Mapping Location in Save Node for Third Party Printer Error

[wrotenberry · Accepted solution]

It seems the problem with our FFCore server being unable to save to a third party rip was that the computer needed Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio installed first. Then FFCore application to be installed and configured to the actual user (not “Local”) account...... Installing SSMS and un-installling FFCore application deleting it's preferences and re-installing it configured to the actual user (not “Local”) account solved our problem. Many thanks to the Xerox support team for helping to solve this problem.

[Ken895741-XRXL]

So let me see if I can help clear things up a small amount. FreeFlow Core does NOT use the same 'user' or password information that Windows does. So just because you are on the desktop and can manually copy a file to the 3rd party printer does NOT mean that you have 'proper' access or permissions (per se). It does mean it is being shared and can be accessed (this I agree).

The Core Configure application changes HOW the FreeFlow Core software authenticates to any and all remote shares on the network. So the 'localsystemaccount' used by Core will NEVER authenticate to a remote system - regardless of what you can access manually from the desktop.

So ideally you setup a user on FreeFlow Core that is a 'local admin' account in Windows ON the FreeFlow Core server.  Then you change Core Configure to use this new account. I usually add a user named 'ffcore'.

Next, on the 3rd party computer, ADD a user to it - use the SAME username that you setup in FreeFlow Core. Then give that user permission to read/write to the share.

I see that you tried part of this and had issues starting FFCore - if that happens then there is a permissions issue on FreeFlow Core - you might not have given that user local admin rights.

This definitely works and I have helped many customers to do this for many years.

[wrotenberry]

I've been entering the third party server path with the UNC naming convention (\\server\shared folder) into the "File Location:" section of the "Save" node as described on page 6-2 of the release notes. But continue to get the "Unable to save the preset....." message. I have also successfully validated access to the shared folder by typing its UNC path in the "Run" app. The folder opens up without prompting for login credentials. I strongly believe I have a configeration problem withing Core itself or a windows priveleges problem since I'm unable to change the service in the "Service" tab of the FFCore Configure app from "LocalSystem"" to the correct admin user account. I will continue to research. I have a local Xerox reprensative coming by in a few days. I'll post an update when we figure it out. Thanks for you info!

[DavidU54339-XRX]

If you continue to have issues, I recommend contacting Xerox support. They should be able to sort through the issues.

[HenkG]

Attached the FFCore 6.2 Release Notes.

On page 6-2 are the steps that I described earlier, works for me. I think the only difference is that I use version 6.2.2, maybe worth the try to upgrade your system?

[wrotenberry]

I definitly think I have a "service/privileges problem. In the Service tab of the FFCore Configure app, I unchecked the checkbox "Check this box to use......" and typed in the user account name and password twice. I get the message "Database connection was not validated. Please confirm all information is correct and that the database is working correctly. The logged-on user or the user specified for the database account is not the database owner. Please confirm database ownership and try again."

The database is working correctly. And the 1 account on the FFCore server does appear to have administor privileges. I opened Windows Services and changed "FreeFlow Core" Properties "Log On" tab by unchecking the "Local System account" button and checking "This account" and putting in the user name and password. Then I restarted the service. Then I went back to the FFCore Configure app to try to put the username and password info in the Service tab but still got the same message. Also, I was unable to open FreeFlow in the web browser. I had to stop Windows FFCore service and check the "Local System account" button in the "Log On" tab to get FreeFlow working again in the web browser.

Any more advice?

[HenkG]

You'll have to uncheck the built-in Windows account and create a new user or use an existing user.

Fill in the accountname and the password (twice)

This account will be used to access the network and should have the right permissions....

The LocalSystem account can't be used to access networklocations.

Kind regards,

Henk

[wrotenberry]

Under the "Service" tab in the FreeFlow Core Configure app, the box "Check this box to use built-in Windows account" is checked. My Service Account Name is "LocalSystem". The Password and Confirm Password fields are blank and grayed out. Should these fields be different?

I've tried using \\Server\Folder when connecting to the remote server but I get the message "Unable to save the preset. Try the same opertion again. If the problem persists, contact site administrator for assistance".

[HenkG]

You'll have to use the FreeFlow Core Configure application on the server, here you can specify the account running the FFCore service. This account needs the right privileges to write into the printers' hotfolder.

FFCore will configure this account automatically for the right services and database access.

Don't use the mapped drive notation U:\Folder but use \\Server\Folder in the Save node....

Kind regards,

Henk

[wrotenberry]

The target machine is mapped correctly to the FFCore server. I can easily copy to and from it. I'm confident the Windows Credentials are correct. And I'm confident sharing is set up correctly on the target server. But I'm not confident I have the Core Configure/Service setup properly. Can you give me some more instruction on that? I'm running Windows 10.