options.
    • Right-click the highlighted ExacqVision Server row and select ‘Restart’.

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Removing an Unwanted “Orphaned” Drive From the Storage Page

Title

Removing an Unwanted “Orphaned” Drive From the Storage Page

Description 

ExacqVision retains any drive which has ever been added to the NVR.  This can result in unwanted or “Orphaned” drives showing up on the Storage Page.  Removing these drives requires manual intervention. 

Product 

ExacqVision Server

Solution

Windows 

  1. Log into the operating system of the server as an administrator, you cannot perform these steps from a client workstation.
  2. Click the Windows key + R to open the run box 
  3. Type services.msc and press enter 
  4. Locate and right-click on exacqVision Server, select stop 
  5. Open Notepad as an administrator 
  6. Browse to and open C:\Program Files\exacqVision\Server\psfpi.xml
  7. Locate and delete the line containing the orphaned drive.
  8. Save and close psfpi.xml 
  9. Back in Services, right-click on exacqVision Server, select start
  10. Verify the drive is no longer present in the ExacqVision Client

Linux 

  1. Log into the operating system as an administrator
  2. Open a Terminal Window and stop the ExacqVision Server Service 
        sudo service edvrserver stop

Note: If prompted enter the admin operating systems password then press enter.  Linux will not give any feedback while entering the password. 

  1. Edit psfpi.xml using the following command 
        sudo nano /usr/local/exacq/server/psfpi.xml
  1. Using the arrow keys, move to the beginning of the line containing the orphaned drive 
  2. Press control+k to delete the line 
  3. Press control+o to save the file
  4. Press control+x to exit 
  5. Start the exacqVision Server Service 
        sudo service edvrserver start
  1. Verify the drive is no longer present in the exacqVision Client

Example

In the example below the drive labeled /mnt/edvr/2 is unwanted and will need to be manually removed. 
ExacqVision Client before and after orphaned drive removed

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Knowledge Support Highlighted Support Categories exacqVision Webservice Products

Using SSL with exacqVision Web Service (Windows)

Version 8.4 and Higher

Follow the instructions in Article 1002 to configure HTTPS support in the Web Service.

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Version 8.2 and Lower

SSL, a security system combining authentication and encryption, is used to protect communication between a web server and client. Enabling SSL on a web server allow all clients connecting to that server two key protections:

  1. The client is able to identify the server. There is no way for a fake server to misrepresent itself to a client.
  2. The communication between the client and server is encrypted, preventing a third-party from seeing what data is sent. This ensures the safety of private communication such as usernames and passwords, video data, and more.

NOTE: A self-signed certificate allows you to use a web browser, but it does not work with mobile devices. Only trusted third-party certificates work with mobile devices.

To use SSL in Windows with exacqVision Web Service, complete the following steps:

  1. Either create a self-signed certificate, or purchase a certificate from a trusted third party. (Creating a Self-Signed SSL Certificate) COMMON NAME should be the IP address or FQDN that you use to access your exacqVision Web Service. If acquiring a third-party cert, you might need to provide them with a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) file as follows:

    a. Navigate to https://exacq.com/support/gencsr.php.

    b. Enter all fields to output a .csr file and RSA key file to a zip file. Submit this data to the CA from which you are purchasing the certificate.

    c. If you have purchased a chained certificate, be sure to download the appropriate intermediate bundle.

    d. Place the .crt file and the intermediate bundle file (also a .crt file) from your CA into the Apache\conf directory.
  2. Rename the .crt file to server.crt and the .key file to server.key. Save the .crt and .key files to C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\conf\.
  3. Stop exacqVision Web Server using the link on the Start menu.
  4. Open the Web Server Configuration file with Notepad as an administrator from C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\conf\httpd.conf.

    Find the following line:

    LoadModule ssl_module modules/mod_ssl.so

    Delete any preceding pound sign (#) characters.

    Find the following line:

    Include conf/extra/httpd-ssl.conf

    Delete any preceding pound sign (#) characters.

    NOTE: Make sure your SSL Certificate File and SSL Certificate Key File are in the Apache\conf directory.
  5. Open the Apache SSL Configuration file in Notepad as an administrator. The file is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\conf\extra\httpd-ssl.conf.
    Find the line that begins with:
    FilesMatch “…

    Change it to:

    FilesMatch “\.(cgi|shtml|phtml|php|html)$”

    NOTE:     Those lines will also include angle brackets. Do not remove the brackets.

    When finished, save and close the file.
  6. It is recommended, but not required, that you disable the access log for SSL, as this file can grow very large. To do this, open the Apache SSL Configuration file in Notepad as an administrator. The file is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\conf\extra\httpd-ssl.conf. Find the line with the following text:

    TransferLog “${SRVROOT}/logs/access.log”
    Change it to:#TransferLog “${SRVROOT}/logs/access.log”When finished, save and close the file.
  7. Open the Web Service Configuration file in Notepad as an administrator. The file is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\WebService.ini.
    Add the following lines to the end of the document:

    [Broker]
    ssl_private_key = C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\conf\server.key
    ssl_certificate = C:\Program Files (x86)\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\conf\server.crt

    When finished, save and close the file.
  8. Open an exception for TCP port 443 in your firewall.
  9. Start exacqVision Web Server using the link under the Start button.

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Tips

  1. When purchasing an SSL certificate, many providers offer an Intermediate Bundle, or additional certificates that need to be present that will link your certificate through the chain to a root certification authority. Usually the provider will also provide documentation that describes how to accomplish this with Apache, but is a good idea to ask them before or during the purchase process. Exacq is not responsible for making your certs capable of working with Apache.
  2. The httpd-ssl.conf file contains sections for Server Certificate, Server Private Key, Server Certificate Chain, and Certificate Authority. You must modify these sections with the appropriate paths to your specific files.
  3. It is possible to combine all the intermediate certificates that the provider might give you into one file and use that in the Server Certificate Chain section. Again, consult the provider for more information.
  4. You should also find and modify the following line to include the name for which your certificate was issued (your server’s name) instead of:

    ServerName www.example.com:443

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Troubleshooting

If exacqVision Web Service does not start after configuring it for SSL, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the Apache error logs, found by default at C:\Program Files\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\logs\error.log.
  2. Look for an entry similar to the following:

    [Wed Mar 04 09:08:54.512004 2015] [ssl:emerg] [pid 19116] AH02565: Certificate and private key www.example.com:443:0 from CERTIFCATE_FILE_NAME.crt and KEYFILE_NAME.key do not match AH00016: Configuration Failed
  3. If you see this entry, complete the following steps:

    a.) Run the openssl utility (found by default at C:\Program Files\exacqVision\WebService\Apache\bin\openssl.exe).

    b.) Run the following commands, replacing the values in all caps with your values:

    openssl.exe x509 -noout -modulus -in PATH_TO_CRT | openssl md5
    openssl.exe rsa -noout -modulus -in PATH_TO_KEY | openssl md5
    openssl.exe req -noout -modulus -in PATH_TO_CSR | openssl md5

    For example:

    openssl.exe x509 -noout -modulus -in ..\conf\certificate.crt | openssl md5
    openssl.exe rsa -noout -modulus -in ..\conf\privateKey.key | openssl md5
    openssl.exe req -noout -modulus -in ..\conf\csr.csr | openssl md5

    c.) Compare the result values from all of the calls. Each resulting string should be identical. If the values do not match, confer with the certificate authority that issued the certificate.


NOTE: Web Sockets communication will not work using SSL encryption for Web Service versions 7.2.0 – 7.2.6.

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Workaround

Disable Web Sockets in the client configuration page of the browser Client.

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Resolution

Update to exacqVision Web Service version 8.4 or later.

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Default Windows User Accounts on Exacq Systems

When setting up a new Exacq system, the out-of-box experience will prompt you to create a default operating system account. This account will be given administrative privileges.

Additional user accounts may be created using the Kiosk scripts available on the Desktop. Kiosk user accounts have restricted privileges. The Kiosk account is blocked from all operating system functions and the user can only close the exacqVision Client and log out of the operating system account. This prevents the Kiosk user from shutting down the system, opening web browsers, or from starting and installing other applications while logged in as the Kiosk user. You are given the option to automatically log into the system with the Kiosk user account during creation of the account.

If you license exacqVision software and install it on your own computer, this script is not available, and you are responsible for configuring all operating system accounts and privileges.

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Disabling Aero in Windows Vista (Aero causes OSD to have bars behind it in exacqVision software)

To disable Aero, complete the following steps in Windows Vista:

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  1. Click Start, and then select Control Panel.
  2. Click Appearance and Personalization.
  3. Under Personalization, click Change the Color Scheme.
  4. In the Appearance Settings dialog, click Windows Vista Basic
  5. Click OK.

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Disabling-Aero-in-Windows-Vista-Aero-causes-OSD-to-have-bars-behind-it-in-exacqVision-software.pdf
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Disabling a Drive via XML (Windows)

To disable a drive in a Windows exacqVision Server via XML, complete the following steps:

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  1. Before editing any configuration files directly, stop your exacqVision Server. Open Control Panel and then the Administrative tools (you might have to select Classic View to see the option).
  2. Open the Services link and find exacqVision Server. Right-click and select Stop.
  3. Browse to the C:\Program Files\exacqVision\Server directory.
  4. Right-click on the psfpi.xml file and select Open With.
  5. Select Notepad or Wordpad from the list. The file will list your drives in text form.
  6. Find the drive that you need to disable and change the Enabled=”1″ to Enabled=”0″.
  7. Save the file and close the editor.
  8. Restart exacqVision Server.

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Disabling-a-Drive-via-XML-Windows.pdf