DCOM configuration (client-side)
- Last UpdatedFeb 28, 2025
- 2 minute read
In a local configuration, the OPC server and OPC client both run on a single machine. In that case, the installation process does not need any specific settings in the client side.
However, in a distributed configuration, these components are executed on two or more machines cooperatively: the OPC client initially resides on a remote machine (client computer) on the network, and uses the DCOM mechanism to directly access server. To enable this functionality, some settings are needed even on the client computer.
Registration
You need to register your OPC server on the client computer by indicating its location on named remote machine.
There are different ways of accomplishing this for your OPC server, depending on the client environment. Here are two methods:
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Prepare and apply a customized reg file on the client computer (See Microsoft Registry documentation for details). We recommend this method only for experienced users with the Windows Registry.
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Alternatively, install and configure your OPC Server on the client computer. This action registers the server in the System Registry. This is the simplest way for an automatic registration.
Verification
Perform the following steps to verify that the OPC server machine is properly delegated.
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On the client machine, run the DCOM Config Utility (Dcomcnfg.exe).
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Select your OPC server from the Applications tab and choose Properties.
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On the General tab, be sure that there is an entry for Remote Computer and that the remote computer’s name is correct.
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If the computer name is incorrect, select the Location tab.
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Ensure the Run application on the following computer setting is selected. In the dialog box beneath this selection, type in the correct computer name of your OPC server.
You can also use the following steps to verify the remote computer name by using the Windows Registry:
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Run RegEdit.exe.
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The remote server name is specified in the following registry key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AppID\{The CLSID of the OPC server}\ RemoteServerName