A Portal Controller must remain running so it can process requests from Portal users. Choose one of the following methods to start DB Precision automatically and restart it after a computer restart or an unexpected application interruption. Only one startup method is needed for each controller machine.

In these installation topics, the Internet Controller Server is the machine on which the Portal Controller copy of DB Precision runs. Before configuring automated startup:

• Confirm that the machine meets the Network Client and Internet Controller requirements, including the Microsoft Office requirements.
• Install DB Precision and create the unique controller login described under Portal Controller Installation.
• Decide whether the machine must start DB Precision without a Windows user login, whether other Windows users need Microsoft Office access on the machine, and whether your organization is willing to license a third-party application.

All three methods are designed to keep DB Precision running on the Internet Controller Server. The main differences are whether a third-party application must be purchased, whether a Windows user must be logged in, and whether other users need access to Microsoft Word and Excel on the same machine. Review the summaries and comparison table below before opening the detailed instructions for the method that best fits your environment.

• AlwaysUp: this third-party application will run DB Precision as a service on the Internet Controller Server.
  • Display DB Precision When Using AlwaysUp: review these related instructions if DB Precision needs to be visible on the Internet Controller desktop.
• Windows Task Scheduler and Batch File: uses a task created in Windows Task Scheduler that launches a batch file on the default Windows User login to keep DB Precision running.
• Windows Task Scheduler, PowerShell, and Batch File: uses a combination of Windows Task Scheduler, Windows PowerShell, and a batch file to run DB Precision on machine startup.

• Choose AlwaysUp when running DB Precision without a Windows user login is important, other users may need Word or Excel on the machine, and purchasing a third-party application is acceptable.
• Choose Task Scheduler and a batch file when you want to avoid a third-party application and the designated Windows controller user can remain logged in.
• Choose Task Scheduler, a batch file, and PowerShell for a dedicated, IT-controlled machine that must start the controller without a Windows user login and will not be used by other Windows users for Microsoft Office.

After following the instructions for your selected method, restart the controller machine and confirm that:

• DB Precision starts using the expected controller account without requiring an administrator to launch it manually.
• The Portal Controller login becomes active and Portal requests can be processed.
• The selected startup method restarts DB Precision as described in its detailed instructions.