How to Install RedAnt on a Workstation

How to Install RedAnt on a Workstation

Follow the steps below to install RedAnt on a workstation:

1. Access the Server

  • Open My Computer / Computer from the Desktop or Start menu.
  • In the address bar, type: \\servername
    (Replace “servername” with the name of the server where RedAnt is hosted.)

2. Map the RedAnt Drive

  • Locate the RedAnt shared folder.
  • Right-click the folder and select Map Network Drive.
  • Choose drive letter R: (or confirm the correct drive letter used on other workstations).
  • Click OK.

3. Open the Installation Folder

  • Open the newly mapped drive.
  • Navigate to the Install folder (may appear as “WPCSInstall” on older systems).
  • Open the ClientSetup folder.

4. Install RedAnt

  • If RedantSetup.exe is available, run this file (recommended), as it includes required components.
  • Otherwise, run Setup.exe.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions without changing settings.
  • If prompted to restart, do not restart yet.

5. Install Crystal Reports Runtime (if required)

(Skip this step if you used RedantSetup.exe above)

  • Return to the Install folder.
  • Open the CrystalXI folder.
  • Run CrystalReportsXIRuntime.exe and click Next through all prompts.
  • If prompted for an MSI file, click Cancel—the installation will still be complete.

6. Restart the Workstation

  • If prompted during installation, restart your computer now.

7. Create Desktop Shortcuts

  • In the Install folder, locate:
    • WPCS.exe (RedAnt)
    • DataCollection.exe
  • For each:
    • Right-click → Send To → Desktop (Create Shortcut)
    • Important: Do not copy the files directly, as this may prevent updates from applying correctly.

8. Update Configuration File

  • Locate RedAntPCS.txt in the Install folder.
  • Copy it to C:\RedAntPCS\.
  • Overwrite the existing file if prompted.

9. Install SQL Native Client

  • In the Install folder, open the latest available SQL folder (e.g. SQL2017).
  • Run the appropriate installer based on your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
  • Follow the on-screen prompts.

10. First Run of RedAnt

  • Right-click the RedAnt shortcut → Run as Administrator.
  • Once the login screen appears, close the program and reopen it normally.

11. Final Checks

  • Log in to confirm the installation is successful.
  • Accept any licence agreements if prompted.
  • If a Grace Login message appears, contact support at support@redantsoftware.co.uk.