Install Files.com Agent on Windows

To install the Files.com Agent on Windows, you will configure it to run as a Windows service. This ensures that it starts automatically whenever the system powers on or reboots, or when the agent program needs to recover from a problem. By installing the agent as a service, you dramatically improve the reliability of your connection.

Configure the Root Path

Verify that the root setting in the configuration file uses either a local drive path (such as C:\path\to\folder) or a UNC path to an accessible network drive (such as \\servername\c$\path\to\folder).

Microsoft advises using UNC paths instead of mapped network drives for system services because mapped drives can cause security and reliability problems. Mapped drives are shared across accounts, so other services may gain unintended access.

Set Service Account Permissions

The Windows service account running the Agent needs the right permissions to access the folder defined in the configuration file's root setting.

For most environments, using a named Active Directory account is the best practice. Configure the service to log on as this account and verify that it exists on both the Agent host system and any remote system the UNC path references. This account must also have the "Log on as a service" privilege. The Agent will only be able to access the root items that the selected user account has permissions to access. If you choose a local system user account instead, ensure the same account exists and has appropriate access on both systems.

MSI Based Service Installation

If you're using a Windows x86 64-bit system, download the Agent Installer MSI executable from the Agent's download page.

Place the MSI file in the same folder as the Agent configuration file before installation. Once you’ve updated the configuration file, double-click the MSI to install the Agent as a service.

After installation, you’ll find the configuration file at C:\Program Files\Files.com-Agent\files_agent_config.toml.

Command Line Service Installation

You can also install the Agent as a Windows service, by using the command:

files-agent.exe service install --config C:\path\to\files_agent_config.toml

When you install the Agent this way, the executable and configuration file stay in their current locations. After installation, start the service from the command line by running:

files-agent.exe service start

If you need to update the configuration file, stop the service first, make your changes, and then restart the service.

To stop it via the command line, use:

files-agent.exe service stop

To remove the Agent service from the system, use the command:

files-agent.exe service uninstall