Installing The BOINC Client Software on Microsoft Windows®
From Unofficial BOINC Wiki
[edit] General
You install the BOINC Client Software by running the Microsoft "Installer Program". This will guide you through the install just like any other program that you have installed in the past.
- Note:
- You can also use the Installer Program to repair, remove, or update an installation of the BOINC Client Software, see
This "BOINC "How-To" Guide only covers the physical installation of the BOINC Client Software and does not cover other activities related to the installation and set-up of the BOINC Client Software which are covered in other guides. Use the "Also See" section for a list of those guides.
[edit] Preconditions
In order to complete the procedure outlined in this guide, you must meet the following preconditions:
- You must have an operational computer.
- You must have Internet Access from this computer.
- You must be able to operate the computer and access the Internet.
[edit] Prepare to Install
[edit] Explanation
In this stage we will do all of the prepatory work to get us ready to install the BOINC Client Software.
First you should plan to stop all running programs, and ensure that all of your unsaved work has been saved before continuing. This means that if you are working on your 2,000 page thesis and have not saved it yet ... well, now is the time ...
Though there are almost never any problems with the installation of the BOINC Client Software, you don't want to be the first to lose all their work.
[edit] Stop All Other Programs
Stop all programs that you are currently running. Make sure you save your work.
[edit] Enable Your Internet Access
Enable access to the Internet for your computer.
[edit] Download the BOINC Client Software
Now we need to download the BOINC Client Software. Make sure that you select the correct Version to download from this list based on your Operating System.
- Note:
- Download ONLY the Recommended Version! Unless you really know what you are doing with the BOINC Client Software, only use the "Recommended Version!"
I usually download the software to the desktop so it will be easier for me to find. From there, I do the next steps to install the BOINC Client Software.
If you look at the example, you will see that the version we want is the one that is on the first line below the bar indicating Windows. Click on the link "Download". In this example we will get the BOINC Client Software of Version 4.45, which was the latest when this image was taken (unless some sneak changed my example. Curses!).
[edit] Download Page
Right-Click on this link and open it in a new window.
[edit] Download File
Click on the "Download" link in the line "Recommended Version" directly under the "Windows" line.
[edit] Security Warning
Right after clicking the link to download the software, you will most likely get a "Security Warning". Since you need to download this software, click the "Save" button.
[edit] Save As Dialog
Now we need to save the file. The "Save As" Dialog window allows you to save this file to whatever location you wish. I usually download to the "Desktop" as that makes it easy to find. Navigate to the location where you want to save the file and click the "Save" button.
[edit] Download In Progress
Next you will see the download "Progress" dialog window. Mine has the little check mark to close when done. If this window does not close when done. Click the "Ok" button to close it when the download has completed.
[edit] Finishing Up Downloading the BOINC Client Software
At this point you should have an installer Program" icon like this on your Desktop (or in the location you saved the file).
At this point we are ready for the next stage!
[edit] Installing the BOINC Client Software
[edit] Explanation
The 'Installer Program" has been downloaded and at this point we are going to install the BOINC Client Software on your computer. We are going to be presented with some options, and in most cases the default settings are good for almost all installations.
There is one "tricky" part because there are three types of installation.
- Single-User Installation
- Shared Installation
- Service Installation
In the first two types the BOINC Client Software will only run when the computer is on and someone is logged onto the computer. So, lets look a little deeper ...
If you have:
- No separate log in identities for family members or you are the only user, use the "Single-User Installation"
- Separate log in identities for family members:
- and you don't mind all family members being able to access the BOINC Client Software use the "Shared Installation".
- and you don't want all family members to be able to access the BOINC Client Software use the "Single-User Installation".
- Note:
- In this configuration the BOINC Client Software and the Science Applications will only run when you are logged into the computer.
In all other cases you will have to use the "Service Installation".
[edit] Pros and Cons For Installation Types
- Single-User Installation
- Pro: Simplest installation and works well if there is only one account on the computer.
- Con: Can cause problems if there are multiple accounts on the computer and you want the BOINC Client Software to run at all times.
- Shared Installation
- Pro: All users of the computer can interact with the BOINC Client Software.
- Con: All accounts on the computer have to have administrative rights to be able to start the BOINC Client Software and this is a security issue.
- Con: All users of the computer can interact with the BOINC Client Software which means they can "break" the system.
- Service Installation
- Pro: The BOINC Client Software will run even if no one is logged onto the computer.
- Con: You have to provide an account with Administrative Rights and have set a password for this account.
- Con: You cannot see the graphics unless you change some settings, see the BOINC "How-To" Guide "Enabling The Graphics Capability of the BOINC Client Software for a Service Type Installation".
If the suggested location to install the BOINC Client Software is acceptable (by default it is installed in "C:\Program Files\BOINC"), then accept the default choice during the installation steps below. If this is the first program you have installed, the default is the "best" choice and there is only a few reasons to change this. The default location is truly the normal and optimum place to install the BOINC Client Software.
[edit] Running The Windows® "Installer"
Now we can run the "Installer" to perform an installation, update, repair, or removal of the BOINC Client Software on the computer.
[edit] "Installer" Icon
At this point you should have an installer Program" icon like this on your Desktop (or in the location you saved the "Installer" file).
[edit] "Security Warning" Screen
Depending on the version of Microsoft Windows® that you are running you may see this run time warning after you start the "Installer Program".
Click the "Run" button.
[edit] "Splash" Screen
You should see a "Splash" screen like this example as the installer starts the installation process.
[edit] "Welcome" Screen
This is a "Welcome" screen that tells you what program you are going to install.
Click the "Next >" button.
[edit] "License" Screen
Read the license agreement in its entirety, then
Click the radio button icon next to "I accept the terms in the license agreement".
Click the "Next >" button.
- Note:
- If you do not accept the terms, you cannot install the BOINC Client Software.
[edit] "Destination Folder" Screen
This is where you can select a directory into which you will install the BOINC Client Software. If you have a compelling reason to change the directory you can use the "Change..." button to do so.
We strongly advise you to accept the default installation directory.
You may elect to install the BOINC Client Software on a different drive than the default. To change the installation "target", click on the "Change..." button.
Otherwise, and we again recommend to install to the default target, click the "Next >" button and proceed to the "Setup Type" Screen step.
In this window you can navigate to a specific location by:
- "Browsing" to the folder using the drop-down box.
- Also available are the "New Folder" and "Up One Level" icons to the right side, or
- Entering a completely qualified path name in the edit box "Folder name:" (bottom of the window).
When you have selected the correct target location, click "Ok" to use your choice or "Cancel" to abandon the change.
The newly selected target location will now be listed.
If the target is correct, then click the "Next >" button.
[edit] "Setup Type" Screen
There are three types of installation. In the first two types the BOINC Client Software will only run when the computer is on and someone is logged onto the computer. So, choose one of the types based on the criteria discussed above:
- Single-User Installation
The BOINC Daemon runs only when you're logged on, and only you can manage the BOINC Client Software. That is to say, the BOINC Client Software only runs when this account has been used to log-on to the computer. - Shared Installation
The BOINC Daemon runs when anyone is logged on to any of the accounts for this computer. - Service Installation
The BOINC Daemon runs at all times when the computer is operational.
- Note:
- If you are unsure which installation type is right for you, you can review the material above to aid you in your choice. Alternatively, you can install with the "Single-User Installation" at this time and then, later on, change the installation type with an update install using the BOINC "How-To" Guide: "Updating a BOINC Client Software Installation With The Windows Installer Program".
[edit] "Installation Configuration" Screen
This screen allows you to set two of the options on how you want the BOINC Client Software to operate on your computer. The choices are pretty self-explanatory. If you do not want one of the choices to go into effect, click on the check mark to clear it.
This example shows the settings for the "Single-User Installation", the "Shared Installation" looks the same with the exception of the title.
If you have chosen to use the "Service Installation" see the this additional step.
When you are done, click the "Next >" button.
[edit] "Ready to Install the Program" Screen
The moment of truth. If you are not sure about your settings, use the "< Back" to go back and review your settings.
If you are sure you have the correct settings, then ...
Click the "Install" button.
[edit] "In Progress" Screen
After you have started the install, you will see a screen like this example.
[edit] "Finish" Screen
We suggest that you leave the check mark "set" (the default).
Click the "Finish" button.
[edit] Initial Launch of the BOINC Client Software
[edit] Explanation
After the BOINC Client Software launches for the first time it will perform some configuration steps and run an initial Benchmark of your computer. This test is used to evaluate how "fast" your computer is so that the Project can assign you work that can be finished by the Result Deadline. For example, if youor computer can only process four Work Units into Results, we had better not issue you 4,000 Work Units to process. If that occurred, you would get a large lump of stuff that your computer could not finish in time.
The Benchmark will make is seem like your computer, and the BOINC Client Software are not working correctly. This "freezing" effect is normal and expected.
While the Benchmark is running, you want to do as little as possible to get a "good" reading. You can look at the numbers in the Messages Tab of the BOINC Manager which should have opened on your desktop when you pressed the "Finish" button.
During the initial start up and running of the Benchmark the BOINC Client Software should produce Messages in the Messages Tab that will look something like the following:
2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] Starting BOINC client version 4.45 for windows_intelx86 2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] Executing as a daemon 2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] Data directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\BOINC 2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] BOINC is running as a service and as a non-system user. 2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] No application graphics will be available. 2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] No general preferences found - using BOINC defaults 2005-07-12 12:17:37 [---] Remote control not allowed; using loopback address 2005-07-12 12:17:39 [---] Running CPU benchmarks 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] Benchmark results: 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] Number of CPUs: 4 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] 1467 double precision MIPS (Whetstone) per CPU 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] 1418 integer MIPS (Dhrystone) per CPU 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] Finished CPU benchmarks 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] Resuming computation and network activity 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] request_reschedule_cpus: Resuming activities 2005-07-12 12:18:37 [---] Insufficient work; requesting more
- Note:
- The BOINC Client Software may appear to "freeze" or "lock-up" while the Benchmark is running; this is normal and an expected behavior. To get the most accurate Benchmark scores I recommend that you do not have any other programs running.
You can get the full explanation of the Benchmark messages by looking at "Running CPU benchmarks". You can also see these, and many other messages at BOINC Messages which is also accessible from the Wiki's first page. The whole point to all these Messages is to keep you informed as to how the BOINC Client Software is operating on your computer.
[edit] Allow The Benchmark Process Complete
In the time it takes to read the above section, the Benchmark process should run through to completion.
[edit] Grant Permission For The BOINC Client Software to Access The Internet
The two components of the BOINC Client Software, the BOINC Manager (boincmgr.exe) and the BOINC Daemon (boinc.exe) require access to the Internet. When either of these components attempt to access the Internet Microsoft Windows® may display a dialog box as shown.
In both cases, for the BOINC Client Software to operate correctly these programs must be granted access to the Internet. My recommendation is that "Unblock" be chosen.
- Note:
- The "Name" of the program will vary depending on the type of installation performed. But, it will be "BOINC Something".
Image courtesy of Ken Phillips.
[edit] Clean-Up Your Computer
[edit] Explanation
In this stage we do those activities to finish the installation and clean-up your computer.
[edit] Delete/Save Installer Program
If you only have one computer that you are going to use with the BOINC Client Software, and you do not want to save the Installer Program; select the icon on the desktop (or wherever you downloaded it to) and drag it to the "Trash".
If, however, you want to be able to install the BOINC Client Software on another computer, or, you want to preserve the Installer Program move it to a shared folder for local access or to a "save" directory.
- Note: There have been instances of problems with uninstalling or installing a later Version of the BOINC Client Software when the previous installer package was no longer available.
[edit] Summary
We downloaded and installed the BOINC Client Software and started it up for its initial run and obtained a Benchmark score.
If you came here from the BOINC "How-To" Guide "Installing the BOINC Client Software And Participating In A BOINC Powered Project", then click the "Back" button on your Web Browser.
[edit] BOINC "How-To" Guides Related To Installation
The list that follows contains the BOINC "How-To" Guides, in rough order of use, that are used in the installation and set-up of the BOINC Client Software.
- Note:
- Don't panic! I have pictures and everything!
- Installing the BOINC Client Software And Participating In A BOINC Powered Project (Master Guide)
- Choosing a BOINC Powered Project
- Joining a BOINC Powered Project
- Installing:
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on Microsoft Windows® (all versions).
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on Apple Macintosh OS-X (only; do not attempt to install or run the BOINC Client Software on OS-9)
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on Linux (x86 versions only)
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on SPARC/Solaris
- BOINC and SETI@Home Quick Install Guide for HPUX
- Attaching The BOINC Client Software To A BOINC Powered Project
- Updating or Repairing the BOINC Client Software:
- Detaching The BOINC Client Software From A BOINC Powered Project
- Uninstalling the BOINC Client Software:
- Miscellaneous Installation Related Tasks
- Deprecated Procedures
[edit] Other Related Messages
- Aborting CPU benchmarks, one or more active tasks are still running (Obsolete)
- Benchmark results:
- CPU benchmarks timed out, using default values
- Failed to stop applications; aborting CPU benchmarks
- Finished CPU benchmarks
- Number of CPUs: '(Nbr of CPUs)'
- Number of usable CPUs has changed. Running benchmarks.
- Pausing result '(result)' (removed from memory)
- Resuming computation and network activity
- Running CPU benchmarks
- Suspending computation and network activity - running CPU benchmarks
- Version Change Detected (x.y -> x1.y1); running CPU benchmarks
- XXXX double precision MIPS (Whetstone) per CPU
- YYYY integer MIPS (Dhrystone) per CPU
