Step-by-Step Guide to Installing File Server Resource Manager on Windows Server

The File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) is an essential utility that enables system administrators to manage and streamline file storage on a server effectively. This tutorial will guide you through the process to install File Server Resource Manager on your Windows server.

Understanding File Server Resource Manager

Microsoft’s File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) comprises various tools aimed at aiding administrators in enhancing their control, insight, and management of the data stored on their servers. File Dynamics leverages FSRM specifically for effective quota management.

As a feature embedded within Windows Server, FSRM facilitates the administration and organization of file storage. It enables administrators to impose usage limits, restrict certain file types, and generate usage reports, which are all critical for maintaining an efficient and orderly storage system.

It is crucial to have FSRM installed on all servers where File Dynamics will oversee quotas, particularly the Engine host server. Even if the Engine does not manage shares, FSRM remains necessary to provide access to its Component Object Model (COM) interfaces for remote calls on other servers.

Steps to Install File Server Resource Manager on Windows Server

1. Install File Server Resource Manager
2. Set Up Quotas
3. Establish File Screening
4. Configure Additional Features

Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions.

1] Installing File Server Resource Manager

The initial step involves adding the File Server role to your server, allowing management of shared folders and enabling network access to files. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Launch Server Manager, select Add Roles and Features, and click Next.
2. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation. Then, select a server from the server pool. Pick your target server and continue by clicking the Next button.
3. Navigate to File and Storage Services, expand the Files and iSCSI services, and check the File Server Resource Manager box. Click Next at each step.
4. If desired, you can also add various features, including. NET Framework 4.7 Features, during the installation.
5. Finally, click the Install button, then close the window once the installation wraps up.

To verify the installation of the File Server Resource Manager, access Tools in Server Manager and select File Server Resource Manager. If it opens without any issues, successful installation is confirmed.

2] Setting Up Quotas

Establishing quotas enables administrators to allocate the amount of space that users or applications can occupy, fostering fair utilization of storage resources. This process also aids in monitoring storage trends and planning for future expansion. Follow these steps to configure quotas:

1. Access Tools, click on File Server Resource Manager, expand Quota Management, and select Quotas.
2. Initiate the Create Quota option, and in the Quota path, select the folder for which the quota will apply. Alternatively, right-click on Quotas and choose Create Quota.
3. Choose from predefined templates or opt for creating a custom quota; if customizing, specify the limits and notification thresholds.
4. In the Notification Thresholds section, set up email notifications, event log entries, or commands to trigger once specific limits are met. Click the Create button to finalize the quota settings.

3] Establishing File Screening

To avoid the storage of unwanted or irrelevant files, administrators can impose restrictions on the file types allowed on the server through File Screening. Here’s how to implement this:

1. Go to Tools, choose File Server Resource Manager, and expand File Screening Management.
2. Right-click on File Groups and select the Create File Group option.
3. Provide a name for the File Group, define the file types to permit or block, then click the Add button to include them, followed by OK. Ensure that the newly created File Group appears in the list.
4. Proceed to the File Screen Template, right-click, and select Create File Screen Template. Assign a name to the Template, open the File Groups section, choose the one you created earlier, and select OK.
5. In the Event log tab, opt to send a warning to the Event log, then click OK once more. Check to confirm that the File Group shows up in the File Screen Template list.
6. Create a File Screen by right-clicking on File Screens and selecting Create File Screen.
7. In the Create File Screen dialogue, define the File Screen Path where you intend to screen files. Expand the Derive properties from this file screen template dropdown, select Block Executable Files, and click the Create button. Ensure that the File Screen correctly points to the designated folder.

To assess the File Screen functionality, log into a client PC and try to copy an MP3 file to the HR folder, which should prompt an access denial message. Log into the server and check for a warning message indicating a failed attempt to save the file.

4] Configuring Additional Features

Additional functionalities, such as Storage Reports management, can be set up to generate insights on file usage. To do this:

1. Open Storage Reports Management and click Schedule a new report task.
2. Select the report type, such as Duplicate files or Large files, and designate the folders or volumes to include in the report.
3. Configure the frequency of report generation and specify the location for saving the reports.
4. Click OK to save the configuration, then run the report to examine the results.

This is the comprehensive process for installing and configuring FSRM on a Windows Server.

How to Set Up a File Server on Windows Server?

Setting up a file server on Windows Server is straightforward. Begin by installing the File Server role from the Server Manager, and then configure the properties of the folder you wish to share.