Add a PI AF server to the connection list

If the PI AF server you want to connect to is not currently displayed on the Known Servers Table, you can add it in the PI AF Server Properties window.

1. In PI System Explorer, click File > Connections.

2. Click Add Asset Server.

3. In the PI AF Server Properties window, enter the PI AF server properties.

4. The Name field does not have to match the host name. After you connect to a PI AF server, you can change the server name by clicking Rename and entering a new name.

   Caution: Renaming a PI AF server impacts all client connections.

5. The Account field is typically not needed in normal installations and should be left blank.

   By default, PI AF clients such as PI System Explorer attempt to use a Service Principle Name (SPN) registered by the PI AF server to establish a secure connection to the server. If an SPN cannot be created by the PI AF server, a secure connection can be established via Microsoft NTLM if the server is running under a system account, such as Network Service. In each case, the Account field is not needed and should be left blank.

   If the PI AF server is run under a domain account, however, and an SPN is not successfully created by either the PI AF server or an administrator, the domain account of the server must be specified so that the PI AF client can securely identify the server.

6. The default Timeout value of 300 seconds is acceptable in most cases. If you experience timeout errors as you work in PI System Explorer, increase the time in the Timeout box.

7. Optional. Aliases are alternate names for the PI AF server which users can use to look for the server. When configured, PI AF server aliases are stored locally on the client only.

8. Optional. The Configure Active Directory link is for setting up the notifications contacts list. This is a PI AF system administrator function.

9. Click Connect.

   Note: If an error message opens saying that you cannot connect to the PI AF server, you need to enter the domain account of the server in the Account field.

10. After a server if connected, you can click Security and set up security for the server. For more information, see the PI System Explorer topic Security hierarchy.

11. Click OK.