MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and User Guide - Support Home ...

MetaXpress ® PowerCore High ContentDistributed Image Analysis SoftwareInstallation and User Guide0112-0183 CAugust 2011

This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices, LLC(“Molecular Devices”) equipment, software, reagents, and consumables to use in theoperation of such Molecular Devices equipment, software, reagents, andconsumables. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of thisdocument, in whole or any part, is strictly prohibited, except as Molecular Devicesmay authorize in writing.Software that may be described in this document is furnished under a licenseagreement. It is against the law to copy, modify, or distribute the software on anymedium, except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. Furthermore, thelicense agreement may prohibit the software from being disassembled, reverseengineered, or decompiled for any purpose.Portions of this document may make reference to other manufacturers and/or theirproducts, which may contain parts whose names are registered as trademarks and/orfunction as trademarks of their respective owners. Any such usage is intended onlyto designate those manufacturers’ products as supplied by Molecular Devices forincorporation into its equipment and does not imply any right and/or license to useor permit others to use such manufacturers’ and/or their product names astrademarks.Molecular Devices makes no warranties or representations as to the fitness of thisequipment for any particular purpose and assumes no responsibility or contingentliability, including indirect or consequential damages, for any use to which thepurchaser may put the equipment described herein, or for any adverse circumstancesarising therefrom.For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or theirrespective owners. These trademarks may not be used in any type of promotion oradvertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, LLC.Product manufactured by Molecular Devices, LLC.1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, California, United States of America 94089.Molecular Devices, LLC is ISO 9001 registered.© 2011 Molecular Devices, LLC.All rights reserved.

ContentsChapter 1 Overview and Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7About MetaXpress PowerCore Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Requirements for Existing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Installation Order and Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9About Firewalls and Antivirus Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10How to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10How to Obtain Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Chapter 2 MetaXpress PowerCore ServerInstallation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Information You Need. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Installing the MetaXpress PowerCore Server andLicense Key Server Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Registering the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Configuring the MetaXpress PowerCore ServerSettings and Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Chapter 3 MDCStore Database and File ServerUpdates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Updating the MDCStore Database Schema fromVersion 2.0 or later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Choosing the Appropriate Installer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Updating the MDCStore Database Schema . . . . . . . . . . 21Updating the MDC File Server Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Configuring Database Clients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230112-0183 C 3

ContentsChapter 4 Database Client Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Information You Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Supported Database Client Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Installation Order and Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Oracle Client Installation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 26Installing and Configuring the Oracle Client . . . . . . . . . . 26Configuring the Oracle Net Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Configuring the Oracle ODBC Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . 36SQL Client Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Configuring the SQL Client. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Chapter 5 MetaXpress PowerCore ClientInstallation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Information You Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Installing the MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Configuring the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Client . . . . . . . 47Setting MetaXpress PowerCore Client Service LogOnProperties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Chapter 6 MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-JobManagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51How the MetaXpress PowerCore SoftwareProcesses Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51About Jobs with Journals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Processing Filtered Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Using a Processing Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Monitoring the MetaXpress Software Auto Run Queuefor Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Starting Auto Run Queue Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Stopping Queue Monitoring and Canceling Jobs . . . . . . . . 55Viewing Job Status and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Information on the Job History Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideViewing Information about Jobs Processed inPrevious Sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Restarting Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Managing Information on Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Chapter 7 MetaXpress PowerCore Server andLicense Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59About Running MetaXpress PowerCore Applicationsand Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59About Closing the MetaXpress PowerCoreServer Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60About Restarting MetaXpress PowerCoreApplications and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Server Settings . . . . . . 60Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Server Preferences . . . . 61About MetaXpress PowerCore Software Licensing. . . . . . . 61Viewing MetaXpress PowerCore Software LicenseSettings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Viewing MetaXpress PowerCore Software LicenseUsage and Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Using Multiple MetaXpress PowerCore Servers. . . . . . . . . 63Reserving Processes for Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63How Clients are Connected to Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Increasing License Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Chapter 8 MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65About MetaXpress PowerCore Client Status . . . . . . . . . . . 65Information on the Active Clients Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Client Settings . . . . . . . 66Stopping and Restarting the MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Adding Clients to the Server’s Selected Clients List . . . . . 680112-0183 C 5

ContentsChapter 9 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69About MetaXpress PowerCore Server-ClientCommunication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Verifying MetaXpress PowerCore Server-ClientCommunication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Viewing and Changing MetaXpress PowerCorePort Number Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Viewing Error Handling Preferences and Log Files . . . . . . . 71Viewing Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Information on the Errors Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72About Work Unit Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Removing Entries from the Errors Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Viewing Timeout Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Symptoms and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Contacting Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Appendix A MetaXpress PowerCore Installationand Configuration Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Installation Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82MetaXpress PowerCore Software andLicense Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Database Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84MetaXpress PowerCore Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86MetaXpress PowerCore Server Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . 89MetaXpress PowerCore Client Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91MetaXpress PowerCore Clients and ProcessingCapabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 996 0112-0183 C

Overview and Requirements1IntroductionThis guide explains how to install, configure, and use the MetaXpress ®PowerCore High Content Distributed Image Analysis Software. Thissection provides an overview of the product, system requirements, andinstallation procedures.Topics in this section:• About MetaXpress PowerCore Software on page 7• Before You Begin on page 8• Requirements for Existing Systems on page 8• Installation Overview on page 9• About Firewalls and Antivirus Software on page 10• How to Obtain More Information on page 10• How to Obtain Support on page 10About MetaXpress PowerCore SoftwareThe MetaXpress PowerCore Software is a server-client system thatincreases the speed of analysis for the MetaXpress ® High ContentImage Acquisition and Analysis Software application modules. TheMetaXpress PowerCore server seamlessly obtains application moduleanalysis jobs from the MetaXpress Auto Run Queue. It then dividesthose analysis jobs into the smallest possible work units, usually at thewell or site level (an image), and distributes the work units toMetaXpress PowerCore clients where the analysis is performed.When the analysis is complete, MetaXpress PowerCore clients send theresults back to the MetaXpress PowerCore server, which in turn savesthe data to the MDCStore Data Management Solution database.The MetaXpress PowerCore Software processes only those jobs thatcontain MetaXpress application modules. If a job contains anyMetaXpress journals, it is ignored by the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware and processed by the MetaXpress Software.Jobs that have been processed by the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareare available in the MDCStore database for review in MetaXpressSoftware and for data mining in AcuityXpress High ContentInformatics Software.0112-0183 C 7

Overview and RequirementsBefore You BeginCAUTION! To get the best performance from the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware, a database administrator, with the proper expertise, mustconfigure and optimize, or tune, your database for your facility. If youdo not have a database administrator, contact Molecular Devices for alist of consultants. In addition, the database-related information in thisdocument is provided for guidance only. Molecular Devices is notresponsible for damage to existing user data due to network problems,power failure, or unexpected termination of the database. For moreinformation about database installation, security, operation, andoptimization, contact the appropriate software vendor.Before you install the MetaXpress PowerCore Software, you shouldreview the detailed system requirements and information in thesedocuments:• Molecular Devices Complete Solution HCS ComputerSpecifications• Molecular Devices Complete Solution HCS IT Requirements• Molecular Devices Complete Solution HCS IT Presentation• MetaXpress ® PowerCore Software Release NotesThese documents are available in the knowledge base on the MolecularDevices support site: http://www.moleculardevices.com/support.htmlFor technical support, see How to Obtain Support on page 10.Requirements for Existing SystemsTo use the MetaXpress PowerCore Software, you must have:• One or more ImageXpress ® System workstations that performimage acquisition using MetaXpress Software, version 3 or later.• A working MDCStore database, version 2 or later.• Images accessible through a UNC (Universal NamingConvention) file storage location or the MDC File Server system.• Computers to be used as MetaXpress PowerCore servers andMetaXpress PowerCore clients.Note: The MetaXpress PowerCore Software has been tested inclient configurations of up to 32 processor cores.8 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideInstallation OverviewTo install the MetaXpress PowerCore Software you must:1. Read the documents listed in Before You Begin on page 8.2. Obtain the MetaXpress PowerCore Software installationpackage, including the license key USB device, from MolecularDevices.3. Install and configure a MetaXpress PowerCore server. SeeChapter 2 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation andConfiguration on page 11.4. Back up your existing MDCStore database and images.5. Update the schema of your existing MDCStore database. SeeChapter 3 MDCStore Database and File Server Updates onpage 19.6. If you use the MDC File Server application, and if your version isolder than 1.1.0.22, update the application. See Chapter 3MDCStore Database and File Server Updates on page 19.7. Install and configure the Oracle or SQL database client softwareon MetaXpress PowerCore servers and clients. See Chapter 4Database Client Configuration on page 25.8. Install and configure MetaXpress PowerCore clients. SeeChapter 5 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installation andConfiguration on page 45.For configuration tables and an installation checklist, see Appendix A:MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration Notes onpage 81.Installation Order and WorkflowYou can modify the installation order to improve workflow andefficiency. For example, it is not necessary to install and configure theOracle or SQL database client software on all MetaXpress PowerCoreclients before you install the MetaXpress PowerCore application onthem.0112-0183 C 9

Overview and RequirementsAbout Firewalls and Antivirus SoftwareFollow these guidelines when working with firewalls and antivirussoftware:• Avoid having firewalls between MetaXpress PowerCore serversand clients. Install clients and servers on the same subnet ifpossible.• Verify that firewalls are configured to permit both UDP (UserDatagram Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)transmissions on the port used by MetaXpress PowerCoreservers and clients.• Verify that antivirus software permits UDP and TCPtransmissions on the port used by MetaXpress PowerCoreservers and clients.• If you are using the Windows Vista operating system, ensurethat network discovery is enabled.For more information about port number settings, see MetaXpressPowerCore Server Settings on page 86 and MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Settings on page 91.How to Obtain More InformationAdditional information is available on the Web:• For general information, go to the Molecular Devices web site:http://www.moleculardevices.com.• To search the knowledge base, go to the Molecular Devicessupport site:http://www.moleculardevices.com/support.html.• For software updates, go to the knowledge base on theMolecular Devices support site:http://www.moleculardevices.com/support.htmlHow to Obtain SupportFor technical support, see the Molecular Devices support site on theWeb at http://www.moleculardevices.com/support.html.To speak to a Technical Support representative by phone, call800-635-5577. For more information, see Contacting Technical Supporton page 79.10 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore ServerInstallation and Configuration2IntroductionPrerequisitesTo use the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Software, you must install andconfigure a MetaXpress PowerCore server as described in this section.The MetaXpress PowerCore server connects to the MDCStoredatabase to retrieve analysis jobs, it divides those jobs into work units,and it distributes the work units to MetaXpress PowerCore clients forprocessing.You can install and configure more than one computer as a MetaXpressPowerCore server to increase your analysis capability or toaccommodate test and production needs. MetaXpress PowerCoreservers can share a single license key USB device, and you specify thenumber of processes available to each server. However, the combinednumber of analysis processes running simultaneously on MetaXpressPowerCore clients cannot exceed the number of simultaneousprocesses allowed by the license.Topics in this section:• Prerequisites on page 11• Information You Need on page 12• Installing the MetaXpress PowerCore Server and License KeyServer Applications on page 12• Registering the MetaXpress PowerCore Software License onpage 14• Configuring the MetaXpress PowerCore Server Settings andPreferences on page 16Before you begin, you must:1. Have a system in place that meets the requirements referencedin Chapter 1 Overview and Requirements on page 7.2. Obtain the MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation CD, ordownload the installation software, from Molecular Devices.3. Obtain the network license key USB device, registration code,and authorization code from Molecular Devices.0112-0183 C 11

MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation and ConfigurationInformation You NeedDuring installation and configuration, you need to know settings suchas the port number you want to use for MetaXpress PowerCore serverclientcommunication. These settings are described in MetaXpressPowerCore Server Settings on page 86.Installing the MetaXpress PowerCore Server andLicense Key Server ApplicationsTo install the MetaXpress PowerCore server application1. On the computer where you want to install the MetaXpressPowerCore server application, log in as administrator.Remove any Sentinal USB keys attached to this computer, toprevent the configuration of the key from getting erased.Note: Only one Sentinal USB key from a Molecular Devicesproduct can be on a computer at any given time, due toconflicts with the Sentinal USB driver.2. If your MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation is on a CD,insert the CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. If theinstallation screen does not appear, go to the CD folder anddouble-click Autorun.exe.3. If you downloaded the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareinstallation package to the server, double-click the self-extractorfile to unzip it, and then double-click Autorun.exe.The MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation screenappears.4. Click Install License Key Server.5. Follow the instructions in the wizard to complete the installation.During installation, you might see a message that WindowsFirewall settings on the license key server are being changed.This is because the license key driver opens a port on thecomputer for licensing access. If you have other firewallsoftware installed, make sure it permits the license key driver,spnsrvnt.exe, to send and receive TCP/IP communications onport 6002.6. Plug the license key device in to a USB port on the server. If youhave more than one license key, install each key on a separateserver. You cannot have multiple license keys on the sameserver.12 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTip! It is best to install the license key USB device and licensekey server application on the server where the MetaXpressPowerCore server application is installed. This ensures that thekey is always accessible to the server. However, you can plugthe license key in to a USB port on any network computerprovided that all MetaXpress PowerCore servers cancommunicate over the network with the license key computer atall times.The license key server application must be installed on thecomputer where the license key USB device is installed. If youhave multiple license key USB devices, however, you mustinstall them on separate servers. You cannot install multiplelicense key USB devices on the same server.7. When the license key server installation is complete, click InstallMetaXpress PowerCore Server on the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware installation screen.The MetaXpress PowerCore server installation starts.8. Follow the instructions in the wizard to complete the installation.0112-0183 C 13

MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation and ConfigurationRegistering the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware LicenseTo register the MetaXpress PowerCore Software license:1. Click Start > All Programs > Molecular Devices > MetaXpressPowerCore > MetaXpress PowerCore Server to start theMetaXpress PowerCore server application.The License Registration Information property sheet appears.2. In the License Key Host Name field, type the IP address or thecomputer name of the server where the license key USB deviceis plugged in.If you are using an IP address for the license key host name,ensure that you are using a static IP address.3. Click Read License Key ID.The identification number of the license key USB deviceappears. If the number does not appear, check networkconnections, unplug the license key USB device, and then plugthe device in again. To verify that the key is valid and working,go to the license key host web page, http://localhost:6002/. Toview the web page on a network computer, substitute localhostwith the computer name of IP address of the network computer.14 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guide4. To provide the registration and authorization codes, use one ofthese methods:• Click Get Code from Internet to obtain the codes from theMolecular Devices license server. To use this method, yourserver must have an Internet connection.• In the Registration Code and Authorization Code text boxes,type the codes that you received from Molecular Devices.• Go to http://www.meta.moleculardevices.com/authorize/and type your system ID number as listed on the USB key.Then, follow the instructions to display the latest codes. Typethese codes in the dialog.Tip! The registration and authorization codes are case-sensitive.The registration code is 44 characters in length, and theauthorization code is 11 characters in length. To collect andmanage license information, use Table A-2 MetaXpressPowerCore Software and License Information on page 83.5. Click Validate to verify that the codes are correct.The Total Parallel Processes Permitted field indicates the numberof MetaXpress PowerCore analytical processes that can runsimultaneously on MetaXpress PowerCore clients.6. Click Register to authorize the use of the license.A dialog appears. It states that the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver application must close to complete the registration.7. Click OK.0112-0183 C 15

MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation and ConfigurationConfiguring the MetaXpress PowerCore ServerSettings and Preferences1. Click Start > All Programs > Molecular Devices > MetaXpressPowerCore > MetaXpress PowerCore Server to start theMetaXpress PowerCore server application.The Server Settings property sheet appears.2. Choose the settings for MetaXpress PowerCore servercommunications. For descriptions of settings, see MetaXpressPowerCore Server Settings on page 86.3. In the Licensing section at the bottom of the property sheet,click Advanced.16 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideThe License Usage property sheet appears.4. In the Processes to be Reserved for this Server field, type thenumber of processes you want to reserve for the server.The number of processes reserved for the server in the LicenseUsage property sheet determines the number of simultaneousprocesses the server can run. Until processes are reserved for it,the server cannot run any analysis processes.Also, if the license permits 100 simultaneous processes, but only50 processes are reserved for the server, the server cannot runmore than 50 processes simultaneously even though the licensepermits 100. For more information on licensing settings, seeMetaXpress PowerCore Server and License Management onpage 59.5. Click OK to close the License Usage property sheet, and thenclick OK to close the Server Settings property sheet.6. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Preferences.0112-0183 C 17

MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation and ConfigurationThe Preferences property sheet appears.7. In the Preferences property sheet, set the error handlingpreferences. These preferences are explained in MetaXpressPowerCore Server Preferences on page 89.8. Click OK to close the Preferences property sheet.After you have installed and configured the MetaXpressPowerCore server, update the MDCStore database schema asdescribed in Chapter 3 MDCStore Database and File ServerUpdates on page 19.18 0112-0183 C

MDCStore Database and File ServerUpdates3IntroductionThe MDCStore database stores:• Images or the location of images acquired using ImageXpress ®imaging instruments.• The analysis and acquisition settings as well as the results of theanalysis of these images with MetaXpress ® Software applicationmodules and journals.• AcuityXpress Software data mining results.To use the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Software with the MDCStoredatabase, you must update the database schema as described in thissection. In addition, the MDCStore database should be running on anetworked computer. Molecular Devices recommends that you do notrun the MDCStore database on the computer that hosts the MetaXpressPowerCore server or MetaXpress PowerCore client. For additionalinformation, see Computer and Server Specifications for AcuityXpressor MetaXpress Offline Analysis.If you are using an older version of the MDC File Server application,update that application as described in this section.CAUTION! To get the best performance from the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware, a database administrator, with the proper expertise, mustconfigure and optimize, or tune, your database for your facility. If youdo not have a database administrator, contact Molecular Devices for alist of consultants. In addition, the database-related information in thisdocument is provided for guidance only. Molecular Devices is notresponsible for damage to existing user data due to network problems,power failure, or unexpected termination of the database. For moreinformation about database installation, security, operation, andoptimization, contact the appropriate software vendor.Topics in this section:• Prerequisites on page 20• Updating the MDCStore Database Schema from Version 2.0 orlater on page 20• Updating the MDC File Server Application on page 230112-0183 C 19

MDCStore Database and File Server UpdatesPrerequisitesBefore you begin, you must:1. Make sure your system meets the requirements in Chapter 1Overview and Requirements on page 7.2. Verify that the MDCStore database is at version 2 or later, andthat it is installed and configured as described in the MDCStoreDatabase and File Server Solution User Guide.CAUTION! The tablespace of the MDCStore database must be allowed toexpand past its initial size, since the database might grow significantly.Molecular Devices recommends starting with 2 GB of space andinstalling the database on a dedicated data partition, not on theprimary drive. Using external hard drives is not recommended becausethey can be easily turned off, which prevents access to the data.3. Install the MetaXpress PowerCore server application on theMetaXpress PowerCore server as described in Chapter 2MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation and Configuration onpage 11.4. Back up your existing database and images.Updating the MDCStore Database Schema fromVersion 2.0 or laterUpdating the MDCStore database schema from version 2.0 to version2.1 or later adds a column to the table that handles the MetaXpressAuto Run Queue.Note: Existing data is not affected by the update, however you shouldback up your database before you update it.Choosing the Appropriate InstallerThe MetaXpress Data Manager database schema installer is available in32-bit and 64-bit versions. Molecular Devices recommends that you usethe 32-bit version if you have a 32-bit operating system. If you have a64-bit operating system, use the 64-bit version.20 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideUpdating the MDCStore Database SchemaTo update the MDCStore database schema1. Log in to your MDCStore database server, or any server that canconnect to your database server, as administrator.2. If your MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation is on a CD,insert the CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. If theinstallation screen does not appear, go to the CD folder anddouble-click Autorun.exe.3. If you downloaded the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareinstallation package, copy it to the server, double-click the selfextractorfile to unzip it, and then double-click Autorun.exe.The MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation screenappears.4. Select to install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the MDCStoredatabase schema:• To install the 32-bit version, click Install/Update MDCStore: 32bit.• To install the 64-bit version, click the 64 bit button that isnext to Install/Update MDCStore.The Database Installation and Update screen appears.0112-0183 C 21

MDCStore Database and File Server Updates5. In the Update an existing database section, choose one of theseoptions:• To update an SQL database on the server you are logged into, select Update database on this computer, select thedatabase you want to update, and then click Update.• To update an Oracle database, or to update an SQL databaseon a different server, click Update a database on the networkand then click Update.6. Read the warning information, and then click OK to acknowledgethat you are ready to update the database.7. If you are updating an SQL database on the server itself, typethe user name and password required to access the database,and then click OK. For an SQL database, log in as sa.8. If you are updating an Oracle database, or an SQL database onthe network, select the data source you want to connect to, typeyour login name and password, and then click OK.• For for an Oracle database, log in as system.• For an SQL database, log in as sa.9. For Oracle databases, select the database you want to update,and then click OK.Tip! If you are not using the default port for your MDCStoredatabase, make a note of the port number the database uses.You need to know this port number when you configure thedatabase client software on MetaXpress PowerCore servers andclients. To record this number, use the Table A-3 DatabaseClient Settings on page 84.When the update is complete, a message appears stating thatthe database has been updated successfully.22 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideUpdating the MDC File Server ApplicationIf you are using the MDC File Server application, you must use version1.1.0.22 or later. If you have an older version of the application, youmust update it as described in this section.To update the MDC File Server application1. Log in to the server where the MDC File Server is installed asadministrator.2. If your MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation is on a CD,insert the CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. If theinstallation screen does not appear, go to the CD folder anddouble-click Autorun.exe.3. If you downloaded the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareinstallation package, copy it to the server, double-click the selfextractorfile to unzip it, and then double-click Autorun.exe.4. On the MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation screen, clickInstall or Update File Server.5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.When the update is complete, a message appears stating thatthe application has been updated successfully.The MDC File Server installer installs two files:• The File Server Manager program (FileServerManager.exe) isinstalled in the following location:C:\Program Files\Molecular Devices\MDC File Server• The file server (FileServer.exe) is installed in the followinglocation:C:\Windows\System32Configuring Database ClientsWhen you have completed the updates, configure the Oracle or SQLdatabase clients on MetaXpress PowerCore servers and MetaXpressPowerCore clients as described in Chapter 4 Database ClientConfiguration on page 25.0112-0183 C 23

MDCStore Database and File Server Updates24 0112-0183 C

Database Client Configuration4IntroductionPrerequisitesInformation You NeedTo use the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Software, you must install andconfigure the Oracle or SQL database client software on all MetaXpressPowerCore servers and clients as described in this section.Topics in this section:• Prerequisites on page 25• Information You Need on page 25• Supported Database Client Software on page 26• Installation Order and Workflow on page 26• Oracle Client Installation and Configuration on page 26• SQL Client Configuration on page 39Before you begin, you must:1. Make sure your system meets the requirements in Chapter 1Overview and Requirements on page 7.2. Install and configure a MetaXpress PowerCore server asdescribed in Chapter 2 MetaXpress PowerCore ServerInstallation and Configuration on page 11.3. Update the MDCStore database schema as described inChapter 3 MDCStore Database and File Server Updates onpage 19.When you configure the database clients, you need to know the portnumber and other settings used by your MDCStore database. For adescription of these settings, see Database Settings on page 84.0112-0183 C 25

Database Client ConfigurationSupported Database Client SoftwareThe MetaXpress PowerCore Software can be used with Oracle and SQLdatabase software. For database client installation and configurationinstructions, see:• Oracle Client Installation and Configuration on page 26• SQL Client Configuration on page 39Installation Order and WorkflowYou can modify the installation order to improve workflow andefficiency. For example, it is not necessary to install and configure theOracle or SQL database client software on all MetaXpress PowerCoreclients before you install the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareapplication on them. To reduce the number of times you need to log into separate client computers, you could:1. Log in to a MetaXpress PowerCore client and install andconfigure the Oracle or SQL database client software (seeChapter 4 Database Client Configuration on page 25).2. Install and configure the MetaXpress PowerCore clientapplication on that computer (see Chapter 5 MetaXpressPowerCore Client Installation and Configuration on page 45).3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each additional MetaXpress PowerCoreclient.Oracle Client Installation and ConfigurationIf you are using an Oracle database, you must install and configureOracle client drivers and services on all MetaXpress PowerCore serversand clients as described in this section.Oracle installation and configuration tasks include:• Installing and Configuring the Oracle Client on page 26• Configuring the Oracle Net Service on page 33• Configuring the Oracle ODBC Data Source on page 36Installing and Configuring the Oracle ClientBefore installing or configuring the Oracle client, make sure that youare using the correct Oracle client. See Molecular Devices CompleteSolution HCS Computer Specifications.26 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTo install and configure the Oracle client:1. On the MetaXpress PowerCore server or client, log in asadministrator.2. Download the appropriate Oracle database client drivers fromhttp://www.oracle.com.3. Unzip the downloaded package and double-click setup.exe tostart the installation.4. On the Welcome page, click Next.0112-0183 C 27

Database Client Configuration5. On the Select Installation Type page, click Custom.6. If your system uses a language other than English (UnitedStates), click Product Languages, and then select English (UnitedStates).Note: The MetaXpress PowerCore Software requires the Oracleinstallers to use English (United States) regional and languagesettings.7. Click Next.28 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guide8. In the Specify Home Details page, select the installation locationand then click Next.0112-0183 C 29

Database Client Configuration9. Resolve any issues identified on the Product-Specific PrerequisiteChecks page, and then click Next.30 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guide10. On the Available Product Components page, select Oracle WindowsInterfaces and deselect Oracle Services for Microsoft Transaction Serverthat gets selected when you select Oracle Windows Interfaces. Select thedrivers to be installed, including ODBC Driver and Oracle NetManager. Then, click Next.0112-0183 C 31

Database Client Configuration11. On the Summary page, expand the New Installations section toverify that the installation summary includes the correct versionof the ODBC driver, and then click Install.The Oracle client software is installed.Repeat this procedure for all MetaXpress PowerCore servers andclients.32 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideConfiguring the Oracle Net ServiceTo configure the Oracle Net Service1. On the MetaXpress PowerCore server or client, click Start >All Programs > Oracle Client > Configuration and Migration Tools >Net Manager.2. In the Oracle Net Manager window, select Service Naming, andthen click the green plus sign ( ).The Net Service Name wizard appears.0112-0183 C 33

Database Client Configuration3. On the Welcome page, in the Net Service Name field, type aname for the service, and then click Next.4. On the Protocol page, select a protocol that is supported by yoursystem and by your Oracle database, and then click Next.34 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guide5. On the Protocol Settings page, type the host name of the serverthat hosts your Oracle database and the port number that thedatabase server listens to, and then click Next.6. On the Service page, type the service name that is used by theOracle database you are connecting to, or provide the systemidentifier, and then click Next.0112-0183 C 35

Database Client Configuration7. Click Test to verify your settings.If configuration is complete, a confirmation message appears.If a problem is detected, change your connection settings andtry again.Repeat this procedure for all MetaXpress PowerCore servers andclients.Configuring the Oracle ODBC Data Source32-bit applications can use only data sources configured with a 32-bitODBC driver and 64-bit applications can use only data sourcesconfigured with a 64-bit ODBC driver.Molecular Devices recommends that you configure new data sourcesusing the New Data Source button on the dialog that appears when youstart the MetaXpress Software. For instructions, see “Set Up theMetaXpress Software” in the MetaXpress Software Installation Guideincluded on the MetaXpress Software installation CD.If you do not have MetaXpress Software or AcuityXpress Softwareinstalled on the client computer, you can configure the ODBC datasource using the Administrative Tools section of the Windows ControlPanel as described in the following procedure.36 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTo configure the Oracle ODBC data source usingControl PanelNote: Do not use this procedure if you have MetaXpress Software orAcuityXpress Software installed on the client computer. MolecularDevices recommends that you configure new data sources using theNew Data Source button on the dialog that appears when you start theMetaXpress Software. For instructions, see “Set Up the MetaXpressSoftware” in the MetaXpress Software Installation Guide included onthe MetaXpress Software installation CD.1. On the MetaXpress PowerCore server or client, log in asadministrator.2. Go to the Administrative Tools section of the Windows ControlPanel.3. On the Administrative Tools list, double-click Data Sources(ODBC), and then click the System DSN tab.4. Click Add.0112-0183 C 37

Database Client Configuration5. On the Create New Data Source page, select the Oracle driverprovided by Oracle Corporation.6. Click Finish.The ODBC Driver Configuration property sheet appears.7. In the Data Source Name field, type the name of your datasource. This name must be the same for all MetaXpressPowerCore servers and clients.38 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guide8. In the TNS Service Name field, select a name from the drop-downlist. The TSN Name must match the name of the service that isset up in the Oracle Net Manager.9. In the User ID field, type the ID of a user account that hasaccess to the MDCStore database.10. Click Test Connection.If the connection test is successful, data source configuration iscomplete. If a problem is detected, change your connectionsettings and try again.Repeat this procedure for all MetaXpress PowerCore servers andclients.After you have configured the Oracle database client connections onMetaXpress PowerCore servers and clients, install and configure theMetaXpress PowerCore client application as described in Chapter 5MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installation and Configuration onpage 45.SQL Client ConfigurationIf you are using an SQL database, you must configure the SQL client onall MetaXpress PowerCore servers and clients as described in thissection.Configuring the SQL Client32-bit applications can use only data sources configured with a 32-bitODBC driver and 64-bit applications can use only data sourcesconfigured with a 64-bit ODBC driver.Molecular Devices recommends that you configure new data sourcesusing the New Data Source button on the dialog that appears when youstart the MetaXpress Software. For instructions, see “Set Up theMetaXpress Software” in the MetaXpress Software Installation Guideincluded on the MetaXpress Software installation CD.If you do not have MetaXpress Software or AcuityXpress Softwareinstalled on the client computer, you can configure the ODBC datasource using the Administrative Tools section of the Windows ControlPanel as described in the following procedure.0112-0183 C 39

Database Client ConfigurationTo configure the SQL client using Control PanelNote: Do not use this procedure if you have MetaXpress Software orAcuityXpress Software installed on the client computer. MolecularDevices recommends that you configure new data sources using theNew Data Source button on the dialog that appears when you start theMetaXpress Software. For instructions, see “Set Up the MetaXpressSoftware” in the MetaXpress Software Installation Guide included onthe MetaXpress Software installation CD.1. On the MetaXpress PowerCore server or client, log in asadministrator.2. Go to the Administrative Tools section of the Windows ControlPanel.3. Double-click Data Sources (ODBC), and then click the System DSNtab.4. Click Add.5. On the Create New Data Source page, select SQL Server or SQLNative Client, and then click Finish.40 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guide6. On the first page of the Create a New Data Source to SQL Serverwizard, type the name and description of the SQL server, selectthe server you want to connect to, and then click Next.7. On the second page of the wizard, provide authenticationinformation, and then click Next.0112-0183 C 41

Database Client Configuration8. On the third page of the wizard, choose the database you areusing as the MDCStore database, select Use ANSI quotedidentifiers and Use ANSI nulls, paddings and warnings, and thenclick Next.9. Select the Perform translation for character data check box.10. Clear the Use regional settings when outputting currency, numbers,dates, and times check box, and then click Finish.42 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideRepeat this procedure for all MetaXpress PowerCore servers andclients.After you have configured the SQL database client connections onMetaXpress PowerCore servers and clients, install and configure theMetaXpress PowerCore client application as described in Chapter 5MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installation and Configuration onpage 45.0112-0183 C 43

Database Client Configuration44 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore ClientInstallation and Configuration5IntroductionPrerequisitesMetaXpress ® PowerCore clients process the work units they receivefrom the MetaXpress PowerCore server and return those work units tothe server after processing.Each MetaXpress PowerCore client must have the MetaXpressPowerCore client application installed and configured on it as describedin this section. The MetaXpress PowerCore Software has been tested inclient configurations of up to 48 processor cores.If a MetaXpress PowerCore server is also used as a MetaXpressPowerCore client, it must have both the MetaXpress PowerCore serverand the MetaXpress PowerCore client applications installed on it.However, if you have more than ten MetaXpress PowerCore clients,having the client and server installed on the same computer is notrecommended. Depending on the server’s speed and memory, runningMetaXpress PowerCore client processes on the server might impair theserver’s ability to manage multiple clients and analysis jobs in a timelymanner.Topics in this section:• Prerequisites on page 45• Information You Need on page 46• Installing the MetaXpress PowerCore Client Application onpage 46• Configuring the MetaXpress® PowerCore Client on page 47Before you begin, you must:1. Install and configure a MetaXpress PowerCore server asdescribed in Chapter 2 MetaXpress PowerCore ServerInstallation and Configuration on page 11.2. Set up one or more computers to be used as MetaXpressPowerCore clients. Client computers must meet the systemrequirements referenced in Chapter 1 Overview andRequirements on page 7.3. Install and configure the database client on MetaXpressPowerCore servers and clients as described in Chapter 4Database Client Configuration on page 25.0112-0183 C 45

MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installation and ConfigurationInformation You Need4. Make sure the MetaXpress PowerCore client has access to theMDC File Server or image storage location. The port must beopen, and the client must have read access to the UNC location.During installation and configuration, you need to know the portnumber for MetaXpress PowerCore server-client communications andother settings. These settings are described in MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Settings on page 91.Installing the MetaXpress PowerCoreClient ApplicationTo install the MetaXpress PowerCore client application1. On the computer where you want to install the MetaXpressPowerCore client application, log in as administrator.2. If your MetaXpress PowerCore Software installation is on a CD,insert the CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. If theinstallation screen does not appear, go to the CD folder anddouble-click Autorun.exe.3. If you downloaded the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareinstallation package, copy it to the client computer, double-clickthe self-extractor file to unzip it, and then double-clickAutorun.exe.The MetaXpress PowerCore installation screen appears.4. Click Install MetaXpress PowerCore Client.The installation starts.5. Follow the instructions in the wizard to complete the installation.During installation, the MetaXpress PowerCore Client servicestarts, and it appears on the Windows Services list. The clientuses this service to receive work units from the MetaXpressPowerCore server, and the service must be running for thecomputer to be recognized as a MetaXpress PowerCore client.The service starts automatically whenever the computer isrestarted. For more information, see Stopping and Restartingthe MetaXpress PowerCore Client Service on page 67.46 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideConfiguring the MetaXpress ® PowerCore ClientTo configure the MetaXpress PowerCore client1. On the computer where the MetaXpress PowerCore clientapplication is installed, configure the screen saver to useDcscreensaver. The MetaXpress PowerCore server checks theclient’s screen saver state to determine how to use the client’sCPUs. If the client’s screen saver is not set to useDcscreensaver, the MetaXpress PowerCore server considers theclient to be busy, even if the client is idle, or if another screensaver is active.2. Click All Programs > Molecular Devices > MetaXpress PowerCore >MetaXpress PowerCore Client to start the MetaXpress PowerCoreclient application.0112-0183 C 47

MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installation and ConfigurationThe MetaXpress PowerCore Client Configuration property sheetappears.3. In the MetaXpress PowerCore Client Configuration property sheet,select the settings for the MetaXpress PowerCore client. Settingsare described in MetaXpress PowerCore Client Settings onpage 91.Setting MetaXpress PowerCore Client Service LogOnPropertiesIf you use a UNC storage location for image storage, and yourMetaXpress PowerCore clients are on the same domain, set the LogOnproperties of the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service to use a networkdomain user account. This ensures that the client service can accessand load images from the UNC storage location.If your MetaXpress PowerCore clients are not on the same domain,create an identical user account, with Administrator privileges, on thecomputer with UNC image storage and on all MetaXpress PowerCoreclients. Use that account as the LogOn account for the MetaXpressPowerCore Client service on all MetaXpress PowerCore clients.To set the LogOn properties of the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service1. On the Windows Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools.2. Double-click Services.3. On the Services list, double-click MetaXpress PowerCore Client.48 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideThe MetaXpress PowerCore Client Properties (Local Computer)property sheet appears.4. Click the LogOn tab.5. Select This account.6. If your MetaXpress PowerCore clients are on the same domain,type the name and password of a network domain user account.7. If your MetaXpress PowerCore clients are not on the samedomain, create an identical account, with Administratorprivileges, on the computer with UNC image storage and on allMetaXpress PowerCore clients, and then type the name andpassword of that account.8. Click OK.After you have installed and configured the MetaXpress PowerCoreclient, monitor and manage MetaXpress ® Software analysis jobs asdescribed in Chapter 6 MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-JobManagement on page 51.0112-0183 C 49

MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installation and Configuration50 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-JobManagement6IntroductionThe MetaXpress ® PowerCore server connects to the MDCStoredatabase to retrieve analysis jobs for processing, and you managethose jobs through the MetaXpress PowerCore server application. Youdo not manage jobs through the MetaXpress PowerCore clientapplication.Topics in this section:• How the MetaXpress PowerCore Software Processes Jobs onpage 51• Monitoring the MetaXpress Software Auto Run Queue for Jobs onpage 54• Starting Auto Run Queue Monitoring on page 54• Stopping Queue Monitoring and Canceling Jobs on page 55• Viewing Job Status and Information on page 55• Restarting Jobs on page 57• Managing Information on Lists on page 57How the MetaXpress PowerCore SoftwareProcesses JobsThe MetaXpress PowerCore server processes analysis jobs one at atime using this procedure:1. If there is at least one active MetaXpress PowerCore client and ifAuto Run Queue Monitoring is enabled, the MetaXpressPowerCore server connects to the MDCStore database andretrieves the first analysis job in the queue that can beprocessed by the MetaXpress PowerCore Software. For moreinformation, see Starting Auto Run Queue Monitoring onpage 54.2. The MetaXpress PowerCore server divides the analysis job intowork units. These work units consist of an analysis on a well or asite (an image).0112-0183 C 51

MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-Job Management3. The MetaXpress PowerCore server distributes the work unitsamong the available MetaXpress PowerCore clients to beprocessed independently. MetaXpress PowerCore clients receivework units for processing based on their processor speed andCPU availability. The client with the fastest processor and thehighest number of available CPUs is the first client used; theclient with the second fastest processor and available CPUs isthe second client used, and so on.The MetaXpress PowerCore Software processes data using thealgorithm, Standard or Fast, selected in the MetaXpressSoftware. See Using a Processing Algorithm on page 53.4. When the analysis is complete, MetaXpress PowerCore clientssend the results back to the MetaXpress PowerCore server.5. The MetaXpress PowerCore server saves analysis results to theMDCStore database.Only the results defined in the MetaXpress ® Software SummaryLog and Data log are processed. See Processing FilteredMeasurements on page 53.6. During job processing, job information appears on the JobHistory page in the MetaXpress PowerCore server application.For more information, see Viewing Job Status and Informationon page 55.7. During work unit processing, error information, if any, appearson the Errors page, and it is possible for work units to have someerrors even if they are eventually processed successfully. Forexample, if retries are permitted, work units that encounterederrors are sent to different clients for re-processing, and thoseclients might process the work units successfully. For moreinformation on retry settings, see MetaXpress PowerCore ServerPreferences on page 89.8. If an analysis job fails, the Status column on the Job History pagein the MetaXpress PowerCore server application shows its statusas Failed. You can restart the job if necessary. For moreinformation, see Viewing Errors on page 71 and Restarting Jobson page 57.9. When job processing is complete, the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver retrieves the next analysis job in the queue forprocessing.10. If analysis jobs are re-started, the MetaXpress PowerCore serverputs them in the processing queue and prioritizes themaccording to their Job ID. The job with the lowest ID number inthe queue is processed first, regardless of when it was sent tothe queue. For example, if you simultaneously restart jobs 8 and5, job 5 would be processed first.52 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideAbout Jobs with JournalsThe MetaXpress PowerCore Software processes only those jobs thatcontain MetaXpress Software application modules. MetaXpress journalsmight contain application modules as well, but they can also containspecialized calculations and other functions that cannot be performedby the MetaXpress PowerCore Software. If a job contains anyMetaXpress journals, it is ignored by the MetaXpress PowerCore serverand must be processed by the MetaXpress Software.Processing Filtered MeasurementsIf you configured the Summary Log and the Data log in the MetaXpressSoftware to choose the measurements that you want to log into eachlog file, MetaXpress PowerCore Software processes only thosemeasurement results that meet the configuration requirements forthese logs. All other measurement data is ignored. For moreinformation, see the MetaXpress Software Analysis Guide.Using a Processing AlgorithmSome modules provide two algorithms options: Standard and Fast.These algorithms determine how quickly the analysis is performed.Both algorithms produce similar but not exactly identical results. TheStandard algorithm is the same algorithm that was used in version 3.1and earlier of the MetaXpress Software. The MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware processes data using the algorithm selected in theMetaXpress Software. For more information, see the MetaXpressSoftware Analysis Guide.0112-0183 C 53

MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-Job ManagementMonitoring the MetaXpress Software Auto Run Queuefor JobsThe MetaXpress PowerCore server does not automatically startprocessing analysis jobs from the MetaXpress Auto Run Queue afterinstallation, or after the MetaXpress PowerCore server application is restarted.To begin processing analysis jobs, you must start Auto RunQueue Monitoring as described in this section. When Auto Run QueueMonitoring is started, the MetaXpress PowerCore server automaticallyconnects to the MDCStore database and retrieves jobs that meet theMetaXpress PowerCore processing requirements.Auto Run Queue Monitoring can be started only if MetaXpressPowerCore clients are set up and connected to the MetaXpressPowerCore server. You cannot start Auto Run Queue Monitoring withouthaving active MetaXpress PowerCore clients. For more information, seeAbout MetaXpress PowerCore Client Status on page 65.Jobs that are being processed by the MetaXpress Software cannot beaccessed by the MetaXpress PowerCore server, and information aboutthose jobs does not appear on the Job History page of the MetaXpressPowerCore server application.Starting Auto Run Queue MonitoringTo start Auto Run Queue Monitoring1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the JobMonitoring tab.The Job Monitoring page appears.2. In the Auto Run Queue Monitoring section, click Start. This optionis available only if MetaXpress PowerCore clients are connectedto the server.The MetaXpress PowerCore server checks the MetaXpress AutoRun Queue and begins processing the next available job.3. Log into the MDCStore database that the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver needs to monitor. Ensure that you use login credentialsthat have the appropriate access for the analysis, or belong to agroup that has the appropriate access.54 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideStopping Queue Monitoring and Canceling JobsAlthough the MetaXpress PowerCore Software is designed to operatecontinuously, you can stop Auto Run Queue Monitoring and cancel thecurrent job at any time. You should do this if you need to close theMetaXpress PowerCore server application, shut down the server formaintenance, or change the server’s broadcast and connectionsettings. MetaXpress PowerCore server settings cannot be changedwhen jobs are being processed.To stop Auto Run Queue Monitoring and cancel the current job1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the JobMonitoring tab.2. To prevent the MetaXpress PowerCore server from starting thenext job in the queue, in the Auto Run Queue Monitoring section,click Stop.3. In the Active Job Status section, click Cancel.The MetaXpress PowerCore server stops processing the currentjob. Any work units being processed by MetaXpress PowerCoreclients are discarded.Viewing Job Status and InformationThe MetaXpress PowerCore server processes one analysis job at a time.You can view the status of the current job, and you can view the statusof jobs that have been processed since the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver application was started.To view job status and information1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the JobMonitoring tab.The current job appears in the Active Job Status section.2. To view additional information about the current job, orpreviously processed jobs, click the Job History tab.The Job History page appears. This page shows information forall the jobs that have been processed since the MetaXpressPowerCore server application was started.0112-0183 C 55

MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-Job ManagementInformation on the Job History PageThe Job History page shows:• Name: The name of the analysis job or the MetaXpressapplication module, such as Count Nuclei. This does not includethe settings name.• Job ID: The unique number that identifies the analysis job in thedatabase.• Total Units: The number of work units (wells or sites) to beanalyzed as part of the job.• Units Started: The number of work units that are being or havebeen analyzed.• Units Completed: The number of work units that have beencompleted successfully. Work unit failures are listed on the Errorspage.• Start Time: The time when the MetaXpress PowerCore Softwarebegan processing the job.• Elapsed Time: The amount of time that has passed since theMetaXpress PowerCore Software started processing the job.• % Complete: The percentage of work units that have beenprocessed as part of the job.• Status: The current status of the job. States include:• In progress: The MetaXpress PowerCore Software is currentlyprocessing the job.• Completed: The MetaXpress PowerCore Software hassuccessfully finished processing the job.• Canceled: The job was canceled from the MetaXpressPowerCore Job Monitoring page.• Failed: The MetaXpress PowerCore Software could notsuccessfully complete the job. To identify the cause of thefailure, click the Errors tab.Viewing Information about Jobs Processed inPrevious SessionsThe MetaXpress PowerCore server Job History page shows informationabout analysis jobs processed since the MetaXpress PowerCore serverapplication was started. When the application is closed, the sessionends, and the entries on the page are removed.To find information about jobs that no longer appear on the Job Historypage, view the processing log files. For the log file location, see ViewingError Handling Preferences and Log Files on page 71.56 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideRestarting JobsYou can restart any job that has failed or been canceled.To restart a job1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the JobHistory tab.2. Right-click the name of the job you want to restart, then clickRestart Job.The MetaXpress PowerCore server sends the job to theprocessing queue and processes it according to its Job IDpriority. The job with the lowest ID number in the queue isprocessed first. For example, if you simultaneously restart jobs8 and 5, job 5 would be processed first.Managing Information on ListsOn the Active Clients, Job History, and Errors pages, you can right-click toaccess options for managing the information on lists.Right-click options include:• Search All Errors for Selected Job: Search for and highlight allerrors reported during the processing of the selected job.Available on the Job History page only.• Restart Job: Send the selected job to the queue for reprocessing.The MetaXpress PowerCore server processes the jobaccording to its Job ID priority. Available on the Job History pagefor canceled jobs and for jobs with errors.• Select All: Select all items on the list. This is useful if you want toapply a command, such as Copy or Remove All, to all of the itemson the list. Available on the Job History and Errors pages.• Copy: Copy the selected items to the clipboard. Copied itemscan be pasted into other applications, such as text editors.Available on all pages.• Remove All: Remove all entries from the list. This is useful if thelist becomes too long and you want to remove all of the oldentries at once. Available on the Errors page.• Remove Selection: Remove the selected items from the list.Available on the Job History and Errors pages.• Auto Scroll: Turn auto scroll on and off. When auto scroll is on, italways scrolls the list to show the last item on the list. Availableon all pages.• Auto Fit Column: Resize the columns to fit the text. Available onall pages.0112-0183 C 57

MetaXpress PowerCore Analysis-Job Management58 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Server andLicense Management7IntroductionTo use the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Software, you must have at leastone computer set up as a MetaXpress PowerCore server. In addition,you must have a license key USB device installed on your network andregistered. This section explains how to manage MetaXpress PowerCoreservers and licensing.Topics in this section:• About Running MetaXpress PowerCore Applications and Serviceson page 59• Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Server Settings on page 60• Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Server Preferences on page 61• About MetaXpress PowerCore Software Licensing on page 61• Using Multiple MetaXpress PowerCore Servers on page 63• Increasing License Capacity on page 64About Running MetaXpress PowerCore Applicationsand ServicesThe MetaXpress PowerCore Software is designed to operatecontinuously and to process analysis jobs as they become available. Toaccomplish this, the MetaXpress PowerCore server application shouldrun continuously on all MetaXpress PowerCore servers. In addition, theMetaXpress PowerCore Client service should always be running on allavailable MetaXpress PowerCore clients. For more information aboutrunning the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service, see Stopping andRestarting the MetaXpress PowerCore Client Service on page 67.The MetaXpress PowerCore client application, which is launched fromthe Windows Programs menu, does not have to be running when jobsare being processed.0112-0183 C 59

MetaXpress PowerCore Server and License ManagementAbout Closing the MetaXpress PowerCoreServer ApplicationBefore you close the MetaXpress PowerCore server application formaintenance or other activities, you must stop Auto Run QueueMonitoring and job processing. For instructions see Stopping QueueMonitoring and Canceling Jobs on page 55.When you close the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, entrieson the Job History and Errors pages are removed, but job information isretained in the log file. For more information, see Viewing ErrorHandling Preferences and Log Files on page 71.About Restarting MetaXpress PowerCoreApplications and ServicesYou must restart the MetaXpress PowerCore server applicationwhenever you restart the MetaXpress PowerCore server, and you muststart Job Queue Monitoring as well. The MetaXpress PowerCore Clientservice, however, starts automatically when the client computerrestarts.Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Server SettingsMetaXpress PowerCore server settings determine how MetaXpressPowerCore servers communicate with MetaXpress PowerCore clients.Server settings cannot be changed while jobs are being processed.To change MetaXpress PowerCore server settings1. Stop Auto Run Queue Monitoring, and if a job is running, cancelit. For instructions, see Stopping Queue Monitoring andCanceling Jobs on page 55.2. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Server Settings.3. Change the server settings as needed. If you change theMetaXpress PowerCore server’s port number settings, you mustalso change the port number settings on MetaXpress PowerCoreclients. For information about server settings, see MetaXpressPowerCore Server Settings on page 86.4. Restart queue monitoring as described in Monitoring theMetaXpress Software Auto Run Queue for Jobs on page 54.60 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideChanging MetaXpress PowerCore Server PreferencesMetaXpress PowerCore server preferences determine how theMetaXpress PowerCore Software handles errors. You can change errorhandling preferences at any time, and the changes take effectimmediately.To change MetaXpress PowerCore server preferences1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Preferences.2. Change preferences as needed. For information about serverpreferences, see MetaXpress PowerCore Server Preferences onpage 89.About MetaXpress PowerCore Software LicensingTo use the MetaXpress PowerCore Software, you must obtain a licensekey USB device from Molecular Devices as well as registration andauthorization codes. The USB device must be installed on a networkcomputer and registered as described in Installing the MetaXpressPowerCore Server and License Key Server Applications on page 12. Thelicense authorizes the use of the MetaXpress PowerCore Software andspecifies how many processes can be running simultaneously onMetaXpress PowerCore clients.Viewing MetaXpress PowerCore Software LicenseSettingsTo view MetaXpress PowerCore Software license settings• In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Tools >Licensing.For a description of license settings, see MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware and License Information on page 83.0112-0183 C 61

MetaXpress PowerCore Server and License ManagementViewing MetaXpress PowerCore Software LicenseUsage and CapacityYou can view the number of MetaXpress PowerCore client processesthat are reserved, running, and available through your MetaXpressPowerCore Software license.To view MetaXpress PowerCore Software license usage and capacity1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Server Settings.The number of active processes appears in the Licensing section.2. To view additional license usage and capacity information, clickAdvanced in the Licensing section.The License Usage property sheet appears. This property sheetshows:• License Key ID: The identification number of the license keyUSB device installed on the host computer.• Maximum Number of Parallel Processes: The number ofanalysis processes that can be running simultaneously onMetaXpress PowerCore clients. If you have multiple servers,they can share the same license information but theircombined number of simultaneous processes, as specified onthe License Usage property sheet for each server, cannotexceed the number allowed by the license.• Processes Currently in Use by Other Servers: The number ofprocesses that are currently being run by other servers.• Available Processes: The current number of processes thatcan start and run simultaneously under the license. Todetermine the number of available processes, the softwaresubtracts the number of processes running on clients, fromthe maximum number of processes allowed by the license.The remainder is the number of available processes.• Processes to be Reserved for this Server: The number of processesthat have been set aside for use by this server. Until processesare reserved for it, the server cannot run any analysisprocesses, and each server is limited to the number ofprocesses reserved for it.3. To view license limits and registration codes, click Tools >Licensing.62 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideUsing Multiple MetaXpress PowerCore ServersYou can install and configure more than one computer as a MetaXpressPowerCore server to increase your analysis capability or toaccommodate test and production needs. MetaXpress PowerCoreservers can share a single license key USB device, and you specify thenumber of processes available to each server. However, the combinednumber of analysis processes running simultaneously on MetaXpressPowerCore clients cannot exceed the number of simultaneousprocesses allowed by the license.Reserving Processes for ServersBefore you can begin processing analysis jobs with a MetaXpressPowerCore server, you need to reserve the number of processesavailable to the server. Servers cannot process jobs until they haveprocesses reserved.If you have multiple MetaXpress PowerCore servers, you can reservethe number of processes to be used by each server. If a server is onlineand running analysis processes on clients, those client processes arededucted from the total number of processes available under thelicense. If a server is offline, processes reserved for that server are notdeducted from the number allowed by the license. Servers areconsidered to be offline if they are not connected to the network, or ifthe MetaXpress PowerCore server application on the server has beenclosed.To reserve processes for a server1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Server Settings.2. On the Server Settings property sheet, in the Licensing section,click Advanced.3. On the License Usage property sheet, in the Processes to BeReserved for this Server field, type the number of processes youwant to reserve for the server.0112-0183 C 63

MetaXpress PowerCore Server and License ManagementHow Clients are Connected to ServersWhen a MetaXpress PowerCore server makes a connection to a client,that client is available to that server only; it is not available to otherMetaXpress PowerCore servers in the system. Further, the client-serverrelationship continues until the connection ends. The connection ends ifthe MetaXpress PowerCore Software application on the server is closed,if the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service on the client is stopped, or ifthe network connection is interrupted for more than a few minutes.If you have multiple MetaXpress PowerCore servers and a pool ofclients, you can:• Use the same port number for all clients and servers: In this case,the servers establish connections with clients as they becomeavailable. This method offers the most flexibility, but it does notenable you to control which servers connect to which clients.• Use a different port number for each set of clients and servers: Theservers connect to clients according to port number assignment.This enables you to designate the clients you want to makeavailable to each server.• Use the selected clients list to broadcast to specific clients: Thisenables servers to broadcast directly to clients using TCP. If youdo not use UDP broadcast, the servers broadcast only to theselected clients. On busy networks, broadcasting to specificclients can be more efficient than using UDP broadcast alone. Ifyou do not select UDP, however, you must broadcast to selectedclients to find clients running on network computers.Increasing License CapacityYour MetaXpress PowerCore license settings determine the maximumnumber of analysis processes that can run simultaneously onMetaXpress PowerCore clients. To purchase additional license capacity,contact your sales representative.64 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Management8IntroductionAfter you install and configure the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Softwareapplication on clients, you manage the client computers as described inthis section.Topics in this section:• About MetaXpress PowerCore Client Status on page 65• Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Client Settings on page 66• Stopping and Restarting the MetaXpress PowerCore ClientService on page 67• Adding Clients to the Server’s Selected Clients List on page 68About MetaXpress PowerCore Client StatusThe MetaXpress PowerCore server application shows the status ofMetaXpress PowerCore clients that can communicate with the serverand process work units for that server.To view MetaXpress PowerCore client status• In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the ActiveClients tab.The Active Clients page appears. See Information on the ActiveClients Page on page 66.0112-0183 C 65

MetaXpress PowerCore Client ManagementInformation on the Active Clients PageThe Active Clients page shows:• Host Name: The name of the client.• CPU Speed (MHz): The client’s processor speed in megahertz.• RAM (MB): The client's Random Access Memory in megabytes.• Total CPUs: The total number of processors on the client.• Active Processes: The number of processors on the client that areanalyzing work units. When there is no active process, thisnumber is zero.• Free Processes: The number of additional parallel processes thatcan start and run simultaneously on the client. To determine thisnumber, the client’s active processes are subtracted from themaximum number of processes specified in the client settings.For more information, see Changing MetaXpress PowerCoreClient Settings on page 66.• Units Started: The number of work units started on the client.• Units Completed: The number of work units finished successfullyon the client.• Units Failed: The number of work units that the client failed tocomplete.• Client Status: The status of the client. States include:• Downloading: The client is obtaining analysis modules fromthe server.• Idle: The client is not currently running an analysis.• Busy: The client is currently running an analysis.Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Client SettingsMetaXpress PowerCore client settings determine how the MetaXpressPowerCore client communicates with the MetaXpress PowerCore serverand how the client’s CPUs are used to process work units for analysisjobs.To change MetaXpress PowerCore client settings1. Log in to the client computer as administrator.2. Click Start > All Programs > Molecular Devices > MetaXpressPowerCore > MetaXpress PowerCore Client.3. Change the settings as needed. For a description of clientsettings, see MetaXpress PowerCore Client Settings on page 91.66 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideStopping and Restarting the MetaXpress PowerCoreClient ServiceThe MetaXpress PowerCore Client service is the service MetaXpressPowerCore clients use to receive work units from the MetaXpressPowerCore server. The service is started during installation, and itstarts automatically whenever the client computer is restarted. If theclient is available, the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service shouldalways be running, because the MetaXpress PowerCore server cannotsend work units to the client unless the service is running.You can stop and restart the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service formaintenance and other tasks as needed. If the client is processing workunits when the service is stopped, however, those work units aremarked as having failed.To stop and restart the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service1. On the Windows Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools.2. Double-click Services.3. On the services list, double-click MetaXpress PowerCore Client.4. In the Service status section, click Stop.5. In the Service status section, click Start.6. Click OK.0112-0183 C 67

MetaXpress PowerCore Client ManagementAdding Clients to the Server’s Selected Clients ListThe MetaXpress PowerCore server’s selected clients list shows theclients that the server broadcasts to directly using the protocol TCP.Broadcasting directly to clients is required if you do not select Use UDPBroadcast to Find Clients. Also, broadcasting directly to clients can be anefficient method of communication on busy networks, and it enablesyou to verify server-client connections.To add clients to the selected clients list1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Server Settings.The Server Settings property sheet appears.2. In the Broadcast to Selected Clients section, click Add Clients.3. To view computers and resources that respond to pings, selectthe Ping check box. If the Ping check box is cleared, the statusof network computers and resources is not verified, andobsolete or disconnected machines might be displayed.4. To search for clients on your local domain only, select yourdomain name under the Ping option.5. To search for clients on all available domains, clear the domainname check box.6. Click Refresh to update the list of clients.7. Select the clients you want to add, and then click =>.8. To add clients by typing their computer names, click Add, type acomputer name, and then click OK.9. When you have finished, click OK.The selected clients appear on the Broadcast to Selected Clientslist.68 0112-0183 C

Troubleshooting9IntroductionThis section explains how to resolve issues that might arise when youwork with the MetaXpress ® PowerCore Software.Topics in this section:• About MetaXpress PowerCore Server-Client Communication onpage 69• Viewing and Changing MetaXpress PowerCore Port NumberSettings on page 70• Viewing Error Handling Preferences and Log Files on page 71• Viewing Errors on page 71• Viewing Timeout Settings on page 73• Symptoms and Solutions on page 74• Contacting Technical Support on page 79About MetaXpress PowerCore Server-ClientCommunicationThe MetaXpress PowerCore Software uses the protocols UDP and TCPfor communication between servers and clients.The MetaXpress PowerCore server uses UPD broadcasts to look forclient computers. If a subnet gateway or router does not allow thetransmission of UDP packages, the server might not be able to findclient computers. In addition, communication problems can result ifservers and clients are on different subnets or separated by firewalls.For more information, see Symptoms and Solutions on page 74.If your network cannot accommodate UDP transmissions, you canconfigure the MetaXpress PowerCore server to broadcast to selectedclients using TCP. For instructions, see Adding Clients to the Server’sSelected Clients List on page 68.Once communication is established and the MetaXpress PowerCoreclient has begun processing a work unit, the software uses TCP to sendand receive analysis results across the network.0112-0183 C 69

TroubleshootingVerifying MetaXpress PowerCore Server-ClientCommunicationTo verify network connections between MetaXpress PowerCore serversand clients, make sure that the client names appear on the server’sActive Clients page. To view the Active Clients page, click the Active Clientstab in the MetaXpress PowerCore server application.Viewing and Changing MetaXpress PowerCorePort Number SettingsThe MetaXpress PowerCore server and client applications both haveport number settings, and these settings must match.To change the port number in the server application1. Stop Auto Run Queue Monitoring, and if a job is running, cancelit. For instructions, see Stopping Queue Monitoring andCanceling Jobs on page 55.2. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Server Settings.The Server Settings property sheet appears.3. Change the port number, and then click OK.4. Restart queue monitoring as described in Monitoring theMetaXpress Software Auto Run Queue for Jobs on page 54.To change the port number in the client application1. Log in to the client computer as administrator.2. Click Start > All Programs > Molecular Devices > MetaXpressPowerCore > MetaXpress PowerCore Client.The MetaXpress PowerCore Client Configuration property sheetappears.3. In the Connection Settings section, change the port number, andthen click Save.The Client Configuration property sheet closes, the servicerestarts, and the new settings are applied.70 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideViewing Error Handling Preferences and Log FilesViewing ErrorsError handling preferences determine the number of times theMetaXpress PowerCore Software tries to analyze a work unit or siteafter an error is encountered. Preferences also determine thepercentage of work units that can fail before an entire job is marked ashaving failed.In addition, error handling preferences specify the location of the logfiles that contain job processing details. You can use the information inthe files to troubleshoot errors encountered during job processing. Anew log file is created each time the MetaXpress PowerCore serverapplication starts.To view the MetaXpress PowerCore Software error-handling preferencesand log file location• In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Preferences.For information about preferences, see MetaXpress PowerCoreServer Preferences on page 89.The Errors page in the MetaXpress PowerCore server application showsinformation about job errors encountered since the MetaXpressPowerCore server application was started. When the application isclosed, the entries on the Errors page are removed. To find informationabout errors that no longer appear on the Errors page, see the log files.To check for processing errors• In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the Errorstab.The Errors page appears.0112-0183 C 71

TroubleshootingInformation on the Errors PageThe Errors page shows:• Time of Error: The time when the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware encountered the error.• Job ID: The number that identifies the job in the database. Ifyou restart the job, it is processed according to its Job IDnumber. The job with the lowest ID number in the queue isprocessed first.• Work Unit: The unique ID of the work unit for which the errorwas reported.• Client Name: The name of the client computer on which the erroroccurred.• Message: Details of the error.• Process ID: The process ID that encountered the error.• Exit Code: The code that identifies the error.About Work Unit FailuresDepending on the error handling settings in the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver application, work units that fail might be picked up and analyzedby another client. Therefore, jobs that have completed successfullymight have errors reported.A common reason for jobs to fail is that the analysis settings that areselected are not valid for the plate or the saved analysis settingscontain an error. In the MetaXpress Software, select the plate and thedesired analysis settings and perform a run. If an error occurs open theConfigure Settings dialog and make the appropriate changes beforesaving.You can re-start any job that encounters errors during processing or iscanceled. For instructions, see Restarting Jobs on page 57.72 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideRemoving Entries from the Errors PageEntries are removed automatically whenever you restart theMetaXpress PowerCore server application. You can manually removeentries as described in this section.To remove entries from the Errors page1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click the Errorstab.2. Select the entry or entries you want to remove, and then rightclickand select Remove Selected.3. To remove all entries, right-click on the Errors page and selectRemove All.Viewing Timeout SettingsThe timeout settings in MetaXpress PowerCore server and clientapplications determine how much time client computers have tocomplete analysis tasks and communicate with the server.To view MetaXpress PowerCore client timeout settings• Click Start > All Programs > Molecular Devices > MetaXpressPowerCore > MetaXpress PowerCore Client.Timeout settings appear on the Client Configuration propertysheet.To view MetaXpress PowerCore server timeout settings1. In the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, click Edit >Server Settings.The client response timeout settings appear on the ServerSettings property sheet.2. Click Edit > Preferences.The task completion timeout settings appear on the ServerPreferences property sheet.0112-0183 C 73

TroubleshootingSymptoms and SolutionsThis section provides information to help you resolve issues with theMetaXpress PowerCore Software.Table 9-1 Symptoms and SolutionsSymptomsThe MetaXpressPowerCore servercannotcommunicate withclient computersPossible Causes and SolutionsIncorrect port numbers, broadcast settings, networkconfiguration, and service status can preventcommunication. Things to check:• Network connections: Verify that the server and allclients have appropriate network connections.• Port number agreement: Verify that the MetaXpressPowerCore server and all MetaXpress PowerCoreclients use the same port number for connections.For instructions, see Viewing and ChangingMetaXpress PowerCore Port Number Settings onpage 70.• Port number availability: Verify that the port numberused for MetaXpress PowerCore Softwarecommunications allows UDP and TCPcommunications and that no other applications areusing the port.• Firewall or antivirus settings: Avoid having firewallsbetween servers and clients. It is best to keepservers and clients within the same firewall and onthe same subnet. In addition, verify that firewallsare configured to permit both UDP and TCPtransmissions on the port used for MetaXpressPowerCore communications. To determine whetherthe MetaXpress PowerCore server can communicatewith client computers, start the MetaXpressPowerCore server application, and then click theActive Clients tab. The page shows the clients thatcan communicate with the server.• MetaXpress PowerCore server and client connectionsettings: Verify connection settings in the server andclient applications. These settings include UDP andselected clients’ settings. Unless the server andclient are installed on the same computer, makesure the Server is External option, which is located inthe client application, is selected.• The status of the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service:For the server to find a client, the client must berunning the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service.For more information, see Stopping and Restartingthe MetaXpress PowerCore Client Service onpage 67.74 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTable 9-1 Symptoms and Solutions (cont’d)SymptomsThe MetaXpressPowerCore servercannotcommunicate withclient computers(continued)Auto Run QueueMonitoring cannotbe started.The MetaXpressPowerCore servercannotautomatically findanalysis jobs in theMetaXpress ®databasePossible Causes and Solutions• The MetaXpress PowerCore client connection status: Ifthe MetaXpress PowerCore server application isclosed while an analysis is in progress, clientsconnected to the server might not be disconnectedcorrectly. If this happens, MetaXpress PowerCoreclients that were previously connected are notavailable when the MetaXpress PowerCore serverapplication is started. To avoid the issue, do notclose the MetaXpress PowerCore server applicationduring an analysis. Always stop Auto Run QueueMonitoring and cancel the current job before closingthe application. To resolve the issue, restart theMetaXpress PowerCore Client service. For moreinformation, see Stopping and Restarting theMetaXpress PowerCore Client Service on page 67.MetaXpress Auto Run Queue Monitoring can be startedonly if clients are connected to the server. You must setup clients and they must be connected to the serverbefore you can monitor the Auto Run Queue. Inaddition, the MetaXpress PowerCore Client service mustbe running on client computers. For more information,see Installing the MetaXpress PowerCore ClientApplication on page 46.Things to check:• Database client configuration: Verify database clientsettings on the MetaXpress PowerCore server and allMetaXpress PowerCore clients. For instructions, seeChapter 4 Database Client Configuration onpage 25.• The Auto Run Queue: Verify that MetaXpressSoftware is configured to send jobs to the Auto RunQueue, and that there are jobs in the queue. Forinstructions, see the MetaXpress documentation.• Journal usage in MetaXpress jobs: Verify that theMetaXpress jobs do not contain journals. Forinstructions, see the MetaXpress documentation.• MetaXpress PowerCore server Auto Run QueueMonitoring status: Make sure Auto Run QueueMonitoring is turned on. For instructions, seeMonitoring the MetaXpress Software Auto RunQueue for Jobs on page 54.• Licensing issues: Verify that the network license keyUSB device is installed correctly. For instructions,see Chapter 2 MetaXpress PowerCore ServerInstallation and Configuration on page 11.• Make sure that the user login used to log into theMetaXpress PowerCore server database connection,has access to the plate submitted for analysis.0112-0183 C 75

TroubleshootingTable 9-1 Symptoms and Solutions (cont’d)SymptomsA job cannot beremoved orrestarted from theJob History pageThe license key USBdevice cannot beinitialized or readJobs cannot bestarted because theserver cannot startnew processesImage files ortemporary filescannot be saved toa client computerThe image is notavailableData cannot beadded to the OracledatabasePossible Causes and SolutionsIf a job is currently being processed, it cannot beremoved or restarted. Cancel the job as described inStopping Queue Monitoring and Canceling Jobs onpage 55, and then remove or restart the job.Installation, network, and hardware problems canprevent the MetaXpress PowerCore Software fromreading the license key USB device. Things to check:• Correct installation: Verify that the license key USBdevice and driver are installed as described inInstalling the MetaXpress PowerCore Server andLicense Key Server Applications on page 12. Updatethe driver if necessary.• USB drive functionality: Verify that the license keydevice is plugged in to a functional USB drive.• Network connections: Verify that the computer wherethe license key USB device is installed hasappropriate network communication capability,including UDP and TCP.License settings determine the number of analysisprocesses that can run simultaneously on MetaXpressPowerCore servers. Things to check:• License limit: Verify the total number of parallelprocesses permitted by the license.• Reserved processes: Verify the number of processesreserved for the server. Even if there are availableprocesses under the license, the server cannotexceed the number of simultaneous processesreserved for it. For more information, see ReservingProcesses for Servers on page 63.• If the MetaXpress PowerCore server was terminatedin an unusual way, such as by restarting thehardware or ending the program using the TaskManager, wait 15 minutes for the licenses to clear,and then restart the software.Verify disk space and read/write settings on theMetaXpress PowerCore client.MetaXpress analysis settings might be incorrect. Verifyanalysis settings in the MetaXpress Software. Then,correct the settings and resubmit. For instructions, seethe MetaXpress documentation.Verify that the Oracle client is configured to use USstandards. For instructions, see Chapter 4 DatabaseClient Configuration on page 25.76 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTable 9-1 Symptoms and Solutions (cont’d)SymptomsImages cannot beloadedMetaXpressPowerCore serversor clients cannotconnect to the MDCdatabase or UNCshared foldersTimeout errorsappear duringprocessingPossible Causes and SolutionsDatabase settings or logon settings for UNC imagestorage might prevent image loading. Things to check:• Database DSN: The DSN specified in the MetaXpressPowerCore server and client database settings mightbe incorrect. This can happen if databaseinformation changes or if a new database is created.Verify the database settings on the MetaXpressPowerCore server and clients as described inChapter 4 Database Client Configuration onpage 25.• Client service LogOn for UNC: If you are using UNC forimage storage, the MetaXpress PowerCore Clientservice running on each client computer must beconfigured to log on correctly. For instructions, seeSetting MetaXpress PowerCore Client Service LogOnProperties on page 48.• Accessibility of UNC paths or MDC File Server: Verifythat the image storage location is accessible toMetaXpress PowerCore servers and clients. If youare using the MDC File Server application, verifythat the application is running and that TCP port9200 used by the file server is open on anyapplicable firewall.If you use a non-server based operating system for yourMDC database server or UNC image storage server, youmight have reached the operating system’s limit forconnections that can be made to shared folders. Forexample, the Windows XP operating system has a limitof ten simultaneous connections. When this limit isreached, MetaXpress PowerCore servers or clients mightnot be able to connect to the MDCStore database orUNC shared folders. Molecular Devices recommendsusing server-based operating systems as described inthe system requirements. For more information aboutthe connection limit, seehttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/328459.Timeout settings might not allow enough time forprocessing. Check the timeout settings on theMetaXpress PowerCore server and client. Forinstructions, see Viewing Timeout Settings on page 73.0112-0183 C 77

TroubleshootingTable 9-1 Symptoms and Solutions (cont’d)SymptomsAdding MetaXpressPowerCore clientsdoes not improvethe speed of imageanalysis andprocessingPossible Causes and SolutionsHardware, database, and network issues might affectprocessing speed. Things to check:• System requirements: Verify that your system meetsall of requirements. For more information, seeBefore You Begin on page 8.• Server resources: When processing images,MetaXpress PowerCore clients return analysisresults to the MetaXpress PowerCore server. Verifythat the server has sufficient RAM and CPU speed tohandle these results. Monitor server performanceduring processing and increase RAM if necessary.If you are using the MetaXpress PowerCore serveras a MetaXpress PowerCore client, considerremoving the client application from the server andusing the computer for MetaXpress PowerCoreserver processes only.• Database status: Make sure that the database isrunning optimally and that it is not full.• Database connections: The MetaXpress PowerCoreserver makes frequent, brief connections to thedatabase to get images and settings. TheMetaXpress PowerCore server also spawns manythreads to write analysis results data to thedatabase. If the maximum number of databaseconnections is reached, the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver might have to wait in line to read data from,or write data to, the database.Monitor the database performance to see if thedatabase settings can be optimized for theMetaXpress PowerCore Software.• Network bottlenecks: During image analysis,MetaXpress PowerCore clients send analysis resultsto the server, and the server saves the results to thedatabase. Heavy network traffic during imageanalysis can impact performance. Monitor networktraffic on the server, and decrease traffic or addbandwidth to your network if possible.78 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideContacting Technical SupportBefore you contact Technical Support at Molecular Devices, alwayscheck with your organization’s IT department to find out if network,database, or other internal issues might be causing problems.If you still have questions after checking with your IT department, go tothe Molecular Devices support site on the Web athttp://www.moleculardevices.com/support.html.To speak to a Technical Support representative by phone, call800-635-5577.When you contact Technical Support, have the following informationready:• Your system information, such as server and client operatingsystems and MetaXpress PowerCore Software applicationsettings.• The license key ID of your software. To find the license key ID,start the MetaXpress PowerCore server application, and thenclick Tools > Licensing.• A description of the problem including when it happened andwhat the system was doing when it happened.• Screen captures of any error messages displayed.• A description of any changes made to the system recently, suchas updates, patches, or configuration changes.• Your contact information.• Have the log file available from the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver. To find the path to the log file, click Edit > Preferences.See Log File Location on page 90.0112-0183 C 79

Troubleshooting80 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Installationand Configuration NotesAIntroductionThis section provides tables to help you manage MetaXpress ®PowerCore Software installation tasks and configuration information.Tables in this section:• Table A-1 MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation TaskChecklist on page 82• Table A-2 MetaXpress PowerCore Software and LicenseInformation on page 83• Table A-3 Database Client Settings on page 84• Table A-4 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Connection Settings onpage 86• Table A-5 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Licensing Settings onpage 88• Table A-6 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Preferences on page 89• Table A-7 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Connection Settings onpage 91• Table A-8 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Job ProcessingTimeout(s) Settings on page 92• Table A-9 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Client’s Availability(Maximum Number of Parallel Processes Allowed on thisComputer) Settings on page 93• Table A-10 MetaXpress PowerCore Clients and ProcessingCapabilities on page 940112-0183 C 81

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesInstallation ChecklistUse the checklist in Table A-1 to track MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareinstallation tasks.Table A-1 MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation Task ChecklistTask Comments Done?Review the Molecular Devices CompleteSolution HCS documents including:• Computer Specifications• IT Requirements• IT PresentationObtain the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware installation package, includingthe license key USB device and the licenseregistration and authorization codes, fromMolecular Devices.Install and configure MetaXpressPowerCore servers. See Chapter 2MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installationand Configuration on page 11.Back up your existing MDCStoredatabase and images. To manage andoptimize the database for your facility,consult a database administrator (DBA).Update the schema of your existingMDCStore database. See Chapter 3MDCStore Database and File ServerUpdates on page 19.Install and configure the Oracle or SQLdatabase client software on MetaXpressPowerCore servers and clients. SeeChapter 4 Database Client Configurationon page 25.Install and configure MetaXpressPowerCore clients. See Chapter 5MetaXpress PowerCore Client Installationand Configuration on page 45.82 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideMetaXpress PowerCore Software andLicense InformationUse Table A-2 to record MetaXpress PowerCore Software licenseinformation. You use this information when you install the MetaXpressPowerCore server application and the license key server application asdescribed in Chapter 2 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Installation andConfiguration on page 11.Table A-2 MetaXpress PowerCore Software and License InformationItem Description System NotesFirewall settingsfor the license keyUSB deviceLicense Key HostComputerLicense Key IDRegistration CodeAuthorizationCodeAll firewall software on the server,including Windows Firewall andother firewall applications, mustbe configured to permit thelicense key driver spnsrvnt.exe tosend and receive TCP/IPcommunications on port 6002.The network address of the serverwhere the license key USB deviceis installed.The identification number of thelicense key USB device installedon the host computer.The 44-character code used withthe license key USB device toenable the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware license. The code isentered on a single line in thisformat:xxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxx-xxxx.An 11-character code required toauthorize the use of MetaXpressPowerCore Software. The code isentered on a single line in thisformat:xxx-xxxx-xxxx.0112-0183 C 83

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesTable A-2 MetaXpress PowerCore Software and License InformationItem Description System NotesTotal ParallelProcessesPermittedThe maximum number of analysisprocesses that can be runningsimultaneously on MetaXpressPowerCore clients.This number isdetermined by the license. If youhave multiple servers, they canshare the same license. However,the combined number ofprocesses running simultaneouslyon all MetaXpress PowerCoreclients cannot exceed the numberallowed by the license. You canincrease license capacity asneeded. For more information,contact your Molecular Devicessales representative.Database SettingsUse Table A-3 to record your database settings. You use thisinformation when you configure the MetaXpress PowerCore server andMetaXpress PowerCore client database settings for Oracle or SQL asdescribed in Chapter 4 Database Client Configuration on page 25.Table A-3 Database Client SettingsItem Description System NotesHost Name(for Oracle andSQL databases)MDCStoreDatabase PortNumber(for Oracle andSQL databases)The TCP/IP name of the computerthat hosts the MDCStoredatabase.The port number used by theMDCStore database server. Thisport number must be differentfrom the port number used forcommunication between theMetaXpress PowerCore server andMetaXpress PowerCore clients.Note: The default port for anOracle database is 1521, andfor an SQL database is port1433.84 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTable A-3 Database Client Settings (cont’d)Item Description System NotesUser ID for Login(for Oracle andSQL databases)MetaXpressPowerCoreDatabase DSN(for Oracle andSQL databases)Net Service Name(for Oracledatabases only)Database Protocol(for Oracledatabases only)TNS Service Name(for Oracledatabases only)Default Database(for SQLdatabases only)The User ID of an account that ispermitted to access the MDCStoredatabase server.Note: This account shouldhave the appropriate accessto the data being analyzed.The DSN (Data Source Name) youwant to use for the MetaXpressPowerCore Software.The service name used to accessthe MDCStore database across thenetwork.The protocol supported by theMDCStore database.The TNS (Transport NetworkSubstrate) name of the MDCStoreOracle database (not used withSQL). The TNS Service Name isthe name by which an Oracledatabase instance is known on anetwork.This name must matchthe name of the service in NetManager.The name of the MDCStoredatabase used with theMetaXpress PowerCore Software.0112-0183 C 85

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesMetaXpress PowerCore Server SettingsUse Table A-4 and Table A-5 to record MetaXpress PowerCore serversettings. To access these settings, click Edit > Server Settings in theMetaXpress PowerCore server application.Table A-4 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Connection SettingsItem Description SettingsClient PortClient ResponseTimeout (s)Use UDPBroadcast to FindClientsBroadcast toExternal InterfaceThe port number used forcommunication between theMetaXpress PowerCore server andMetaXpress PowerCore clients. AMetaXpress PowerCore server andits clients must use the same portnumber, and the port cannot be inuse by other applications.Firewalls and antivirus softwaremust be configured to permit UDPand TCP communication amongcomputers on the assigned port.The default port is 20000. Forinformation on assigning portnumbers, seehttp://www.iana.org/assignments/port-numbers.The amount of time, in seconds,allowed for clients to respond toMetaXpress PowerCore serverrequests. The MetaXpressPowerCore server disconnectsfrom clients if it does not receive aresponse from them within thistime frame.Enables the MetaXpressPowerCore server to use theprotocol UDP to find clientsinstalled and running on thenetwork. If UDP is not enabled,the only way for the server to findexternal clients is if they are onthe selected clients list, and theserver broadcasts to them directlyusing TCP.Enables the MetaXpressPowerCore server to broadcastthrough a network card to findany local MetaXpress PowerCoreclient that is running on theinternal network.86 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTable A-4 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Connection Settings (cont’d)Item Description SettingsBroadcast toLocalhostBroadcast to SelfBroadcast Interval(s)Broadcast toSelected ClientsEnables the MetaXpressPowerCore server to broadcastthrough the localhost port to findany client that is running on theserver itself. These clients mustbe configured to use the server’slocalhost port number in the PortNumber setting.Enables the MetaXpressPowerCore server to broadcast toits computer name to find anyclient that is running on the serveritself.The amount of time, in seconds,that elapses between broadcasts.Used to broadcast to knownMetaXpress PowerCore clientcomputers through TCP. On busynetworks, this can be moreefficient than using UDP broadcastalone.If the server does not use the UDPbroadcast option, it must use theBroadcast to Selected Clients optionto find clients running on networkcomputers.0112-0183 C 87

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesTable A-5 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Licensing SettingsItem Description SettingsReservedProcessesProcesses to BeReserved for thisServerThe number of processescurrently reserved for this server.The number of processes thathave been set aside for use bythis server. Until processes arereserved for it, the server cannotrun any analysis processes, andeach server is limited to thenumber of processes reserved forit.For example, if the license permits100 processes, but only 50processes are reserved for theserver, the server cannot runmore than 50 processessimultaneously.If a server is online and runninganalysis processes on clients,those client processes arededucted from the total number ofprocesses available under thelicense. If a server is offline,processes reserved for that serverare not deducted from the numberallowed by the license. Serversare considered to be offline if theyare not connected to the network,or if the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver application on the serverhas been closed.Note: To view this setting,click Advanced in the Licensingsection on the Server Settingsproperty sheet.88 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideMetaXpress PowerCore Server PreferencesUse Table A-6 to record MetaXpress PowerCore server preferences. Toaccess these preferences, click Edit > Preferences in the MetaXpressPowerCore server application.Table A-6 MetaXpress PowerCore Server PreferencesItem Description SettingsNumber of Retriesper Work UnitThe number of times theMetaXpress PowerCore Softwaretries to analyze a work unit, forwhich errors have been reported,before marking that work unit ashaving failed. Allowing retriesincreases the likelihood ofsuccessful processing, since someerrors can be corrected whenwork units are retried.If the software encounters anerror when it processes a workunit, and if retries are allowed, theMetaXpress PowerCore serversends the work unit to the nextavailable client for processing.All work unit errors, including theinitial error and errors resultingfrom retries, are listed on theErrors page. The number of workunits started, and the number ofwork units completed successfully,appear on the Job History page.0112-0183 C 89

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesTable A-6 MetaXpress PowerCore Server Preferences (cont’d)Item Description SettingsPercentage ofWork Unit FailuresAllowed per JobTask CompletionTimeout (s)Log File LocationThe percentage of work units thatcan fail before an analysis job ismarked as having failed.For example, if the percentage isset to 10, and a job has 100 workunits, the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware continues to process thejob even if 9 work units fail. If 10work units fail, however,processing stops, and the job ismarked as having failed.Tip! To enable the MetaXpressPowerCore Software toprocess jobs completely, usea high percentage of workunit failures, such as 75% to99%. The higher thepercentage, the greater thechance that the MetaXpressPowerCore Software cancomplete the job.The amount of time, in seconds,the client computer can take toprocess a work unit. TheMetaXpress PowerCore servermarks work units as failed ifresults are not returned withinthis time frame. Work units aretypically processed in 60 to 360seconds, but processing can takelonger depending on complexity.The location of MetaXpressPowerCore log files. TheMetaXpress PowerCore serverrecords processing details in a logfile at this location whenprocessing jobs.The default location of the log fileis the MetaXpress PowerCoreapplication folder. To change thelocation, click the ellipsis (...).Whenever you restart theMetaXpress PowerCore serverapplication, the software starts anew log file.90 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideMetaXpress PowerCore Client SettingsUse Table A-7, Table A-8, and Table A-9 to record MetaXpressPowerCore client settings. To access these settings, log in to the clientcomputer as administrator, and then click Start > All Programs >Molecular Devices > MetaXpress PowerCore > MetaXpress PowerCore Client.Table A-7 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Connection SettingsItem Description SettingsServer is ExternalServer Uses UDPPort NumberWhether the client listens forbroadcasts from an externalMetaXpress PowerCore server.This setting should be selectedunless the client is installed on theMetaXpress PowerCore serveritself.Whether the MetaXpressPowerCore server uses UDP to findclients installed and running onthe network. Unless the serverbroadcasts only to selectedclients, this setting should beselected.The port number used forcommunication between theMetaXpress PowerCore server andMetaXpress PowerCore clients.The MetaXpress PowerCore serverand all of its clients must use thesame port number and the portcannot be used by otherapplications. Firewalls andantivirus software must beconfigured to permit UDP and TCPcommunication among computerson the assigned port. The defaultport is 20000.For information about assigningport numbers, go tohttp://www.iana.org/assignments/port-numbers.0112-0183 C 91

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesTable A-8 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Job Processing Timeout(s)SettingsItem Description SettingsFor CompletingTasksFor CollectingResultsThe maximum amount of time, inseconds, allowed for theprocessing of each work unit. If awork unit is not analyzed withinthe specified time period, theclient stops processing the workunit, and the work unit is markedas having failed. Work units aretypically processed in 60 to 360seconds, but processing can takelonger depending on complexity.The maximum amount of time, inseconds, for the MetaXpressPowerCore server to collect resultsafter the client’s analysis iscomplete. If the results are notpicked up within the specified timeinterval, the client discards them.92 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideTable A-9 MetaXpress PowerCore Client Client’s Availability (MaximumNumber of Parallel Processes Allowed on this Computer) SettingsItem Description SettingsWhile Busy(no screen saver)While Idle (screensaver active)The number of MetaXpressPowerCore analysis processes thatcan be running on the client whenthe screen server is not active orthe client is busy.If the client is dedicated to theMetaXpress PowerCore Software,or if you want the client to beavailable for MetaXpressPowerCore analyses all the time,this number should be the totalnumber of processors on thecomputer.If the client is used for otherapplications in addition to theMetaXpress PowerCoreapplication, lower this number toallow proper processing power forthe other applications.If you want the client to performanalyses only when it is idle, setthis number to 0.Tip! The recommended ratioof processes to CPUs is 1 to 1,depending on PC power andmemory and on thecomplexity of the process.Performance might decreaseif a CPU runs more than onecomplex process at a time.The number of MetaXpressPowerCore analysis processes thatcan be running on the client whenthe computer is idle and thescreen saver named Dcscreensaveris active.0112-0183 C 93

MetaXpress PowerCore Installation and Configuration NotesMetaXpress PowerCore Clients and ProcessingCapabilitiesUse Table A-10 to record information about MetaXpress PowerCoreclients and their processing capabilities. Client information is alsoavailable on the MetaXpress PowerCore server Active Clients page. Toview that page, click the Active Clients tab in the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver application.Table A-10 MetaXpress PowerCore Clients and Processing CapabilitiesMetaXpressPowerCore ClientNameParallel ProcessesAllowed When Busy(no screen saver)Parallel ProcessesAllowed When Idle(screen saver active)94 0112-0183 C

GlossaryAcuityXpress Software: Softwareused for data mining and metaanalysis.AcuityXpress Software isused with MetaXpress ® Software,ImageXpress ® imagers, and theMDCStore database.analysis: The separation of an imageinto its constituent parts for study.analysis job: Microplate-basedinformation, generated byMetaXpress Software, that is readyto be analyzed.application module: Assay-specificmodules used with the MetaXpressSoftware. Application modulesautomate common analysis taskssuch as segmentation and cellscoring.Auto Run Queue: The sequence ofMetaXpress Software analysis jobswaiting to be processedautomatically.client (database): Software requiredfor communication with theMDCStore database. Database clientsoftware must be installed andconfigured on MetaXpress ®PowerCore servers and clients. Formore information, see SupportedDatabase Client Software onpage 26.client (MetaXpress PowerCore):See MetaXpress PowerCore client.client service (MetaXpressPowerCore): See MetaXpress PowerCoreClient service.core A computer processor.MetaXpress PowerCore clientsoftware can run on computers withmultiple processor cores; theMetaXpress PowerCore Software hasbeen tested in client configurationsof up to 48 processor cores.Dcscreensaver: The screen saverused with MetaXpress PowerCoreclients. Screen saver settings onMetaXpress PowerCore clientsdetermine how CPUs are used by theMetaXpress PowerCore Software.For more information, seeConfiguring the MetaXpress®PowerCore Client on page 47.File Server (MDC): A MolecularDevices software that manages thedata files stored in the MDCStoredatabase. For more information, seethe MDCStoreTools User Guide.image: A picture captured by aninstrument, such as an ImageXpressacquisition system.ImageXpress System: Instrumentsused for image acquisition. TheImageXpress ® Ultra instrument is anautomated point-scanning confocalimager. The ImageXpress ® Microinstrument is a widefield automatedmicroscope.0112-0183 C 95

Glossaryjob queue monitoring: The process ofchecking the MetaXpress SoftwareAuto Run Queue for analysis jobsthat are ready for processing. Youcan configure the MetaXpressPowerCore server to monitor theAuto Run Queue continuously andprocess jobs automatically. For moreinformation, see Monitoring theMetaXpress Software Auto RunQueue for Jobs on page 54.journals: Custom analysis macrosused with the MetaXpress Software.The MetaXpress PowerCore Softwaredoes not process analysis jobs thatcontain journals.license key: A USB device thatverifies the MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware license. Obtain this keyfrom Molecular Devices.license key server: Software requiredto use the license key. This softwareis installed on the server where thelicense key USB device is plugged in.For more information, see Installingthe MetaXpress PowerCore Serverand License Key Server Applicationson page 12.MDCStore database: The MolecularDevices database that storesImageXpress System screening dataand images, image locations, resultsof MetaXpress Software analyses,and AcuityXpress Software datamining results. For informationabout using the MetaXpressPowerCore Software with thisdatabase, see Updating theMDCStore Database Schema fromVersion 2.0 or later on page 20.MetaXpress Software: Software usedto control and review high-contentimaging systems.MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware: The server-clientsystem used to increase the speed ofanalysis of MetaXpress Softwareapplication modules.MetaXpress PowerCore client: Acomputer with the MetaXpressPowerCore client software installed.MetaXpress PowerCore clientsprocess the work units they receivefrom the MetaXpress PowerCoreserver and return the analysisresults to the server afterprocessing. For more information,see MetaXpress PowerCore ClientManagement on page 65.MetaXpress PowerCore Client service:The MetaXpress PowerCore clientservice that runs on clientcomputers. This service is installedand started during MetaXpressPowerCore client installation, and itenables MetaXpress PowerCoreclients to receive work units forprocessing from the MetaXpressPowerCore server. The service mustbe running for the MetaXpressPowerCore client to process workunits. If the service is stopped, theclient cannot process work units. Formore information, see Stopping andRestarting the MetaXpressPowerCore Client Service onpage 67.MetaXpress PowerCore clientsoftware: The MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware application installed onMetaXpress PowerCore clientcomputers. This application is usedto set properties such as the portnumber for server-clientcommunication. The applicationdoes not have to be running for theclient to process work units. Formore information, see Chapter 5MetaXpress PowerCore ClientInstallation and Configuration onpage 45.96 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideMetaXpress PowerCore server: Acomputer with the MetaXpressPowerCore server applicationinstalled. MetaXpress PowerCoreservers seamlessly obtain analysisjobs from the MetaXpress SoftwareAuto Run Queue, divide the jobs intowork units, and send the work unitsto MetaXpress PowerCore clients forprocessing. For more information,see MetaXpress PowerCore Serverand License Management onpage 59.MetaXpress PowerCore serversoftware: The MetaXpressPowerCore Software applicationinstalled on the MetaXpressPowerCore server. This application isused to set the MetaXpressPowerCore server properties andmanage analysis jobs. For moreinformation, see Chapter 2MetaXpress PowerCore ServerInstallation and Configuration onpage 11.microplate Multi-well trays thatcontain the samples being studied.process: A single instance of theMetaXpress PowerCoreAMExecutioner program that isrunning on a client computer.License settings determine the totalnumber of processes allowed. Formore information, see AboutMetaXpress PowerCore SoftwareLicensing on page 61.server (license key): See licensekey server.server (MetaXpress PowerCore): SeeMetaXpress PowerCore server.site: A set of images from the samelocation in a well. Wells can containone site or multiple sites.well: In a microplate, the sectionsthat contain the samples beingstudied.work unit: The smallest possiblecomponent of an analysis job. Awork unit is usually a site or a well tobe analyzed. MetaXpress PowerCoreservers divide analysis jobs intowork units, and send the work unitsto MetaXpress PowerCore clients forprocessing.0112-0183 C 97

Glossary98 0112-0183 C

IndexAactive processes 65, 88AcuityXpress Software 7adding clients to selected clients lists68AMExecutioner program 97analysis jobsabout 7canceling 55definition of 95restarting 57starting and stopping 54viewing status of 55analysis, definition of 95antivirus software and firewallsguidelines for 10troubleshooting 74Windows Firewall settings 12application modules 7, 95authorization code 15Auto Run Queuechanges to table 20definition of 95monitoring 54overview of 7available processes 93Bbroadcast settingsdefinition of 86property sheet 16broadcasting to specific clients 64Ccanceling analysis jobs 55changingclient settings 66license settings 61server settings 60checklistsfor client process settings 94for client settings 91for database client settings 84for installation tasks 82for license information 83for server settings 86client service settings 48, 77clientsavailable processes on 93broadcasting to specific 86changing settings of 66configuration of 91CPUs, usage of 47installing 46response timeouts for 86restarting services on 67screen saver for 47viewing status of 65closing MetaXpress PowerCoreSoftware applications 60codes, for registering software 15communications, server-client 690112-0183 C 99

Indexconfigurationof client CPUs 47of database clients 26of databases 39of firewalls 74of licenses 83of MetaXpress PowerCore clients14, 47of MetaXpress PowerCore servers86of Oracle database 33connection settingsfor clients 91for servers 60, 86contacting Technical Support 10, 79coresdefinition of 95CPUsconfiguring usage of 47ratio of processes to 93speed of 66total 66usage during job processing 52Eerrorschanging settings for 61log file, location of 90preferences for handling 90searching for 57troubleshooting 69viewing 71FFile Serverdefinition of 95updating 23firewalls and antivirus softwareguidelines for 10troubleshooting 74Windows Firewall settings 12Ddatabasehost name of 84Oracle client settings of 26, 33port number of 22, 84protocol for MDCStore 85schema, updating 21SQL client settings 39tablespace requirements 20Dcscreensaver 47, 95default SQL database 85driverslicense key 12Oracle 27Hhistory, of analysis jobs 56host nameof license key server 14, 83of MDCStore database 84of MetaXpress PowerCore clients66of Oracle database server 35100 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User GuideIimages 7, 51acquisition of 8definition of 95problems with 76ImageXpress®definition of 95workstation 8increasing license capacity 64installinglicense key server software 12MetaXpress PowerCore clients 46MetaXpress PowerCore servers 12Oracle database client 26, 27Jjob queue monitoring 54, 96jobscanceling 55overview of 7, 51restarting 57with journals 53journalsprocessing jobs with 7, 53Kkey, for license 13Llicense keydefinition of 96installing 12Web page for 14license key serverdefinition of 96installing 12license settings 83configuring 14increasing capacity of 64viewing 61loading images 77localhost settings 86log fileslocation of 90overview of 71LogOn settings, for client service 48Mmanaginganalysis jobs 51clients 65license settings 61servers 60MDCStore databaseoverview of 19schema, updating 21MetaXpress SoftwareAuto Run Queue, overview of 7jobs with journals 7MetaXpress® software 96microplate 97monitoring the Auto Run Queue 54multiple servers, using 630112-0183 C 101

IndexNnetwork domain user account 49network settingsand firewalls 74UDP and TCP 69OOracle client settings 26, 33Pport number settingschanging 70of database server 22, 84of MetaXpress PowerCore clients91of MetaXpress PowerCore servers86preferencesfor error handling 90property sheet 18prerequisitesfor configuring database clients25for installing MetaXpressPowerCore clients 45for installing MetaXpressPowerCore servers 11for updating the database 20processesdefinition of 97increasing license capacity for 64reserving, for servers 63viewing active 66processing analysis jobs, overview of51protocolsfor MDCStore database 85UDP and TCP 69Rratio of CPUs to processes 93registration code 15requirementsdatabase tablespace 20MetaXpress PowerCore Software8reserving processes for servers 63restartinganalysis jobs 57client computers 67MetaXpress PowerCore Softwareapplications 60Sschema, MDCStore database 21screen saver settings 47, 93searching for errors 57selected clients list 68serverschanging settings of 60configuring 86installing 12selected clients, list of 68using multiple 63sites 7, 51definition of 97SQL client settings 39starting analysis jobs 54statusof analysis jobs 55of clients 65stopping analysis jobs 54102 0112-0183 C

MetaXpress PowerCore Software Installation and User Guidesubnets 69Support 10, 79system requirements 8Ttablespace requirements 20TCP communications 69Technical Support 10, 79timeout settingsclient response 86errors related to 77task completion, client 92task completion, server 90viewing 73TNS service name 85troubleshooting 74UUDP protocol 69, 91UNC image storage 48, 77updatingMDC File Server 23MDCStore database schema 21USB port 13user account for network domain 49user ID for MDCStore login 85Vviewingclient settings 66client status 65errors 71license settings 61server settings 60virus-protection software 10, 74WWeb sitesfor license key host 14for Molecular Devices 10for Oracle database client drivers27for port number information 86wells 7, 51definition of 97Windows Firewall settings 12work unitsdefinition of 97number of retries for 89processing of 520112-0183 C 103

Index104 0112-0183 C