Pre-Installation

Step 1: Verify System and Software Requirements
- Operating System: Check the latest Pam360 documentation for compatible Windows Server editions. Ensure your server is updated to the latest service pack.
- Hardware: Validate your server meets the recommended CPU, RAM, and disk space requirements for the size of your deployment.
- Database: Determine if you'll use an embedded database (suitable for smaller environments) or an external database like Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle. If using an external database, verify its compatibility and prepare the connection details.

Step 2: Download the Latest Version of Pam360
- Visit the **ManageEngine Pam360 official download page**.
- Ensure you download the version of Pam360 intended for Windows Server installations.

Step 3: Prepare Your Database (for External Databases)
- Install the database server on a machine that's accessible from the Pam360 server. Apply any recent updates or patches.
- Create a new database instance for Pam360, noting the database name, username, and password.

Installation Process

Step 4: Run the Installer
- Right-click the downloaded `.exe` installer and select **Run as administrator** to ensure proper permissions.
- If prompted by Windows Defender or any antivirus software, approve the installer to run.

Step 5: Installation Wizard
- Welcome Screen: Click Next to begin.
- License Agreement: Read and accept the terms.
- Select Installation Folder: The default path is recommended, but you can change it based on your disk structure. Ensure the selected drive has enough space.
- Component Selection: For a full installation, leave all components checked. Custom installations are for advanced setups.
- Database Configuration:
 - For external databases, input your prepared connection details.
 - For embedded databases, the installer will handle configuration automatically.

Step 6: Network Configuration
- Specify the port numbers for the web server and database. The defaults are typically fine unless they conflict with other applications on your server.

Step 7: Service Configuration
- Choose whether Pam360 services should run under a **local system account** or a **specific user account**. Using a service account with minimum required permissions is a best practice.

Step 8: Finalize Installation
- Review your settings. Click **Install** to proceed. The installation process can take several minutes, depending on system performance.
- Once installation is complete, the wizard will offer to launch Pam360. Leave this option checked to proceed to initial setup.

Post-Installation Configuration

Step 9: Initial Setup Wizard
- Upon first launch, Pam360 will present a setup wizard. Create an **administrator account** and configure basic settings.
- If prompted, enter your license information or choose a trial option if evaluating Pam360.

Step 10: System Configuration
- Log in with the administrator account you created.
- Add Devices and Accounts: Begin by adding devices and accounts into Pam360 for management.
- Configure Notifications: Set up email or SMS notifications for alerts and system events.
- Schedule Backups: Plan regular backups of the Pam360 database and configuration files.

Step 11: Security Hardening
- Review Permissions: Minimize access rights to what is necessary for users and services.
- Firewall Configuration: Ensure your Windows Firewall and any network firewalls permit traffic on the ports Pam360 uses.
- Regular Updates: Schedule a routine to check and apply Pam360 and Windows Server updates.

Step 12: Documentation and Training
- Familiarize yourself with the Pam360 administrator documentation and user guides.
- Consider scheduling training sessions for users and administrators.

Additional Considerations
- Testing: Before going live, thoroughly test the Pam360 installation in your environment. Verify that you can manage and monitor accounts as expected.
- Support Plan: Decide on a support plan with ManageEngine. Know how to contact support and report issues.
- Disaster Recovery: Develop a disaster recovery plan that includes Pam360 data and configuration backups.

This detailed guide is designed to navigate through the complex process of installing ManageEngine Pam360 on a Windows Server, ensuring a smooth deployment and a secure, efficient setup tailored for your organizational needs.