How to configure a catalogue network server

Download and install the latest version of Virtual Worlds Professional, Download Manager and SQL from the Virtual Worlds User Centre onto the server.

Open Virtual Worlds Professional on the server machine. The software does not need to be licenced, although you will be prompted for one. Opening the software initialises registry values that later stages of this setup process will require.

Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to where Virtual Worlds has been installed.

By default, this is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Virtual Worlds. 

Once you have navigated to the folder where Virtual Worlds is installed:

1. Locate and right-click on the Virtual Worlds folder and select Properties.
   
   
2. In the Virtual Worlds Properties window, select the Sharing tab.
   
   
3. Under the Sharing tab, click Advancing sharing.
   
   
4. In the Advanced Sharing window, tick the box Share this folder.
   
   
5. Click Permissions.
   
   
6. In the Permissions for Virtual Worlds window, under Permissions for Everyone, tick the box Give full control.
   
   
7. Click Apply and then click OK to close the window.
   
   
8. In the Advanced Sharing window, click Apply and click OK to close the window.
   
   
9. Close the Virtual Worlds Properties window. 

Go back to the Virtual worlds folder at the default location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Virtual Worlds.

1. Right-click the Virtual Worlds folder and select Properties.
   
   
2. In the Virtual Worlds Properties window, select the Security tab.
   
   
3. Under the Security tab, click Edit.
   
   
4. In the Permissions for Virtual Worlds window, click Add.
   
   
5. Type "Everyone" into the field and click OK.
   
   
6. In the Permissions for Virtual Worlds window, select Everyone from the list and tick the box Full control.
   
   
7. Click Apply. One the settings have been applied, click OK to close the window.
   
   

   Note: The settings may take a few minutes to apply, depending on if and how many catalogues are installed.

   
   
   
8. In the Virtual Worlds Properties window, click OK to close the window.

Next, your firewall must be configured to permit a specific application to communicate through it. Ensure that you are allowing the correct application (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your system.

1. Click the Windows Start icon and select Settings.
   
   
2. In the Settings window, select Update & Security and then select Windows Security.
   
   
3. Click Firewall & network protection and select Allow an app through the firewall. 
   
   
4. Click Change settings > Allow another App > Add > Browse.
   
   
5. Browse for the following location:
   • 64 - bit path:
     C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe
     
     
   • 32 - bit path:
     C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe
     
     
6. Under Allowed apps and features, locate the pathway and tick the boxes for Public and Private.

Now you have to reopen the firewall to configure the inbound and outbound rules for several ports.

1. Click the Windows Start icon and select Settings.
   
   
2. In the Settings window, select Update & Security and then select Windows Security.
   
   
3. Click Firewall & network protection and select Advanced settings.
   
   
4. Select Inbound Rules and, under Actions, click New Rule.
   
   
5. In the New Inbound Rule Wizard, select Port and click Next.
   
   
6. Select TCP or UDP and Specific local port, enter the number of the port, which is one of the following: 
   
   • TCP 1433
     
   • TCP 1434
     
   • UDP 1434
     
     

     Note: You will need to repeat the process for adding a new rule to add all three ports.

     
     
7. Click Next.
   
   
8. Select Allow the connection and click Next.
   
   
9. Ensure that the Domain, Private and Public boxes are ticked, and click Next.
   
   
10. Enter the name for the rule, for example, "Virtual Worlds TCP/UDP XXXX", using TCP or UDP as appropriate and using the number of the port, and then click Finish.

Open the Download Manager and log in. Download and install any catalogues you wish to be available to clients now, before the client machines are set up.

Click the Windows Start icon and select Settings. In the Settings window, select System and then About. Under Device specifications, make a note of the Device name. You will need this when setting up client machines.