Installing vFire Core

You only need to perform the install operation on the server. Although each Analyst will be prompted to automatically download the vFire Core ActiveX controls, there is no need to install software on any client machines.

Do not put any third party software on the vFire Core server after installation without consultation with Alemba staff. Alemba cannot be held responsible for any problems encountered with our software caused by other programs installed on the vFire Core server. It is recommended that you install any third party software on a test server first and review the Alemba Knowledge Bank for any known issues.

For sites that are security conscious, Alemba recommends setting up SSL on the web server.

Before you start

You will need a license key, provided by Alemba.

Ensure that your server meets the technical requirements for installing vFire Core, as outlined in the Prerequisites Guide.

Configure the server as described in the Prerequisites documentation.

For a brand new instance of vFire Core, you must create a blank database in your database engine.

Stop all vFire Core dependent Windows Services before running the installer to avoid an error 1603. From the Windows Start menu, select Control Panel, Administrative Tools and then Services.

Installing vFire Core will stop IIS and any dependent services. Ensure that you install vFire Core at a time when these services are not needed.

Select the appropriate link to view a PDF version of the 9.11 Prerequisites, the Installation Guide, or the Upgrade Guide .

Starting the Installation

  1. Log in to the Alemba vFire Self Service portal, select Browse The Service Catalog, and place an Order for the vFire Core vx.x Setup File (where x.x is the appropriate version number). After submitting the order you will receive an email with a link to download the software.
  2. Download and extract the ZIP file vFire Core Setup x.x which consists of an executable setup file that will run the InstallShield program that installs vFire Core.
  3. Right click on the file and select Run as Administrator.
  4. The User Account Control window appears. You will be prompted to allow the vFire Core application to begin the setup process. Select Yes to proceed.

    5. An error message might display if, for example, you do not have the correct service pack for the operating system installed on your server, or the correct version of MMC. Check the Prerequisites Guide for more information about the minimum requirements for a vFire Core installation.

  5. The first window of the vFire Core InstallShield Wizard will display.

  6. Select Next to continue.
  7. In the vFire Core License Agreement window, read the terms and conditions.

  8. To print a copy of the license agreement, select Print. Accept the terms and then select Next to continue.
  9. The User Information window displays the User Name and Company. These fields are automatically filled with your current login details. If required, modify this information.

  10. Select Next to continue.
  11. The Setup Type window appears.

  12. Select Complete to install vFire Core into the default directory: C:\Program Files\Alemba\vFire. This is the recommended option.
  13. Select Custom to specify a different directory on your computer as the installation directory.
  14. Select Next to continue.
  15. If you have selected Custom, the Choose Destination Location window is displayed. To change the folder in which vFire Core is installed, select Browse. Choose an installation folder from the directories list.

  16. Select Next to continue.
  17. If you are performing a Custom install, you also need to complete the Select Features window. The only option is vFire Core, which is selected by default.
  18. Select Next to continue.
  19. In the Ready to Install the Program window, select Install to proceed with the installation.

  20. You will then get a window informing you that IIS needs to be stopped in order to continue. Select Yes to stop IIS and all dependent services and continue with installation. 
  21. The vFire Core files are copied to the computer. This may take several minutes. You will be prompted that IIS must be stopped if this has not already been done. Select Yes to continue.

  22. Once installation is complete, the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears.
  23. Select Finish to exit the InstallShield Wizard. The installation process for vFire Core is complete. The next step is to open the vFire Core Server Console to create and configure your new system. 

Creating a New vFire Core System

Creating a vFire Core system from a blank database is performed through the Server Console after installing vFire Core.

Follow the steps outlined in Creating a New System in the vFire Core Server Console Guide.