Allen-Bradley RSLinx Classic Getting Results Guide
Getting Results
RSLinx Classic Getting Results Guide
Important user information
Read this document and the documents listed in the additional resources section about installation, configuration, and operation of this equipment
before you install, configure, operate, or maintain this product. Users are required to familiarize themselves with installation and wiring instructions
in addition to requirements of all applicable codes, laws, and standards.
Activities including installation, adjustments, putting into service, use, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance are required to be carried out by
suitably trained personnel in accordance with applicable code of practice. If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
In no event will Rockwell Automation, Inc. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use or application of this
equipment.
The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the many variables and requirements associated
with any particular installation, Rockwell Automation, Inc. cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use based on the examples and
diagrams.
No patent liability is assumed by Rockwell Automation, Inc. with respect to use of information, circuits, equipment, or software described in this
manual.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc., is prohibited.
Throughout this manual, when necessary, we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations.
WARNING: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can cause an explosion in a hazardous environment, which may lead to
personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.
ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to personal injury or death, property damage, or economic
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Important:
Labels may also be on or inside the equipment to provide specific precautions.
Identifies information that is critical for successful application and understanding of the product.
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Trademarks not belonging to Rockwell Automation are property of their respective companies.
Table of contents
Preface
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
Purpose of the document ..................................................................................................... 7
Intended audience ................................................................................................................. 7
Document conventions ........................................................................................................ 7
Feedback .................................................................................................................................. 7
Legal notices ........................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 1
What is RSLinx Classic? ................................................................................................... 11
Differences between RSLinx Classic types .................................................................... 11
RSLinx Classic Lite .................................................................................................... 11
RSLinx Classic Single Node ..................................................................................... 12
RSLinx Classic OEM ................................................................................................. 12
RSLinx Classic Gateway ........................................................................................... 13
Quick start ........................................................................................................................... 13
Step 1 Configure a driver .......................................................................................... 13
Step 2 Configure a topic ........................................................................................... 14
Step 3 Copy a link to the clipboard ........................................................................ 15
Step 4 Paste a link from the clipboard .................................................................... 16
Explore RSLinx Classic ..................................................................................................... 16
Title bar ........................................................................................................................ 16
Menu bar ...................................................................................................................... 16
Toolbar ......................................................................................................................... 17
Application workspace .............................................................................................. 18
RSWho ......................................................................................................................... 18
Status bar ...................................................................................................................... 18
Chapter 2
Install and start RSLinx
Classic
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 3
Before you begin ................................................................................................................. 19
System requirements .......................................................................................................... 19
Hardware requirements ............................................................................................ 19
Software requirements............................................................................................... 20
Install RSLinx Classic software ....................................................................................... 21
Update an existing installation ........................................................................................ 23
Updating the FactoryTalk Services Platform software ............................................... 23
Start RSLinx Classic software .......................................................................................... 24
RSLinx Classic running as a service vs. running as an application ........................... 24
Troubleshooting installation ........................................................................................... 24
Table of contents
Chapter 3
RSWho
OPC and DDE Connectivity
Register EDS files of devices
Use RSWho ......................................................................................................................... 27
Control bar .......................................................................................................................... 28
Tree control ......................................................................................................................... 28
List control .......................................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 4
OPC ...................................................................................................................................... 31
DDE ...................................................................................................................................... 31
DDE/OPC client connectivity ....................................................................................... 32
Chapter 5
Manually upload and register EDS files in the RSWho ............................................. 33
Automatically upload and register EDS files in the RSWho ..................................... 34
Manually register EDS files in the EDS Hardware Installation Tool ...................... 35
View existing EDS files of devices on the computer .................................................... 36
Unregister EDS files in EDS Hardware Installation Tool ......................................... 37
Uninstall EDS Hardware Installation Tool and all EDS files ................................... 38
Compact harmony files
Find the information you
need
Activation
Chapter 6
Compact harmony files in RSLinx Classic .................................................................... 39
Chapter 7
Use the help ......................................................................................................................... 41
Help contents .............................................................................................................. 41
Access help for a control or field ............................................................................. 42
Find step-by-step procedures ................................................................................... 42
Find definitions .......................................................................................................... 43
Access guides ....................................................................................................................... 44
Training ................................................................................................................................ 44
Technical support .............................................................................................................. 45
When you call ............................................................................................................. 45
Appendix A
Grace period ........................................................................................................................ 47
Activate RSLinx Classic with FactoryTalk Activation Manager .............................. 47
How to activate RSLinx Classic .............................................................................. 47
Find more information about FactoryTalk Activation ...................................... 48
4 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Table of contents
Appendix B
Secure RSLinx Classic with
FactoryTalk Security
Install RSLinx Classic with
command line syntax
How do I set up security in RSLinx Classic? ................................................................ 49
If you have not used FactoryTalk Security or RSSecurity before ..................... 49
If you have used RSSecurity but not FactoryTalk Security ................................ 52
If you have used FactoryTalk Security before ....................................................... 54
What can I secure in RSLinx Classic? ............................................................................ 56
Using FactoryTalk Security .............................................................................................. 57
Network/Local Directory ......................................................................................... 57
Reset Network Tree ................................................................................................... 57
Miscellaneous .............................................................................................................. 57
Appendix C
Comparing different installation methods ................................................................... 59
Use unattended installation ............................................................................................. 60
Perform unattended installation ............................................................................. 60
Parameters .................................................................................................................... 60
Use silent installation for RSLinx Classic .msi file ...................................................... 63
Before you begin ......................................................................................................... 63
RSLinx Classic x64 driver package .......................................................................... 64
Install certificates ........................................................................................................ 64
Perform silent installation ........................................................................................ 65
Using RSLinx Classic with
ControlFlash
Glossary
Index
Appendix D
Select an RSLinx Edition in ControlFlash .................................................................... 67
RSWho ................................................................................................................................. 67
Configure drivers in RSLinx Classic .............................................................................. 67
Uninstall RSLinx Classic .................................................................................................. 68
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 5
k
Preface
Purpose of the document
Intended audience
The Getting Results Guide provides you with information on how to install and
navigate the RSLinx Classic software. It explains how to effectively use the RSLinx
Classic software and how to find and access additional information.
This guide can be considered the entry point into Rockwell Software
documentation set for this product. The documentation set contains pertinent,
easily accessible product information and ships with the software product. This set
is designed to free you from tedious paper shuffling and reduce information
overload.
Other components of the documentation set include electronic release notes and
help.
We assume that you are familiar with:
IBM-compliant personal computers
Microsoft® Windows® operating systems
OPC (OLE for Process Control®) communication
DDE (Microsoft dynamic data exchange) messaging
Allen-Bradley PLC™ (programmable logic controllers)
Document conventions
Feedbac
Legal notices
Rockwell Software PLC programming tools
The conventions used throughout this document for the user interface comply
with those recommended by Microsoft. If you are not familiar with the Microsoft
Windows user interface, read the documentation supplied with the operating
system you are using before attempting to use this software.
Use the feedback form packaged with your software to report errors, or let us
know what information you want to see added in future editions of this
document. You can also send an email message to info@software.rockwell.com
with any comments about Rockwell products and services.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2018 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in USA.
This document and any accompanying Rockwell Software products are
copyrighted by Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Any reproduction
and/or distribution without prior written consent from Rockwell Automation
Technologies, Inc. is strictly prohibited. Please refer to the license agreement for
details.
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 7
Preface
End User License Agreement (EULA)
You can view the Rockwell Automation End-User License Agreement ("EULA")
by opening the License.rtf file located in your product's install folder on your hard
drive.
Trademark Notices
Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, Data Highway Plus, DH+, FactoryTalk,
FactoryTalk Activation, FactoryTalk Administration Console, FactoryTalk
Automation Platform, FactoryTalk Batch, FactoryTalk Diagnostics, FactoryTalk
Directory, FactoryTalk Gateway, FactoryTalk Linx, FactoryTalk Linx Gateway,
FactoryTalk Live Data, FactoryTalk Security, FactoryTalk Services Platform,
FactoryTalk Transaction Manager, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk View Studio,
Logix 5000, Logix5550, MicroLogix, PanelView, PLC-2, PLC-3, PLC-5,
Rockwell, Rockwell Automation, Rockwell Software, RSAssetSecurity,
RSBizWare, RSLinx, RSLinx Classic, RSLinx Enterprise, RSLogix, RSNetWorx,
RSOPC Gateway, RSSql, RSView, SLC, SoftLogix, and Studio 5000 are
trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Any Rockwell Automation software or hardware not mentioned here is also a
trademark, registered or otherwise, of Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Other Trademarks
Microsoft, Access, SQL Server, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Windows, and
Windows Server are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and other countries.
Adobe, Acrobat, and Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated in the United States and other countries.
Intel and Intel Core are registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation in United
States and other countries.
OPC (OLE for Process Control) is a registered trademark of the OPC
Foundation.
ControlNet is a trademark of ControlNet International.
DeviceNet is a trademark of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association, Inc.
(ODVA).
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel, and
Xerox Corporation.
Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation.
8 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Preface
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders and are hereby
acknowledged.
Warranty
This product is warranted in accordance with the product license. The product’s
performance may be affected by system configuration, the application being
performed, operator control, maintenance, and other related factors. Rockwell
Automation is not responsible for these intervening factors. The instructions in
this document do not cover all the details or variations in the equipment,
procedure, or process described, nor do they provide directions for meeting every
possible contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance. This
product’s implementation may vary among users.
This document is current as of the time of release of the product; however, the
accompanying software may have changed since the release. Rockwell Automation,
Inc. reserves the right to change any information contained in this document or
the software at any time without prior notice. It is your responsibility to obtain the
most current information available from Rockwell when installing or using this
product.
Environmental compliance
Rockwell Automation maintains current product environmental information on
its website at
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellautomation/about-us/sustainabili
ty-ethics/product-environmental-compliance.page
Contact Rockwell Automation
Customer Support Telephone — 1.440.646.3434
Online Support — http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 9
Preface
10 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Chapter 1
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
This chapter includes the following information:
What is RSLinx Classic?
Differences between RSLinx Classic types
Quick start
Explore RSLinx Classic
What is RSLinx Classic?
Differences between RSLinx Classic types
RSLinx Classic for Rockwell Automation Networks and Devices is a
comprehensive factory communication solution, providing Allen-Bradley
programmable controller access to a wide variety of Rockwell Software and
Allen-Bradley applications. These range from device programming and
configuration applications such as RSLogix and RSNetWorx, to HMI
(Human-Machine Interface) applications such as RSView32, FactoryTalk View
SE (Site Edition), and FactoryTalk View ME (Machine Edition), to your own data
acquisition applications using Microsoft Office, web pages, or Visual Basic®.
RSLinx Classic also incorporates advanced data optimization techniques and
contains a set of diagnostics. The API (Application Programming Interface)
supports custom applications developed with the RSLinx Classic SDK. RSLinx
Classic is an OPC Data Access Compliant Server and a DDE server.
RSLinx Classic is available in four versions to meet the demand for a variety of
cost and functionality requirements. Depending on the version you are running,
some functionality may or may not be operational. Refer to the following sections
for specific version functionality.
The RSLinx Classic version you are running appears in the title bar at the top of
the main window. If a version of RSLinx Classic is started without the proper
activation files, it runs as RSLinx Classic Lite.
RSLinx Classic Lite
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 11
RSLinx Classic Lite provides the minimum functionality required to support
RSLogix and RSNetWorx. This version is not commercially available, but is
bundled with products that require only direct access to the RSLinx Classic
network drivers. This version does not support OPC, DDE, or the published
RSLinx Classic C API (Application Programming Interface).
RSLinx Classic Lite is used for the following:
Chapter 1
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
Ladder logic programming using RSLogix products.
Network and device configuration and diagnostics using RSNetWorx.
Configuring Ethernet modules and devices (for example, 1756-ENET,
1756-DHRIO, and so on).
Upgrading firmware using ControlFlash.
Browsing networks and getting device information such as firmware
revision.
RSLinx Classic Single Node
RSLinx Classic Single Node includes the required functionality to supply
communication services for all Rockwell Software products. OPC and DDE
interfaces are supported, but to only one device. It does not support applications
developed for the RSLinx Classic C API, or direct drivers in HMI applications.
RSLinx Classic OEM or higher is required for these application types.
RSLinx Classic Single Node is used for the following:
Data acquisition using OPC or DDE to only one device. This includes
clients such as RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk View ME
Station, Microsoft Office, Visual Basic, and web pages. Note that this is
limited to 32bit client only.
Ladder logic programming using RSLogix products.
Network and device configuration and diagnostics using RSNetWorx.
Configuring Ethernet modules and devices (for example, 1756-ENET,
1756-DHRIO, and so on).
Upgrading firmware using ControlFlash.
Browsing networks and getting device information such as firmware
revision.
RSLinx Classic OEM
RSLinx Classic OEM includes the required functionality to supply
communication services for all Rockwell Software products. OPC and DDE
clients are supported for any number of devices. It also supports applications
developed for the RSLinx Classic C API. But note that this is limited to 32bit
client only.
RSLinx OEM version 2.2 and previous versions only supported AdvanceDDE.
RSLinx Version 2.3 and subsequent versions support all DDE types except
FastDDE.
RSLinx Classic OEM is used for the following:
Data acquisition using OPC or DDE to any number of devices. This
includes clients such as RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk View
ME Station, Microsoft Office, Visual Basic, and web pages.
12 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
Q
Chapter 1
Ladder logic programming using RSLogix products.
Network and device configuration and diagnostics using RSNetWorx.
Configuring Ethernet modules and devices (for example, 1756-ENET,
1756-DHRIO, and so on).
Upgrading firmware using ControlFlash.
Browsing networks and getting device information such as firmware
revision.
RSLinx Classic Gateway
RSLinx Classic Gateway extends RSLinx Classic-based communication
throughout the enterprise by connecting clients over TCP/IP networks.
Programming and configuration products such as RSLogix and RSNetWorx use a
local RSLinx Classic Lite or better with a Remote Devices via Linx Gateway driver
configured to communicate to the RSLinx Classic Gateway. Remote HMIs and
VB/VBA applications including Microsoft Office can use remote OPC to
communicate to RSLinx Classic Gateway for data collection. This allows you to
have multiple distributed computers performing data collection without having
RSLinx Classic installed on each machine!
In addition to the capabilities provided in the RSLinx Classic Professional version,
RSLinx Classic Gateway offers remote connectivity to:
Multiple RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE, and FactoryTalk View ME
Station clients accessing data through one RSLinx Classic Gateway (remote
OPC).
Remote computer running RSLogix connecting to a plant network over a
modem for online program changes.
Remote Microsoft Office applications showing plant floor data such as
Excel.
A web page showing plant floor data when the web server and RSLinx
Classic are on separate computers.
uick start
Step 1 Configure a driver
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 13
This section outlines the main tasks you need to perform to use the RSLinx
Classic software. The quick start information included in this section is intended
to be a high-level, conceptual overview. When you are ready to use RSLinx Classic
software, follow the detailed procedures found in the Quick Start, which is located
in the RSLinx Classic help. To access the Quick Start, click Help > Quick Start
from within RSLinx Classic. For information about specific controls on RSLinx
Classic windows and dialog boxes, right-click any control.
A driver is the software interface to the hardware device that will be used to
communicate between RSLinx Classic and your processor. To configure a driver
in RSLinx Classic, click Communications > Configure Drivers. The Configure
Drivers dialog box appears, which is used for adding, editing, or deleting drivers.
Click a driver to configure from the Available Driver Types list, click Add New,
Chapter 1
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
and complete the information required in the driver configuration dialog box that
shows. The driver configuration dialog box varies depending on which driver you
select.
After you complete the driver configuration, the driver name will appear in the
Configured Drivers list.
Step 2 Configure a topic
In RSLinx Classic, a project is a storage container for one or more topics, and a
topic represents a specific path to a processor. By grouping topics together in a
project, you can make multiple topics available at the same time. To create or edit
a project in RSLinx Classic, select File > Open Project (opens the Open Project
window). To create or edit a topic, select DDE/OPC > Topic Configuration
(opens the DDE/OPC Topic Configuration window). If you attempt to create a
topic without creating a project, RSLinx Classic creates default project for you.
14 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
Chapter 1
If you selected Configure New DDE/OPC Topic by right-clicking a station in
RSWho, the Topic Name field is pre-filled for you. RSLinx Classic starts with the
name of the program running in the processor, and if this topic exists, it adds a
number to the end until it finds one that does not exist. If there are any spaces, it
converts them to underscores (_). You can change the topic name RSLinx Classic
selected for you.
From the Data Source tab, click the device, with which you wish to set up
communication. To add a new topic to a project that already has at least one topic
configured, click New. To edit an existing topic, click the topic from the list. Use
the Data Collection tab to include more detailed information about specific
topics.
Step 3 Copy a link to the clipboard
RSLinx Classic provides a mechanism for easily establishing a link from RSLinx
Classic to a compatible program. To use the Copy to Clipboard function, choose
an RSLinx Classic project that contains topics. Select Edit > Copy DDE/OPC
Link, select the topic, and then click OK.
The Copy function takes the information needed to create a link and places it on
the Windows clipboard. Some packages support the ability to paste links from the
clipboard. The Copy to Clipboard function can be used with these applications
only.
Select the topic you just added in the DDE/OPC Topic Configuration dialog box,
and browse for the address string for your request.
The Copy to Clipboard function only establishes hot links from RSLinx Classic,
the DDE server, to a Windows DDE client application. The Data Table Address,
Block Size, Columns per Row, and selected topic are maintained from the last
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 15
Chapter 1
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
time that you used this function. Changing these values has no effect on the last
established link.
Step 4 Paste a link from the clipboard
Explore RSLinx Classic
Title bar
Most Windows applications support a Paste Link operation, and this feature is
generally located in the Edit menu.
Go to your application program that supports the Paste Link function. For
example, in Microsoft Excel, click an open cell in a spreadsheet where you would
like to place the data, click Edit > Paste Special, click Paste Link, and click OK.
The hot link is pasted into the spreadsheet at the location you selected and begins
to update. If you click Paste, instead of Paste Link, the item string will get copied.
When you start RSLinx Classic, the Rockwell Software RSLinx Classic
application window appears. The application window contains a title bar, a menu
bar, a tool bar, the application workspace where opened child windows (RSWho,
diagnostics, and so on), and a status bar.
The title bar shows the RSLinx Classic icon, the name of the software product (for
example, Rockwell Software RSLinx Classic Gateway), the RSWho instance
number (RSWho - 1 opens by default when you open RSLinx Classic), and the
Minimize, Maximize, and Close button.
To view the Control Menu, click the RSLinx Classic icon on the title bar. The
following items appear on the Control Menu.
Item Description
Restore Restores the window to its former size after you enlarged it by using the Maximize command or
shrunk it by using the Minimize command.
Move Allows you to reposition the window on the desktop using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
Size Allows you to resize the window by using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
Minimize Shrinks the window to an icon, which is located on the task bar. This performs the same function
as if you clicked the Minimize button on the title bar.
Maximize Enlarges the window to occupy the entire screen. This performs the same function as if you clicked
the Maximize button on the title bar.
Close
Exits the RSLinx Classic application. This performs the same function as if you clicked the Close
button on the title bar.
Menu bar
The RSLinx Classic menu bar contains the following menus:
Each menu contains options for performing the following tasks:
16 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
Chapter 1
Menu Description
File Create and open RSLinx Classic projects.
Edit Copy DDE and OPC links to the clipboard.
View Set and change RSLinx Classic interface shows, open the Event Viewer, and click the
RSWho view.
Communications Configure drivers, topics, and other RSLinx Classic options, and view driver, DDE, other
client application diagnostics.
Station Perform actions on diagnostic counters and view the Data Monitor.
DDE/OPC Configure DDE/OPC topics and view event and diagnostic information.
Security Set security user and access rights.
Window Arrange RSLinx Classic windows.
Help View help options for RSLinx Classic and other Rockwell Software products and services.
Toolbar
The toolbar contains shortcuts to several commonly used RSLinx Classic
functions. Each toolbar button is a graphical representation of a command that is
also available from the RSLinx Classic menu bar. The following items appear on
the RSLinx Classic toolbar.
Icon Menu Selection Description
File > Open Project
Communications > RSWho
Communications > Configure
Drivers
Communications > Driver
Diagnostics
Edit > Copy DDE/OPC Link
Shows the currently defined projects and allows you to open a
DDE/OPC project.
Opens an additional instance of RSWho (one instance is opened by
default each time you open RSLinx Classic).
Shows the currently configured RSLinx Classic software drivers and
allows you to add additional drivers for use with your hardware
devices.
Shows a list of currently configured drivers and provides the option to
view diagnostic information for each driver.
Provides the ability to create a DDE/OPC link between RSLinx Classic
and a client application such as Microsoft Excel.
DDE/OPC > Topic
Configuration
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 17
Allows you to create and modify a DDE/OPC topic, which is a specific
path to a processor.
Chapter 1
Welcome to RSLinx Classic
Icon Menu Selection Description
Help > Whats This?
Changes the cursor to an arrow and a question mark to indicate you
are in What's This? help mode. Click any screen item to show help text
for that item and to exit What's This? help mode.
Application workspace
RSWho
Status bar
The application workspace shows open child windows, such as the RSWho and
RSLinx Classic dialog boxes.
RSWho is RSLinx Classic's main window that shows networks and devices in a
style similar to Windows Explorer. It allows you to view all network connections
from a single screen. For more details about RSWho, refer to RSWho on page 27.
The status bar at the bottom of the RSLinx Classic screen provides information
about the current status of your system.
The left area of the status bar is used to pass messages to the user. For example,
when you scroll through the items on the menus, a brief description of the
function of that menu item appears in this area of the status bar.
The right area of the status bar shows:
CAP if the Caps Lock key on your keyboard is toggled for all caps.
NUM if the Num Lock key on your keyboard is set to enable the numeric
keypad on your keyboard.
SCRL if the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard is set.
The current date from your computer system clock and calendar.
The current time from your computer system clock and calendar.
18 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Chapter 2
Install and start RSLinx Classic
RSLinx Classic supports two installation methods: Setup wizard installation and
automated installation with command line syntax. This chapter uses the Setup
wizard installation method to illustrate the steps.
This chapter includes information on the following:
System requirements
Installation procedure
Update an existing installation
Before you begin
System requirements
Hardware requirements
Start procedure
Troubleshooting installation
The automated installation with command line syntax reduces user interaction
and provides command line parameters to install RSLinx Classic. See Install
RSLinx Classic with command line syntax on page 59.
Rockwell Software uses a software key to implement copy protection for
Windows-based software products. Every software product has a unique key.
Although, you can install the software on any number of computers, you are only
licensed to run the software on one computer at a time. After you install the
RSLinx Classic software, the Setup program will prompt you to activate your
software. For more information about moving software keys, copy protection, and
software activation, refer to Appendix A in this guide.
To effectively use RSLinx Classic, your personal computer must meet the
following minimum hardware and software requirements:
To install RSLinx Classic software, you will need the following hardware:
Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.8 Ghz processor; 2 GB of memory.
At least 2.2GB of available hard drive space; more hard disk space may be
required for specific application features.
A 16-color, SVGA display with 800 by 600 or greater resolution.
A mouse or other Windows-compatible pointing device.
An Ethernet card, and Allen-Bradley communication device or cable.
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 19
Chapter 2
Install and start RSLinx Classic
This version of RSLinx Classic will not run on Alpha, MIPS, or Power
computer processors.
Software requirements
To run RSLinx Classic v4.00.00 (CPR 9 SR 10), one of the following operating
systems is required:
Supported operating systems
RSLinx Classic is tested on operating systems installed from original Microsoft
media only. RSLinx Classic runs on either the 32-bit or 64-bit versions of the
following Microsoft Windows operating systems:
Windows 7 Enterprise with Service Pack 1
Windows Embedded Standard 7 with Service Pack 1
Windows 7 Home Premium with Service Pack 1
Windows 7 Ultimate with Service Pack 1
Windows 7 Professional with Service Pack 1
Windows 8
Windows 8 Enterprise
Windows 8 Professional
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 Enterprise
Windows 8.1 Professional
Windows 10 Enterprise*
Windows 10 Professional*
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB)
Embedded**
Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition with Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition with Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2012 Standard
Windows Server 2012 Datacenter
Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter
Windows Server 2016 Standard*
Windows Server 2016 Datacenter*
20 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
Install and start RSLinx Classic
Chapter 2
*See Operating systems section of Anomalies in the RSLinx Classic Release Notes
for notes regarding Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 support.
**Supported with the Allen-Bradley 61xx family of Industrial Computers or
CompactLogix™ 5480 family of controllers.
RSLinx Classic is a 32-bit application. While it will function on 64-bit edition of
Windows, the RSLinx Classic Single Node and OEM activations may not operate
with a Windows 64-bit application running on the same computer. Windows
64-bit forces 32-bit and 64-bit applications to run in different processes which
causes RSLinx Classic Single Node and OEM to see the 64-bit application as
running remote and thus prevents it from using the OPC interface. In this case the
system should upgrade to RSLinx Gateway to work with 64bit applications.
For the latest information regarding software platform support, refer to
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/compatibility/#/scenarios.
Install RSLinx Classic software
You can install one or more Rockwell Software products to a single personal
computer.
Important:
This procedure could shut down your process applications. Depending on which applications you
are installing or upgrading, it is possible that your factory automation system will become
inoperable, shutting down your processes. Be certain you have prepared for this downtime and all
of your company's systems are prepared for these applications to be terminated.
To install RSLinx Classic, you must log onto your computer as an Administrator.
To install RSLinx Classic software:
1. Start your Windows operating system.
2. Insert the RSLinx Classic DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
In the Open control, type x:\setup, where x is the letter of the drive
containing the RSLinx Classic DVD-ROM, and then click OK.
3. If Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 or later is not installed on your
computer, the Microsoft .NET Framework Setup dialog box shows. Click
Install.
4. On the RSLinx Classic Setup dialog box, choose one of the following:
Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018 21
Chapter 2
Install and start RSLinx Classic
Click Install Now to start the software installation process with the
default installation directory, that is, C:\Program Files\Rockwell
Software (for 32-bit operating systems) or C:\Program
Files(x86)\Rockwell Software (for 64-bit operating systems).
Click Customize to start the software installation process with a
different drive where you want to install the RSLinx Classic software,
and then click Install.
5. (Optional) If you select Customize in Step 3, and RSSecurity Emulator was
previously installed on the computer, the RSLinx Classic Security
Configuration Selection dialog box shows. Select Enable Security if you
want to use security, and click Install.
6. On the End-User License Agreements dialog box, read the agreements
and click Accept all to continue the installation, or click Decline to return
to the previous page.
7. The We'll take it from here dialog box shows with the installation progress
bar. Wait while the wizard installs the required components.
8. (Optional) When prompted to restart your computer, click Restart now to
restart your computer and continue the installation, or Restart later to
suspend and exit the installation.
9. On the Almost there dialog box, select one of the following, and click Next.
Select Activate your software to activate the software now. For more
information, refer to Appendix A Activation on page 47.
Select Skip activation to activate the software later. Some features may
not by available until you complete the software activation.
10. After the RSLinx Classic software finishes installing, the That's it! dialog
box shows.
22 Rockwell Automation Publication LINX-GR001S-EN-E - February 2018
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