Installation and setup

• Setup and requirements
• Automatic program start at Windows startup
• Set up Windows write protection
• Settings in detail

Setup and requirements

The TecTool does not require an installer or setup. It can simply be unpacked and started.

1.        Unzip TecTool.zip and copy it under "Documents/TecTool".  Do NOT
copy this to one of the Windows programs folders!

2.        If available, connect the dongle or activation stick.

3.        Start "TecTool.exe". If a TecStick is connected, it flashes for the self-test.

4.        The program starts minimized and is now located in the system tray next to the time display. Please click on the right mouse button to make it visible.

5.        Now adjust all settings as required, as described below, and then click on "Save". The TecTool minimizes automatically and is ready for use.

 

In some fields you will find a "?" button. This shows you some information about the respective function.

System requirements: Windows 7 or higher, .NET 4.8, network, approx. 10 MB disk space.
Recommended or optimized for Windows 10. For old Windows versions, e.g. XP, an old version with the former range of functions is available for download.

Automatic program start at Windows startup

In order for the TecTool to function fully on the system, it is necessary for it to be loaded automatically when the system is started. You will receive a corresponding message when you start the program for the first time. If necessary, you can deactivate this later via the program interface.

Set up Windows write protection

Write protection allows you to lock the system and protect it against changes. When write protection is set up, the system resets itself to the saved state each time it is restarted.

This protects against unintentional changes, manipulation attempts and problems with updates and is ideal in combination with an automatic restart.

 

This function is only available for Windows 10/11 Enterprise versions.

 

The following settings are only recommended for experienced persons.
The instructions described here are not to the fullest extent and may require further research.
No liability is accepted for loss of data!

 

 

To set up, please proceed as follows:

 

1.        Start "Activate or deactivate Windows features". Use search.

2.        Activate and install "Unified write filter" under "Lock mode for devices".

3.        Start the command prompt as Admin and execute the following lines one after the other:

a.        "uwfmgr volume protect c:"

b.        "uwfmgr.exe file add-exclusion C:\<insert folder of the TecTool>"

c.        "uwfmgr.exe file add-exclusion C:\<insert documents folder>"

d.        "uwfmgr.exe registry add-exclusion HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout"

e.         "uwfmgr.exe registry add-exclusion HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\EdgeUI"

4.        Restart the system and test the functions.

Settings in detail

 

	Range of functions shows whether a Plus license was found. "C" - License obtained via cloud. "D" - A dongle is connected. "T" - A TecStick is connected. "A" - Your system integrator has activated the Plus features.   Edition shows whether a specific device manufacturer has been recognized.   IP address shows the current address. If the system has been assigned several addresses, a maximum of one will be displayed here. Nevertheless, the TecTool works with all addresses.   Port sets the receiving port of the TecTool. If it is changed, a security prompt is displayed which automatically configures the firewall.   Update "Check now" performs a manual update search.   System start shows the last time the system was completely restarted.   Autostart - If activated, the TecTool starts automatically when Windows starts.
	Under Auto Reboot, you can set the desired time and frequency. There are 16 presets to choose from. For a free setting, use an IP telegram.   When device monitoring is active, the TecTool responds to an IP telegram request with a live message to your server. For more information, see the telegram description.   Deactivating the multi-touch gestures ensures a stable kiosk mode. -Requires admin rights-   Deactivates the Windows button system-wide. Helpful for panels such as PEAKnx, as it can be operated via the frame (Kiosk). -Requires admin rights-   Write protection is integrated on W10 Enterprise versions. See below for setup. -Requires admin rights-   The screen control has automatic device recognition and can be changed manually in the event of difficulties until the control works perfectly.   Screen control and display brightness can be operated directly via the user interface. If this function is not available for the system, the sliders cannot be moved.   To be able to monitor and control remote-software with the TecTool, set the installed software here.
	In TecMessage Design you can set the standard colors of the popups if you do not transfer a definition via telegram.   The slogan appears in every popup. It can be edited or deleted with a plus scope.   The second line is displayed together with the first when using the Visu Starter on the start screen.
	The VisuStarter can start various visualizations in kiosk mode. This prevents the user from breaking out of the visualization and accessing the operating system or other programs. Further details in the separate chapter "VisuStarter".
	If a TecStick or BlinkStick should not flash when TecTool is started, this can be switched off under "Initialize at start".   "Test" executes the initialization test.