<![CDATA[Commercial Network Services]]> <![CDATA[CNS Remote Admin v1.0.17]]> CNS Remote Admin is a tool for use by Commercial Network Services subscribers to manage Windows virtual servers and desktops. Some of the features in CNS Remote Admin are: view logged on users, running processes, events, download/upload files, and control software manatged by CNS Autoboot. Recommended for all CNS VPS subscribers.

 
Available now for Android and iOS, search "CNS Remote Admin" in the playstore or on iTunes.

Changes desktop version of CNSRemoteAdmin 1.0.17:

  •  Replaced old 2FA with new CNS2FA.
  •  Reworked internal engine for tabs and network connection. Now all operations are working faster, especially File Manager and Event Viewer.
  •  Fixed navigate up in File Manager, now navigating to upper folder instead of root of drive C:
  •  Fixed error when trying to navigate to folder, which was just renamed in File Manager.
  •  Fixed issue with error showing remote screenshot in some cases (In Windows 2008 and Windows 2012). After reboot in Windows 2003 it is required to make logon to Windows with using Remote Desktop before using screenshot feature.
  •  Fixed progress bar in File Manager when copy/open files.
  •  Added support of rad files where line by line means: remote ip, login, password, and optionally 2fa. To open it, call app with passing full path to rad file as first argument.

Changes in mobile version of CNSRemoteAdmin 1.0.17:

  •  Replaced old 2FA with new CNS2FA.
  •  Added feature to sort columns in Process View.
  •  Added basic touch to zoom and double-tap to fullscreen feature in remote screenshot viewer.
  •  Fixed issue with error showing remote screenshot in some cases.

Direct links to the app at mobile app stores:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/cns-remote-admin/id633701523
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.CommercialNetworkServices.CNSRemoteAdmin

]]> <![CDATA[How do I change my CNS VPS Administrator password?]]> There are 3 ways to change the Administrator password for your CNS VPS. Please be sure that you read the whole set of instructions for your chosen method and that you understand them clearly to avoid issues before trying the steps.

 

** AREA "A" OF THE WEBSITE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE USE METHOD B OR C.

(A) Our CNS VPS Control Panel can be used to set your password from the VPS details page in your Client Area:

This feature will require that CNS Remote Admin is installed in your VPS

  1. Click "My Products & Services"
  2. Click the "View Details" button for your VPS Subscription
  3. Type your new password into the "Reset Administrator/root password" field
  4. Click the "Reset Password" button to make the change

 

(B) Your VPS Administrator password can be set from inside the VM (confirmation):

Usethe CTRL+ALT+END key combination to bring up the Windows Security menu. You can also use the "Windows Security" icon in your Start menu if it is available.

 

(C) You can also make the change from the Command Line (no confirmation):

For 2003:

  1. Click the "Start" button then click "Run..."
  2. In the Run box type: "cmd" then press ENTER
  3. In the CMD window type "net user Administrator new_pass"
  4. Press ENTER to set your new password

**Replace "new_pass" with your new password

For 2008/2012:

  1. Click the "Start" button then in the Search box type: "cmd"
  2. Right-click the Command Prompt icon then select "Run as Administrator"
  3. In the CMD window type "net user Administrator new_pass"
  4. Press ENTER to set your new password

**Replace "new_pass" with your new password

 

]]> <![CDATA[Login to Your CNS VPS with Remote Desktop - RDP - Windows PC Mac ...]]> Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients are available for nearly every device through their respective app store these days, best of all they are free. Google Play for Android, iTunes for iOS, and the Mac App Store for Macs, it is already included in every version of Windows. You can find direct links to those downloads in this Microsoft Technet article: Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn473009.aspx

 

When connecting from a PC or Mac, we recommend using a Remote Desktop Shortcut, .RDP file. The shortcut is a settings file that tells your already installed Remote Desktop client how to connect to your VPS subscription.

From your CNS Client Area

  1. Click "My Products & Services"
  2. Then click the "View Details" button to access the Control Panel
  3. Next, scroll down to the "RDP Shortcut Creator"
  4. Configure your settings in the box
  5. Then use the "Download/Open RDP Shortcut" button

    Save the file to your machine or Open it when using a Public device to access your VPS

 

When connecting from your mobile device you will want to gather the information from your VPS details page to use with your Client. The main settings you will need from that page will be:

  • IP Address - Noted in your Product Details, may also be called host address or remote server in your client.
  • RDP Port - Noted on the RDP Shortcut Creator.
  • Console - If you're connecting to a VPS running Windows Server 2003 be sure to Enable the Console option in your Client so that you will see the same session as when connecting from your PC.

 

 

#Connect #RDP #Remote_Desktop #Login #Logon #Windows #Mac #Android #iPhone #iPad

]]> <![CDATA[CNS Two-Factor Authentication How-To Guide]]>

2FA is included free in all CNS subscriptions.  It is also available as a subscription service starting at US$2/month or US$6/year.  Use the coupon code 2FA1MONTH for a free one month trial (signup for the monthly subscription).

Summary

Getting Started

Configuring Additional Client Area Users

Installing the CNS 2FA Client Software in Windows

Entering the License Key (not required for VM's hosted by CNS)

Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users

Upgrading the CNS 2FA 2.0 Client (SMS only) to 2.5

Logging into a 2FA Protected CNS VPS

Logging into a 2FA Protected CNS Client Area

Uninstalling 2FA

   Summary

CNS Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a system where two different factors are used to authenticate a system login. Using two factors as opposed to one delivers a higher level of security when authenticating to your machine. The CNS 2FA solution combines something you have - your mobile device (phone or tablet) - with something you know - your VPS Administrator password. This can be compared to using an ATM card to withdrawal funds where you are required to have both the card and the PIN to complete a transaction, though in that example your PIN may never change.

Previous versions of CNS 2FA were only available with CNS VPS subscriptions and required a One-Time PIN code be sent to the subscriber by SMS.  Due to the variety of mobile providers worldwide and the different methods they use to process SMS messages, SMS PIN's could sometimes be delayed by several minutes.

With the release of CNS 2FA v2.5, CNS is introducing software tokens for mobile devices.  The software displays a changing code on the mobile device, which only needs to be added to the end of the password at login.  This avoids the need to wait for an SMS.  For subscribers without a modern iOS, Android, or Windows mobile device- SMS codes are still supported as detailed in the "Logging into a 2FA Protected VM" section below.  Note: The ability to receive the one-time PIN by email is no longer supported because of security risks (email accounts are often hacked before any other services the user may subscribe to).

2FA renders key loggers ineffective because the PIN code changes every 30 seconds- for token generated PINs and 5 minutes- for PINs sent by SMS (can only be used one time).  A stolen password is only 1/2 the information needed to login - the attacker must also have your mobile device in their hand to read the PIN code and enter it.  Brute force hacks are out of the question.

We strongly recommend this free service to all subscribers.  To date, CNS has not seen a single 2FA protected VPS hacked.  CNS is taking security even further by extending the 2FA service to protect CNS Client Area logins.

CNS Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is compatible with any hosted Windows server, and has been tested on Windows 2003 R2, Windows 2008 R2, and Windows 2012.  It is available free with every CNS VPS subscription, and as an individual subscription service to protect Windows logins.  2FA subscribers should note that the service requires an active Internet connection to reach our authentication servers.  While 2FA is compatible with client OS's, like Windows 7, 8, etc., extra care must be taken to ensure that Internet access is Always available to your machine for 2FA to function properly.

 

Getting Started

In 2FA releases prior to v2.5, authorized users had to be setup individually in each VM subscription and the CNS Client Area was unprotected by 2FA.  This opened a potential security hole because an unauthorized hacker could theoretically login to the CNS Client Area and disable 2FA before subsequently logging into the (formerly) 2FA protected VM.  This is a real threat if the same CNS subscriber account password was also used on other sites by the CNS subscriber.  CNS 2FA v2.5 extends protection to the CNS Client Area, where authorized users in the 2FA protected OS/VM are actually registered as account contacts.  After registering all authorized users, they only need to be mapped to Windows User accounts in the VM/2FA subscription details (in the CNS Client Area).  If no users are mapped in the subscription details then all Windows Users will default to the registered CNS account owner for two-factor authentication.  If you do not want the authorized VM users to have access to your CNS Client Area, simply register them but do not grant any permissions.  This will enable those users to login to the CNS Client Area to register/manage their mobile device, and nothing else.

If you intend to use the software token then you should first install Google Authenticator in your mobile device.  This can be easily installed from the app store for your device. (Play Store, App Store, Etc.)  We also recommend that the barcode scanner is installed (it may be an optional/recommended install).  Installing the barcode scanner will enable you to register the mobile device by simply pointing the camera at a QR code on the screen to read the configuration.  Google Authenticator is available for many platforms, including Android & iOS.

* Some subscribers may not be able to install Google Authenticator. Apps like Authy (available for Android & iOS) can be used to receive your codes for CNS 2FA and other popular services as well.  OTP Authenticator is based off of the Google Authenticator source and behaves almost identically: https://kuix.de/android/otp-authenticator/ (you may need to enable installing apps not from the play store to perform the install)

The first step is to login to your CNS Client Area and click "My Details" at the top of the screen.
 Then click "Change Security Question" and complete the form.  This is important in case you lose your mobile device and require CNS Support assistance to regain access - it may help you get logged back in faster.  
Next, click "Two-factor Authentication". 

You will be directed to a page prompting for your SMS phone number.  In this box, enter the country code + mobile number.  For example, the country code for the US is +1.   If the phone number of this device is (619) 555-1214 then the number to be entered will be 16195551214, etc..

After entering your mobile device phone number, click the button to Enable Two-Factor Authentication.

  

 

Within a few seconds, you should receive a confirmation SMS notifying you that 2FA has been setup on your account - DO NOT LEAVE THE PAGE YET

 

The next page will look similar to the graphic at the right.

Open Google Authenticator on your mobile device and click the menu item to setup an account.  You will be offered two ways to do that, either scanning the barcode or entering a provided key.  By far, the easiest way to register the device is to scan the barcode.  If a manual key needs to be entered, it is displayed below the QR code, as shown in the graphic to the right.

If you did not receive the SMS confirmation then try clicking the button to disable 2FA and start the process over again with a corrected phone number.  SMS delivery should be operational worldwide, however depending on your mobile provider the time required to receive the message could be several minutes.

If you are unable to receive the SMS and experience trouble registering your mobile device in Google Authenticator, click "Disable Two-factor Authentication" before leaving the page.

Please open a support ticket if you require additional assistance.

 		  

 

Configuring Additional CNS Client Area Users

To add CNS Client Area account contacts, click "My Details" in the yellow navigation area.  Then click, "Contacts/Sub-Accounts".  Select the "Add New Contact" drop-down item and be sure to check "Tick to configure as a sub-account with client area access".

Grant the necessary permissions, if desired, and save.  The new account contact should then login to the CNS Client Area under their newly created account and register a mobile device, as detailed in the section "Getting Started" (above).

Please see the section "Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users" (below) for information about linking Windows logins with registered 2FA users.

 

Installing the CNS 2FA Client Software in Windows

NOTE: If you are upgrading a CNS VPS already protected with the previous 2FA v2.0 software (SMS only), you must first complete the section "Upgrading from the CNS 2FA 2.0 Client" before instalilng the software.

The CNS 2FA Client Software is required to be installed in the 2FA protected machine.  If you ordered a new CNS VPS on/after November 13, 2013 and selected to install 2FA at that time then the software is already installed for you.  Otherwise, simply download the client software (available at the bottom of this KB article) and install it into the Windows OS that is intended to be protected by 2FA.  Note:  All CNS software downloads are always digitally signed for your protection.  It is good practice - for any software you may download - to save it and then right-click on the file and select "properties".  You should see a digital signature tab with the certificate details.  If you do not see a digital signature tab, or if the digital signature reflects as invalid, then consider the software to be suspect, as it may be infected with malicious software.

If the OS being protected by 2FA is a CNS VPS then skip to the section titled "Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users".  If the OS being protected is not hosted by CNS, you must next enter a license key into the client software.

 

Entering the License Key

This step is not required if the VPS being protected by 2FA is hosted by CNS because CNS Two-Factor Authentication is included free with every CNS VPS subscription.  A license key is only required for CNS 2FA software subscriptions in order to secure servers not hosted by CNS.  A separate license is required for each Windows OS to be protected by 2FA.  There is no limit to the number of authorized users.

The license key can be obtained from the CNS Client Area by clicking "My Products & Services" then the "View Details" button next to the CNS 2FA software subscription.  The license key begins with "CNS-2FA".

In the Windows OS being protected by 2FA, click Start-> Programs-> CNS Two-factor Authentication-> Licensing, and enter the license key.

NOTE:  If you later decide to uninstall 2FA from this computer and move it to another computer, you should return to the CNS Client Area and click "Reissue License".  The license key will remain the same.  This simply "unglues" the license from the existing machine so the next machine that authenticates the license can claim it.

 

Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users

"Mapping" is a term used to link Windows users in a 2FA protected Windows OS to a registered user in the CNS Client Area.  If the registered CNS Account owner is the only authorized user in a 2FA protected VM then this section can be safely ignored.  By default, all Windows users are mapped to the CNS Subscriber Account owner's 2FA token. 

In order to map additional users, it is first necessary to register them as additional account contacts in the CNS Client Area, so they can register and manage their mobile device. In cases where account contacts should not have access to a 2FA secured server, all that is required is to do nothing - do not map those contacts to Windows users. 

In order to map users, you must first register your users as CNS Client Area contacts (see "Configuring Additional CNS Client Area Users", above). 

To access the mapping table, click "My Products & Services"-> "View Details" next to the VM or 2FA subscription.  You may need to scroll down to find the mapping table, which will look something like the table on the right.

Select the registered CNS Client Area contact in the drop-down box and then enter the associated Windows user name, such as Administrator.  The Windows user name is the user name the user logs into the 2FA protected OS as.  Then click "ADD MAPPING".  Changes are registered instantly.

 

Upgrading from the CNS 2FA 2.0 Client

 

If you are upgrading a VM hosted by CNS with the older CNS 2FA v2.0 client (SMS only) then it is necessary to first uninstall the software from the VM before proceeding to install the new CNS 2FA v2.5 client.

2008/2012:  In the VPS, select Start-> Control Panel-> Programs and Features

Select "CNS Two-factor Authentication Client" and then click on "Uninstall".  Confirm to remove pGina 2 and all plugins, and then click "Uninstall".  DO NOT REBOOT (YET)

Proceed to install the CNS 2FA v2.5 Client Software.  A reboot is required after installing the new CNS 2FA v2.5 client software.

 

2003:  In the VPS, select Start-> Control Panel-> Add/Remove Programs

Select "CNS Two-factor Authentication Client" and then click on "Uninstall".  Confirm to remove pGina 2 and all plugins, and then click "Uninstall".  DO NOT REBOOT (YET)

Proceed to install the CNS 2FA v2.5 Client Software.  A reboot is required after installing the new CNS 2FA v2.5 client software.

  

Logging into a 2FA Protected VM

Logging into a 2FA protected VM requires a changing code is entered after the password and while the 2FA remote desktop screen is displayed.  When a RDP session is first established, the user may receive a normal RDP popup on their remote PC which is prompting for the Windows user name and password.  This first step only requires the regular Windows user name and password, without the 2FA code.

After successfully completing this step, a Windows login will be displayed *in a remote desktop window*.  Here, all that is required is to login with the Windows user name (typically Administrator) and the password, immediately followed by the changing code displayed on the software token.

For example, if the Windows user logging in is "Administrator", the password is "password", and the changing code on the software token is "123456" then the following should be entered:

 

User:  Administrator

Password:  password123456

 

If you do not have the software token installed, or require a one-time SMS code, enter only "sms" in the password field.  A one-time SMS code will be sent to you which is valid for five minutes only.  Complete the process again and use the code received by SMS as your token code.

 

Logging into the a 2FA protected CNS Client Area

To login to the CNS Client Area with 2FA activated, simply login with your regular user name (email address) and password.  A second screen will appear for the 2FA code displayed on your mobile device.  There is also a link on that second page to send a one-time SMS code, which will only be valid for 5 minutes after it is requested.

 

Uninstalling 2FA

Uninstalling the software client from the OS will remove 2FA protection from the windows OS.  It will not remove 2FA protection from the CNS Client Area.  To do that, you should return to the CNS Client Area and click "My Details" and then "Two-Factor Authentication".  Then, click the button to disable 2FA.

To uninstall the 2FA software from the Windows OS, go into Add/Remove Programs and uninstall the software titled "CNS Two-factor Authentication".  A reboot should not be required.

To deactivate 2FA from your CNS account, return to the "My Details" page in the CNS Client Area and click the two-factor authentication link.  You will find a button to deactivate it.

 

]]> <![CDATA[CNS Autoboot 3.0.43]]> CNS Autoboot v3.0.43 for all Windows Server 2003/2008/2012 Virtual Private Servers

This software is ONLY Authorized for use with CNS Virtual Private Servers and valid CNS Autoboot software subscriptions.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO DOWNLOAD THE FILE

Please read our Autoboot 3 User Guide before using.
A text only version can be found in our Knowledge Base.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.43:
* By request for MT5 Optimization: Changed max startup delay between apps from 60 to 300 seconds

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.41:
* Fixed error when opening global Autoboot settings in some cases.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.40:
* Resolves a privately reported security vulnerability.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.39.1:

* Reduced memory usage: now AutoBootAppsStarter.exe works only on windows account used by Autoboot.
* In Windows 2003 when adding terminal.exe into list of apps, automatically adds /portable argument to bypass MT4 profiles issues even with 2FA enabled Windows 2003 vms. This argument can be edited in app settings in Autoboot.
* In global settings added "high system RAM usage" event (subscriber request).
* Fixed issue with profiles in MT4 for Windows 2003 without 2FA.
* In Windows 2003 without 2FA now session is created and apps run with session rights, which may resolve some of issues with some of trader terminals run with Autoboot.
* Fixed issue with non-working disabling email notification about Autoboot startup.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.38:

* Fixed issue with multiple instances of AutoBootAppStarter process when using several windows account at once.
* Added listing top 10 processes in the email about event of low free system ram.
* Added confirmation box when enabling or disabling apps.
* Added email notification when Autoboot service is booted up. This notification can be turned on in Autoboot settings.

Please review the readme for more historical update information.

]]> <![CDATA[Do you offer incentives for referring new subscribers?]]>
A: We gladly reward current subscribers with a free month of service, up to US$30, when a new subscriber enters the referring subscriber's name in our signup questionnaire. Our Affiliate Program pays one time $20 cash commissions for new subscriptions and our Reseller Program provides opportunities to resell our services as your own company, at your own prices, and with automated billing and service provisioning
]]> <![CDATA[My Internet connection is slow and unreliable. What happens if m...]]>
A: It's exactly the same as if you walked away from the keyboard. The virtual desktop will keep running your programs, including your EA's. Simply logon again when your Internet is back up and you will rejoin your running session.
]]> <![CDATA[Q: My Internet connection is slow. How is the virtual desktop fa...]]>
A: It seems fast because the Internet connection between the virtual desktop and the Internet is extremely fast. Your computer is merely a terminal (i.e. a screen, keyboard and sound), it doesn't take a lot of bandwidth or even CPU to run. There is a second life for old laptops!

]]> <![CDATA[What is the difference between the dedicated edition and the virt...]]>
A: The virtual edition will throttle back heavy CPU usage and also shares a network port with other VE's. The dedicated edition has dual dedicated CPU cores, dedicated RAM and a dedicated Internet port. The dedicated edition is designed for extremely active traders.]]> <![CDATA[Q: Can I share files between my computer and my virtual desktop?]]>
A: Yes! The Windows Remote Desktop Client can easily be configured to map your local drives, printers, COM ports, etc.. Instructions to setup these devices are included in our logon instructions. When properly setup, your computer's hard disk(s) will be displayed in the virtual desktop file explorer as maped drives. You can interact with these resources as any other disk. Remember that this is a file transfer between your computer and the virtual desktop, so the speed will be limited to your internet speed.

Please review this document for logon instructions.

http://www.commercialnetworkservices.com/HelpDeskDocs/Library/HELP046.htm#WindowsLogon]]> <![CDATA[How do I keep my programs running while I'm off-line?]]> streaming video tutorials.

Q: How do I keep my programs running while I'm off-line?

A: Keep your programs running by not logging of the virtual desktop. Disconnect your session instead of logging off.

To disconnect over remote desktop client: Roll the mouse to the top of the screen and a yellow bar will drop down. Click the X to disconnect

To disconnect over Virtuozzo Power Panel: Close the web browser

Note that if you leave the remote desktop by 'start->log off' or 'start->shut down' then you will log off or shutdown the VE, and this will stop your programs. It is important that you disconnect rather than log off.

You can rejoin the running session by logging back in. You can capture a running session on another client by logging in with the same user name. For example, if you leave your PC logged on and want to logon to the virtual desktop from a laptop, simply logon to your virtual desktop normally. The laptop will be connected and the PC will be disconnected. ]]> <![CDATA[2FA Google Authenticator token not working]]> This is often caused by the Andorid application not being ins sync.

This might be because the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly.


To make sure that you have the correct time:


    1. Go to the main menu on the Google Authenticator app

    2. Click Settings

    3. Click Time correction for codes

    4. Click Sync now


On the next screen, the app will confirm that the time has been synced, and you should now be able to use your verification codes to
sign in. The sync will only affect the internal time of your Google Authenticator app, and will not change your device’s Date & Time
settings.

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Is my virtual desktop safe from hackers?]]>
A: Each virtual desktop is it's own system, running on Windows 2003 Enterprise server. It is as safe as you keep your password. Your virtual desktop is behind two firewalls and we are constantly employing proactive network monitoring and other countermeasures to identify threats early and address them. We generally decline business from users who tend to attract a high level of abuse (you know who you are).
]]> <![CDATA[Is my virtual desktop safe from viruses?]]>
A: It's only as safe as you are. It is just like any other Windows computer. Obviously, if you download and install a virus then you will infect your VE (virtual environment). We provide a free virus scanner to help you scan your files. As part of our normal system management, we can also identify most malware running in your VE and help you to fix it.
]]> <![CDATA[Can I install my own software or do I need to buy yours?]]>
A: You can absolutely install your software. Our software is available by subscription and always up to date, so it generally will work out to be a better deal (because purchased software usually costs more to upgrade). That being said, you can install your own software. Download and install it from the web browser or send the file through the mapped remote desktop disk(s). Install as you normally would on any other PC.

]]> <![CDATA[Do I have unrestricted access to the Internet?]]> <![CDATA[CNS VM 2012 Platform Driver Update]]> For all Windows based CNS VPS subscriptions, including Trader’s VPS and Windows Desktop.

This installer will update the drivers in your Virtual Machine(VM), install new software to bring your VPS image current and further optimize the OS settings.

Please be sure to save any open documents and close all applications. Your VM will reboot after this update is completed.

Effective May, 2013 all Windows based CNS VPS subscriptions will have the Remote Desktop connection port randomized for better protection against Internet threats. If you do not already have your connection port changed from the Microsoft default setting of TCP 3389 then you will need to download a RDP shortcut from the Control Panel in your Client Area after installing this update.

  • Simply click "My Products & Services"
  • then the "View Details" button to access the Control Panel
  • Next, scroll down to the "RDP Shortcut Creator"
  • Configure your settings in the box
  • Then use the "Download/Open RDP Shortcut" button to Save the file to your PC or Open it when using a Public PC to access your VPS

THIS UPDATE REQUIRES A REBOOT – Be sure to save any open documents and close all applications. Run from your CNS VPS.

After installing this update, your VM will be placed into the pool for migration to our new 2012 hosting platform. You will receive an email with instructions when we are ready to migrate your VM. Please contact CNS support if you require assistance.

Link: http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/cnsdownloads.php?PACKAGE=CNSVM2012PlatformUpdate.exe

]]> <![CDATA[Autoboot crashes with "Cannot load Counter Name data because an i...]]> Autoboot will crash if the Windows performance counters are broken.  To resolve, repair the Windows performance counters by entering the following into a command prompt:

lodctr /R

lodctr "C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.20506\corperfmonsymbols.ini"

Note that path may be differ regarding to installed .NET version.

]]> <![CDATA[Troubleshooting remote printing in a Windows VE]]>
If an exact name match does not exist between the client and Terminal Server printer driver, auto-creation fails and errors 1111 and 1106 are written to the system event log.

Most issues with remote desktop printing are due to one of two things:

1) The 'printers' checkbox has not been selected in the remote desktop client (local resources tab)
2) The same printer driver is not installed on both the VE and the remote desktop client.

If the printers checkbox has recently been selected and an open session on the VE already exists then it is necessary to log off the open session on the VE and log back on to effect a redirect of resources.

If the printers checkbox has been selected then it is probable that the same printer driver is not installed on both the VE and the PC. It may be necessary to update the PC printer driver in order to ensure the same version is loaded on both the VE and PC.

It may be difficult to obtain the printer driver files on their own, for install into the VE. For example, HP only offers an installable file that only works with XP. The server *does* accept installing a printer driver for XP, however it does not accept an executable driver installable file intended for XP. In cases like these, here's the workaround to extract the driver and install it into the VE. This workaround illustrates HP printers. The same method can be used with other manufacturers, but keep in mind their file names are probably different.

1) Extract driver files from executable driver installation file downloaded from hp.com: On an XP machine run the executable file, let it unpack all the files until it is ready to install. Locate the temporarily unpacked files in your Temp dir (C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Temp\hp_webrelease) and copy the entire folder to your server.

2) Install on server:
Go to: Control panel -> Printers -> menu:File -> menu item: Server -> tab:Drivers -> button: Add -> button: Have disk -> locate file "hppipnsa.inf".


]]> <![CDATA[How do I log in to my Windows VE with my Windows Mobile phone?]]> Programs Click on the icon "Terminal Service". It appears as a window inside a window. Ent...]]>
A: Use the terminal services client program, already installed in your phone.

start->Programs

Click on the icon "Terminal Service". It appears as a window inside a window.

Enter the IP or host name of your VE and click connect. Proceed as usual.]]> <![CDATA[How do I activate two-factor authentication?]]> Q:  How do I activate two-factor authentication?

 

A:  If you already have a VPS subscription, you only need to install the software.  If you do not yet have a VPS subscription, please check the 2FA box during signup.

Please reveiw the 2FA guide.

]]> <![CDATA[I frequently can't connect to my Windows VE over remote desktop (...]]>
Depending on what you are running, you may want to first look at a buggy program that could be consuming resources.]]> <![CDATA[CNS VM Backup 1.3.4.6]]> CNS VM Backup with Duplicati can be used to store files outside of your VPS for safe keeping. Included free with all Windows and Linux VM subscriptions, CNS VM Backup enables the subscriber to backup and restore individual files rather than reverting an entire VM to a previous checkpoint.

Run this installer to enable the feature in your CNS VPS.

***It is not currently advised to use the predefined file locations when configuring your backup. Please use the custom backup feature to select specific files and folders when creating your backup. You will also want to be sure that your backup name and description do not include any spaces. We are currently looking into these issues and they will be resolved in a future release.

Link: http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/cnsdownloads.php?PACKAGE=CNSVMBackupSetup.exe

]]> <![CDATA[What is the difference between a virtual desktop and a virtual se...]]>
Virtual desktops were initially created to reduce problems with new Windows VPS configurations, to be used as a desktop. We found that many new subscribers did not know what a SQL server was, but since it's an available software package for servers they ordered it anyway - along with everything else possible. This caused problems with the desktop performance because many software packages that were not intended to be run on one server were running on a desktop. It also opened the VPS to security risks.

From this, virtual desktops were created and customized. The applications available to desktops are desktop apps - not database or web servers. The desktops are also configured with dual firewalls where the servers are initially only behind a shared firewall and must enable the software firewall. Since our services are popular with traders, desktops are never intentionally rebooted between Sunday afternoon - Friday afternoon (FOREX hours). Where a traditional server may be rebooted at any off-peak time, as needed.

The price points are exactly the same. The same configuration side by side would cost the same. Our desktops actually include slightly more CPU then a base server at the same price (this is by design). The servers are intended to be customized, and rarely is a server actually ordered with a stock configuration. The best part of virtualization is the ability to customize. You no longer need to order an entire server, only to use a few key resources. Instead, a subscriber can order exactly what they need, and pay only for those resources. Some need more RAM, others more CPU or traffic - or both! It depends on what the server is being used for.

Our desktops are the best configuration for desktop users, based on our experience, monitoring and interaction with them. A standard windows VPS is probably not enough and will likely provide random errors normally associated with low resources.]]> <![CDATA[Autoboot User Guide - PDF]]> CNS Autoboot User Guide - PDF

Last updated: 11/26/2011

An HTML version with no screenshots can be found here.

]]> <![CDATA[How do I logon to my Windows Virtual Desktop or server?]]> A Remote Desktop shortcut is the easiest and most convenient way to login. Your control panel will help you to configure your Remote Desktop settings file to have the connection resolution and shared devices exactly as you want.  We recommend that you save the file to your regular PC desktop, then simply double-click on it to connect to your CNS VPS.

If you are away from your regular PC you may want to Open the Remote Desktop shortcut, rather than saving it.

Steps:

1) Login to your CNS Client Area account and click "My products & Services" then the "View Details" button

2) This is the main Control Panel for your new CNS VPS.  Here you can control many features, such as checkpoints, rebooting, RDP configuration and password.  Scroll down to the "RDP Shortcut Creator", shown here:

In the example above, the Remote Desktop port is 3281.  (You should only need to remember the IP address and Port number if you are not utilizing the provided Remote Desktop shortcut.)

Adjust the Remote Desktop connection settings as desired. We recommend 15-bit color, unless you specifically need higher color depth (16-bit will be visually better).  Keep in mind that if a higher color depth or resolution are set it will require more RAM in your VPS and will increase the bandwidth required to maintain a stable connection between your PC and the VPS.

3) Click the Download/Open RDP Shortcut button.

4) Your browser will prompt you to Open or Save the file.  If you are working from your regular workstation, we recommend that you Save the shortcut to your PC's desktop.  You can then double-click the file to connect.  (If you have multiple VPS subscriptions with us, select "Save as" and give your shortcut file a more specific name.)  If you are not at your regular workstation, then Open the file in your browser to connect (without saving it).

In most cases, you will want to click the "X" in the top bar of your connection window to Disconnect the session and leave your software running. Logging out of the VPS by clicking "Start" and then "Log Off" will STOP any software running in your session until you log back in.

Logging in from Macintosh machines or other devices, such as Android and iOS, etc.:

Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients are available for nearly every device through their respective app store these days, best of all they are free. Google Play for Android, iTunes for Apple Mac / iOS, it is already included in every version of Windows. You can find some direct links to those downloads in this Microsoft Technet article: Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn473009.aspx There are also some other RDP clients that can be found in the stores but there may be a cost and not all may be compatible with your subcription.

When connecting from your mobile device you will want to gather the information from your VPS details page to use with your Client. The main settings you will need from that page will be:

  • IP Address - Noted in your Product Details, may also be called host address or remote server in your client.
  • RDP Port - Noted on the RDP Shortcut Creator.
  • If you're connecting to a VPS running Windows Server 2003 be sure to Enable the Console option in your Client so that you will see the same session as when connecting from your PC.
]]> <![CDATA[Autoboot User Guide - HTML]]> CNS Autoboot User Guide - HTML


A PDF version including screenshots can be found here.

Introduction

CNS Autoboot will start designated applications without any user action after a Windows reboot. To accomplish this, CNS Autoboot configures the selected application(s) to run automatically as a Windows service, allowing the operating system to start the application at system boot. This results in significantly faster startup time because no users need to be logged in. It is also more resilient because the service is monitored by the operating system.

 

CNS Autoboot also allows the user to configure the designated startup order. By starting applications one at a time, resource overutilization is eliminated at boot time. This results in faster startups of all applications and an extremely low rate of failure. Since the task is accomplished without creating any user sessions, it is not dependent on user profiles and eliminates the possibility of double logged on sessions. The only way a program can be started twice is if the user intentionally starts it manually from the Start menu.

 

CNS Autoboot starts the designated applications automatically and will take action for events based on the application's Autoboot configuration. The first user logged in will be able to interact with the applications - and should NEVER log off (Start-> Log Off) but should Disconnect instead (click the X in the top bar).

 

CNS Autoboot is compatible with all CNS Windows Server 2003/2008/2012 Virtual Private Servers.

 

Please review the entire Autoboot User Guide before using CNS Autoboot.

 

Please contact CNS Support if you identify any new bugs or have an idea for a new feature.

Autoboot is a product of your feedback - THANK YOU!

 

Installation

NOTE: CNS Autoboot is preinstalled in all Trader's VPS Packages. You will find the shortcut to edit the Autoboot configuration on your VPS desktop.

 

Upgrading from Autoboot 2

These steps can be skipped if you are not upgrading from Autoboot 2.

 

1.    To remove a previous version of Autoboot begin by going into your Autoboot configuration and remove the settings for all of the applications that were configured to be automatically started.

 

2.    Place a check in the checkbox for "Confirm Start/Stop ALL" then click "Stop ALL".

 

3.    Select your applications and then click "Remove from AutoBoot".

a. 

 

4.    After all applications have been moved to the box labeled "The following items will be removed from Autoboot" place a check in the checkbox labeled "Check to confirm removal" then click "Apply Changes".

 

Download and run the Autoboot installation file

The current release of Autoboot can be found here:

http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/167/

 

Run the downloaded executable and follow the prompts to install Autoboot.

 

 

Initial Configuration

Setup your Autoboot credentials

1.    Click "Edit".

2.    Select "Global Autoboot Settings".

3.    Click the "Windows Account" tab.

4.    Input the Username and Password that you use to login to your VPS.

5.    Click "Save Changes".

 

Setup your notification email information - Optional

1.    Click "Edit".

2.    Select "Global Autoboot Settings".

3.    Click the "Events" tab.

4.    Click "Configure".

 

A.   Destination e-mail

·      Send e-mail notifications to e-mail: The email address that you would like the notification email to be sent to.

Example: cnstrader@tradersvps.net

 

B.   Mail details

·      From Address field: The email address that the notification email will be sent from.

Example: cnstrader@tradersvps.net

·      From Name (optional): The name that will show up when viewing the notification email.

Example: CNS Autoboot

C.   Mail server details

·      SMTP Mail server address: The mail server that you will be sending your notification email through.

     Example: mail.tradersvps.net

·      SMTP Mail server port: The port that is used when sending mail from your mail server.

     Example: 25

·      SMTP Server requires an encrypted SSL connection: When checked it will allow you to send your notification email over Secure Socket Layer if your mail server supports it.

     Default: Unchecked

·      SMTP Server requires authentication: When checked it will use the account information that is stored in the Login and Password fields to send notification emails through your mail server.

     Default: Checked

 

D.      After your email information has been configured you can click the "Send test message" button to send a test notification email to the destination email address.

 

E.       Click OK to save your settings.

 

 

Application List Modification

Adding an application to the startup list

1.    From the main Autoboot window click "Add new application" in the application action bar.

2.    Navigate to the location of your application executable.

3.    Select the application executable that Autoboot should automatically start then click "Open".

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

4.    You should be presented with the "Edit/View Application" window click "Save Changes" to complete adding the application to your Autoboot startup list or continue configuring your options.

 

Enable or Disable a startup list application

1.    From the main Autoboot window select the application in the startup list that you should be enabled or disabled.

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

2.    Click "Enable" or "Disable" in the application action bar.

 

Removing an application from the startup list

1.    From the main Autoboot window select the application in the startup list that should be removed. Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

2.    Click "Remove" in the application action bar.

3.    You will be asked to confirm the application removal. Your application will also be stopped after confirmation.

4.    Click "Yes" to confirm the removal from the Autoboot startup list.

 

Reorder your application startup list

1.    From the main Autoboot window select the application in the startup list that should be reordered.

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

2.    Click "Move Up" or "Move Down" until the application is in the desired start up position.

 

 

Advanced Configuration

Common Autoboot Event Actions

·      Send e-mail: Autoboot will send an email to the address specified in your Notification Email Information settings.

·      Restart Application: Autoboot will restart the application when the configured event is triggered.

·      Stop Application: Autoboot will stop the application when the configured event is triggered.

·      Restart Computer: Autoboot will reboot your VPS when the configured event is triggered.

 

Low RAM Event

Autoboot can be configured to execute an action when your VPS is low on RAM.

 

·      To reach the Low RAM Event settings:

1.       Click "Edit".

2.       Select "Global Autoboot Settings".

3.       Low RAM settings will be in the "Events" tab.

 

Low available system RAM

·      Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take when your VPS has reached the RAM amount set in the "Minimum" field. Send e-mail, Restart all Autoboot applications, Stop all Autoboot applications, Restart computer.

Recommended: Send e-mail, Minimum: 100 MB

Application Configuration - Edit/View Application Window

General Tab

 

·      Executable path: The full path to your application executable.

·      Arguments (optional): Application launch arguments can go here.

·      Enabled/Disabled state: (checkbox) Checked: startup via Autoboot is enabled. Unchecked: startup via Autoboot is disabled.

·      Minimize application after start: This setting will minimize your enabled application after it is started.

·      Wait before starting application: The amount of time in seconds to wait before starting the next application in the Autoboot application startup list.

 

Program Health Monitoring Tab

 

·      Unexpected Exit (Crash): Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application unexpectedly stops working.

·      Expected Exit: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if you exit your application or it completes without error.

·      Application Hungup: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application hangs or does not respond.

·      High Memory Usage ADVANCED: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application uses more RAM than specified in the "Maximum memory for application" field.

·      High CPU Usage: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application is using high amounts of CPU for an extended period of time. This event is triggered when the application is using more CPU than defined in "Maximum CPU usage for application" for longer than the amount of minutes specified in "High CPU usage should last".

 

NOTE: You must ensure that the Maximum memory for application field has a reasonable RAM usage size assigned or Autoboot could keep restarting your application. It is recommended that you initially leave this option disabled or use the Low available system RAM setting instead.

 

Logs Monitoring Tab

 

Autoboot can monitor your log files and look for keywords. When Autoboot matches a keyword in your log file it will execute the configured action.

 

·      Log file 1 for monitoring and Log file 2 for monitoring can be set to the path of a log file that will be monitored by Autoboot by clicking the "..." button for either field.

 

·      Set the log file(s) to be monitored

1.       From the Logs Monitoring tab click the "..." button next to the respective log file field.

2.       Navigate to the directory where your log file is stored.

3.       Select your log file then click "Open".

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\experts\logs\20110928.log

 

·      Monitoring mode:

·         Monitor latest by date, similar to specified in folder: This option updates the log file name monitored according to the current date for terminals that create a new log each day.

·         Monitor only the specified files: Monitor only the exact file name specified.

 

·      Configure keywords for log monitoring

1.       From the Logs Monitoring tab click "Add keyword".

2.       Click on the "New keyword" that was created.

3.       Click "Rename".

4.       Enter your keyword in the highlighted field.

5.       Configure the action associated to your keyword or click "Save Changes" to save your changes and exit.

 

·      Configure the keyword action

1.       From the Logs Monitoring tab click the arrow for the dropdown box that is associated to the keyword.

2.       Select the action that will be executed when the keyword is matched.

3.       Click "Save Changes" to save your changes and exit.

]]> <![CDATA[How do I disable a lost or stolen two-factor token?]]> REPORTING LOST/STOLEN:

If you lose your mobile device then you should immediately report it to CNS so we can deactivate the user account.  This will prevent anyone from logging into the account as the user who the device belongs to.  Deactivating a device requires a form is filled out by the subscriber and faxed to CNS for immediate processing, 24/7/365.  However, because deactivating does not require confirming your identity with a third party, it will not restore access - only prevent anyone from logging in.  This first step is required to secure the account and regain access.

Please download and print the attached document "2FA_deactivation_order.pdf".  Fill it out, sign it and be sure to include a copy of your government issued ID.  If you do not have your government issued identification, please include some other personal documentation such as a utility bill.  Also be sure to let us know in the notes.

Then, FAX the document to +1 (206) 350-9151

We will immediately deny new logins to the user account, however any running servers or open windows sessions will not be impacted.

In some cases, when we are able to positively verify your identity through a previously established relationship with CNS, this may be the only document required to regain access.

 

REGAIN ACCESS:

To regain access to your account, please download and print the attached document "Two-factor_Authentication_Identity_Confirmation.pdf".  This document must be filled out and notarized.

Then, FAX the document to +1 (206) 350-9151

 We will then remove the block so you can login to your control panel account and register a new device.

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Verify RAM Usage]]>  

Current RAM usage is calculated by adding Physical RAM usage + Page File usage. The Page File is a large file on disk that the operating system will begin to utilize as Virtual RAM when Physical RAM runs low. Due to the mechanical nature of disk I/O, this can cause your application (or the entire VPS) to freeze/slow down while Windows works to expand the Page File or retrieve data that should otherwise be stored in RAM.

Before checking your RAM usage you may need to increase your Command Prompt window's buffer size so that you can view all of the systeminfo data that is output to that window.  After opening the CMD window right-click the CMD icon in the upper-left of the window then select Properties.  Input your settings on the Layout tab.
We suggest using the following values for your CMD window sizes:
Screen Buffer Size: Width 120, Height 600 / Window Size: Width 120, Height 30

 

To check RAM usage: 

  • Open a CMD window by clicking Start > Run...
  • In the Run box type "cmd", then click OK (A command prompt window will open)

 

  1. In the command prompt window type "systeminfo", then press ENTER

The command will output your VPS' current system information. Look for the following lines near the top:

Total Physical Memory: 511 MB
Available Physical Memory: 166 MB
Page File: Max Size: 1,023 MB
Page File: Available: 648 MB
Page File: In Use: 375 MB

*This VPS has 512 MB of RAM. It is reflecting 511 MB because 0 is the first increment when your RAM is counted by "systeminfo".

In a Windows Server 2008 R2 VPS the "Page File" values will be replaced by "Virtual Memory" values.

Keep in mind Windows will always use some amount of swap, but anything more than 250 MB will begin to degrade performance.

 

We use this formula to calculate VPS Total RAM usage:
Total RAM usage = (Total Physical Memory - Available Physical Memory) + (Page File In Use - 250)

In the above case, VPS Total RAM usage is:
(511 - 166) + (375 - 250) = 470 MB of Total RAM used (in a 512 MB Physical RAM subscription)

You should always be sure to have 80-100 MB of Physical RAM over your Total RAM usage.

If your Total RAM usage is above subscribed Physical RAM then it is likely this is causing your application to hang or crash. Try reducing RAM usage or add more Physical RAM to your VPS subscription. Keep in mind that virtually everything you do will use RAM, especially using the Internet Explorer web browser.

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