Configure the Execution Server to Run as a Process by Default

By default, the Execution Server currently runs as a service, which may be convenient in many cases. However, there are some technical limitations when running the Execution Server as a service, for example, the following features cannot be used:

• GUI automation (Ranorex)
• Writing to Excel through the Filesystem library prior to Library version 5.1.1
  
• Libraries that must launch a GUI, for example: IxNetwork
• Studio Function - Capture Image

In contrast, there may be instances where it is preferred to run the Execution Server as a process. However, running the Execution Server as a process requires a user to be logged in to the machine. The machine can be locked but an active user session must be in progress.

Running the Execution Server as a Process

The following procedure explains the steps required to convert the default Execution Server service to a process.

To run the Execution Server as a process by default:

1. Click Start and then run Services.msc
2. Stop the TestShell Execution Server service.
3. Run CMD (as administrator).

4. Delete the existing service by running the following command:

   sc delete "TestShell Execution Server"

5. Create a text file containing the following command, with the quotation marks:

   "C:\Program Files (x86)\QualiSystems\TestShell\ExecutionServer\QsExecutionServer.exe" tray

6. Save the file as a batch file named TestShell Execution Server.bat.

7. To have any Windows user on the machine configure the Execution Server as a process at login, add the batch file to the Windows Startup folder:

   C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp

   Alternatively, you can designate a Windows user to log in for the Execution Server and save the batch file to that user's Startup folder:

   %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

   Windows will launch the script automatically whenever the Windows user logs in. The Execution Server process is indicated by a system tray icon:

   

Reverting the Execution Server back to a service

Use this procedure to convert an Execution Server that is set to run as a process back to a service.

To revert the Execution Server to a service:

1. Remove the batch file from the Windows Startup folder:

   C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp

2. Exit the system tray process by right-clicking the process and selecting Exit.

   

3. Run CMD as administrator and run the following command:

   sc create "TestShell Execution Server" binpath="c:\Program Files (x86)\QualiSystems\TestShell\ExecutionServer\QsExecutionServer.exe"

   The TestShell Execution Server service is created.

4. Run the Execution Server configuration wizard to start the Execution Server.