Windows Install Guide
Software Version 7.3.x+ (V7)
Table of Contents
- What is new in V7?
- New Terminology
- Requirements
- Quick Start
- Express Installation - Recommended!
- Custom Installation - Optional (Advanced)
- Multi-client Installation - Adding slots (Expert)
- Command Line Only Option
- Table of Options
- How to Uninstall V7 - Partial (for Upgrades) or Complete Removal
- Install Guide Updates
- I found a better way to install the V7 client, where can I make a suggestion?
Introduction to V7
The new Folding@home (FAH) software is configured, controlled, and monitored through a new simpler graphical interface named Web Control. This new web browser based application has incorporated many new features, including client monitoring and configuration of all FAH clients. Web Control is now the recommended interface for all FAH types (CPU, GPU, SMP), replacing both the Systray and Console versions of FAH. The more advanced FAHControl application is also available.
What is new in V7?
We are pleased to say that everything is new in this version, using completely new software coding from the ground up. Our goal is to include the best features from the previous clients, make improvements where possible, discard what was no longer needed, then add new features like the quick start installer, the new FAHViewer, and the new unified interface. V7 has all of these and more, making installation and configuration much simpler and faster for new users, while continuing to support advanced options.
Note: There are too many updated and new features to list in an Installation Guide, so this section only covers What's New when installing V7 software. Please review the V7 documentation.
New Terminology
The V7 software really changes the concept of how people interact with FAH. And with new concepts come new or updated terms to describe those concepts. Learning new references is part of the process for change and improvement.
- Web Control - This is the new simpler graphical interface (front-end). Web Control will configure and monitor one or more FAHClient (slots) through an easy to use web page. This is the default control program.
- FAHControl - This is an alternate new graphical interface (advanced front-end). FAHControl will configure and monitor one or more FAHClient (slots), on one or more computers. This more advance interface is optional.
- FAHClient - This is the (back-end) client software managed by Web Control and typically runs behind the scene. This is a truly unified client (slot) manager. FAHClient starts one or multiple instances of a FAHCore and manages the work assignments for each of these client "slots."
- FAHSlot - aka "slot" - Each FAHCore and the data associated with it is called a slot. For example, one FAHSlot can be associated with a GPU and another slot associated with the CPU. Each folding slot can download, process, and upload results independently. The FAHClient manages each slot, and the Web Control monitors and displays their progress independently.
- FAHViewer - This is the new and fully functional work unit viewer. FAHViewer is modeled after the very popular PS3 viewer, and continues the many rendering options, ball and stick, space fill, zoom, rotation, etc., and adds snapshot capture and cycling to show folding in action.
Requirements
The new V7 software has the same basic hardware and operating system requirements as the previous clients. However, a few software specific requirements have changed to support newer features. Listed by slot type:
- CPU Slot Requirements
- Windows XP or newer, 32 or 64 bit
- Intel PIII-450 processor or newer, or AMD equivalent (modern multi-core processors strongly recommended)
- A limited selection of Projects are available for single core processors
- Projects for higher numbers of cores may require 64-bit and have shorter deadlines, generally requiring a client running at or close to 24/7
- Broadband internet connection or faster
Note: Although Pande Group has yet to provide a list of software prerequisites, donors have reported three issues. First is that Microsoft .NET Framework is required by V7 FAHControl in Windows, and Windows XP does not include .NET Framework by default. Microsoft .NET 2.0 or newer should be installed to support the V7 software in Windows XP. All newer versions of Windows already include a supported version of .NET by default. In addition, Windows XP needs the 2008 C++ Redistributable (32 bit) for the FAHClient to operate. And depending on your network configuration, IPv4 may need to be given priority over IPv6 using this Microsoft Fix It tool.
- GPU Slot Requirements
- Windows XP or newer
- FAHClient running more than part time to meet shorter deadlines
- Broadband internet connection or faster
- 1 or more supported GPU video cards
- ATI/AMD
- NVIDIA
- (GPU3 - CUDA - FAHCore_15)
- CUDA supported GPU (8xxx series and above), see full list
- 26x.xx NV device driver or newer (285.xx and 301.xx are known stable versions)
- (GPU3 - OpenCL - FAHCore_17)
- OpenCL compatible GPU, 4xx series and above (Fermi and Kepler) or newer
- max-packet-size option set to normal (the default)
- 301.xx NV device driver or newer (301.xx and 314.xx are known stable versions)
- (GPU3 - CUDA - FAHCore_15)
Note: GPU drivers, models, features, and support develop very quickly. Please note these specific issues.
- The 11.12 AMD device driver is the last version to support OpenCL on Windows XP. 7xxx series boards will need Windows Vista or newer.
- Automatic updating of the GPUs.txt is now supported in V7.3.x and newer.
- See the Folding Support Forum New GPUs (whitelist) section for more information about the GPU hardware whitelist (supported HW list) with newer GPUs.
- The end of support for ATI/AMD 4xxx series and below was announced in March 2011, and scheduled to end in September 2011. The last of the Fahcore_11 (GPU2) work units actually lasted until June 2012, more than a year after the original announcement.
Note: Under Windows, antivirus software can interfere with the Folding@home client files and cause errors. We suggest configuring antivirus software to exclude the FAH client directory and especially the Work directory from the antivirus scanning list. This can be done by going into the exclusion list panel that every antivirus should have. The work subdirectory contains semi-random binary data and can confuse overly aggressive heuristic virus scanning.
Quick Start
This section describes how to get started folding quickly with the new V7 software and a single FAHClient slot.
- Download and run the installer.
- Click Yes, Next, I Agree, Next, Finish.
- Enter a Name and/or Team #, and Passkey.
- Click Save.
- Done.
After the download, the new V7 software is installed and folding in under 1 minute. Very quick and easy. For a more guided installation, please see the Express Install or Custom Setup sections.
Express Installation - Recommended!
This section describes the recommended method for installing the V7 FAH software for an individual FAHClient slot on Windows XP and newer. A first time installation is assumed. And unless otherwised noted, the default setting for each option is the recommended setting.
Download the V7 Installer from here (see figure 1). The installer includes the new Web Control (client manager) interface software, the new FAHClient (slot manager) software, and the new FAHViewer (viewer) software. The optional advanced FAHControl (client manager) is also included.
Figure 1
Double-click the Installer icon to start the software installation.
A security warning prompt may be displayed (see figure 2).
Windows XP <-- Figure 2 --> Windows 7If prompted, run or acknowledge the warning to continue the installation.
The welcome screen is displayed (see figure 3).
Figure 3Click Next to continue the installation.
Read the License Agreement (see figure 4).
Figure 4If agreeable, click I Agree to continue.
The Install Mode option screen is displayed (see figure 5).
Figure 5Click Next to continue the Express (Recommended) installation.
Note: Express Install will automatically install one or more FAHClient slots to match the computer hardware detected. If multiple CPU cores are detected, an multi-core CPU slot is installed, otherwise a single core CPU slot is installed as the fall back option. If one or more GPUs are detected, one or more GPU slots are also installed automatically. If neither multicores or GPU are detected, a single core CPU slot is installed by default.
Note: In the latest client version, the SMP and the Uniprocessor slot types have been combined in to only one CPU type slot, which supports one or many cores.
Please wait while the installation finishes (see figure 6).
Figure 6V7 installation is almost complete (see figure 7).
Figure 7Click Finish.
A prompt from Windows Firewall or another security software may be displayed (see figure 8).
Windows XP <-- Figure 8 --> Windows 7If prompted, select unblock or allow access for V7 software to connect to the internet.
The Web Control (client manager) interface will start automatically after a few seconds. The Web Control page will prompt to configure a FAH user identity (see figure 9).
Figure 9The Web Control Identity tab is displayed (see figure 10).
Figure 10Enter a FAH user Name, Team #, and Passkey as needed. Click Save to continue.
The Web Control Home tab is displayed (see figure 11).
Figure 11V7 software is now installed and folding.
Please read the V7 Introduction page for basic information and explanations of the new client features.
See also the FAHControl (advanced client manager), FAHClient (slot), and FAHViewer (viewer) documents for more information about setup and customization options.
Custom Installation - Optional (Advanced)
This section describes V7 FAH custom options available when installing a single FAHClient slot on Windows XP and newer. This procedure assumes advanced knowledge of Windows and V7 Folding@home software. A first time installation is assumed, and unless otherwised noted, the default setting for each option is the recommended setting.
Note: To install a V7 FAHClient slot to run as a service (a bit later in the setup), the Windows XP user account running the installer must have Administrator privileges. In Windows Vista and newer, the installer must be opened with the Run As Administrator option. Do this by right-clicking on the installer icon and then click Run as Administrator. If prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password or provide confirmation. If a service install is the goal, this would be a good time to change to a user account with Administrative rights in XP, or to use the Run As option in Vista/7.
Note: Windows Vista and Windows 7 do not support running a GPU FAHClient slot as a service (Microsoft limitation).
Download the V7 Installer from here (see figure 1). The installer includes the new FAHControl (client manager) interface software, the new FAHClient (slot) software, and the new FAHViewer (viewer) software.
Figure 1
Double-click the Installer icon to start the software installation.
A security warning prompt may be displayed (see figure 2).
Windows XP <-- Figure 2 --> Windows 7If prompted, run or acknowledge the warning to continue the installation.
The welcome screen is displayed (see figure 3).
Figure 3Click Next to continue the installation.
Read the License Agreement (see figure 4).
Figure 4If agreeable, click I Agree to continue.
The Installer Mode option screen is displayed (see figure 5).
Figure 5Select the Custom (Advanced) option, as pictured. Click Next to proceed.
The Choose Users screen is shown (see figure 6).
Figure 6Select an option for which users will run V7 software. Click Next.
The client location screen is shown (see figure 7).
Figure 7An alternate destination folder may be entered. Click Next to continue.
The client data files location screen is shown (see figure 8). The current Windows account name will appear in place of [User_Name].
Windows XP <-- Figure 8 --> Windows 7An alternate destination folder may be entered for V7 configuration and data files location. Click Next.
The Start Software options are displayed (see figure 9). These are very important for determining how the FAHClient will start. It also selects if and how the FAHClient slots are controlled and monitored by FAHControl on this computer.
Figure 9How would you like to start the folding client?
The options pictured in figure 9 match the default settings used in the Express install, and are the recommended settings. Or select custom startup options below.
- The first option sets the FAHClient slot to start with FAHControl, typically when the user logs in (if the bottom check box is checked). The FAHClient slot is only visible in the FAHControl interface.
- This option starts the FAHClient slot in a command line at user login. This is similar to the commannd line client in previous versions.
- This option sets the FAHClient slot to run as a service, and is only visible in the FAHControl interface. Service Mode is not available to GPU clients in Windows Vista and Windows 7 (Microsoft limitation).
- This option is used to start the FAHClient manually from a shortcut.
- This check box determines if the FAHControl interface will start with the user login or if it will be started manually. FAHControl uses very little resources, and is used to control and monitor FAHClients, so checked is the recommended setting. However, when installing V7 software on multiple computers and monitoring those from a single location, it may be preferrable to use this option only on the computer monitoring the other systems.
After selecting custom startup options, click Next to continue.
Note: If this is not a first time install, a Win XP prompt or Win V/7 prompt to Keep current configuration? is shown. Do not uncheck this box unless you specifically want to discard the previous software settings. If prompted, click Next to continue.
The configuration screen is displayed (see figure 10).
Figure 10Configuration changes are optional and may be skipped. The FAHClient will run as anonymous on team 0 by default. Or enter a Donor Name, Team number, Passkey number, and/or a Preferred Client Mode as appropriate. Available Modes are GPU & SMP, SMP only, GPU only, or Uniprocessor only. Entering a passkey is strongly recommended but is not required. However, a passkey is required to participate in the Quick Return Bonus points system.
Note: The installer (GPU & SMP) will automatically install one or more FAHClient slots to match the computer hardware detected. If multiple CPU cores are detected, an SMP slot is installed, otherwise a Uniprocessor slot is installed as the fall back option. If one or more GPUs are detected, one or more GPU slots are also installed automatically. If neither multicores or GPU are detected, a Uniprocessor slot is installed by default.
Note: This section describes how to add an additional slot: Multi-client Installation - Adding slots
Click Install to continue.
Please wait while Folding@home is finishing the installation (see figure 11).
Figure 11V7 client installation is almost complete (see figure 12).
Figure 12Click Finish.
A prompt from Windows Firewall or another security software may be displayed (see figure 14).
Windows XP <-- Figure 14 --> Windows 7If prompted, select unblock or allow access for V7 software to connect to the internet.
The FAHControl (client manager) interface will start automatically. The FAHClient should display ONLINE and Running (see figure 15).
Figure 15V7 software is now installed and folding.
Please see the FAHControl (client manager), FAHClient (slot), and FAHViewer (viewer) documents for more information about setup and customization options.
Multi-client Installation - Adding slots (Expert)
This section describes how to add one or more additional FAHClient slots for Windows XP and newer using the FAHControl interface. When mixing GPU and CPU/SMP slots, the setup is quicker and easier to use the V7 installer to add both at the same time (GPU & SMP) mode. Even after a hardware upgrade, uninstalling and reinstalling is often easier and faster for adding slots for the new hardware.
In the rare event the installer does not add a slot, the procedure to add a slot manually is shown below.
This procedure assumes expert knowledge of Windows and V7 Folding@home software. A first time installation, and at least one other working and running FAHClient slot is also assumed. Unless otherwised noted, the default setting for each option is the recommended setting.
Note: Additional slots can be added manually by editing the FAHClient configuration file. However, this is risky as incorrect settings or typing mistakes may cause the current work unit to abort, the client to crash, or future points to be credited to someone other than you.
The recommended procedure for adding additional FAHClient slots is through the FAHControl configuration. Open FAHControl and click on the Novice display mode button near the top right (see figure 1).
Figure 1Select Expert from the drop-down list.
The FAHControl interface screen will change to the more informative Expert display mode (see figure 2).
Figure 2Click the Configure button (top left).
The Configure window and Connection tab are displayed by default (see figure 3).
Figure 3Select the Slots tab.
The current Folding Slots are listed (see figure 4).
Figure 4Click the Add button.
The Configure Folding Slots screen is displayed (see figure 5).
Figure 5Select the slot type to be added, Uniprocessor, SMP, or GPU. No extra information is needed to add a UNI slot. When adding an SMP slot, please select the correct number of processing cores. When adding a GPU slot, the recommended setting is -1 as the client will autodetect the correct GPU device number.
Click OK to continue. The Slots tab is displayed again, with the new FAHClient slot in the list (see figure 6).
Figure 6Repeat as needed to add additional new FAHClient slots, or click Save to finish the configuration and return to the main FAHControl screen.
Note: The new FAHClient slots will use the same performance settings (CPU percentage, Checkpoint frequency. etc.) as defined on the Advanced Tab.
The new slot will download a new work unit and starting folding automatically.
Command Line Only Option
The command line only stand alone FAHClient tarball is available for download from here.
Note: There is no install guide or support in the forum for this type of expert only installation. The only support for command-line only installs is this:
Documentation:
FAHClient --help
Configuration using config.xml:
FAHClient --configure
Configuration with no config file (minimum flags):
FAHClient --user=Anonymous --team=0 --passkey=1385yourpasskeyhere5924 --gpu=true --smp=true
Table of Options
This Client Differences v6 to V7 table lists some of the more common V7 options.
How to Uninstall V7 - Partial (for Upgrades) or Complete Removal
This section describes how to uninstall V7 FAH application, either partially for upgrading the V7 software version, or completely for a full removal of the software.
Please exit the application, then begin (see figure 1).
Figure 1Click on the Start button.
The Programs menu is displayed (see figure 2).
Figure 2Click on the All Programs menu. It will expand to show more items (see figure 3).
Figure 3Click on FAHClient menu. It will expand to show more items (see figure 3). Click on Uninstall menu item.
A security warning prompt may be displayed (see figure 4).
Figure 4If prompted, run or acknowledge the warning to continue the uninstall.
The optional components screen is displayed (see figure 5).
Figure 5The Data component consists of the current work unit if any, log files, fahcores, and FAHClient slot configuration. Check the box for Data to have these removed as well. If only uninstalling and reinstalling, or upgrading versions, do NOT check the data box to keep the data files and client configuration.
Click the Uninstall button to continue.
Note: If FAHControl or a FAHClient slot is still running, a prompt to Please stop all running Folding@home software is shown. Please exit all FAH software. Then click Retry to continue.
Please wait as the files are deleted or removed (see figure 6).
Figure 6Click Close when prompted.
Uninstall is complete.
Install Guide Updates
I found a better way to install the V7 client, where can I make a suggestion?
The install guides are written and updated by the folding community, and managed by the Pande Group. Please post any suggestions, corrections, or update recommendations to the corresponding Guides topic in the Folding Forum. And thank you for helping to improve the install guides.
For More Information, Please See:
Last Updated on June 03, 2013, at 05:28 PM